Meralco, NNIC team up to improve power reliability at NAIA

Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) and New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) have teamed up to modernize the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) with a focus on sustainable and reliable energy solutions. The partnership, announced on December 9, aims to address the airport’s long-standing power issues and enhance operational efficiency.

Meralco Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan emphasized that improving power reliability at NAIA would contribute to the growth of the tourism and travel industries, supporting economic progress and improving the overall passenger experience. "This will be a step towards transforming our country's vital gateway into a world-class facility," Pangilinan stated.

NAIA has long struggled with power disruptions due to outdated infrastructure and insufficient capacity, which has affected airport operations and passenger services. With the airport’s privatization, NNIC is prioritizing essential improvements, including the enhancement of power reliability.

Ramon S. Ang, president of NNIC, noted that years of underinvestment had hindered the airport's ability to meet the demands of modern air travel. “With Meralco as our partner, we are addressing power reliability as a top priority, alongside improvements in other key areas such as traffic decongestion, road widening, flooding mitigation, and the replacement of outdated equipment,” Ang said.

The collaboration includes key projects such as a new 115 to 34.5-kilovolt gas-insulated switchgear substation, which will enhance power reliability for NAIA’s four terminals. This state-of-the-art substation, expected to be completed by December 2026, will feature two transformer banks and underground feeders for redundancy and reliability.

Additionally, Meralco and NNIC will work on an underground power distribution masterplan, set to be completed by 2026, along with the installation of an 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, ensuring uninterrupted power for essential operations.