Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC), the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group, recently hosted delegates from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at its award-winning gateways, Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) and Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA).
“What a lovely experience at [Mactan-Cebu] International Airport. A warm welcome goes a long way – it sets the tone for the journey ahead,” said Dubai-based hospitality executive and ASEAN delegate Zaim Muhammad on LinkedIn.
The visit of the ASEAN delegates, who were meeting in Cebu and Bohol to kick off this year’s ASEAN meetings, highlighted AIC’s commitment to operational excellence and its role in reinforcing the Philippines’ position as a globally competitive destination within the region via MCIA and BPIA.
“I wish to thank you (AIC) for your assistance and support to the ASEAN Special SOME in Bohol. Bohol-Panglao [International] Airport officials and staff have greatly contributed to the smooth reception and send off of foreign and local delegates, particularly the VVIPs. The meetings were successful and we received much appreciation and high regards from all delegates,” remarked Energy Undersecretary Mario C. Marasigan.
Bohol hosted the Special ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting on Energy, while Cebu hosted the ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting, ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat, and ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026 and TRAVEX.
“Our goal is to provide our guests with a world-class airport experience that reflects the best of the Philippines. By hosting the ASEAN delegates with the highest standards of efficiency and warmth, we are demonstrating our readiness to support the country’s ambitions as a leading hub for international business and tourism,” said AIC Vice President and Head of Airports Rafael M. Aboitiz.
Leveraging its expertise in airport operations and management, AIC collaborated with partner local government units and provided seamless VIP facilitation for the arriving and departing ASEAN ministers and delegates without interruptions to regular passenger service, ensuring that the infrastructure met the high-security and efficiency requirements of an international summit while maintaining distinct Filipino hospitality.
Elevating the Gateway Experience
At MCIA, the Philippines’ second-busiest gateway outside Manila, ASEAN delegates experienced streamlined transit through dedicated arrival and departure lanes. In collaboration with the Department of Tourism (DOT), AIC Airports organized cultural performances to welcome the officials, complemented by:
- VIP Facilitation: Dedicated pick-up and drop-off points and professional porter assistance.
- Executive Comfort: Exclusive lounge setups and premium refreshments.
- Operational Efficiency: Accelerated processing through dedicated immigration and security lanes.
Last January 2026, MCIA’s Customer Experience Accreditation from Airports Council International was upgraded to Level 3 from Level 2, reflecting significant refinements in customer experience by using passenger feedback, empowered staff, and expert teams to make lasting improvements.
Further, for ASEAN delegates wishing to do further exploring, MCIA (named Airport of the Year – Asia at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025) has launched new exclusive nonstop routes that offer faster and more convenient access to destinations best reached via Cebu, as well as key connectivity initiatives that provide remarkably hassle-free access to and from Cebu and beyond: CEB Connects and CEB+.
CEB Connects is MCIA’s premier air-to-air transfer service that drastically reduces transfer times between connecting international and domestic flights, while CEB+ is a short air-to-sea transfer service from MCIA to Mactan Wharf, catering to nearby islands.
For instance: Siquijor via Sunlight Air and San Vicente, Palawan via Cebu Pacific are now accessible directly and exclusively through MCIA, now faster thanks to CEB Connects.
Further, ASEAN delegates in Cebu can easily reach their counterparts in Bohol and explore surrounding provinces via fast ferry (CEB+), or fly easily to Northern Mindanao via Laguindingan International Airport (an AIC Airport) in Misamis Oriental for work or pleasure.
Similarly, at BPIA, the country’s “Green Gateway to the World” and tenth-busiest airport, AIC Airports also emphasized its capability to handle high-level diplomatic logistics in a provincial hub. Key highlights of the hosting included:
- Strategic Partnerships: Curated lounge environments developed in collaboration with local partner hotels.
- Brand Visibility: High-impact welcome greetings displayed across the airport’s LED network.
- Seamless Logistics: Reserved parking zones and dedicated transit lanes to ensure punctuality for the delegation’s itinerary.
- Boholano Hospitality: Provision of local tokens and refreshments as a showcase of regional identity.
Just in time for the ASEAN meetings, BPIA last November 2025 welcomed its first Airbus A330, a 459-seater wide-body aircraft by Cebu Pacific on the Manila-Tagbilaran route – a historic event marking BPIA’s upgraded capability to handle larger jets and thus connecting opportunities for tourism, business, and growth across the province.
The successful hosting of ASEAN delegates at the start of this year underscores AIC Airports’ broader strategy to elevate Philippine aviation infrastructure, as Cebu and Bohol prepare to host a series of ASEAN meetings throughout the year. This includes the 48th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit in May, one of the bloc’s most significant gatherings, to be attended in Cebu by heads of state and government from across the region.
By integrating global best practices with local heritage, AIC Airports continue to prove that its managed assets are more than just transit points—they are critical engines for economic growth and regional tourism.
