PLDT Clarktel and LIPAD leaders at the fiber-powered New Clark Terminal. From left to right are Tristan Pineda, Communications and Network Administrator at LIPAD; Joselito Mercado, PLDT Clarktel COO; Angela Alcones, PLDT Senior Relationship Manager; Bi Yong Chungunco, LIPAD CEO; Teri Flores, Corporate Communication Head at LIPAD; Chito Franco, PLDT Clarktel President; and Herbert Bagalay, IT Manager of LIPAD.

PLDT Clarktel Inc., a unit of PLDT and the pioneer telecoms and digital services provider in the Clark Freeport Zone, has spearheaded the fiberization of the new terminal building of Clark International Airport (CRK). The new terminal is managed and operated by LIPAD, or Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corp. 

PLDT’s wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) has likewise invested in providing CRK’s New Terminal with 5G coverage and free Smart Wifi, to help ensure the best mobile experience for all passengers and stakeholders of the new terminal.

“CRK’s New Terminal is poised to be a world-class airport and a major business hub, and having access to high-speed connectivity is a crucial aspect of any development. This is what the PLDT fiber infrastructure and Smart 5G will provide. PLDT Clarktel is committed to support not only the infrastructure requirements of LIPAD, but their entire digital journey,” PLDT Clarktel President Chito Franco said.

"PLDT’s fiber at the CRK New Terminal will support the digital telecommunication requirements of all the incoming airlines, concessionaires, and tenants of the building. With a dedicated operations team based here in Clark, PLDT Clarktel is ready to provide aftersales support not only to LIPAD but to the entire Clark community,” PLDT Clarktel COO Joselito Mercado said.

LIPAD is a special purpose company established to manage CRK operations and maintenance. The members of LIPAD are Filinvest Development Corporation, JG Summit Holdings Inc., Philippine Airport Ground Support Services Inc., and Changi Airports Philippines (I) Pte. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Changi Airports International.

CRK New Terminal is 1.5 kilometers from the existing passenger terminal and will cater to domestic and international passengers. It has four floors, 18 aero bridges, and a floor area of 110,000 square meters. The terminal will offer state-of-the-art contactless technologies, to make the passenger journey seamless and more convenient. The terminal is set to start operations by the 2nd of May.

According to Bi Yong Chungunco, CEO of LIPAD, “When we open, passengers can expect to experience unique features that make CRK truly world-class. With partners like PLDT Clarktel, the Airport will redefine air travel experience. It will be Northern and Central Luzon’s gateway, connecting the region to the rest of the Philippines and the world.”

PLDT Clarktel’s ongoing roll-out in Clark is part of its mission to provide the best services and digital solutions to Clark Freeport Zone residents and locators. This is aligned with the PLDT group’s broader program to elevate the quality of experience of its customers across the country.