Enhancing airport experience through airline partnerships, silent airport and an empowered workforce: Athanasios Titonis

Join Holly, the Editor of International Airport Review, as she sits down with Athanasios Titonis, CEO of Mactan Cebu Airport, for an in-depth conversation on the transformative projects and visionary strategies shaping one of the Philippines’ leading airports. In this episode, Athanasios shares the exciting journey of Mactan Cebu Airport, from pioneering customer experience initiatives to ambitious sustainability goals.

Listeners will gain insights into:

• ACI World Customer Experience Accreditation: Discover the significance of Mactan Cebu Airport being the first in the Philippines to receive this accolade and the steps taken to achieve and maintain it.

• Skytrax Award ambitions: Learn about the airport’s targeted initiatives to clinch the prestigious Skytrax award, highlighting their commitment to excellence in passenger service.

• Strategic partnerships: Explore the partnership with Cebu Pacific aimed at enhancing connectivity, customer experience, and operational efficiency, positioning Mactan Cebu as the main gateway for tourism in the Philippines.

• Sustainability efforts: Understand the airport’s commitment to sustainability, including the introduction of electric vehicles and receiving the Green Airport Award, reflecting their environmental stewardship.

• Silent airport model: Delve into the challenges and strategies of transitioning to a silent airport, minimising loudspeaker announcements to promote a tranquil passenger environment while ensuring no one misses their flight.

• Technological innovations: Get a glimpse into the future with the development of tech-driven processes and products in collaboration with Aboitiz Data Innovation, aiming to revolutionise airport operations.

• Promoting diversity and empowerment: Hear about initiatives to foster a diverse and inclusive work environment, with programmes designed to identify and nurture talent, exemplified by the success of Ricia Vinelli-Montejo, crowned International Airport Review’s Airport Leader of the Future in 2023.

• Market challenges and opportunities: Learn about the strategies to recover from the pandemic, the shift in primary markets from China to India, and efforts to attract new tourism markets from Europe and Australia.

• Human trafficking prevention: The Philippines has one of the largest trafficking victim populations in the world. Understand the role of the airport in supporting government initiatives to detect and protect victims of human trafficking, emphasising the importance of vigilance and collaboration.

• Future expansion plans: Get insights into the airport’s vision for expansion, including potential new PPP concessions and the goal to establish a Filipino airport operator that might venture internationally.

Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast, industry professional, or simply curious about the future of air travel, this podcast offers a fascinating glimpse into the cutting-edge developments at Mactan Cebu Airport.