Cebu Pacific has become the first airline to use bridge-mounted equipment or BME at Clark International Airport, a new system that will lower fuel consumption and reduce emissions during ground operations.
The Gokongwei-led carrier began using the facility this October 2026, following its installation by airport manager Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corporation, or LIPAD.
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.
By switching to airport-supplied power and cooling, Cebu Pacific expects to use less fuel, produce fewer carbon emissions, and cut down on noise around the terminal.
“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, the airline’s vice president for customer service operations.
LIPAD president and chief executive officer Noel Manankil said the new BME forms part of the airport’s own sustainability goals. “The operation of our new Bridge Mounted Equipment is in line with CRK’s commitment to more sustainable operations and helps our airline partners reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions. We are grateful for Cebu Pacific’s support for this initiative,” Manankil added.
This builds on earlier efforts: Cebu Pacific was also the first airline to use BME at Mactan-Cebu International Airport starting 2024. The airline has also rolled out electric ground support tools, ground power units, and air-cooling units at both Mactan-Cebu and Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport. All these systems work the same way—cutting emissions by keeping aircraft APUs turned off whenever possible.
Cebu Pacific said it will keep working with airport operators across its network to run more efficiently and lessen its environmental footprint. The airline currently flies to 35 domestic and 26 international destinations across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.
