The Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) has set the bar high for Philippine travel hubs, becoming the first Filipino airport to earn the prestigious Platinum Green Airport Award 2024 from the Airports Council International (ACI).
This remarkable achievement comes just 2 months after MCIA earned its Level 1 Airport Carbon Accreditation from the ACI. It is the highest certification level for airport carbon management
These achievements solidify the position of MCIA, which serves over 10 million passengers annually, as a trailblazer in sustainable airport operations.
Soaring to New Heights with Sustainability
Recognized as one of the 12 exceptional airports across the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions, MCIA’s sustainability efforts have been acclaimed during the ACI World Annual General Assembly, Conference, and Exhibition (WAGA 2024) held from May 21-23 in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In the highly competitive 8-15 million passenger airport category, MCIA outshone Saudi Arabia’s King Fahd International Airport (Gold) and Japan’s Chubu Centrair International Airport (Silver), solidifying its position as a leader in environmental excellence.
The Green Airports Recognition Program champions environmental best practices that reduce the aviation industry’s impact on the environment. It also aims to acknowledge airports that excel in their environmental endeavors. MCIA’s achievements in this area are a testament to its dedication to sustainable development, and commitment to preserving the planet for future generations.
Sustainable Operations
The distinction comes one and a half years after Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. (AIC) joined the GMCAC airport consortium. Aboitiz GMCAC (AGMCAC) implemented a range of MCIA projects that are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. These initiatives focus on ensuring safe and environmentally friendly airport operations while preserving the surrounding ecosystems. From implementing eco-friendly policies to utilizing cutting-edge solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, MCIA has demonstrated its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and maintaining green spaces.
During the awards ceremony, Athanasios Titonis, the Chief Executive Officer of AGMCAC, emphasized the aviation industry’s significant contribution to global carbon emissions, which account for 2.5%. He said, “Being the second largest airport facility in the country, our role is crucial in minimizing our carbon footprint. We do this by setting operational boundaries that would directly impact the CO₂ levels of the airport.”
Julius Neri, Jr., the CEO and General Manager of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA), expressed gratitude for the dedicated teams working tirelessly to meet globally sustainable standards. “As the country’s first green airport awardee,” he said, “we also encourage passengers and stakeholders to support these initiatives in making the MCIA an environment-friendly airport.