First Balfour president Anthony Fernandez (4th from left), with (l-r) First Balfour strategic business planning head and TWG for sustainability lead Macky de Lima, T1 Transport business development specialist Kim Enriquez, T1 Rentals head Levi Dy and T1 Transport business development lead Jed Decano, inspects the EV prior to deployment to Cebu PacificT1 Transport was selected to supply and operate two new electric passenger buses for Cebu Pacific, the Philippines’ leading carrier. The ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in January marked the first day of implementation of the three-year contract.

The integration of electric vehicles (EVs) into Cebu Pacific’s ground operations marks a significant step towards decarbonization in the domestic aviation industry.

“Driven by our mission towards decarbonization, we are actively exploring opportunities in the EV space and are pleased to have a new partner in Cebu Pacific. We are confident that our partnership will contribute to a safer and more sustainable travel experience for the public,” said First Balfour president and chief operating officer Anthony Fernandez.

Produced by EV manufacturer BYD, each 12-meter electric bus has a maximum capacity of 80 passengers and can travel a full distance of 250 kilometers when fully charged. The units will shuttle Cebu Pacific’s passengers traveling to and from the boarding gate and aircraft of NAIA Terminals 3 and 4. According to the airline, the T1 Transport buses are the first passenger e-buses to operate in Philippine airports.

T1 Transport, a whollyowned subsidiary of First Balfour, provides heavy equipment hauling and sustainable people transport services. Cebu Pacific is the newest addition to its client pool which includes First Philec and First Balfour, both of which now have T1 Transport-operated employee shuttle services that are 100% electric.

(Story/Photos by: Dolly Pasia-Ramos)