• Cebu Pacific partners with MCIA to launch new BME system.
• MCIA aims to set a new standard for sustainability in Philippine aviation.

Cebu Pacific, the Philippines’ leading airline, has joined forces with Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) to roll out a new bridge-mounted equipment (BME) system that will boost sustainability and operational efficiency.

During a recent test flight, a CEB A321neo aircraft (5J 5063) from Narita (Tokyo) to Cebu connected to MCIA’s new BME system. The system features a fixed power unit (FPU) and pre-conditioned air (PCA) unit that supplies ground power and cabin cooling without using the aircraft’s jet fuel-powered auxiliary power units (APUs). By not using APUs, this technology reduces costs and minimises environmental impact.

"CEB is all for ground power solutions. This is the way to go for a sustainable future for aviation in the Philippines. We are the first to use this at MCIA," said Lei Apostol, Vice President for Customer Service Operations at Cebu Pacific.

MCIA is the first airport in the Philippines to have FPU and PCA units to reduce its ecological footprint while keeping the working environment safe.

"International airports like Hong Kong, Zurich, Dublin and Munich have already adopted these technologies to reduce their environmental footprint. We are happy to join the club and contribute to global sustainability," said Athanasios Titonis, CEO of Aboitiz InfraCapital GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation.

The FPU and PCA units are located beneath the Passenger Boarding Bridge at MCIA making it easy to use during aircraft servicing. This will reduce fuel costs, APU maintenance expenses, carbon emissions, airport noise and operational safety and efficiency.

"We are the second busiest airport in the country and we have to manage our carbon footprint and good air quality for passengers and staff. We encourage airlines to use FPU and PCA," said Julius Neri, Jr., General Manager of MCIA Authority.

CEB’s BME at MCIA is a big step towards efficiency and reduced environmental impact, a new standard for Philippine aviation.

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Source: Cebu Pacific