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The operator of Mactan-Cebu airport and Airports Council International signed an MOU on a program supporting the establishment of a framework on environmentally sustainable initiatives
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Through its Net Zero Roadmap program, ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East will provide guidance to support Mactan-Cebu International Airport’s sustainability journey
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The program helps airports create plans, including carbon footprint projections, governance frameworks, and recommendations across areas like assets, fuels, and operations
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The MOU will support the airport in progressing to Level 5, the highest level of the Airport Carbon Accreditation
The operator of Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) and Airports Council International (ACI) have signed a memorandum of understanding to run a pilot program supporting the establishment of a framework on environmentally sustainable initiatives
Through its Net Zero Roadmap program, ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East will provide guidance to support MCIA’s sustainability journey, Aboitiz InfraCapital GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. (AGMCAC) said in a statement.
MCIA recently received Level 1 certification from Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA), the globally recognized carbon management program for airports.
AGMCAC said the MOU for Net Zero Roadmap program will support the airport in progressing to Level 5, the highest level of the ACA.
Achieving Level 5 requires the airport to maintain a net zero carbon balance for Scope 1 (direct emissions) and 2 (indirect) emissions, while actively addressing Scope 3 emissions, under the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.
AGMCAC said the Net Zero Roadmap program, complementary to ACA, helps airports create structured plans, including carbon footprint projections, governance frameworks, and recommendations across areas like assets, fuels, and operations. The program also offers guidance on capital expenditure planning, implementation strategies, and offsetting measures, while connecting airports with global financial institutions for potential funding.
“In an era where environmental sustainability has become not just an option but a fundamental need for the aviation industry, ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East is proud to lead in guiding our airport members towards achieving their Net Zero emissions goals,” ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East director general Stefano Baronci said.
He added: “As the industry continues to face increasing pressure to minimize its carbon footprint, we recognize that robust action is required to ensure that airports are prepared for a sustainable future. Through our Net Zero Roadmap program, we offer tailored support to airports like Mactan Cebu International, helping them create practical, effective plan.”
AGMCAC chief executive officer Athanasios Titonis, for his part, said: “While we recognize there is still much work ahead, our partnership with ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East gives us confidence that our initiatives will leave a meaningful, long-lasting impact on the environment. We aspire to inspire other airports across the Philippines and Asia to follow suit. Together, we can drive sustainable tourism, ensuring that destinations worldwide offer enriching and responsible experiences for generations to come.”
Mactan-Cebu Intranational Airport Authority general manager Julius Neri, meanwhile, said in a statement he is confident that the partnership with ACI will significantly accelerate MCIA’s sustainability efforts, ensuring the highest level of efficiency in achieving their environmental goals.
Aside from the partnership with ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East, MCIA last August pioneered the use of power solutions such as fixed power unit (FPU) and pre-conditioned air (PCA) services to reduce carbon emissions and offset fuel costs of airlines during boarding or arrival of passengers.
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. PCA, on the other hand, is an external device used for heating, cooling, and dehumidifying that delivers fresh, pre-conditioned air to the aircraft and jet bridges between flights.
MCIA began its sustainability initiatives in 2020 with the initiation of FPU and PCA services through bridge mounted equipment. Despite pandemic-related delays, MCIA obtained in principle approval from airline partners in the fourth quarter of 2019, and has now moved forward with its implementation.
ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East serves as the voice of 132 members, operating 624 airports across 47 countries/territories in Asia-Pacific and Middle East.
