88 | theceomagazine.com
AIRPORT
Guru
Eddie V Monreal has transformed Manila’s international airport
from one of the worst in the world, into a welcoming facility
with efficiency and customer convenience at its core.WORDS HOLLY JOHNSON • IMAGES JASPER SALCEDAB
etween 2010 and mid 2016,
Manila’s Ninoy Aquino
International Airport (NAIA)
was notorious for being
one of the worst airports
in the world. A source of
great shame for the nation, it caused untold
inconvenience and worry for more than
32 million passengers each year, with
53 per cent of flights delayed due to poor
runway management. Also lacking were
basic navigational systems, air-conditioning,
waiting benches, back-up generators, and
clean amenities. This era of disgrace came
to an end when Eddie V Monreal took over
as General Manager of Manila International
Airport Authority (MIAA) in July 2016.As a government-owned and controlled
corporation, MIAA is responsible for the
management of the four-terminal NAIA,
located approximately seven kilometres
south of Manila. The airport is the main
international gateway for travellers to the
Philippines and serves as a hub for Cebu
Pacific, Philippines AirAsia, Cebgo and
Philippine Airlines. NAIA works alongside
the smaller Clark International Airport, which
caters to low-cost carriers through its
inexpensive landing fees. By 2020, MIAA
aims to be the leading organisation in airport
development and management. In pursuing
excellence in customer service, world-class
facilities, and high-quality security and safety
standards, MIAA encourages international »INNOVATE | Interview