Philippine low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific, along with Mactan Cebu International Airport (CEB/ MCIA), has formally launched a major initiative aimed at enhancing sustainable operations and operational efficiency using bridge mounted equipment (BME).
In a ceremonial trial event on August 14, 2024, an A321neo from the airline’s fleet, operating flight 5J 5063 from Narita International Airport NRT to Cebu, connected to the airport’s newly installed BME system.
According to Cebu Pacific, the technology includes a fixed power unit (FPU) and a pre-conditioned air (PCA) unit, providing ground power and cabin cooling without relying on the aircraft’s jet fuel-powered auxiliary power units (APUs). This system helps airlines reduce costs and lessen their environmental impact.
The airport installed the FPU and PCA units under the Passenger Boarding Bridge to ensure ease of use during aircraft servicing. This move is expected to lessen fuel costs, reduce APU maintenance costs, cut carbon emissions, decrease airport noise levels, and improve operational safety and efficiency.
“Cebu Pacific fully supports Mactan Cebu International Airport’s ground power initiatives. This represents a crucial step in creating a sustainable future for Philippine aviation. We are honored to be the first airline to use this technology at CEB Airport,” Lei Apostol, Vice President for Customer Service Operations at Cebu Pacific, said in a statement.
As the pioneer airport in the Philippines to use FPU and PCA units, Cebu Airport is dedicated to reducing its overall ecological footprint and ensuring a safe, efficient working environment.
“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,” said Aboitiz InfraCapital GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation Chief Executive Officer, Athanasios Titonis.
Cebu Pacific is the first airline to adopt the use of BME at CEB airport.
The initiative highlights a shared commitment between the airline and the airport to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact, setting a new standard for sustainable practices in Philippine aviation.
