LOOK: sneak peek of the newest, world-class terminal of Clark International Airport

Travelers might need to wait a little bit longer before experiencing the hustle and bustle of an airport again. 

In the mean time, here’s a virtual tour of the futuristic, newly completed Passenger Terminal Building (PTB), the Terminal 2 of the Clark International Airport (CRK).

Photo Courtesy: Department of Transportation

 Dubbed as “Asia’s Next Premier Gateway”, the newest terminal located in the heart of Pampanga aims to redefine the travel experience of its passengers and strengthen the overall capability of the airport.

1. The best of Central Luzon, at a glance

The highlight of the airport as you approach one of the country’s most historic Luzon provinces –Pampanga, is its exterior.

In a Facebook post shared by BUDJI+ROYAL Architecture+Design, by the tandem of Budji Layug and Arch. Royal Pineda, the new CRK will introduce modern Filipino design by their firm.

The roofline of the newest terminal is inspired by the peaks of Mt. Arayat, Mount Pinatubo and Sierra Madre, the largest mountain range in the Philippines. It reflects the organic shape of the mountains. The airport’s vibe also used warm and tropical tones.

Photo Courtesy: Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat/Facebook

Earth tones and the central color of soft gray grace the terminal floors and pillars in the Check-In Hall. Cool and soothing, accents of green and blue were also inspired by the greenery and Mt. Pinatubo’s crater lake. The water formation on Mt. Pinatubo crater lake is also represented through a specific tint of blue, near turquoise. It is present in glass structures in the terminal, and is prominent on the Security Screening Area.

Photo Courtesy: Department of Transportation

Hanging fixtures in the central Airside Retail Area are the signature “parol”, or star lantern, of Pampanga, with different display of colors.

2. Contactless kiosk

In this time of pandemic, “contactless” solutions are better. As the airport prioritizes the safety and peace of mind of their passengers, the newest terminal is having a common-use self-service kiosks (CUSS) and self-service bag drops. Passengers or travelers can check-in at the designated kiosk without the need for ground staff. These features lessen the risk of spreading the virus and can effectively maintain physical distancing.

Photo Courtesy: Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat/Facebook

Photo Courtesy: Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat/Facebook

Photo Courtesy: BCDA

3. Silent airport policy

Say goodbye to ear-aching calls for boarding and departures, except for emergencies. Travelers will rely on posted updates and directions.

Photo Courtesy: BCDA

4. Gender-neutral restrooms

Clark International Airport is one of the airports in the country to have neutral restrooms. This provides comfort and safe travel experience regardless of the travelers’ gender.

5.  Heroes lounge

The newly completed terminal has dedicated a transit lounge exclusively for the country’s modern-day heroes, the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), military, police, and other uniformed personnel. Equipped with comfortable furnishings, it’s the best place to relax while waiting for their flights– FREE OF CHARGE.

Photo Courtesy: BCDA 

Photo Courtesy: BCDA

6.  Railway Connection

The CRK Terminal 2 is also connected to the Philippine National Railways North 2 (North-South Commuter Railways System), connecting National Capital Region (NCR) with Clark International Airport and New Clark City. This will shorten travel time between NCR to the airport to 55 minutes.

Photo Courtesy: Department of Transportation

According to Department of Transportation (DOTr), once the CRK Terminal 2 is fully operational, the airport can accommodate up to 12.2 million passengers –nearly thrice the current traveler’s rate of 4.2 million. This will also create jobs, improve connectivity, mobility, and disperse economic activity to the regions that will definitely boost the economic growth in North and Central Luzon. Something to look forward once we adapt to the new normal, isn’t it?

What do you think about the new CRK terminal?

CITATIONS:

• New Clark International Airport showcases the best of Central Luzon. (n.d.). Clark International Airport. Retrieved August 8, 2021, from https://clarkinternationalairport.com/showcases-the-best-of-central-luzon/

• THE MOST-MODERN TERMINAL 2 OF CLARK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (CRK) IS NOW READY FOR THE WORLD. (n.d.). Department of Transportation. Retrieved August 8, 2021, from https://dotr.gov.ph/55-dotrnews/3709-the-most-modern-terminal-2-of-clark-international-airport-crk-is-now-ready-for-the-world.html

• TINGNAN: Pinangunahan ni Pangulong Rodrigo Roa Duterte, kasama sina Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Art Tugade at BCDA CEO and President Sec. Vince Dizon, ang inspeksyon sa bagung-bago at modernong Terminal 2 ng Clark International Airport (CRK) sa Pampanga, ngayong araw, Hulyo 17, 2021. (n.d.). Department of Transportation. Retrieved August 8, 2021, from https://dotr.gov.ph/55-dotrnews/3716-tingnan-pinangunahan-ni-pangulong-rodrigo-roa-duterte-kasama-sina-department-of-transportation-dotr-secretary-art-tugade-at-bcda-ceo-and-president-sec-vince-dizon-ang-inspeksyon-sa-bagung-bago-at-modernong-terminal-2-ng-clark-international-airport-crk-sa-pampanga-ngayong-araw-hulyo-17-2021.html

• New airport terminal building in Clark, seen to benefit North, Central Luzon. (2021, July 17). Philippine Information Agency. https://pia.gov.ph/press-releases/2021/07/17/new-airport-terminal-building-in-clark-seen-to-benefit-north-central-luzon