CEBU CITY – In its bid to enhance passenger experience, Aboitiz InfraCapital GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. (AGMCAC), the operator of Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), launched the Cebu Connect on Wednesday, June 19.
RAFAEL Aboitiz, vice president and head of Airports Business of Aboitiz InfraCapital, Athanasios Titonis, chief executive officer of Aboitiz InfraCapital GMCAC, Lapu-Lapu Rep. Cindi King-Chan, Julius Neri, general manager of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Rabbie Ang, president of Philippine Airlines, Alexander Lao, president and chief commercial officer of Cebu Pacific Air, Ricardo Isla, chief executive officer of Air Asia, and Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco, grace the launching of Cebu Connect at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport on Wednesday, June 19. (Contributed photo)
Cebu Connect is designed to facilitate efficient and seamless airport transfers within MCIA that will help reduce layover time and maximize comfort and convenience for travelers.
It also aims to boost tourism in the Philippines by positioning Cebu as an ideal entry point for both domestic and international tourists.
“Cebu Connect aims to cut 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,” said AGMCAC Chief Executive Officer Athanasios Titonis.
Airport officials said Cebu's strategic location 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.
“Providing efficient and effortless travel through Cebu Connect is our way of enhancing tourism in Cebu and positioning MCIA among the world's best airports,” said Cosette Canilao, President and Chief Executive Officer of Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc.
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.
“Travel has become more challenging today than it was years ago. To ease the journey for passengers, we decided to simplify transfers, especially for frequent flyers, families with small children, Persons with Disabilities, and individuals on medical or business trips where time is crucial,” added Titonis.
The MCIA plans to expand its operations as it eyes Cebu to become the next transit hub in Southeast Asia as Aboitiz InfraCapital plans to put up a mall and hotel as part of their long-term investments for the airport.
Rafael Aboitiz, Vice President and Head of Airports at Aboitiz InfraCapital, said they are eyeing to invest billions for MCIA in the next five to 15 years.
“A component like a hotel or a mall or maybe other commercial offerings will be part of the holistic plan to expand the airport,” he said.
Site development for the mall, located right beside the arrivals area of Terminal 2, is ongoing.
“So when we look at an asset like Cebu, we look at making an investment not just in the airport, but the surrounding infrastructure that supports it,” Aboitiz added.