The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) is in talks with a subsidiary of Cerberus, a leading American alternative investment firm based in New York, for the full development of the Casiguran airport, with international flight operations targeted by mid-2028.
The discussions with Cerberus were revealed by APECO President and CEO Gil Taway IV on Friday, March 27, during the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between APECO and licensed telecommunications company InifiniVAN.
Rommel Rico T. Angara, representative of the lone district of Aurora province, said in a speech during the event that the Casiguran airport is expected to begin international flight operations by mid-2028.
In an interview, Taway said that Cerberus, together with other U.S. companies, has expressed strong interest in the full development of the airport.
Taway added that whether American firms pursue the entire project or only a portion of it, the new Public Service Act allows a private proponent to undertake full operations, including the operation and maintenance of a public service facility.
However, Taway emphasized that APECO intends to maintain a minimal presence and a role in management; otherwise, it would merely become the airport’s tax administrator.
At present, Taway said APECO is in the process of bidding out the construction of the terminal building, while the air traffic control tower is also scheduled for bidding in April or May this year. With the budget already in place, commercial operations are expected to begin in June 2027. The terminal building has a budget of PHP35 million, while PHP25 million has been allocated for the control tower. The airport is initially expected to cater primarily to 40- to 70-seater aircraft or turboprop carriers.
APECO has also implemented several corrective measures required by the Civil Aeronautics Authority of the Philippines for the airport. In June 2025, APECO acquired an additional 12 hectares of land in Barangay Esteves, Casiguran—a major step toward developing the existing airstrip into a commercial airport.
Taway also said that APECO has held talks with local budget carrier Cebu Pacific. He expressed hope that Cebu Pacific could begin commercial flights in the second quarter of next year.
