As per their Facebook post, the new Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) of Clark International Airport (CRK) is now 99.80% complete!
Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade has stated that the Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) may soon commence operation early January next year, and with this new normal setting we all know that time runs fast and that in no time, we are all able to visit this.
As the first hybrid Public-Private Partnership (PPP) under the Build Build Build program of the Duterte administration, Clark Airport or “Asia’s Next Premier Gateway,” will not only help in decongesting the air traffic at the NAIA, but will also open the way for job opportunities, more progressive tourism, and advanced socio-economic activities in the region.
At present, Clark International Airport covers 19 domestic and 12 international destinations serving 734 weekly flights from a total of 17 airlines. But with the improved CRK, the operational capacity will triple, from the current 4.2 million to 12.2 million annually.
But before the opening, we have listed 7 things that you should know about the Newest Clark Airport Passenger Terminal Building for those of you who are waiting!
- Silent Airport Policy
Clark Airport is the first to ever have a Silent Airport Policy in the country. The Silent Airport Policy uses LED Screen Boards to make announcements to avoid a disruptive and noisy travel experience for its users. Isn’t this good news for sleepy travellers! This will be implemented all over the terminal except for emergency situations wherein they would be in need of making announcements.
Courtesy of DOT Secretary Berna Romulo Puyat’s Facebook Post
- Contactless Airport Procedure
Second on the list are contactless procedures such as Self Check-In Kiosks and Self Bag drop systems. With this, CRK is much more equipped for the ongoing pandemic restrictions. Users can just scan the QR Code onto their phones and easily fill up the information. Once you’re done, you can print your Boarding Pass and viola! How convenient, right! But for the not-so-techy experts, staff members are always ready to help you so don’t hesitate to approach them!
Courtesy of DOT Secretary Berna Romulo Puyat’s Facebook Post
- Managed by First Class O&M (LIPAD)
With these state-of-the-art pieces, the operations and management have improved much more from the previous Clark International Airport.
According to JG Summit Holdings Inc., LIPAD or Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corporation is a special purpose entity established by the North Luzon Airport Consortium (NLAC). CRK is managed by first class operations and managements involving Singapore’s Changi Airport Philippines, Filinvest, JGSummit, and Philippine Airport Ground Support Solutions (PAGSS) who had won the rights in a public bidding in December of 2018. As all of these combined, the Clark International Airport is envisioned to be one of the biggest aviation complexes in Asia and the next premier gateway in the region.
- World-Class Filipino Architecture
It is no doubt that one of the most awaited factors for the opening is for its architecture. Architect Royal Pineda said that they wanted to instill a sense of place through the interiors. So a tourist or balikbayan can see the character of the mountain ranges. One would not only see forms, but can also feel the height. It’s a grand concept of being maaliwalas and that the space speaks for itself via an interview by The Diarist Ph
Courtesy of The Diarist Ph
Here are just some to look out for as per Layug and Pineda
The façade of the airport evokes the undulating silhouettes of the Mount Arayat, Zambales and Sierra Madre mountain ranges while the pitched ceilings of various heights echo the visual rhythm of the mountains, lending a feeling of dynamism.
The Italian tile flooring with white streaks mimics the lahar flow from Mount Pinatubo.
The panoramic expanse of glass brings the outdoors in.
There would also be the infamous Kapampangan “Parols” or star lanterns that would hang in the central Airside Retail Area. It is said that the kaleidoscope-like colors are symbols of family merriment and meaningful moments.
Passengers will be able to easily decipher international boarding gates from domestic boarding gates.
A vibrant green dominates the international boarding gates which represents the landscape of Mt. Arayat.
- App-automated Ordering System
Aside from contactless check-ins, ordering food will no longer be a hassle! Duty Free Philippines and a wide variety of local and international restaurants will be available with an ordering system that will be automated via App. The said restaurants would be Mary Grace Cafe, Jako Korean/Japanese, Bluesmith Specialty Coffee, and many more to look out for. Passengers won’t have to worry about bringing cash with this system and we’re here for it!
- Gender-Neutral Comfort Rooms, Baby Rooms, and Prayer Rooms
The country is definitely making progress in inclusivity as they have added gender-inclusive and PWD-friendly toilets that would make it more inclusive and accessible for all genders and situations. Even the family rooms and restrooms are gender-neutral and PWD-friendly as Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade has stated in his Facebook post.
- Heroes Lounge
To boost the Pinoy morale, the Heroes lounge lends the experience of being in a business class lounge. Uniformed personnel as well as Overseas Filipino Workers can stay, rest and relax at the lounge – free of charge. OFWs will also get to experience 24/7 self-service check-in and bag drop facilities to provide more flexibility in planning their departure as they are not restricted by counter opening hours, integrated security screening for a stress-free journey, and contactless ordering system for restaurants, among others. The addition to the airport is a way of showing utang-na-loob to the OFWs who make huge sacrifices for the country. Aside from its state-of-the-art facilities, designers and planners were also sure to reflect Filipino Values.
“The OFW Lounge is our small way of saying thanks, and reassuring our kababayans that we value them, wherever they are in the world and especially here at home,”
(BCDA) President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Vince Dizon said.
You can check out the Heroes Lounge as per DOT Secretary Berna Romulo Puyat’s video:
When the time is right, don’t hesitate to book your flights in Clark International Airport to experience all these goodies! There are two options on how to get there from Manila:
Option 1: Direct Bus from Pasay/Megamall to Clark Airport
- Pasay PhilTranco Terminal is located along EDSA. To get there from Taft Ave MRT Station, ride a Malibay signed jeep and tell the driver that you’re going to PhilTranco. Jeepney fare is 7 Pesos.
- Bus from Pasay to Clark Airport’s fare is 350 Pesos per person.
- Passengers from Megamall will be picked up by the bus from Pasay. Waiting area is located at the back of Megamall Building A at Saint Francis Square.
- Bus from Megamall to Clark Airport fare is 300 Pesos per person.
Option 2: Bus to Dau, Pampanga then Aircon Jeepney to Clark Airport
- Aircon Jeepney lines are located at Dau Bus Terminal beside Jollibee & Mister Donut.
Fare: 45 Pesos per person
First Trip: 4AM
Last Trip: 6PM or 7PM, depends on the frequency of passengers
Frequency: Jeepneys are waiting and if there are a minimum of 4 passengers, the aircon jeepneys will depart to Clark Airport.
Estimated Travel Time: 20 minutes
Via Lakas
We hope this information has given you a gist of what’s to come with Asia’s Next Premier Gateway.
Be proud, Kababayan and Stay Safe!
