Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) marks a major milestone in sustainable airport operations by supporting the deployment of electric ground support equipment (GSE) and bridge-mounted equipment (BME) units. Made possible with Cebu Pacific, this first-in-the-Philippines initiative not only makes them the first airline to introduce electric GSE units at MCIA but also reinforces MCIA’s commitment to drive down carbon emissions in the aviation industry.
“As part of our ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability, we focus on expanding infrastructure for green aviation fuels and zero-emission electric ground support equipment. We are glad to collaborate with our airline partners. Together, we are paving the way for a cleaner, greener future in global air travel,” said Atty. Julis G. Neri Jr., General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA).
These state-of-the-art electric GSE units are now fully operational, following the completion of carrier’s internal training programs, ensuring safe and efficient handling. In the interim, the airline has established a dedicated charging station to support ongoing operations, marking a full integration of the units into their ground handling system.
“This milestone reflects our strong commitment to decarbonizing our operations and supporting airports that share the same sustainability goals. We are proud to be the first airline in the Philippines to fully turn around an aircraft using electric equipment. It is even more meaningful that it was done in Cebu—the place where our airline began,” said Javier Massot, CEB Chief Operations Officer.
“Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation is dedicated to supporting green innovations that align with our commitment to environmental sustainability,” said Athanasios Titonis, CEO of Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation. “The introduction of electric GSE units at MCIA is a valuable step in this journey, and we are excited to partner with airlines in driving sustainable practices that will create a lasting, positive impact.”
To further support these green initiatives, MCIA is planning to install common-use charging stations across the ramp area. Once established, this infrastructure will enable all airlines at MCIA to access charging resources for electric GSE, fostering a collaborative approach to sustainable practices and moving closer to the airport’s vision of a greener, eco-friendly ramp environment. This initiative also aligns MCIA with the global movement toward carbon-neutral airports, setting a new standard for sustainable airport operations in the Philippines.
As part of its ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainability, MCIA is extending its support to the Crew Management Study Group Meeting organized by the Airline Group of the International Federation of Operational Research Societies (AGIFORS), to be held from May 20 to 22. This support is also in line with MCIA’s recent sustainability initiatives, including the deployment of electric GSE and BME.
This international event will bring together airline professionals and experts to advance the application of Operational Research, particularly in crew management. The focus on efficiency and data-driven decision-making in airline operations aligns with MCIA’s long-term goals of improving airport performance through forward-thinking solutions.
