MCIA first in Phlilippines to use electric aircraft handling equipment

CEBU, Philippines — Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) has made a pioneering move in sustainable aviation, becoming the first airport in the Philippines to utilize fully operational electric aircraft handling equipment.

Through a partnership with Cebu Pacific, the airport now operates electric Ground Support Equipment (e-GSE) and bridge-mounted equipment (BME) units, a significant development in MCIA’s ongoing efforts toward greener airport operations.

Powered by a dedicated charging station, the new equipment is designed to cut carbon emissions and promote environmentally responsible practices in the aviation industry.

“As part of our ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability, we focus on expanding infrastructure for green aviation fuels and zero-emission electric ground support equipment,” said Atty. Julius G. Neri Jr., general manager and CEO of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA), in a statement.

Neri added that the collaboration with airline partners reflects a shared commitment to building a cleaner, greener future in global air travel.

Cebu Pacific Chief Operations Officer Javier Massot expressed pride in the initiative, highlighting that the airline is the first in the country to complete a full aircraft turnaround using electric equipment.

“This milestone reflects our strong commitment to decarbonizing our operations and supporting airports that share the same sustainability goals,” Massot said.

Athanasios Titonis, CEO of Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation, also lauded the achievement, underscoring its significance in Cebu, the airline’s birthplace.

“It is even more meaningful that this happened in Cebu—where our airline was born,” Titonis said, emphasizing MCIA’s long-term environmental goals.

“The use of electric ground support equipment at MCIA is a key step toward sustainability,” he added.

“We look forward to working with more airline partners to make a lasting, positive impact.”

MCIA is also planning to construct common-use charging stations to encourage broader adoption of electric ground equipment among airlines—part of its vision to become a greener, carbon-neutral airport. (CEBU NEWS)