THE GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. (GMCAC) celebrated last Wednesday its first anniversary as operator of Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA), and officials were proud to report that they were voted by travelers as Asia’s 18th best airport in an online poll this year.
In his speech during the GMCAC’s 1st Anniversary Stakeholders Dinner at Radisson Blu Hotel, GMCAC president Louie Ferrer said passengers are already feeling the improved airport experience.
“This is a promising beginning that we were able to attain through this close collaboration, and one that we will work hard to sustain and improve on in the years ahead,” Ferrer said.
“Tonight, we celebrate our first anniversary by recognizing the close partnerships that we have formed. On behalf of GMCAC, thank you for giving us the chance to work with you. Thank you for bringing heart to the airport. We are proud to have taken these first steps with all of you,” Ferrer said.
Estee Marie Patino Plunket, head of the GMCAC corporate affairs, said that this will be a month-long celebration that include employees’ day, tree-planting in Barangay Pung-ol, Cebu City, and a final celebration on Nov. 26 at the airport, with the different stakeholders and government agencies.
GMCAC is a joint venture of GMR Infrastructure Ltd. of India and Megawide Construction Corp. of the Philippines, which won the public-private partnership (PPP) bidding to manage MCIA and convert it into a world-class facility in the future.
Ferrer said that through PPP, MCIAA and the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), they found a framework for cooperation that allows them to engage with public and private agencies in an open and collaborating setting.
“As a result of collaboration with the LGUs (local government units), Cebu business and tourism industries, we are made aware of MCIA’s impact on commerce, resources and infrastructure,” Ferrer added.
GMCAC chief executive adviser Andrew Aquaah-Harrison said that it’s easy to deal and transact business with the Filipinos because they are hospitable and friendly.
“The smile of the Filipinos is the most generous smile in the world,” Harrison said.
He said that the new airport passenger terminal or T2 will be operational in 2018 and, combined with the existing terminal, will accommodate 12.5 million passengers a year.
This will be a big leap to the present annual passenger traffic of 7.1 million.
MCIAA General Manager Nigel Paul Villarete said that GMCAC is doing a great job of improving airport services since they assumed airport operation last Nov. 1, 2014.