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New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) is set to roll out a new facial recognition system to streamline the travel experience at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
In a statement, NNIC President Ramon S. Ang said the new system, powered by Collins Aerospace, will allow travelers to navigate the airport from check-in to boarding using only their face.
NNIC said the launch of the new system serves as a capstone to its successful first year for the company since taking over NAIA operations on Sept. 14 last year.
Since the takeover, NNIC has implemented operational and physical improvements. The changes included reconfiguring aircraft parking stands and expanding taxiway movements, which have enabled smoother airside operations and allowed NAIA to add new routes.
Inside the terminals, NNIC noted tangible improvements for passengers, including the addition of over 11,800 new chairs and 2,500 new baggage trolleys, the installation of 21 new air-conditioning units and chillers, and a Wi-Fi upgrade from 1G to 10G.
The airport operator also noted that all escalators, walkalators, and elevators are now fully operational. NNIC has ordered 34 new boarding bridges to further enhance passenger mobility and acquired a fleet of 20 new shuttle buses that have transported more than half a million travelers between terminals.
During the first year, NAIA welcomed a record 51.7 million passengers, a six percent increase from the previous year. The airport also handled 283,771 flights and achieved a on-time performance high of 92.12 percent.
Financially, NNIC has remitted ₱48.3 billion to the government since the takeover, including a ₱30-billion upfront payment, with 82 percent of revenues going directly to the state.
NNIC said while terminal fees will be updated for the first time in 20 years, they will remain among the lowest in Asia.
Beyond the passenger experience, NNIC has also pursued a broad agenda of modernization and sustainability. It has begun embedding global standards by pursuing ISO certifications in quality, environment, and safety.
Sustainability initiatives include clearing 266,463 tons of waste from surrounding waterways and implementing green policies such as a single-use plastics ban and energy efficiency measures.
“Operating an airport the size and scale of NAIA will always be demanding. But what this first year has shown is that with teamwork, discipline, and the dedication of our people, real change is possible,” Ang said.
