Mall-type commercial spaces to give airport extra P7M a month

THE Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) will earn more than P8 million a month from rental of spaces at the domestic and international terminals that were allocated for commerce.

MCIAA Public Affairs Manager Mary Ann Dimabayao said MCIAA used to earn only P1 million a month from the concessionaires’ monthly rental.

But with the new mall-style commercial areas like those operated by private firms in their airports in Hong Kong and South Korea, the MCIAA will be able to maximize their income.

Businessman Butch Carungay won the bidding to solely operate the stalls.

MCIAA General Manager Nigel Paul Villarete confirmed that there is an increase in revenue generated “after the concession was opened to fair and transparent competitive bidding pursuant to existing government rules and regulations.”

“It will also enhance the image of the commercial spaces at the airport, better than what it was before and in the last 20 years,” Villarete said in a text message.

The winning bidder, he said, is the owner of Café Caesario, one of the current tenants at the airport.

“They’re upgrading by phase so as not to unduly constrict terminal services,” Villarete said.

Carungay named the area under his concession “District 32 at Mactan/Cebu.” The number 32 represents the telephone area code of Cebu.

The company is now hiring retail and outlet supervisors, company nurses, accounting and office clerks, butlers, cashiers, drivers, food attendants and cooks for the different establishments that will be set up at the airport.

The project is expected to change the commercial experience at the Mactan Cebu International Airport.