COURTESY: Cong. Rufus RodriguezHey there, aviation enthusiasts and travel junkies! Buckle up because we've got some thrilling news soaring from the heart of Northern Mindanao. Cong. Rufus Rodriguez is raising a toast to Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. (AIC) for bagging the golden ticket to revamp and run the Laguindingan International Airport (LIA). Awarded by the Department of Transportation (DoTr), this contract is set to transform the region's aviation landscape over the next 35 years.
The buzz is real, folks! With the increasing demand for international trips from LIA, Cong. Rufus is adamant about prioritizing the construction of a Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) space. A sparkling new terminal building is also in the cards, ready to welcome local and international passengers alike. Imagine speedy check-ins and smoother journey transitions for flights to Hong Kong via Cebu Pacific and Singapore through Philippine Airlines (PAL). It's like a dream come true for frequent flyers and the region's residents!
Aboitiz’s game plan is nothing short of ambitious, and we're here for every part of it. Phase by phase, they aim to increase LIA's capacity from 1.6 million passengers annually to a whopping 6.1 million. That’s like turning a cozy cabin into a bustling metropolis! By the time the first phase wraps up, 3.9 million passengers will be breezing through the gates, and that's just the beginning.
It's not just about numbers, though. This development promises more job opportunities, boosting the local economy of Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental. Cong. Rufus is beaming with pride, and who can blame him? With Cebu Pacific’s commitment to expanding LIA as a hub, the skies are literally the limit for this region's economic growth.
Now, let's take a moment to appreciate Cong. Rufus's dedication to making travel as seamless as possible for his constituents. Back in August 2023, he had a tête-à-tête with Chairman Lance Gokongwei of Cebu Pacific Air. His request? Direct flights from Cagayan de Oro City to Hong Kong. And guess what? Chairman Lance gave the green light to launch these flights once LIA gets its much-needed facelift.
But that’s not all! Cong. Rufus is also pushing for additional domestic flights to destinations like Manila, Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, or Iloilo. He’s even got his sights set on Clark, Pampanga, and Laoag, Ilocos Norte. It’s like he’s crafting a web of connectivity for Cagayan de Oro, and we’re here for it!
Earlier this year, Cong. Rufus hosted a lunch for Philippine Airlines President Stanley Ng. Over delicious local cuisine, he laid out his vision for opening LIA to Singapore flights. President Stanley was all ears and assured that PAL would launch this route post-expansion. Imagine, hopping on a direct flight from LIA to Singapore for a weekend getaway or a business trip. It’s practically knocking on our doors!
With Aboitiz InfraCapital leading the charge in developing and operating LIA, Cong. Rufus is confident that these new routes will soon be part of our travel lexicon. He's urging AIC to fast-track the expansion so that Cebu Pacific and PAL flights to Hong Kong and Singapore can take off sooner rather than later.
So, here’s to Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc. and our beloved Laguindingan International Airport! We're on the brink of a new era in travel, and it's going to be nothing short of spectacular. Whether you're a globe-trotter or a local looking to explore new horizons, LIA's expansion is your ticket to a world of opportunities. Let's get ready to fly higher and further than ever before. Here's to new beginnings and the adventures that await!
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