Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), recently honored with a prestigious Skytrax 4-Star Terminal rating, is now aiming for an even greater achievement: being recognized for having one of the World’s Best Airport Staff at the Skytrax Awards 2025. This ambitious goal was highlighted during the ‘Abiba Sugbo’ Skytrax Launch Event,on August 22,2024 held at the Tambuli Seaside Resort and Spa in Lapu-Lapu City.
MCIA General Manager Julius Neri Jr. rallied attendees to support the airport’s bid by casting their votes, urging, “Let’s show the world what Cebuano warm hospitality is all about.”
The launch event saw the presence of several notable figures, including Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia, Board Member Glenn Soco, Congresswoman Cindi Chan, DOTR Usec Bobbie Lim, Aboitiz CEO Sabin Aboitiz, MCIA CEO Thanos Titonis, Aboitiz Infra Capital VP-Head of Airports Business Rafa Aboitiz, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Jay Yuvallos, Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Marc Anthony Ynoc, CBM Chairman Reagan King, and members of a Russian delegation led by Vyacheslav Gennadyevich Kalganov, Deputy Chairman of the Committee for External Relations of Saint Petersburg.
Neri emphasized that MCIA’s and Aboitiz Infra Capital GMCAC’s vision extends beyond becoming a world-class airport; it includes cultivating a world-class airport staff. Echoing Governor Gwen Garcia’s sentiments, Neri highlighted the need to continually raise standards on a global scale. “Our goal is to achieve excellence globally, and we are committed to working diligently to make this a reality,” he stated.
Neri believes Cebu, renowned for its hospitality, has the potential to excel in the Skytrax Best Airport Staff category, but achieving this will require the collective effort of the entire aviation community, including the Bureau of Immigration, Bureau of Quarantine, Bureau of Customs, the local government of Lapu-Lapu City, and the Department of Tourism.
The Skytrax Best Airport Staff Award honors exceptional staff service, encompassing attitude, friendliness, and efficiency across various roles, including customer help desks, immigration and security staff, and employees at shops and food and beverage outlets.
Neri expressed optimism, emphasizing the importance of collaboration to achieve their ambitious goal. “We are dedicated to showcasing the best of Cebuano hospitality on the global stage,” he concluded.
Cosette Canilao, President & CEO of Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc., echoed this commitment, stating that MCIA aims to create a distinct identity and brand for airport experiences that meet global standards. “Through Skytrax, we hope to continue inspiring Filipino pride in MCIA and rally our stakeholders’ support to earn a place among the world’s best airports,” she said.
The Skytrax 4-Star rating for MCIA Terminal 2 reflects high standards in staff efficiency, hospitality, service consistency, and language proficiency. This recognition underscores MCIA’s dedication to delivering an exceptional passenger experience through outstanding service and product quality.
Athanasios Titonis, CEO of Aboitiz InfraCapital GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation, praised the airport staff’s dedication, noting, “The dedication of our airport staff is crucial to our operations. We are committed to ensuring the comfort and safety of our passengers.”
Ricia Montejo, Customer Experience Head, highlighted MCIA’s commitment to service excellence, emphasizing that friendly and efficient service is central to their mission. “We achieve this by conducting training programs that meet global customer service standards,” she said.
As part of its campaign for the Best Airport Staff award, MCIA has launched a 7-month campaign titled ‘Abiba Sugbo,’ encouraging the public to vote for the airport in the Best Airport Staff category. Aldwin Uy, Deputy Chief Operations Officer of AGMCAC, stressed the significance of Skytrax awards in setting global airport standards and positioning MCIA as a premier gateway in the Philippines.
Inaki Ponio Jr., Senior Manager for Airline Marketing and Tourism Development at AGMCAC, highlighted the potential benefits of supporting such international campaigns, noting, “Supporting international campaigns not only enhances our global presence but also potentially increases opportunities for new international routes to and from Cebu.”
MCIA is calling on its partners and passengers to spread the word and support its bid for the Skytrax Best Airport Staff Award as it strives to make a mark on the global stage.
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