Cebu airport chosen Asia-Pacific Airport of the Year

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mactan-cebu-international-airportThe Philippines’ Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) has been named Asia-Pacific Airport of the Year 2016 by aviation think tank Centre for Aviation (CAPA).

CAPA said MCIA was selected for its “rapid growth since a successful privatisation in late 2014.”

“The new owners, GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC), have secured several new international routes and have invested in a new terminal which will open in 2018, boosting the airport’s capacity by 12.5 million passengers per annum,” it added. GMCAC in 2014 was awarded a 25-year concession of the airport.

Australia-based CAPA, provider of independent aviation market intelligence, said the award is given to the regional airport that has been the biggest standout strategically, established itself as a leader, and done the most to advance the progress of the aviation industry. The award is intended to recognize smaller airports with annual passenger traffic of less than 10 million.

“Mactan-Cebu has quickly proven to be a successful airport privatisation project, silencing sceptics and winning praise from airlines,” CAPA executive chairman Peter Harbison said.

He added that the Cebu air hub has emerged as “a leader among small to medium sized airports while GMCAC’s strategy of positioning Cebu as an alternative hub to Manila for domestic to international connections is starting to pay dividends.”

CAPA noted that Mactan-Cebu had become one of the fastest growing airports in Asia, recording 14% growth in 2015 to 7.8 million passengers. International growth has been particularly fast, with a 20% rise in 2015 and a 19% increase through the first nine months of 2016.

In March 2016, Mactan-Cebu attracted its first long-haul routes with Los Angeles (launched by Philippine Airlines) and Dubai (launched by Emirates). EVA Air and Xiamen Airlines have also launched services to Cebu this year, giving the airport 15 foreign airlines with operations at the hub. Meanwhile Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines have both pursued rapid domestic growth at Mactan-Cebu, with several new routes and additional capacity aimed at bolstering connectivity.

“We are thrilled by this recognition as it brings pride not just to our company but also to the Philippines. In the past, we have only been known for having the worst airports but through MCIA, we are changing that mindset,” GMCAC president Louie Ferrer said.

The award is an addition to the airport’s other recognitions, such as landing as 14th best airport in Asia this year, according to the online The Guide to Sleeping in Airports.

GMCAC chief executive adviser Andrew Harrison said, “We want to strengthen Cebu’s position as an international hub. We want to take advantage of market opportunities, and ensure continued dialogue with existing carriers while presenting business cases to potential airlines. We also regularly consult with stakeholders such as tourism authorities, and the travel and tourism sector.”