Cebu Pacific expands energy-saving push
THE BME system delivers electricity and cooled air directly to aircraft while they are parked at the gate. This means planes no longer need to run their auxiliary power units or APUs — engines that burn jet fuel just to run onboard systems when on the ground. Gokongwei-led carrier Cebu Pacific began using the facility, following its installation by airport manager Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corporation, or LIPAD.
Photograph courtesy of cebupac/fb
Cebu Pacific (CEB) is expanding its fuel-saving initiatives across major airports to reduce operating costs and improve ground efficiency by cutting its reliance on jet fuel-powered equipment while aircraft are parked.
The budget carrier said Friday it has become the first airline to use bridge-mounted equipment at Clark International Airport, extending its efforts to lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions beyond flight operations.
LIPAD-installed equipment
Since this month, CEB has been using the equipment installed by Clark operator Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corporation (LIPAD), which supplies electricity and cooled air directly to aircraft stationed at boarding gates.
The system reduces the need to operate onboard auxiliary power units (APUs), which consume jet fuel to generate electricity and cooling while aircraft are on the ground.
By shifting to airport-supplied power, CEB targets to improve fuel efficiency and potentially lower ground operating expenses while reducing emissions and noise.
First airline to use Clark Airport facility
“Cebu Pacific fully supports Clark International Airport’s APU OFF initiatives as part of our commitment to more sustainable operations. By reducing our reliance on onboard power generation while aircraft are parked, we can help lower fuel consumption and emissions. We are proud to be the first airline to use this airport facility at Clark,” said Lei Apostol, CEB vice president for customer service operations.
The Clark rollout builds on CEB’s adoption of similar equipment at Mactan-Cebu International Airport in 2024, where it was also the first carrier to use the technology.