SPorters and vendors occupying stalls at the present Bacolod airport will not be able to operate or sell at the new one in Silay unless they comply with the requirements for concessionaires, ATO manager Antonio Alfonso said yesterday.

This is in compliance with the international standards of airport operation, Alfonso also said.

Alfonso met with airport porters, vendors, and colorum taxi operators yesterday to discuss the policies in the new airport with representatives from the Office of the City Mayor and the Congressional Office.

Vendors should also comply with the criteria for concessionaires if they want to sell inside the facility as ATO can not allow the new airport to look like a public market, Alfonso said.

However, those who want to put up stalls at the outskirts of the airport may do so as long as they have permission from the owners of the property to use the area.

He said operation of colorum taxis will be regulated and the option to have porters will be assessed first. He also said the ATO needs considerable time to evaluate what is needed and appropriate in the new airport and to put everything in place.

He added that with free trolleys for passengers' luggage, porters may no longer be needed.

During the meeting, he said there were some negative reactions from the porters, vendors and colorum taxi operators but the ATO tried to explain that they have to follow the international standards of airport operation in the new facility.

Meanwhile, he said the same flight schedule will be followed on Jan 18 when the new airport officially opens for operation with the Cebu Pacific Flight from Manila expected to arrive at 5:10 a.m. followed by Philippine Airlines at 6:40 a.m. and Air Philippines at 7:20 a.m..*NAB

back to top