THE New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) has appointed Jong Hoon “John” Kim, a nearly three-decade veteran of Incheon International Airport, as chief operating officer, strengthening the private operator’s leadership team as Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) undergoes its largest modernization effort in decades.
NNIC, the private operator of NAIA, said Kim will oversee day-to-day operations at the country’s main gateway. He succeeds Ok Chul “Paul” Shin, who is moving to a new assignment.
Kim’s appointment is part of a broader effort to bring Incheon’s operating expertise to Manila as NNIC works to improve NAIA’s passenger flow, security, cargo operations, facilities management and overall airport systems.
Incheon operates South Korea’s busiest airport and has consistently ranked among the world’s leading airports for service. Its partnership with NNIC is intended to bring global airport operating standards to NAIA, which has long been constrained by congestion, aging facilities and limited capacity.
Kim spent most of his career at Incheon, most recently as director of airport security management, where he led the rollout of biometric access control, AI-assisted CCTV and a comprehensive security inspection program.
He earlier handled operational readiness planning for Incheon’s fourth-phase expansion, overseeing preparations to bring new airport facilities into full operation. He also led work on cargo, logistics and free trade zone development.
Beyond Incheon, Kim served for two years as director of operations and facilities management at Kuwait Airport Terminal 4 and worked as an operational readiness consultant for Erbil International Airport in Iraq.
A licensed senior electrical engineer and certified Project Management Professional, Kim holds a degree in electrical engineering from National Jeju University. He also previously worked on aviation safety standards at Airports Council International.
“John brings the operating discipline and technical depth NNIC needs at this stage of NAIA’s transformation,” said Angelito A. Alvarez, general manager of NNIC. “His experience at Incheon is directly relevant to the work ahead as we continue improving the airport’s systems, facilities and passenger experience.”
NNIC also named Han Joon Kim, a 21-year Incheon veteran with experience in airport systems, technology and project management, to the team handling civil aviation compliance and mandatory works.
The company thanked Shin and outgoing representative Bong Su Kim for their contributions over the past two years.
