World’s first resort airport in Philippines
Philippines’ Department of Transportation and Communications breaks ground for the world’s first resort airport, the first airport PPP project, on June 29.
Announced under the presidency of Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) is touted to be the start of Philippine airports matching the best in the world.
“The kick-off ceremony for the construction of the new international terminal for the country’s second-biggest gateway, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) is publicised to be the establishment of Philippine airports matching the best in the world,” informs Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya, Secretary, Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).
“It will not only cement our place on the global map as a major tourist and business destination, but will boost the local economy as its projected to generate jobs especially in Cebu,” he adds.
The project is envisioned by concessionaire GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC), to be regarded as the first resort airport in the world. It covers the construction of a new worldclass international passenger terminal building (PTB), as well as the renovation of the existing PTB and its conversion into an exclusively-domestic facility.
Construction of the new terminal will be completed by 2018, while the renovation of the existing terminal is slated to be completed in 2019. The airport’s passenger capacity will surge from 4.5 million to 12.5 million per year.
“It is clear to us that GMCAC brings international expertise in running an airport, without delay it has made substantial improvements without making structural works yet. What it will do now that we are breaking ground is exciting for us and especially for travellers to and from Cebu,” Abaya remarks.
Immediately upon assuming O&M responsibility, GMCAC began implementing “soft improvements” to the existing terminal, those improvements which did not require major civil works to enhance passenger experience at the gateway. To further reduce passenger queues, GMCAC also opened additional immigration counters and self-service kiosks where in passengers can pre-check-in.
It will not only cement our place on the global map as a major tourist and business destination, but will boost the local economy as its projected to generate jobs especially in Cebu