GMR now in charge

CEBU, Philippines – The GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. has assumed management of the terminal operations of the Mactan Cebu International Airport yesterday, after the MCIA Authority turned over the operations of the terminal to the new private operators midnight of October 31.

After months of preparations, discussions and exchanging documents, both groups unveiled a plaque, which also highlighted the Department of Technology and Communications’ partnership with GMCAC.

Jingjing Farrarons, public relations officer of MCIA said that the first passengers who arrived at midnight were given chocolates and sweets as a way of welcoming them and informing the public that GMCAC is now the new terminal operator.

Airport officials who attended the turnover ceremony included MCIA general manager Nigel Paul Villarete, MCIA new assistant general manager Ahmed Cuizon and the other department heads of the MCIA.

GMCAC President Michael Cosiquien and Chief Executive Adviser Andrew Acquaah-Harrison were also in attendance together with Chairman for the Airport Sector Srinavas Bommidala and other GMR officials.

GMCAC said the improvement of the terminal operations will involve a three-pronged approach; focusing on reduction of congestion, improvement of the facility’s ambiance and enhancement of guest services.

There will also be an expansion in the terminal entry security capacity and common security checks will be retained for domestic and international passengers. Installation of additional X-ray machine lanes will also be expected under the management of GMCAC.

The addition of comfortable seats, upgrading of the washrooms and replacement of old signages will also be prioritized. For the first week of the GMCAC’s administration, an air-conditioned hall will be made available for people going to the airport to fetch their families, friends or guests.

The construction of the airport’s Terminal 2 will begin in the first quarter of 2015. MCIA handles 4.5 million passengers yearly, but GMCAC projects this may go up to 12.5 million as soon as the T2 will be finished.

OFWS EXEMPT FROM TERMINAL FEE

As domestic and international passengers departing from the Mactan Cebu International Airport paid a higher Passenger Service Charge or terminal fee starting yesterday, Overseas Filipino Workers are still exempted from paying such a fee.

“OFWs are exempted from paying Passenger Service Charge under our Migrant’s Workers Act,” said Villarete.

By virtue of the Migrant Workers’ Act of 1995, OFWs are exempted from paying airport fee, travel tax and documentary stamp upon presentation of their Overseas Employment Certificate issued by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration.

Starting yesterday, MCIAA implemented an increase in its Domestic Passenger Service Charge from P200 to P220 and for International Passenger Service Charge from P550 to P750.

The MCIAA Board has approved the revision of the PSC during its regular meeting last October 10, 2014.

It said that MCIAA Board decided to stagger implementation of the PSC for domestic passengers even as it recognizes the need to expand the runway.

In an earlier statement, MCIAA said that the PSC increase will help fund new investments required to cater to growing airline and passenger traffic.

It added that the increase will cover both the contractual obligations the government has to GMCAC and MCIAA’s airside aeronautical operating costs which have increased over the years. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/BRP (FREEMAN)