The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), the second busiest airport in the Philippines, has introduced a new transfer system service called Cebu Connect, aimed at significantly reducing transfer times for both domestic and international flights.
According to Cosette V. Canilao, President & CEO of Aboitiz InfraCapital, the new initiative will reduce transfer times from 90 minutes to 60 minutes for international connections and from 60 minutes to 35 minutes for domestic ones.
“This initiative will reduce transfer times significantly – from 90 minutes to 60 minutes for international connections and from 60 minutes to 35 minutes for domestic ones – making travel more seamless and enjoyable for our fellow Filipinos and tourists,” Canilao said.
Launched in collaboration with the Bureau of Immigration, Department of Transportation, Department of Tourism, and airline partners such as Cebu Pacific, Air Asia, and Philippine Airlines, Cebu Connect is expected to enhance the overall travel experience and support the growth of tourism in the Philippines.
Canilao highlighted that the new system will boost the tourism industry’s multiplier effect, attracting tourists and investors, and creating jobs across the country.
“Cebu Connect represents what we do in Aboitiz InfraCapital. More than just profit, we care about making a lasting impact on our communities and our nation. This means our businesses across our sectors strategically integrate, thereby creating greater value for our stakeholders,” Canilao added.
MCIA, which serves 15 airlines—five local and 10 foreign—connects to 40 destinations as of April. Athanasios Titonis, MCIA’s chief executive officer, stated that the Cebu Connect system has already commenced for domestic-to-domestic transfers, with domestic-to-international transfers set to launch in the coming months.
Under the new system, passengers with connecting flights will no longer need to retrieve their baggage from the baggage claim counter. Instead, they will proceed directly to a designated gate for security clearances.
“To ease the journey for passengers, we decided to simplify transfers, especially for frequent flyers, families with small children, persons with disabilities, and individuals on medical or business trips where time is crucial,” Titonis explained.
This streamlined process aims to provide a more convenient and efficient travel experience for all passengers passing through MCIA.
CebuLifestyleChannel.ph