The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) announced the award of funding to Philippine project developer Cavitex Holdings Inc. (Cavitex) for the conduct of a feasibility study on the proposed Sangley Point International Airport (SPIA) with potential direct flight to the U.S.
Thomas R. Hardy, USTDA’s Deputy Director, announced the funding facility today, May 12, for the project proponent Cavitex, which in turn selected California-based The S-A-P Group, LLC (SAP) to conduct the feasibility study on the development of the SPIA. There was no amount mentioned in the statement.
Under the project, SAP will provide U.S. technical expertise to guide the airport’s development, including air traffic forecasts, financial analyses, and recommendations for advanced security screening at an airport expected to have direct flights to major American aviation hubs.
The proposed Sangley Point International Airport would ease congestion at Manila’s existing airport, which is less than an hour away from Sangley Point, and serve as a key international aviation gateway for the Philippines. The study will further high-quality infrastructure to serve the Philippines’ projected aviation needs and define strong security measures to protect direct flights to several major U.S. aviation hubs.
“The high volume of direct international travel between the United States and the Philippines reflects the steadfast friendship of our two countries, and we share a desire to see passenger traffic flourish safely and efficiently,” said USTDA’s Deputy Director Hardy.
“This project is one of many shared priorities with the Philippines government to achieve our collective goal of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” he said.
The study will also promote the adoption of trusted U.S. solutions, including screening technologies, airport construction components, safety and security equipment, telecommunications networks, and consulting services.
The project aligns with the Luzon Economic Corridor effort aimed at strengthening connectivity and economic resilience across a key region of the Philippines.
Sangley’s construction will address Manila’s rising travel demand and air traffic congestion by expanding the city’s capacity for both cargo and passenger traffic. Metro Manila is currently served by Ninoy Aquino International Airport, which served approximately 52 million travelers in 2025.
Leonides J.M. Virata, President and CEO of Cavitex said: “Cavitex Holdings Inc welcomes the grant from the USTDA, highlighting its importance in accelerating the development of the SPIA, a key infrastructure project under the SPIA Devt Consortium. USTDA’s technical assistance will help advance project planning and implementation by enabling access to advanced U.S. expertise, innovative technologies, and global best practices. The SPIA initiative will deliver transformative benefits for the country – creating tens of thousands of jobs, enhancing mobility, and unlocking billions in long-term economic activity.”
