MCIA gets ACI airport health accreditation

MINERVA BC NEWMAN

LAPULAPU CITY – The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) has just received accreditation from the  Airports Council International-Airport Health Accreditation (ACI-AHA) in recognition of the health and safety measures implemented in Terminals 1 & 2 which met the global airport standards such as the ACI Aviation Business Restart and Recovery guidelines; ICAO Council Aviation Restart Task Force (CART) recommendations, as well as other industry best practices.

With this accreditation, MCIA is now recognized as one of the airports globally driving best industry practices for safe travel during the pandemic. The Airport Health Accreditation Certification was awarded to MCIA on January 26, 2021.

 According to Louie Ferrer, President of GMR MEGAWIDE Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC), private operator of MCIA that safety is the number one priority at MCIA, especially during this health crisis and GMCAC is committed to implement and deliver best practices in the airport industry, particularly concerning the health and safety of our passengers, staff, and public.

“This health crisis is one that all airport stakeholders and all Filipinos should address, and we are thankful to our partners at MCIA for making safety their number one priority,” Ferrer added.

Airports Council International (ACI) is a global body representing the world’s airport authorities and airports’ interests with governments and international organizations, developing standards, policies, and recommended practices for airports.

Ferrer went on that the benefits of the ACI Airport Health Accreditation proves that MCIA has demonstrated to passengers, staff, regulators, and government that it prioritizes health and safety in a measurable, established manner.

It also validated its own measures throughout the facilities and processes thereby reassuring the travelling public that professional excellence is being implemented to maintain safe hygienic facilities, and it promoted best practices and aligns efforts across the industry to ensure harmonization between ICAO global guidance and industry implementation, MCIA press statement said.

Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) officer-in-charge Atty. Glenn Napuli bared that the ACI Airport Health Accreditation only confirms that we are on the right track in implementing appropriate health and safety programs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Napuli added that this motivates them to work harder to serve the public better as their efforts are being recognized. 

GMCAC head of Safety, Quality and Environment John Binamira acknowledged the efforts and contribution of MCIAA, GMCAC and all airport community Stakeholders in getting this certification, he added that they played major roles through their respective procedures which combined to become the total safe travel experience through MCIA.

 “Without the efforts of our community Stakeholders, this success would not have been possible,” Binamira said.  MCIA airport community stakeholders will continue to work together to strengthen public health and safety in its operations, he added. (Photos: MCIA Files)