PASAY CITY, 15 August 2023 – The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) is diligently carrying out electrical maintenance and upgrade work in NAIA Terminal 3, as part of a comprehensive initiative aimed at enhancing the airport's electrical system reliability.
On Tuesday, August 15, the MIAA successfully replaced and energized electrical equipment such as medium voltage underground cables, circuit breakers, relays, and current transformers within the NAIA Terminal 3 South Concourse substation.
This process involved a carefully planned switching of power source from Meralco to its standby generators at two key substations of NAIA Terminal 3: the South Concourse substation, which used its generator sets from 6:01 am to 12:10 pm; and the Roadway 2 Substation, from 9:20 am to 11:50 am.
Throughout this period, the generator sets provided power to ensure continuous operation of vital equipment and facilities, thereby ensuring uninterrupted passenger processing.
Full energization back to the main power source was achieved by 12 noon of the same day. There was an hour extension that was necessary to thoroughly test and validate the newly installed equipment, all while ensuring no adverse impact on airport operations.
“Our efforts are focused on installing upgraded equipment to significantly bolster the reliability and resiliency of our electrical systems at the airport. It is worth highlighting that with proper planning, we have been successful in minimizing the impact on passenger experiences and have effectively mitigated any disruptions to our flight schedules, just as we accomplished on August 8 by strategically scheduling the maintenance during Terminal 3’s periods of lean activity,” MIAA Officer-in-Charge Bryan Co said.
Co further elaborated that the electrical maintenance and upgrades will span several months, carried out in a staggered manner to minimize the associated power interruptions. This comprehensive approach will encompass not only NAIA Terminal 3 but also NAIA Terminals 1, 2, 4, and various facilities at the airport complex.
“This program will span multiple months because we are making substantial investments in upgrading various facilities beyond NAIA Terminal 3. Our focus includes acquiring new equipment to augment capacity and replace outdated equipment. This concerted effort will contribute to a more reliable and robust airport infrastructure that enhances passenger and stakeholder experience,” said Co.
Assuring the public, Co conveyed that advance notice will be provided for scheduled electrical upgrades and maintenance activities. He further emphasized that the MIAA will endeavor to plan for such activities that will have no consequent impact to flight operations.