Terminal 2 going through simulations to ensure its commercial readiness

CDN PHOTO/ Norman Mendoza

Simulations to ensure the operational readiness of the Mactan Cebu International Airport’s (MCIA’s) new Terminal 2 (T2), which is scheduled to open on July 1, have been implemented starting June 13.

This developed with the GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. (GMCAC), the company operating T2, implemented the Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) program to prepare for the commissioning of Terminal 2 on July 1.

ORAT is designed to ensure that the new terminal of the Mactan Cebu International Airport is fully ready for commercial operations.

The ORAT for trial passengers started last June 13 and continued to the 14th, 18th, 20th and the last schedule was Friday 22nd.

“The most critical planning aspect towards the opening is the testing of T2’s operational readiness and the alignment of various processes. We need to ensure, through the ORAT program, that all facilities and processes are ready for commercial operations in July,” said Andrew Acquaah Harrison, GMCAC chief executive advisor, in a phone interview on Friday.

He said that the ORAT program started in November 2017 with various familiarization trainings and walkthroughs around the new terminal for airport employees.

He said that this week’s simulation trials included the intensive testing of facilities, processes and policies, information technology and airport systems, and manpower readiness.

Aside from various system tests and manpower familiarization, the trials would also comprehensively check all standard operating procedures designed to meet the requirements of airlines, Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and other airport regulatory bodies.

Harrison said at the MCIA’s Facebook page, over 600 volunteers from the public were invited to play the role of passengers during these trial sessions.