Business tycoon Lucio Tan recently conducted an ocular inspection of the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA).
Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chair and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma revealed that Tan is planning to put up a flying school under Philippine Airlines, the country’s flagship airlines brand.
According to Eisma, Tan was looking into possible areas for restaurants or passenger lounges, and nearby hotels that could possibly accommodate an influx of passengers in Subic.
He then proceeded to a rolling tour of the Subic Bay Freeport to view Alava Wharf, where cruise ships are set to make port calls on a regular basis this year.
The business mogul also made a stop at Cubi, a residential district near the Subic airport.
“He was all smiles since the moment he landed at the SBIA onboard his helicopter,” Eisma said. “The SBMA technical working group made a presentation showing the full potential of the Subic airport and I believe he was very much impressed.”
The SBIA, which was completed in 1996, covers 10,000 square meters of land for its passenger terminal that has two gates, two jet ways, a closed-circuit television system and a 9,000-foot runway.
“We’re all for these suggestions to turn Subic into an aviation hub that would cater to tourists, as well as traders, because that would mean more business for the Freeport,” Eisma said.
