10 Mactan Airport picked as Asia Pacific Regional Airport of the Year

Two years after the management of its terminal operations went into private hands, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport was chosen as the Asia-Pacific Regional Airport of the Year by the Center for Asia Pacific Aviation.

The center described Mactan airport as “the biggest standout strategically” and added that its management had “done the most to advance the progress of the aviation industry.”

As of August, four new international routes were launched, connecting Cebu to Los Angeles, Dubai, Xiamen and Taipei. Three new domestic routes were launched earlier this week.

From Mactan, travelers can now reach 12 destinations abroad and 23 others in the country. Given these new flights, officials of the GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. (GMCAC) were optimistic that a target of 8.9 million arrivals this year remains within reach.

GMCAC won in 2014 the public-private partnership contract to manage the existing terminal and build a new one. Strengthening Cebu’s position as an international hub, said GMCAC Chief Executive Officer Andrew Harrison, is a key part of GMCAC’s vision.

For GMCAC President Louie Ferrer, the award is a thrilling one. “In the past, the Philippines has only been known for having the worst airports, but through MCIA, we are changing that mindset.”