ABOITIZ TO TECH UP MACTAN-CEBU AIRPORT

Aboitiz InfraCapital said it will maximize the use of data science and artificial intelligence to improve passenger experience

WHILE smart features are already in place at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), its new concessionaire wants to further upgrade the airport services to improve passenger experience.

“One thing that we are really keen to explore for the airport is to maximize data science and artificial intelligence. We are uniquely positioned to leverage that so we are going to explore further in deeper detail about how are going to maximize the customer experience for the airport,” said Rafa Aboitiz, assistant vice president for project development of Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC).

Aboitiz said they are going to leverage technology for quicker and faster screening, baggage tracking and other airport services.

“We eventually want to live in a world where Cebuanos can already check-in at the airport by just looking at the camera so they won’t have to pull off their phones, wallets or piece of paper,” he said.

AIC will tap Aboitiz Data Innovation’s (ADI) expertise, Aboitiz’s new subsidiary, to tech up MCIA operations. It will explore the use of data science and artificial intelligence through ADI to tech up MCIA operarions.

ADI’s chief responsibility is to transform data into business outcomes, exploit information to make better decisions, reinvent business models, and develop high-value solutions to create new processes, products, and services.

AIC bought P9.5 billion worth of shares in GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corp., the developer and operator of the MCIA. AIC will take full control of MCIA in 2024.

AIC will be leveraging local knowledge and relationships to support the travel sector, which has been steadily improving in the past few months, and to contribute to the growth trajectory of MCIA and the surrounding communities.

AIC operates Mactan Economic Zone 2 (MEZ 2) Estate in LapuLapu City and West Cebu Estate (WCE) in Balamban, Cebu.

MCIA is the country’s second busiest airport. Some six million passengers, domestic and foreign combined, passed through MCIA in the first eight months of the year. Besides MCIA, AIC also proposed to develop and operate the New Bohol International Airport in Panglao, Bohol, as well as upgrade and operate the Laguindingan International Airport in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental and Bicol International Airport.

It is currently waiting for the approval of the National Economic and Development Authority for these three airfield projects.

Aboitiz said they are keen to replicate the progress of MCIA to these regional airports and explore potential synergies if they get to develop and operate these projects.

Aboitiz InfraCapital president and chief executive Cosette Canilao said developments such as that of the MCIA bodes well for tourism, a sector that was badly hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“This will boost tourism and jumpstart the economic recovery of the country,” she said.