GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC) recently held a brand launch of the new corporate identity for the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), a short time before it takes over the terminal operations in the country's second busiest gateway. A spectacular play of lights and colors formed a fitting environment for Cebu's first glimpse of the resort airport's refreshingly warm brand imagery, cool corporate get-ups, and strong brand promise.
The GMCAC brand image is firmly tied to Cebu's much-envied global reputation as a resort destination. The logo is a coming-together of the best of the best that is innately Cebu - 11 elliptical shapes inspired by the "bangka" (paddleboat), the same inspiration for the graceful arches of the envisioned airport terminal building. The shapes, each representing a great aspect of Cebu - food, culture, arts, history, beliefs and people - converge to form a light and airy sun with the warmth of Sinulog, infused with its yellow, red, and orange hues.
The logo represents GMCAC's commitment to project the MCIA onto the world stage, carving its niche as a destination delivering an experience like no other. The crisp tagline, "Start here," completes the GMCAC logo, evoking exciting beginnings, happy vacations, fun adventures, and memorable experiences for the travelers.
MCIA has improved its systems and personnel to ensure an efficient and engaging service where airport users are treated as guests. Passengers and other stakeholders are to enjoy improved service in the existing terminal, T1, upon GMCAC's takeover of the airport operations on November 1. 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 baggage carousels and fourteen escalators. Construction of the second airport terminal, T2, begins in January next year.
T1 is to be overhauled after the completion of T2. With the expanded infrastructure, MCIA is expected to increase its annual passenger carrying capacity to 12.5 million, up from its present 4.5 million.
GMCAC has a fully-staffed Customer Services Department to address guests' concerns in the airport and to ensure a seamless experience. Customer Services Executives, a new addition to airport operations, are among those to be commissioned upon takeover.
Apart from more i
mproved passenger terminal services, GMCAC brings increased opportunities for local employees. It has engaged more than 200 employees for various positions within organization.
GMCAC employees, as the company's first-line brand ambassadors, wear uniforms designed by eminent fashion designer Cary Santiago.
GMCAC promises to keep Cebu's best interests at heart in the evolution of an improved Mactan Cebu International Airport.