MCIA gets ready for July 1 operations

Developer GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC) recently kicked off an Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) program to ensure that Terminal 2 (T2) of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), will be ready for operations on July 1. President Rodrigo Duterte inaugurated the new international terminal two weeks ago (June 7, 2018). “The most critical planning aspect is the testing of Terminal 2’s operational readiness and the alignment of various processes,” explained GMCAC Chief Executive Adviser Andrew Harrison. “We need to ensure, through the ORAT program, that all facilities and processes are ready for commercial operations in July.” The ORAT Program started in November, 2017 with familiarization training and walk-throughs around the new terminal for the airport employees. Included in the simulation trials are the intensive testing of airport facilities, processes, and policies. Information Technology (IT), airport systems, and manpower readiness are also being assessed. The trials will also check all standard operating procedures designed to meet the requirements of airlines, Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and other airport regulatory bodies. Over 600 volunteers recruited from the MCIA Facebook page played a key role as passengers during the simulation sessions. Trial passengers were each given a role to play, such as going through regular airport processes or participating in unique scenarios. Passengers provided feedback at the end of their trial experience. MCIA is positioned as the world’s friendliest report airport. T2 was designed by Hong Kong-based Integrated Design Associates (IDA). The local architect on record is ASYA Design. The 65,500-square-meter facility was constructed by GMCAC as part of the 25-ear concession for the development of MCIA.