Cebu Pacific, the Philippines’ largest airline, has partnered with Mactan-Cebu International Airport to launch an innovative system of Bridge-Mounted Equipment that it claims will set a new standard in sustainability and efficiency in Philippine aviation. With the Fixed Power Unit complete and the Pre-Conditioned Air unit, the new BME System will reduce operational costs and cut carbon emissions while lessening the environmental impact of airline operations at the country’s second busiest airport.
This positions MCIA to be the first airport in the Philippines to use such advanced equipment. Because the system relieves aircraft of the need to operate their jet fuel-powered APUs while parked, operations can be conducted in a more environmentally friendly manner. The FPU supplies ground power and the PCA unit provides efficient cooling of the cabin during servicing without fuel consumption.
Successful Test Flight of BME System
A successful test flight of the operational capabilities of the new system was conducted, wherein a Cebu Pacific A321neo aircraft, flight 5J 5063 arriving from Narita, Tokyo, seamlessly connects to the BME system upon arrival at MCIA. This is one crucial step towards lessening both fuel consumption and carbon emissions during ground operations.
Lei Apostol, the Vice President for Customer Service Operations at Cebu Pacific, pegs this new system as important because ground power solutions similar to the BME are what the aviation industry essentially needs on its path towards sustainability. “We’re the first to utilize this at MCIA, and this is the way forward for a greener aviation industry in the country,” she added.
Reducing Environmental Impact and Costs
The introduction of the BME system at MCIA is in line with international best practices for sustainable aviation. Airports from all parts of the world have already started to employ similar technologies, including major airports in Hong Kong, Zurich, Dublin, and Munich, to reduce emissions, enhance operational safety, and decrease the need for aircraft to rely on their APUs while stationed at the gate.
The advantages of this new system are not confined to carbon emission reductions. By reducing the need for fuel-powered APUs, airlines like Cebu Pacific will be in a position to save much on fuel and maintenance costs, thereby enhancing their operational efficiency and safety.
The system will save money but also reduce noise levels at the airport, making it more comfortable for passengers and employees alike. Serving aircraft is easier and faster-and hence safer-thanks to the convenient location of the FPU and PCA units beneath the Passenger Boarding Bridge.
Athanasios Titonis, chief executive officer of Aboitiz InfraCapital GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation, welcomed the new development: “We are happy to finally join the ranks of other international airports in adopting these technologies and thus contributing to global sustainability efforts.”
MCIA Leads Philippine Aviation to a Greener Future
As the second busiest airport in the Philippines, MCIA is expected to play an important role in the country’s efforts to lower its aviation carbon footprint. With the BME system, MCIA goes one step further in the management of its environmental impact proactively to improve air quality and set a new standard regarding operational safety and efficiency.
MCIA-A General Manager Julius Neri Jr. stressed that these changes are very significant, since both airports and airlines must take responsibility in the management of their carbon footprints. He added, “We encourage all airlines that operate through MCIA to make use of the FPU and PCA systems to help us maintain good air quality for both passengers and airport staff.”
Installation of the BME system from Cebu Pacific forms part of a greater undertaking by the airline to operate in an increasingly sustainable manner. It follows current efforts by Cebu Pacific to modernize its fleet and make operations more efficient for the benefit of the environment. Being at the forefront in Philippine aviation, Cebu Pacific is setting an effective example of pioneering green technologies that could eventually be emulated by other regional airlines.
A Milestone for Philippine Aviation
The partnership between Cebu Pacific and MCIA is a milestone for the country as it inches its way to making aviation in the country more sustainable. The aviation industry is among the biggest contributors to carbon emissions worldwide, and as such, the adoption of environment-friendly technologies-like the BME system-becomes very important, if the industry ever wants to reduce its carbon footprint.
With the eventual adoption of the BME system, Cebu Pacific is taking concrete steps in ensuring a reduced carbon footprint for its operations in line with global efforts towards greening aviation. In the case of MCIA, the initiative positions the airport as a leader in sustainable aviation, hence playing an important role both nationally and internationally in terms of environmental goals.
The Road Ahead
The implementation of the BME system is just the beginning, as far as MCIA and Cebu Pacific are concerned. The more the aviation industry in the Philippines becomes sustainable, with a growing trend in airlines embracing such sustainability and hence making use of innovative technologies, all the more environmentally responsible they will be. Further investments in green technologies can make this partnership a model for other airports and airlines in the country and beyond.
Going forward, the implementation of sustainability measures-like the BME system-into daily airport operations will be essential in order to meet global climate goals and create the pathway to continued responsible growth in aviation.
Source: Cebu Pacific