General Santos City (MindaNews / 17 January) – A Japanese company is planning to invest $1.2 billion (approximately P71.3 billion) to develop a state-of-the-art global air cargo hub at the city’s international airport, incorporating artificial intelligence (AI). Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao revealed that Kazuo Sato, CEO of Sato Investments SPC, visited her office to discuss the investment, which aims to boost the local economy, enhance competitiveness, and create jobs. Pacquiao expressed gratitude for the Japanese consulting firm’s interest in transforming General Santos International Airport into a global cargo hub. Leonard Flores, chief of the City Economic Management and Cooperative Development Office (CEMCDO), confirmed that Tokushima Auction Market Co., Ltd. (TAM) is spearheading the project. TAM announced its collaboration with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), the city government, and Sato Investments SPC to redevelop the airport into a world-class cargo hub. The project will leverage AI and digital technologies to revitalize agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and international logistics. Key features include runways exceeding 3,200 meters, facilities for large cargo aircraft, dome-shaped cargo handling, aircraft maintenance, aviation fuel supply, LNG-based energy infrastructure, advanced navigation systems, ultra-low temperature frozen storage (−60°C, 2,000 tons class), and chilled warehouses (4,000 tons class). The total investment includes $650 million for facility construction. The project is expected to generate 4,550 jobs, particularly benefiting the tuna industry, and address the Philippines’ lack of advanced cold-chain infrastructure. An AI data center will optimize cargo flow, demand forecasting, quality control, and security, enhancing airport efficiency. The project will be implemented through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) scheme. TAM, nominated by Tokushima City’s mayor, operates under government permission. General Santos International Airport, managed by CAAP and operational since 1996, features a 3,227-meter runway funded by USAID. (Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)
