First published in InfraTalks, Aboitiz InfraCapital's monthly column in The Manila Times.

AIRPORTS today are more than places where journeys begin and end. They are catalysts of progress — fueling economic activity, connecting people and goods, and increasingly standing as bold advocates for environmental responsibility.

Did you know that a flight taken today produces only half the carbon dioxide produced by the same flight in 1990? According to Airports Council International, this is a direct result of the aviation industry's deliberate and continuing long-term effort to reduce climate impact.

Indeed, there is growing pressure for the aviation industry to decarbonize and sustainability has gone from a "nice-to-have" to a nonnegotiable. Globally, airports are adopting cleaner technologies and greener practices — not just for the planet, but for their own long-term resilience. These efforts build public trust and help future-proof our infrastructure.

Here, Philippine airports serve as lifelines. They link our 7,000+ islands, open doors for trade and welcome millions of travelers to Filipino culture, people and destinations. They power tourism and jobs, shape national image and increasingly carry the weight of environmental expectations.

At the heart of this movement is the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA). Once a modest airport serving Cebu, the MCIA has transformed into a global hub recognized for its design, efficiency and innovation. But what makes MCIA truly stand out is not just its growth but the way it's growing — responsibly and with intention.

Yet long before sustainability became a buzzword, we were already walking the talk and setting the standard toward Philippine green airport infrastructure at the MCIA. Its terminals are designed with smart features — the iconic high ceilings for natural ventilation, picturesque skylights that also reduce electricity use and façades that cut down heat absorption. All of these reduce our carbon footprint while creating a pleasant passenger environment.

In 2016, we installed our first solar panels. In 2024, we became the first and only airport in the Philippines to earn Level 1 Airport Carbon Accreditation. These aren't just milestones. They're part of a road map we've drawn with our stakeholders — a shared commitment to making aviation in the Philippines greener and more responsible.

Our sustainability blueprint addresses critical areas, primarily energy efficiency. Aside from use of solar energy, we've also switched to LED lighting and solar-powered streetlights, leading to energy savings of up to 75 percent. All these efforts are supported by an advanced building management system that continuously monitors and adjusts energy use in real time, ensuring efficiency across airport operations.

To further optimize energy use, variable frequency drives regulate energy-intensive systems based on demand. On the airside, we've introduced bridge-mounted equipment (BME) and supported the shift of our ground handlers to electric ground support equipment (e-GSE) to reduce aircraft engine idling and minimize emissions. Just this May, we took it even further by having the first turnaround flight of Cebu Pacific land in Cebu using BME and e-GSE units — the country's first. To further support these green initiatives, the MCIA plans to install common-use charging stations across the ramp area. This will enable all airlines to access charging resources for e-GSE, promoting collaborative sustainability and moving closer to the MCIA's vision of a greener, eco-friendly ramp environment aligned with carbon-neutral airports worldwide.

Today, Aboitiz InfraCapital Airports (MCIA, Bohol-Panglao [BPIA] and Laguindingan [LIA] International Airports) welcomes 16 million domestic and international travelers, connecting them to white-sand beaches, heritage towns, diving spots, and business centers across the Visayas and beyond.

All the things we do at the MCIA, we will also do at the BPIA and the LIA. As the country's Green Gateway to the World, the BPIA is being primed for green upgrades such as solar energy, smart lighting and efficient water systems. At the LIA, we're also exploring sustainability solutions for cleaner operations.

Sustainability, however, is not just about infrastructure. It's also about values — about fostering a culture where every decision, from design to operations, considers long-term impact. It's about partnerships, collaboration and standing up for what the future demands from us today. It requires policy influence to drive real change and at the end of the day, environmental stewardship must go hand in hand with progress.

The skies are changing, and we are ready to fly higher, cleaner and better — for Cebu and the rest of the Philippines.