Cebu Pacific has become the first airline to utilize bridge mounted equipment (BME) at Clark International Airport (CRK), implementing the technology to reduce fuel burn and carbon emissions during ground turnarounds.
The Gokongwei-led carrier began operating the system in October 2026 following its installation by airport operator Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corporation (LIPAD).
The ground infrastructure supplies electricity and air conditioning directly to docked aircraft at passenger gates. This setup minimizes the need to run onboard auxiliary power units (APUs), which consume conventional jet fuel to power aircraft systems while stationary on the tarmac.
By relying on airport-supplied power and cooling, Cebu Pacific intends to lower fuel consumption, minimize carbon output, and decrease ramp noise during ground handling.
“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,” Lei Apostol, CEB vice president for customer service operations said.
LIPAD stated that the BME installation aligns with its wider sustainability program focused on curbing fuel usage, greenhouse gas emissions, and ambient noise levels across Clark International Airport.
“The operation of our new Bridge Mounted Equipment (BME) is in line with CRK’s commitment to a more sustainable operations and help our airline partners reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions. We are grateful for Cebu Pacific’s support for this initiative,” Noel Manankil, LIPAD president and chief executive officer said.
The deployment at CRK expands on Cebu Pacific’s implementation of BME at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) in 2024, where it likewise became the pioneer carrier to use the technology.
The airline has also introduced electric ground support equipment (GSE), ground power units (GPU), and air-cooling units (ACU) across operations at MCIA and Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to limit APU reliance and reduce environmental impact while aircraft remain parked.
Through partnerships with regional airport operators, Cebu Pacific continues to advance operational efficiency measures and lower the environmental footprint of its ground operations.
The carrier services 35 domestic and 26 international destinations spanning Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.