AirAsia PH adds regional, reduces local flights

MANILA, Philippines – In a move to rationalize its route network, the local unit of airline giant AirAsia is beefing up its regional operations and reducing its flights to local destinations.

In a statement on Monday, October 22, AirAsia Philippines said that from its hub in Clark, it will start flying to Singapore by December 1 and to Taipei by December 15. It will also increase its flights to Hong Kong, but suspend flights to Macau.

At the same time, it will reduce its flights to Davao and Kalibo, the gateway to tourist haven Boracay island.

It will also suspend its Clark-Puerto Princesa flights. Puerto Princesa is jump-off point to Palawan island’s world famous Underground River.

These are part of moves “to rationalize and consolidate operations brought about by volatile oil prices and the growing demand for foreign tourism,” it said.

AirAsia Philippines is part of the Asian network of the giant Malaysia-based budget carrier. The Philippine operations commenced last March 2012.

“We need to build up routes within an infrastructure that supports low-fare services since we are in an industry that is not immune to rising fuel cost and operational challenges. We intend to open up new international routes within these markets, as well as add frequencies on existing routes, thanks to the aggressive campaign of DoT in promoting the country abroad,” AirAsia Inc. CEO Maan Hontiveros said.

The local carrier said passengers who are affected by the changes will be offered 3 options: a full refund of their flight bookings or a credit shell of the value of their flight bookings which is valid for 3 months or an option to change their flight date without any costs, subject to availability. – Rappler.com