Turn over of P4.3M Bacolod-Silay airport to DOTC today
Bacolod City – It is 'somewhat' all-systems go today for the region's newest airport project with the "operational turn-over" of the new P4.3 billion Silay airport.
Albeit set to be officially commissioned January next year, The News Today (TNT) learned that final preparations are in the bag with the new set of airport officials lining up and given assignments.
Airport manager is Antonio Alfonso with top Negros officials expected to flock its latest project in the 180-hectare area of Barangay Bagtic, Silay City some 21 kilometers off Bacolod City proper.
Same expectations in a major appearance for Bacolod City and Negros Occidental executives, practically presidential allies come the January 17 inauguration. It was not immediately clear though when the region will see the last plane out in Bacolod Airport and first plane into the new one.
Called the Bacolod-Silay Airport, full operations are estimated to to happen late next year even as local media reports continuously raised questions on the yet to be resolved need for access road.
Like the new airport in Iloilo, facilities here are state-of-the-art and "only the most modern" in aviation equipment added a TNT source. It is also said to be of "international standards" but will primarily serve domestic flights.
In a report, TNT further gathered that works are underway to finish the 2,000-meter runway by July next year with Department of Transportation and Communication's (DOTC) Eduardo Mangalili, project director of the Selected Airports Development Project (SADP) at the helm of the construction.
Once all set, flight tests will ascertain before the airport becomes fully operational, one of the primary requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Philippines' Air Transportation Office (ATO).