Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc (AIC), the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group, is positioning Mactan–Cebu International Airport (MCIA) as a showcase for public-private partnership (PPP) execution in the Philippines, saying the project demonstrates how private operators can accelerate upgrades while keeping performance aligned with public service goals.
AIC said MCIA, one of the country’s most prominent airport PPPs, has helped it set benchmarks in operational efficiency and passenger experience, as the group expands its airport footprint beyond Cebu to other provincial gateways.
“Mactan-Cebu International Airport has shown that the PPP model works. It proves that infrastructure development can be accelerated when the government and private sector work together,” said Rafael M. Aboitiz, AIC vice president and head of airports, in a company statement.
He added that stakeholders “can be confident in the value created through this partnership.”
In 2024, Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (ACAC) began operating MCIA following a phased acquisition that began in 2022, AIC said.
Under a 25-year concession, ACAC is tasked to develop, operate and maintain the airport under a PPP structure anchored on the country’s Build-Operate-Transfer framework and its implementing rules.
“PPPs are more than just financing. PPPs provide us structure and a way for long-term performance to align with public interest,” said AIC President and Chief Executive Officer Cosette V. Canilao.
AIC pointed to recent service recognitions as evidence of progress at MCIA. It said the airport’s Airports Council International customer experience accreditation was upgraded to Level 3 from Level 2 in January 2026, reflecting refinements in customer experience using passenger feedback and staff-led improvements.
It also said MCIA was named Best Airport at Departures in the 5–15 million passengers category in Asia-Pacific at the 2025 Airports Council International Airport Service Quality Awards.
AIC said MCIA also supported high-volume protocol movements, citing the use of dedicated arrival and departure lanes for ASEAN delegates and cultural welcome activities organised with the Department of Tourism as part of efforts to strengthen the “gateway experience.”
Beyond Cebu, AIC said it is expanding through PPP concessions for Laguindingan International Airport, the primary gateway to Northern Mindanao, and Bohol–Panglao International Airport, a key tourism gateway in Central Visayas.
The group said development and modernisation works at Laguindingan and Bohol–Panglao are set to begin in 2025 over the short- to medium-term under multi-year concession agreements awarded by the government in 2024.
AIC said its airport network is projected to handle around 16 million passengers by end-2025, accounting for over 20% of the country’s passenger traffic, as it rolls out further modernisation projects in partnership with transport and aviation agencies.
Cebu Business News
