Mactan airport operator unveils brand campaign

CEBU, Philippines - GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation, the new operator of  the Mactan Cebu International Airport, vows to make the air transport gateway the "friendliest and most efficient" airport in the Philippines or Asia.

Preparing for its official management takeover this coming November 1, 2014, GMCAC officially unveiled its branding campaign that highlights Cebu's unique island culture and heritage, this will kick off the company's move to transform the way people will experience the airport.

GMCAC chief executive advisor Andrew Acquaah Harrison said, on the sidelines of the new brand launching held Thursday night at the MCIA MIP Lounge, that aside from putting emphasis on promoting Cebu as a destination, the management will also take advantage of Filipinos' genuine smile and warmth to dominate the entire airport's vibes.

The management has also commissioned Cebuano world renowned furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue to be on board in designing and supplying the furnishings of the airport. While top fashion designer Cary Santiago is likewise commissioned to design the employees' uniforms.

Harrison cited an international study, which indicated that a Filipino’s smile is the most warm and genuine in planet Earth.

Apart from focusing on the branding, the company will likewise work on improving the entire ambiance of the airport including the seats, restrooms renovation, reducing queues, and congestion. Construction of terminal two will start in early 2015 and will be completed within three years.

Facilities will also be upgraded including an airport village with extensive retail and entertainment options, six contact gates, triple-level in-line baggage screening, four carousels and 14 escalators.

GMCAC is 60 percent owned by listed Filipino construction company Megawide Construction Corp. and 40 percent owned by Bangalore-based GMR Infrastructure Ltd..

The company was established  after the consortium won the P17.52-billion MCIA rehabilitation and upgrading project under the public-private partnership scheme. The consortium offered a winning bid of P14.4 billion during the auction in November last year.

A total overhaul of the terminal one is planned after the completion of terminal two. With expanded infrastructure, MCIA will then increase its annual passenger carrying capacity to 12.5 million.

Last year, the airport's traffic registered at 6.9 million, from 6.7 million in 2012.

The management also plans to make strong partnership with ferry operators in Cebu, to provide passengers' the convenience from sea travel going to the airport, with the planned installation of check-in facility at the ferry arrival terminal.

GMCAC according to Harris is united with airport stakeholders, including the MCIAA and Department of Transportation and Communication, officials of national government agencies and local government units, Cebu's various chambers of commerce, the travel and tourism sector, concessionaires, and the creative sector in keeping Cebu's best interest at heart in the evolution of an improved Mactan Cebu International Airport. (FREEMAN)