PASAY CITY, 9 March 2023 – The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), on Friday, March 3, celebrated its 41st year of public service and commitment, marking four decades of providing excellent airport facilities and services to the Philippines and its visitors.
Officials from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), led by Secretary Jaime Bautista, the Airline Operators Council (AOC), executives from Cebu Pacific, AirAsia Philippines, and Philippine Airlines, airport stakeholders, and former MIAA General Managers (GM) also attended the gathering hosted by MIAA General Manager Cesar Chiong at the MIAA Administration Building grounds.
“We’re very, very happy that everyone’s here tonight. We really wanted to invite all of the former GMs because they are part of MIAA's history,” said Chiong, referring to the agency's illustrious history, which dates back to its creation in 1982 to administer and operate the Manila International Airport (MIA), the airport's previous name before it was renamed the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in 1987.
The country's main gateway has weathered major challenges in recent years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by a sharp rise in flight and passenger movement in the last year, and it continues to connect people and businesses around the world paving the way for global travel and commerce.
“I know MIAA has very honest people, very good people, so we will be able to overcome all of these problems, all of these issues that we’re facing right now. And I hope that you will all support our management, our initiatives. Our focus is to make sure that we will deliver the best service to our riding public and to our fellow Filipinos,” Chiong said, addressing the MIAA workforce.
While the 41st anniversary honors the accomplishments of the organization behind the country's premier airport, it also represents the MIAA's continuing quest for growth. Measures such as removal of the initial security check in the 4 NAIA Terminals, re-laying out NAIA Terminal 3 to make room for more immigration counters, reassignment of Terminal 2 to cater to all domestic flights and digitalization projects to create a more seamless journey for travelers are all on the horizon.
“Magtulung-tulong tayo upang ang travel experience ng ating mga pasahero ay maging convenient, accessible, affordable, and safe. Ito po ay maipagmamalaki natin sa ating mga pasahero, sa ating bisita, sa ating mga turista,” said DOTr Sec. Jaime Bautista in his message rendered during the program.
“Ang Manila International Airport ay magiging isa sa pinakamagandang airport sa buong mundo, hindi lang dito sa Asya,” he added, reiterating MIAA's dedication to service excellence and continuous improvement, as well as its mission of transforming NAIA into a world-class airport.