Andrew Acquaah-Harrison, Chief Executive Advisor, GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation, has his work cut out. Heading the expansion of the first airport in the Philippines to be privatised under the PPP model, Acquaah-Harrison vision is clear: the Mactan Cebu International Airport has to be one of the “friendliest and most efficient” airport in the Philippines and Asia. He took time out from his busy schedule during his flying trip to Delhi for the GAD Asia conference to talk to TIRTHANKAR GHOSH. Excerpts from the conversation:
You have been in Cebu for two years?
Yes. Actually, coming up to 2-1/2 years.
How are you expanding the Mactan-Cebu airport?
Mactan-Cebu International Airport is in the second largest population centre in Philippines. It is also the second largest airport in the Philippines and it was the first airport in the Philippines to be privatised under the PPP model. And in this concession agreement, it is a period of 25 years. Under the concession agreement, we are required to operate, manage, develop and expand the existing airport and meet specific service level criteria that are defined in the concession agreement. There is no revenue share to the government, but there is an upfront premium and we bid the highest upfront premium which was basically $362 million dollars. So, that was the premium that we paid. The terminal was designed with a capacity of 4-1/2 million passengers per annum. When we took over, it was handling 5.9 million and now it is currently handling 8.2 million. So, we expect that will cross 9 million by early next year, quarter one of 2017.
So, what are you building now?
We are building Terminal 2, which is an international terminal that has a capacity of 8 million. So, by the time that is complete and commissioned in June 2018, we will have a combined total capacity of 12-1/2 million passengers, which will see us through further number of years going forward.
What kind of challenges are you facing there?
This story is from the November 2016 edition of Cruising Heights.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 2016 edition of Cruising Heights.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Jets, Tech, And Green Goals
The key themes at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024 revolved around innovation and sustainability. Sizeable aircraft orders, advancements in eVTOL technology, and a strong commitment to environmental goals underscore an industry that is not only rebounding from past challenges but also setting the stage for a more sustainable and technologically advanced future, reports ATUL CHANDRA.
FREIGHT IN FLIGHT
In 2023, Indian airports handled over 3.15 million metric tonnes of cargo, with international freight dominating. As the sector aims to meet the government's ambitious annual target of 10 million metric tonnes (MMT) by 2030, this goal will require dedicated freighter aircraft, technological integration, infrastructure development, and regulatory improvements, among other things. By JAIDEEP MIRCHANDANI, Chairman, Sky One
ELEVATING PASSENGER EXPERIENCES
Panasonic Avionics Corporation is setting new standards in in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) with the launch of its state-of-the-art software design and development facility in Pune, highlights
CAUGHT IN PAPER JAM
Despite rapid digital advancements in passenger air travel with the airline market expected to surpass $35 billion by end of this decade, the air cargo industry remains bogged down by outdated legacy systems, impeding progress in efficiency and real-time tracking. A special report by
PITCHING FOR SUPPORT
India's air cargo industry is gearing up for a major transformation, aiming to nearly triple its capacity by 2030. Current infrastructure handles about 6.5 million tonnes, but meeting future goals will require significant investments to expand capacity, streamline operations, and adopt cutting-edge technologies. Industry leaders at a recent ACFI Annual Conclave emphasised the need for strong government support to overcome challenges, urging policymakers to address operational constraints and improve connectivity, reports
BATTLE FOR THE SKIES
As India's international air traffic experiences significant growth over the past few decades, the competition between Air India and IndiGo intensifies. Vistara's merger within Air India and the significant aircraft orders position the combined entity as a formidable player, while IndiGo's ambitious expansion plans and international focus set the stage for a competitive future, analyses
"We Aim to Bridge the Training Gap in Indian Aviation"
In a candid conversation with CRUISING HEIGHTS, KHUSHBEG JATTANA, General Manager India of Simaero, discusses the strategic timing of Simaero's entry into the Indian aviation market. He addresses the challenges posed by existing pilot training programmes from major airlines like Air India and IndiGo, and elaborates on Simaero's plans to complement these efforts with state-of-the-art training solutions. Jattana also sheds light on the potential growth in the South Asian region and the company's vision for the future.
POWERING UP
Urban Air Mobility providers are accelerating their eVTOL development programmes, reports
Transforming Air Traffic Control Training: CAE's Cutting-Edge Approach
In this interview, MARIE-CHRISTINE CLOUTIER, CAE's Vice-President of Performance, Strategy, and Marketing, discusses CAE's air traffic control training program. Highlighting strategic partnerships, advanced technologies, and global initiatives, the interview reveals how CAE addresses the growing demand for skilled air traffic controllers and flight service specialists. From their dedicated Montreal facility to expanding efforts across the globe, CAE is committed to providing tailored, state-of-the-art training solutions for the aviation industry's future.
POWERING A GREEN FUTURE
FIA 2024 witnessed a growing order book for aircraft engine manufacturers and provided important insights into the development of sustainable powerplants.
