It’s official! The newly opened Clark International Airport (CRK) is now operational and is accommodating passengers both from the local and international airlines.

This new airport offers new experiences for travelers—showcasing the world-class Filipino craftsmanship. During the recently held North Luzon Expressway’s (NLEX) Lakbay-Norte event, the Manila Bulletin Lifestyle had an opportunity to explore the establishment before it was opened to the public.

The airport’s design is strategically made to be sustainable while championing for everything the Philippines has to offer. Some of the furnitures are proudly local while the design of the waiting areas are inspired from the breathtaking green mountains of Zambales, and the majestic blue ocean of the Manila Bay.

Express travel

But on top of boasting for its internationally acclaimed infrastructure design, CRK is also looking forward to be the front runner of the country’s first-ever express train.

According to Bi Yong Chungunco, CEO, Luzon International Premier Airport Development Corporation (LIPAD) the soon to be operational express train from Makati City to CRK will cut the travel time to less than an hour. This will be made possible through the Airport Railway Express Service that is part of the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) North-South Commuter Railway project (NSCR).

“DOTr has constant reports about the project,” Bi Yong tells Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “The most recent report I saw was the completion of Balagtas, Bulacn terminal.”

As of writing, the estimated travel time from Metro Manila to CRK is about two to three hours given that the traveler will pass by the smooth road of NLEX. If the project would materialized, it will cut the travel time by 50 percent, giving the travelers the liberty to choose between Ninoy Aquino International Airport or CRK.

However, there’s no specific date yet on when Filipinos can finally ride this express train.