Cebu Pacific, MCIA Launch Ground Equipment Solutions to Cut Carbon Emissions

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines' leading carrier, has been selected by Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) to formally launch a major initiative aimed at enhancing sustainable operations and operational efficiency using a piece of bridge-mounted equipment (BME).

In a ceremonial plug-in event, a CEB A321neo, operating flight 5J 5063 from Narita (Tokyo) to Cebu, connected to MCIA’s newly installed BME system. This technology includes a fixed power unit (FPU) and a pre-conditioned air (PCA) unit, providing ground power and cabin cooling without relying on the aircraft's jet fuel-powered auxiliary power units (APUs). This system helps airlines reduce costs and lessen their environmental impact.

“Cebu Pacific fully supports Mactan Cebu International Airport’s ground power initiatives. This represents a crucial step in creating a sustainable future for Philippine aviation. We are honored to be the first airline to use this technology at MCIA,” said Lei Apostol, CEB Vice President for Customer Service Operations. 

As the pioneer airport in the Philippines to use FPU and PCA units, MCIA is dedicated to reducing its overall ecological footprint and ensuring a safe, efficient working environment.

“International airports like Hong Kong, Zurich, Dublin, and Munich have adopted these innovative solutions to minimize their ecological footprint, and MCIA is thrilled to join these airports and hopeful about its impact in the global sustainability movement,” said Aboitiz InfraCapital GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation chief executive officer, Athanasios Titonis.

MCIA installed the FPU and PCA units under the Passenger Boarding Bridge, ensuring ease of use during aircraft servicing. This move is expected to lessen fuel costs, reduce APU maintenance costs, cut carbon emissions, decrease airport noise levels, and improve operational safety and efficiency.

“Being the second busiest airport in the country, we want to manage our carbon footprint and maintain good air quality for both passengers and workers in the airport. This is why we highly encourage airlines to use FPU and PCA units,” said MCIA Authority general manager, Julius Neri, Jr.

CEB is the first airline to adopt the use of BME at MCIA. This initiative highlights a shared commitment between the airline and the airport to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact, setting a new standard for sustainable practices in Philippine aviation.