
MANILA — Cebu Pacific is taking another step toward reducing aviation-related emissions after becoming the first carrier to operate using bridge-mounted equipment at Clark International Airport.
The airline started using the airport-installed system in October 2026, working with Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corporation (LIPAD), which manages the facility.
Bridge-mounted equipment supplies aircraft with electricity and cooled air while they are stationed at boarding gates. This allows planes to minimize the use of auxiliary power units, which burn jet fuel to provide onboard electricity and cooling when aircraft engines are not running.
Reducing APU use can help airlines cut fuel consumption, emissions and ground-level noise, supporting efforts to make airport operations more environmentally sustainable.
Lei Apostol, Cebu Pacific vice president for customer service operations, said the airline supports Clark airport’s APU OFF program as part of its broader sustainability efforts.
She said using airport-based power and cooling systems instead of relying heavily on onboard equipment would help reduce the environmental impact of aircraft on the ground.
LIPAD president and CEO Noel Manankil welcomed Cebu Pacific’s participation, saying the BME facility aligns with Clark airport’s commitment to more sustainable operations.
The latest development follows Cebu Pacific’s introduction of BME at Mactan-Cebu International Airport in 2024, where the airline was also the first carrier to use the technology.
Beyond bridge-mounted equipment, Cebu Pacific has introduced electric ground support equipment, ground power units and air-cooling units at Mactan-Cebu International Airport and Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
These systems are intended to reduce emissions and limit the need for aircraft to generate their own power and cooling while parked.
Cebu Pacific said its continued coordination with airport operators forms part of its effort to improve operational efficiency while reducing its environmental impact.
The airline currently connects 35 domestic and 26 international destinations throughout Asia, Australia and the Middle East.
ia/xf
