Cebu Pacific passenger volume surges 13% in Q1

MANILA, Philippines – Cebu Pacific Air, the country’s largest budget airline, flew 4.8 million passengers in the first quester of 2016, a 13%-increase in its passenger volume spurred by seat sales and other promotional activities.

Its operator Cebu Air, Incorporated reported in a statement on Tuesday, April 26, that its flights between January to March were 87% full.

“Periodic seat sales, lowest year-round fares, and robust travel demand contributed to the surge in passengers,” the airline said.

The Gokongwei-led airline said its passenger volume soared to 1.6 million in March alone. This is a 7%-increase from the 1.5 million passengers it carried in March 2015. (READ: Cebu Pacific marks 20th anniversary with P1-seat sale)

Some of Cebu Pacific’s popular destinations for the first quarter are Tagbilaran in Bohol, Dumaguete in Negros Oriental, and Cagayan de Oro in Misamis Oriental  for domestic trips, as well as Hong Kong, Singapore, and Dubai for international travels.

Conservative fleet expansion

To cater to the increasing demand, Cebu Pacific received two brand-new Airbus A320 aircraft in January, and another this April as part of its conservative fleet expansion plan.

“We are optimistic that the airline will continue to rise as a significant travel enabler in and out of its home country,” said JR Mantaring, Cebu Pacific vice-president for corporate affairs.

To cater to increased trips this summer, the airline mounted over 60 additional weekly flights from Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao to several domestic and international destinations. 

Cebu Pacific flies to more than 90 routes on 64 destinations, spanning Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and the United States.

Its 57-strong fleet is comprised of 7 Airbus A319, 36 Airbus A320, 6 Airbus A330, and 8 ATR 72-500 aircraft. – Rappler.com