MCIA launches “Cebu Connect” for seamless airport transfers, reducing layover time

LAPULAPU CITY –The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) with Aboitiz InfraCapital GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation (AGMCAC) launched “Cebu Connect” project, its newest transfer system designed to facilitate efficient and seamless airport transfers within MCIA, thereby reducing layover time and maximizing comfort and convenience for travelers.

“Cebu Connect aims to boost tourism in the Philippines by positioning Cebu as an ideal entry point for both domestic and international tourists by cutting layover time from an hour to 30 minutes or less, giving both domestic and international passengers more freedom to travel to their destination. This is part of MCIA’s commitment to meeting global standards in airport operations,” AGMCAC Chief Executive Officer Athanasios Titonis said during the launching on June 19 at the MCIA VIP Lounge.

Cebu's strategic location in the heart of the Philippines offers easy access to many stunning destinations in Central and Southern Philippines, such as Siargao, Camiguin, Bohol, Boracay, and Palawan, all just a short flight away, Titonis added.

Titonis and his staff presented the “Cebu Connect” project and emphasized the importance of protecting and improving Mactan-Cebu International Airport for both domestic and international connections, and exploring opportunities for codeshare agreements to identify new route opportunities.

They also bared the airport's efforts to improve connectivity and streamline processes for passengers, highlighting the new product launch and its potential for better connectivity.  They also detailed the process flow for domestic and international connections, emphasizing the convenience of the travelers and the potential this brings to the Philippines tourism industry.

“With Cebu Connect, we want to have these minimum connecting timelines at 35 minutes for domestic to domestic transfer; 60 minutes for domestic to international and vice versa; and 60 minutes too for international to international transfer,” Titonis bared.

Travel has become more challenging today than it was years ago. To ease the journey for passengers, MCIA decided to simplify transfers, especially for frequent flyers, families with small children, persons with disabilities (PWDs) and individuals on medical or business trips where time is crucial, Titonis added.

AGMCAC collaborated with government counterparts, including the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority, Bureau of Customs, and Bureau of Immigration to identify the necessary resources and systems to realize this vision. With updated X-ray scanners, multiple counters, and a team of well-trained security and airport staff, passengers can expect safe and expedited transfers between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

 Rafael Aboitiz, Aboitiz Infra Capital VP Head of Airports said that Cebu enjoys a strategic location at the heart of the Philippines, with numerous beautiful destinations in Central and Southern Philippines just a short plane ride away. Recognizing this unique opportunity, Aboitiz InfraCapital GMCAC is dedicated to elevating its services and opening the country further to tourists with diverse needs.

“As the new operator of the Philippines’ second busiest airport--Mactan-Cebu International Airport, we embrace the challenge of contributing to tourism development through Cebu Connect.  Our goal is to ensure an efficient and seamless airport transfer system, making Cebu the ideal entry point for both local and international tourists,” Aboitiz said.

Cosette Canilao, President and Chief Executive Officer of Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc. also believed that the Cebu Connect initiative places Cebu firmly on the global map, positioning Mactan-Cebu International Airport alongside the world's best airports.

MCIA challenges airline partners to develop an inter-airline connectivity system

MCIA Manager, Julius Neri Jr., in his closing remarks, highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in improving air travel experience, citing MCIA’s collaboration with government entities and private terminal operators as an example.  

Neri noted the airport's commitment to continuous improvement and posed a challenge to new airline partners to develop and implement an inter-airline connectivity system between allied partners through Cebu Connect.

Ricky Isla, Chief Executive Officer of Philippines Air Asia; Xander Lao, President and Chief Commercial Officer of Cebu Pacific and Rabbi Ang, President of PAL Express believed in improving airport experience through digital innovations and emphasized the need to make travel affordable and accessible to more people.

These airline executives noted the importance of broadening perspectives, domestic travel and job creation and the setup for international flights and potential higher passenger volumes and they are looking to expand their respective networks both domestically and internationally.

Air Asia specifically eying at Japan being an opportunity for growth while Cebu Pacific and PAL talked about phases of expansion domestically, anticipating higher passenger volume from Cebu due to the airlines’ mission of building frequencies including adding aircraft and studying new destinations outside of Metro Manila and international ones. (Photos: MBCNewman)