A Japanese company plans to invest US$1.2 billion to transform General Santos International Airport into a global air cargo hub using AI technology.
A Japanese company plans to invest US$1.2 billion to redevelop the Philippines' General Santos International Airport into a global air cargo hub using artificial intelligence, reports the Philippines MindaNews.
Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao stated that Kazuo Sato, CEO of Sato Investments SPC, visited her office to discuss the project, which is expected to boost competitiveness and generate jobs. Tokushima Auction Market Co Ltd (TAM) confirmed its interest in building the facility in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and the city government.
TAM indicated that the hub will employ AI and digital technologies to revitalize agriculture, forestry, and fisheries while enhancing logistics. Plans include runways exceeding 3,200 meters, facilities for large cargo aircraft, dome-shaped cargo handling centers, LNG-based energy infrastructure, advanced navigation systems, and cold-chain storage with ultra-low temperature frozen capacity of 2,000 tons and chilled warehouses of 4,000 tons.
The company stated that US$650 million will be allocated to construction costs. The project is projected to create 4,550 jobs, with the tuna industry expected to benefit from the new cold storage facilities.
TAM also plans to establish an AI data center at the airport to optimize cargo flow, forecast demand, improve quality control, and enhance security. The redevelopment will be pursued under a Public-Private Partnership scheme.
General Santos International Airport, managed by CAAP, began operations in 1996 with a 3,227-meter runway funded largely by the US Agency for International Development.
