MCIA innovating to reduce carbon emissions

CEBU, Philippines — The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) is pioneering the use of aircraft on-the-ground power solutions such as the Fixed Power Unit (FPU) and Pre-conditioned Air (PCA) services to reduce carbon emissions and offset fuel costs upon boarding and arrival of passengers.

Aboitiz InfraCapital GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. Chief Executive Officer Athanasios Titonis said international airports like in Hong Kong, Zurich, Dublin, and Munich have adopted these innovative solutions to minimize their ecological footprint.

The FPU is an eco-friendly ground power system that enables aircraft to connect directly to a stationary, electricity-powered energy source while on the airfield, while PCA is an external device used for heating, cooling, and dehumidifying, and delivers fresh, preconditioned air to the aircraft and jet bridges between flights.

“MCIA is thrilled to join these airports and hopeful about its impact in the global sustainability movement,” Titonis said.

MCIA Authority General Manager Julius Neri Jr. said that being the second-busiest airport in the country, they want to make sure to manage their carbon footprint and maintain good air quality for both passengers and workers in the airport.

Deputy Chief Operations Officer Aldwin Uy said that traditionally, aircraft rely on mobile ground power units --small, diesel-powered engines that are noisy, emit fumes, and occupy valuable space on parking stands. Transitioning from diesel-powered units to FPU offers substantial operational and environmental advantages.

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

MCIA began its sustainability initiatives in 2020 with the initiation of FPU and PCA services through Bridge Mounted Equipment (BME).

MCIA will install FEGP and PCA units under the passenger boarding bridge, ensuring easy access for aircraft. This shift is expected to reduce fluctuating fuel costs, maintenance costs, carbon emissions, airport noise levels, and improve operational safety.

Titonis said that airlines could potentially see a cost reduction of 40-60% by transitioning to BME services at MCIA.

Meanwhile, a much-improved and better experience at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is being promised by Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista.

This after the airport’s operation and maintenance will be turned over to the New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. next month.

“The government is investing more in airport infrastructure. I’m sure you’re aware that the operations and maintenance of the Manila International Airport will be turned over to the private sector a month from now,” Bautista said.

He said NAIA terminals 1, 2, and 3 will be undergoing a massive overhaul once the consortium headed by San Miguel Corp. takes over the airport’s operations and maintenance.

“Expect that there will be many changes, many improvements of the facilities and terminals --all the terminals-- particularly Terminals 1, 2 and 3,” Bautista said.

He also stressed the benefits of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), as seen in the Clark International Airport as well as the MCIA.

The Laguindingan airport in Northern Mindanao and that of Panglao Island in Bohol will also be operated and maintained under a PPP scheme.

“Soon, Laguinduingan and Bohol airports will be turned over to the private sector, so that all passengers will have a positive experience, especially foreign travelers and other tourists here in the country,” he said.

The Department of Transportation is also working with other private companies to operate and maintain other airports here in the country.

“This is our contribution to the aviation sector,” Bautista ended. — (FREEMAN)