CEBU, Philippines – In a significant milestone, ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) to run a pilot to support the airport establish a comprehensive framework on environmentally sustainable initiatives to achieve its Net Zero emissions goals.
The MoU was signed on the sidelines of the 59th Conference of Directors General of Civil Aviation, Asia and Pacific Region, in the presence of ICAO President, Mr. Salvatore Sciacchitano and Secretary General, Juan Carlos Salazar.
Through its Net Zero Roadmap, a programme endorsed by Airport Carbon Accreditation, ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East will provide strategic guidance to support the airport’s sustainability journey. This on-demand service which serves as a complementary to Airport Carbon Accreditation, helps airports create structured plans, including carbon footprint projections, governance frameworks, and recommendations across areas like assets, fuels, and operations. The programme also offers guidance on CAPEX planning, implementation strategies, and offsetting measures, while connecting airports with global financial institutions for potential funding.
Commenting on this partnership, Mr. Stefano Baronci, the Director General of ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East, said: “In an era where environmental sustainability has become not just an option but a fundamental need for the aviation industry, ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East is proud to lead in guiding our airport members towards achieving their Net Zero emissions goals. As the industry continues to face increasing pressure to minimise its carbon footprint, we recognise that robust action is required to ensure that airports are prepared for a sustainable future. Through our Net Zero Roadmap programme, we offer tailored support to airports like Mactan Cebu International, helping them create practical, effective plan.”
Athanasios Titonis, Chief Executive Officer of Aboitiz InfraCapital GMCAC, the private operator of Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), reaffirms his commitment to establishing MCIA as a benchmark for sustainability among Philippine airports. “We are proud to be at the forefront of advancing sustainability in Filipino airports. While we recognize there is still much work ahead, our partnership with ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East gives us confidence that our initiatives will leave a meaningful, long-lasting impact on the environment. We aspire to inspire other airports across the Philippines and Asia to follow suit. Together, we can drive sustainable tourism, ensuring that destinations worldwide offer enriching and responsible experiences for generations to come.”
Julius Neri, General Manager of Mactan-Cebu International Airport, is confident that the partnership with ACI will significantly accelerate MCIA’s sustainability efforts, ensuring the highest level of efficiency in achieving their environmental goals. “MCIA’s success has always been driven by strong synergies, most notably our collaboration with our private operator, Aboitiz InfraCapital GMCAC. Together, we have cultivated an airport ecosystem that consistently demonstrates its effectiveness. With Airports Council International (ACI) now joining us on our sustainability journey, we are confident that their expertise will bring valuable insights and further elevate our efforts toward creating a more sustainable future.”
Mactan Cebu International Airport was recently accredited with Level 1 certification from Airport Carbon Accreditation, the globally recognized carbon management programme for airports. The MoU for Net Zero Roadmap programme will support the airport in progressing to Level 5, the highest level of the programme. Achieving Level 5 requires the airport to maintain a Net Zero carbon balance for Scope 1 and 2 emissions, while actively addressing Scope 3 emissions.