12th Feb 2008
Arroyo, in addressing the centennial celebration of the Pampanga High School in San Fernando, said the Singaporean interest in DMIA is a clear indication that foreign investors remain bullish on the country's economy despite political noise generated by the political oppositions and government critics.
"Singapore (has expressed intent) to meet with airport officials in Clark to give an unsolicited offer to further develop the DMIA," she said adding that the Singaporean airport officials were impressed with the facilities of the DMIA.
The President wants the DMIA converted into the country's premier airport within the year following problems of congestion at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) in Pasay City.
The DMIA at present hosts a number of small international carriers like Tiger Airways, which operates direct flights from the DMIA to a number of Asian cities like Singapore, Thailand and Hong Kong.
DMIA boasts of a 3.2 kilometer parallel runway, which would later be extended to four kilometers to accommodate wide-bodied airplanes, and is equipped with an instrument landing system, navigational aids, meteorological equipment, and a complete airfield lightning system.
DMIA has also been certified by the International Civil Aviation Organization (Icao) with ratings of Category 1 for Precision Approach Runway and Category 9 for emergency services.
The development aims to realize Arroyo's vision of "Clark and Subic as the country's logistics hub in the Asia-Pacific region and the new international gateways of the country." (JMR/Sunnex)
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/net/2008/02/12/singapore.extends.help.to.upgrade.pampanga.airport.(12.00.p.m.).html
