Manila: The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) has partnered with Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific and Middle East to establish a net zero emission goals, the airport's operator said Thursday. Aboitiz InfraCapital GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC) said ACI would help them establish a framework on environmentally sustainable initiatives to achieve the airport's net zero emissions goals. ACI Asia-Pacific and Middle East will provide guidance to the MCIA in creating structured plans, including carbon footprint projections, governance frameworks and recommendations across areas such as assets, fuels and operations. It will also guide the MCIA on capital expenditures (capex) planning, implementation strategies, and offsetting measures, while connecting airports with global financial institutions for potential funding. "MCIA's success has always been driven by strong synergies, most notably our collaboration with our private operator. Together, we have cultivated an airport ec osystem that consistently demonstrates its effectiveness," MCIA General Manager Julius Neri said. The MCIA recently got a Level 1 certification from Airport Carbon Accreditation, a globally recognized carbon management program for airports. The partnership for the net zero roadmap program will support the airport in progressing to Level 5, the highest level of the program. "In an era where environmental sustainability has become not just an option but a fundamental need for the aviation industry, ACI Asia-Pacific and Middle East is proud to lead in guiding our airport members towards achieving their net zero emissions goals," Stefano Baronci, ACI Secretary General, was quoted as saying. Aboitiz InfraCapital GMCAC chief executive officer Athanasios Titonis expressed confidence that their initiatives would leave a "meaningful, long-lasting impact on the environment". "We aspire to inspire other airports across the Philippines and Asia to follow suit," he said. The partnership was signed during the 59th Co nference of Directors General of Civil Aviation, Asia and Pacific Region held in Cebu. Source: Philippines News agency