MCIA acquires fuel hydrant facility

CEBU, Philippines —  The GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC), together with the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA), has announced the official commissioning of the fuel hydrant system (FHS) during its switch-on ceremony held on February 3, 2023 at the airport’s Terminal 2.

The commissioning of the FHS ensures safe and efficient operations at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) allowing for an increased fuel delivery rate to the aircraft, a systemized fuel inventory management, and fewer ground support equipment movements.

The FHS was put into place in partnership with Petron Corporation providing the fuel storage facility and fuel supply.

“Being the second busiest gateway in the country, we see a significant increase in the air traffic at MCIA, making it imperative to be able to turn around more aircraft while operating the airport, safely and efficiently,” said Rafael Aboitiz, GMCAC director, in a statement.

Aboitiz said with the FHS, fuel delivery rates to the aircraft have increased considerably with reduced ground support movement and increased availability of aircraft stands.

MCIAA General Manager and CEO Julius Neri Jr. said that the FHS is a milestone for the MCIA as it enables them to turn around more aircraft faster.

“The resulting efficiencies and increased capacity are very timely as our soon-to-be finished second runway will certainly benefit from it as well. This would help position Cebu as the premier tourist destination and transit hub in the country,” Neri said.

The fuel hydrant system ensures simplification with easier fuel management, inventory control, built-in leak detection, and compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

The switch on ceremony was attended by Neri, Aboitiz, Petron Corporation Vice President for Industrial Trade Virgilio Centeno; Mactan Airline Operators Council Chairman Angelo Gubatina and Vice Chairman Elaine Oracion, and Emirates Station Manager Raymund Hicarte. — GMR (FREEMAN)