MCIA adopts solutions to reduce CO2 emissions, offset fuel costs

LAPULAPU CITY – The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) is now using aircraft on the ground power solutions such as the Fixed Power Unit (FPU) and Pre-conditioned Air (PCA) services to reduce carbon emissions and offset fuel costs while upon boarding and arrival of passengers.

“International airports like Hong Kong, Zurich, Dublin and Munich have adopted these innovative solutions to minimize their ecological footprint, and MCIA is thrilled to join these airports and hopeful about its impact in the global sustainability movement,” Aboitiz InfraCapital GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation Chief Executive Officer, Athanasios Titonis said. 

Titonis explained that Fixed Power Unit (FPU) is an eco-friendly ground power system that enables aircrafts to connect directly to a stationary, electricity-powered energy source while on the airfield.   Pre-conditioned Air (PCA) on the other hand, is an external device used for heating, cooling, and dehumidifying that delivers fresh, preconditioned air to the aircraft and jet bridges between flights.

MCIA general manager, Julius Neri, Jr. said that being the second largest airport in the country, carbon footprint management and good air quality maintenance for both passengers and workers at the airport must be ensured.  “This is why we highly encourage airlines to use FPU and PCA units,” Neri added.

According to Aldwin Uy, MCIA deputy chief operations officer that traditionally, aircraft rely on mobile ground power units—small, diesel-powered engines that are noisy, emit fumes, and occupy valuable space on parking stands.  Transitioning from diesel-powered units to FPU offers substantial operational and environmental advantages for airport users and the local community.

Sustainability commitment of MCIA

MCIA is the pioneer airport in the Philippines to use FPU and PCA units and is dedicated to reduce its overall ecological footprint and ensuring a safe, efficient working environment.  The airport began its sustainability initiatives in 2020 with the initiation of FPU and PCA services through Bridge Mounted Equipment (BME).

Despite pandemic-related delays, MCIA obtained in-principle approval from airline partners in  the fourth quarter of 2019, and is now moving forward with implementation. It will install FEGP and PCA units under the Passenger Boarding Bridge to ensure easy access for aircraft.

This shift is expected to reduce fluctuating fuel costs, APU maintenance costs, CO2 and NOx emissions, airport noise levels, and improve operational safety. According to Titonis, airlines could potentially see a cost reduction of 40-60 percent by transitioning to BME services at MCIA.

“With the multiple benefits of BME services, we are confident in the support of our airline partners to implement these sustainable solutions at MCIA. Together, we can reduce our environmental impact and pave the way for a greener future in aviation,” Titonis added.

MCIA is the second-largest airport in the Philippines serving over 11M foreign and local passengers yearly. It is operated by a Filipino-led private consortium between Aboitiz InfraCapital, GMR Group of India, and Megawide Construction Corporation under a concession agreement with the Philippine Government. (Photos: MCIA/Aboitiz InfraCapital/Google Images)