NNIC, Meralco partner to power NAIA modernization

Metro Manila, Philippines — New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) and Manila Electric Company (Meralco) have entered into a strategic partnership to power the modernization of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). The partnership was formalized today in a signing ceremony held at the Meralco Boardroom in Pasig City.

The joint undertaking aims to provide sustainable and reliable energy solutions that will meet NAIA’s growing needs. With this, NNIC and Meralco are ensuring the airport is ready to handle the demands of modern aviation while improving operational efficiency and resilience.

For years, NAIA has faced persistent power issues due to aging infrastructure, lack of modernization, and inadequate capacity to meet increasing demands. These challenges disrupted operations, impacted passenger experiences, and limited the airport’s ability to function as an efficient transportation hub. With the airport’s privatization, NNIC is prioritizing foundational improvements to address these longstanding problems, with power reliability as a key focus.

“By enhancing power reliability for the new NAIA, we are going to help empower the tourism and travel industry, support economic growth and enrich the travel experience for countless travelers. This will be a step towards NNIC’s goal of transforming our country’s vital gateway into a world-class facility. We look forward to fostering a long-term partnership with NNIC, under the exceptional leadership of Mr. Ramon S. Ang. Together, we will power a brighter tomorrow rich with opportunities and advancements — not only for our companies but for the country we proudly serve,” Meralco Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan said.

For his part, NNIC President Ramon S. Ang said, “Years of underinvestment have left NAIA struggling to meet the demands of a modern airport. With Meralco as our partner, we are addressing power reliability as a top priority, alongside operational improvements such as decongesting traffic within the airport, widening roads, mitigating flooding, and replacing faulty equipment. These efforts directly improve functionality, safety, and the passenger experience, setting the foundation for a world-class airport that every Filipino can be proud of.”

The partnership includes several projects that form the backbone of NAIA’s modernization:

State-of-the-Art Substation: Meralco is building a new 115 kV – 34.5 kV GIS substation to provide reliable power to NAIA’s four (4) terminals. This new NAIA substation will complement Meralco’s existing NAIA-3 substation which will ultimately provide two 83-MVA transformer banks and six 34.5 kV underground feeders for enhanced reliability, redundancy, and future-readiness. The conceptual design of the new substation has been completed, with construction starting in the third quarter of 2025 and full completion targeted for December 2026.

Underground Power Distribution Masterplan: Meralco is working with NNIC to implement an underground power distribution network that will align with the airport’s operational needs through 2026. Field surveys and data sharing are set to start this December, paving the way for improved power reliability and reduced disruption risks.

Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) System: Meralco subsidiary MSERV will install a 4900 KVA UPS system across six critical locations, including NAIA Terminal 3 and the airfield. This upgrade will provide uninterrupted power for critical airport operations, further strengthening infrastructure resilience.

These initiatives collectively reflect the partnership’s dedication to delivering future-ready infrastructure that meets the highest international standards.

NNIC and Meralco said they remain steadfast in their mission to enable NAIA’s transformation into a modern, sustainable, and efficient airport that Filipinos can take pride in. This partnership is also expected to play a key role in supporting the country’s economic growth and strengthening its position as a major player in global aviation.