December Morn

Time flies so fast in an airport - planes land and take off, passengers arrive and depart – and soon the day ends and another comes. Weeks turn to months and before we even have time to sit back and relax, the month of December starts.

This December is different. After coming from a China Airports Management Conference in Beijing, I attended a week long Civil Aviation Chief Executives Programme at the Singapore Aviation Academy, timed with the celebration of its 50th foundation anniversary.

While socializing with important guests before the start of the program, I met the President/ CEO of the multi-awarded Singapore Airlines, Chew Choon Seng and discussed with him his airline’s experience with the new Airbus 380. I was surprised to learn that they already have six Airbus 380s and they were flying the Singapore-Sydney, Singapore-Tokyo, Singapore-London, and soon, the Singapore-Paris routes. Prices for the Airbus 380 seats are the same as the B747, as far as economy class is concerned and the load factor is high. The Business and First class, however, is on the high side. Singapore Airlines is also the pioneer in the maintenance of this aircraft.

The content of the Civil Aviation Chief Executives Programme was very wide-ranging and encompassing. Well known experts from around the world discussed the present situation and how civil aviation is expected to develop towards the future. Topics covered the following: Prospects and Issues on Global Civil Aviation; Civil Aviation Leadership; Aviation Safety and its Challenges; Security Risk Management; Airport Management; Aviation and the Environment; and Safety Oversight Management.

With me on the course were Chief Executives of Civil Aviation and Airport Authorities of several countries. This was the 17th edition and newly opened to Airport Managers.

December is a month of reunions, Christmas parties and gift giving. Our Couples For Christ Household in Mactan holds its regular Prayer-Meetings on Tuesdays. Last December 16, we had our Christmas party at the MCIAA Staff House 7. It was time for looking back at ways we have grown spiritually during the year and how this has helped us balance family life and responsibilities of leadership and management at work. By the way we enjoyed the party (never had so much laughter and relaxation). It looks like we are more prepared to meet the challenges of the next year.

It is also the month when our Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) come home to reunite with families for Christmas. Last year it was Dolphy who led all to welcome them at the airport. This year, well known comedian-TV and radio host, Ariel Ignacio and lady star and model, Jen Rosenthal were with us. The yearly OFW welcome and send off is a project of SMART Communications in collaboration with DOLE, POEA and MCIAA. This year, ISUZU donated an Isuzu Crosswind for raffle. Ahmed Cuizon of the Public Affairs department manages the airport activities of this project for MCIAA.

MCIAA is a year older on December 18, with the theme: MCIAA at 18. One Team, One Dream.

In many of the fora I have attended here and in the great hubs of Asia and other parts of the world, we hear of the rapid decrease in international air travel because of the present global recession, results of terrorism, much unrest and a general feeling of gloom. But here in Mactan, we continue to experience an increase in our domestic flights. From last week’s 337 flights weekly, we are now up to a record-breaking 351 flights weekly. Cebu-Manila flights alone are more than 20 times daily. We have reached our revenue targets in 2007; and with a feeling of great optimism and faith in ourselves, we will survive this world crisis, and hit our targets for 2008.

This year we became a true regional and domestic hub because of PAL-PAL Express and Cebu Pacific. As I write, newcomer Zest Air is starting to operate its MA60 Turbo Prop aircraft and will start to launch its new Airbus 320s in January.

An airport’s success is the result of complete and continuous synergy of all stakeholders and shareholders. While we are always thankful for attaining our revenue targets, we continue to focus and work hard to improve quality service standards.

The Chairman of the MCIAA Board and Head of DOTC was Guest of Honor and Speaker; and Members of the Board and all the Managers of MCIAA, Airport Government Agencies, Airlines, Ground Handlers, Maintenance, Cargo Companies, Concessionaires, Waterfront Hotel, MEPZ 1 and 2 were at the MIP Lounge for the celebration.

As I write this article on the 15th floor of our condo facing the NAIA, I witness the take off of an Airbus 330 for Mactan. While it is true that we all wait for that Christmas Day to come, doing the yearly countdown, always being with everyone else, making the Christmas shopping rush in crowded malls, we always wish that every single new day will be better…….and make every day a Christmas for everyone.

“….all across the land, dawns a brand new morn….

It comes to pass when a child is born”

Merry Christmas To All… And follow the dream