MANILA, Philippines – The New NAIA Infra Corporation (NNIC) has tapped airport technology firm Collins Aerospace to lead a systems overhaul at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
In a statement on Thursday, March 6, NNIC said Collins Aerospace will introduce a common use passenger processing system, as well as self-service kiosks to allow passengers to check in and drop off their luggage.
The new private operator of the Philippines’ aging airport added that biometric screening will replace document checks in order to reduce waiting times. The flight information display system and the official website of the country’s main gateway will also be upgraded to provide passengers with timely updates.
For airport operations, Collins Aerospace will introduce a new operational database to improve staff deployment, as well as a baggage reconciliation system to minimize incidents of lost luggage.
The streamlining of airport operations will be done in phases between May and September.
Passenger processing, baggage tracking and resource management systems aim to be operational by August. The final phase in September will introduce the self check-in kiosks, pre-security e-gates, bag drop stations and biometric boarding gates.
NNIC president Ramon Ang described the modernization as “long overdue” as travelers passing through NAIA have endured congestion, long queues and outdated systems.
“This modernization is long overdue, and we are committed to transforming NAIA into a world-class gateway that meets the expectations of modern travelers,” he said.
Collins Aerospace is one of the world’s largest suppliers of aviation and defense products. Prior to the merger with UTC Aerospace Systems, the American firm has been operating in the Philippines since 2012 as Rockwell Collins.
Collins’ Philippine plant in Tanauan City, Batangas manufactures products used inside cabins, such as galleys, oxygen equipment and lavatories.
Flag carrier Philippine Airlines tapped the company to supply locally-made cabin seats for its narrow body fleet in November 2024.
The aerospace firm has also provided similar services to other airports in the Philippines. For instance, Clark International Airport partnered with Collins in 2021 for self check-in kiosks and airport operational databases.
Beyond the Philippines, Collins has also provided similar technology solutions to the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. – Rappler.com
