World-Class Cebu Airport Services Soon: GMR-Megawide Takes Over Operations From MCIAA

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Airline passengers using the country’s second-busiest gateway airport can expect better, more customer-oriented services soon as the GMR-Megawide consortium formally took overthe operations and maintenance (O&M) requirements of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) last November 1st.

“This is a major step in our thrust to modernize our transportation facilities, and in delivering world-class services that the public deserves. As a major international destination for business travelers and tourists alike, we are excited to bring the Mactan-Cebu airport at par with the best in the world,” said Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Jun Abaya.

With O&M functions turned over to GMR-Megawide, passengers can expect immediate enhancements within the next three months. One of the first improvements will equip the immigration section with passport readers and computers and will relocate it to a larger area. This will shorten queuing time and maximize the use of airport space, as MCIA’s annual passenger count is expected to increase from 4.5million today to 12.5 million in 2018.

To provide a more pleasant, comfortable experience for the public, basic airport facilities will also be modernized through interior design improvements. These include simple enhancements such as importing new seats for the waiting areas and rehabilitating comfort rooms.In addition, an air-conditioned room will be constructed at the arrival area to accommodate greeters and well-wishers.

MCIA’s IT system will also be upgraded to allow the integration of screening areas and check-in counters, which will further expedite passenger processing.

Meanwhile,the airport is also opening more international routes beginning next month. Direct flights from Cebu to Osaka and to Nagoya will be available to the public come December, and flights from Cebu to Narita will be added in early 2015.

“These developments give us a peek into the dynamic future that the DOTC is working on for Cebu. We believe that our airport modernization efforts will spur economic growth in the province and the region, especially through tourism and job creation,” Abaya added.

The DOTC and Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority’s (MCIAA) 25-year Concession Agreement with GMR-Megawide entails the construction of a new, world-class international passenger terminal building (PTB), which will be constructed beginning next year and will be opened in 2018. The consortium will also refurbish the existing PTB, for completion in 2019.

MCIA is envisioned to be the world’s first resort airport, incorporating a locally-inspired design that is hoped to be a tourist attraction in itself.

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