More flights in Mactan to boost trade, tourism

Terminal operator GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. (GMCAC) said more flights have been introduced at the Mactan Cebu International Airport, boosting trade and tourism in this island-province.

Seven domestic flights and two international flights have been launched since March 28, said GMCAC corporate affairs head Estee Marie P. Plunket.

Cebu Pacific (CEB) introduced four times weekly services to Narita in Tokyo, Japan while AirAsia Philippines launched a four times weekly service to Kota Kinabalu Airport in Malaysia.

Cathay Pacific’s Cebu-Hong Kong link has been increased to 10 times a week from the previous daily service.

Philippine Airlines (PAL) reinstated its daily flights to Cagayan de Oro, Tacloban, Davao and Iloilo as well as the four times weekly service to Butuan and thrice-weekly flights to Bacolod City.

Tigerair Philippines also announced daily flights between Cebu  and Puerto Princesa.

“GMCAC has worked with its partner airlines in the launching of these new routes and increased frequencies with the compelling argument that demand for tourist and business travel is increasing,”

GMCAC chief executive advisor Andrew Acquaah-Harrison said in a statement.

Harrison added that GMCAC was “actively pursuing potential new airlines and routes through various initiatives” to increase travel to Cebu and the rest of the Visayas.

Plunket said the Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority has proposed incentives for airline companies that offer new flights and routes. This will contribute to efforts to increase traffic in the airport.

“It has already been approved by the MCIAA board, with the rate of incentives depending on aircraft capacity and frequency,” she said. A public hearing has been set for May 20 at the Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino.

IMPROVEMENTS
To ensure efficient flow in the old passenger terminal while the new terminal is under construction, Harrison said GMCAC has optimized space, installed three more X-ray machines and opened five more check-in counters to process passengers.

There are now nine X-ray machines and 21 check-in counters in the existing terminal. An enhanced Domestic Initial Security Check zone has also been opened for domestic passengers.

Among the new improvements at the Mactan Cebu International Airport terminal was the installation of three more X-ray machines. (mciaa.gov.ph)

“These measures are designed to address the fact that the terminal is designed for an annual throughput of 4.5 million passengers per annum but is currently handling in excess of 7 million passengers per annum,” Harrison said.

GMCAC is also improving its information technology (IT) systems.

“IT system just installed and, in a couple of weeks, we can have a flexible check-in counter which any airline can log into and accept check-in at any of the 21 counters. This means convenience to all passengers,” said Plunket.