The steel framework of the MRO facility belonging to Skytrooper Charter Philippines, Inc. rises conspicuously along the main avenue of this freeport prompting the PGKM to inquire about its owners and convey its opposition to its construction.
On Friday, the Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) clarified that the ongoing construction of “a hangar for an MRO facility does and will not affect the operation of Clark International Airport including its runway.”
CIAC vice president for airport operation and management Dan Bautista said the construction of the “27.11-meter high hangar with top elevation of 177.61-meter above mean sea level (AMSL) only” is in accordance with the approved Master Development Plan of CIA prepared by the French company Aeroports de Paris, Inc. or ADPi.
Bautista said the hangar project is being undertaken by Skytrooper on a two-hectare land based on its lease agreement with CIAC that started in February 2014.
Bautista also said prior to the start of the construction of the hangar facility, Skytrooper was able to secure a height clearance permit (HCP) from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) followed by its necessary construction permits from the Clark Development Corp. (CDC).
Bautista released a copy of the said HCP from CAAP dated September 16, 2015 and No. I-0533-15-R2HTn3 which showed that it was recommended for approval and signed by Frederick G. San Felix as OIC of the ADMS, Michael E. Mapanao as acting chief of the ATS, and Arnold R. Balucating as OIC of the ANS.
The HCP was approved by authority of the director general BGen. Rodante S. Joya AFP (Ret.), chief financial officer/OIC, ODDG for operations.
But PGKM chair Ruperto Cruz assailed CAAP for granting the HCP to Skytrooper citing safety regulations which he said should not be compromised.
“How can we trust CAAP when it pushed the safety limits of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila for allowing more than 40 aircraft movements per hour on its runway,” Cruz asked.
“The structure is too close to the airport runway for comfort,” he added.
Cruz said CIAC should instead explain what happened to the P1.2 billion fund appropriated for the downsized CIA under the past administration as announced by former Congressman Yeng Guiao now that the original ADPI master plan for the Clark airport is being followed.
