As millions of travelers pass through the country’s airports every year, seamless connectivity helps keep operations running safely and efficiently. In a joint effort to further modernize these vital hubs of travel, commerce, and national progress, PLDT Enterprise, the corporate arm of PLDT, has partnered with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).

In line with the Philippines’ push for digitalization, this collaboration aims to enhance the digital infrastructure of 16 airports across the country. This includes Clark, Tuguegarao, Bicol, Puerto Princesa, Laoag, Bacolod Silay, Tacloban, Kalibo, Mactan, Zamboanga, Davao, General Santos, Laguindingan, Pagadian, and CAAP offices such as the Civil Aviation Training Center and the Philippine Air Traffic Management Center. The partnership will focus on improving overall operations and passenger satisfaction by providing uniform, dedicated internet access, and structured connectivity throughout the airports.

Blums Pineda, Senior Vice President and Head of Enterprise Business Group at PLDT and Smart, shared the importance of this initiative: “We are proud to partner with CAAP to bring world-class connectivity solutions to Philippine airports. This initiative is not just about improving internet access but about enhancing travel experience and creating new opportunities and advancements within these airports. Our commitment is to bring reliable, secure, and efficient digital infrastructure that aligns with CAAP’s vision of becoming a global brand of excellence in civil aviation.”

Meeting Global Standards in Aviation

CAAP plays a vital role in the development and regulation of aviation safety and infrastructure in the country. This partnership with PLDT Enterprise underscores CAAP’s commitment to enhancing its technical and operational capabilities in line with international aviation standards. By leveraging PLDT Enterprise’s extensive connectivity solutions, CAAP will ensure that its airports are well-equipped to support increasing passenger traffic and operational demands.

Empowering Digital Innovation in Airports

For transport and access connectivity, PLDT Enterprise will provide dedicated internet access for identified sites using PLDT’s fiber optic network. Each airport will be equipped with network distribution equipment and cable infrastructure to distribute the connectivity capacity to identified rooms and users of CAAP. To improve user experience, a unified front-end tool will be developed to help end-users connect to the service. This may further be customized to reflect the look and feel of each airport. Ultimately, CAAP airports will be empowered to accelerate digital adoption and innovation.

“Our partnership with PLDT Enterprise represents a pivotal step in the modernization and digital transformation of our airports. By strengthening our digital infrastructure, we are enhancing operational efficiency and elevating the overall passenger experience to meet global standards. With reliable and secure connectivity, CAAP is committed to future-proofing the Philippine aviation industry by developing smarter and more sustainable facilities,” said CAAP Director General Retired Lt. Gen. Raul Del Rosario.

Looking Ahead: Sustainable and Innovative Airport Operations

As the digital transformation of CAAP’s airports takes flight, this initiative also aligns with the country’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to infrastructure innovation and sustainable industrialization.