Cebu Pacific eyes Italy

MANILA, Philippines – Cebu Pacific is eyeing rival carrier Philippine Airlines’ (PAL) unused flying rights to Italy, which if approved, could possibly mark its maiden expansion in Europe.

To pursue the planned long-haul service to the European country, Cebu Pacific petitioned before the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) whether the reallocation of seat entitlements is possible.

CAB, the country’s local aviation regulator, confirmed Cebu Pacific’s bid to reallocate the seat entitlements from PAL.

Cebu Pacific is slated to present its proposal before CAB on Wednesday, January 14, according to a notice of hearing signed by CAB’s hearing officer Maria Elben Moro.

The entitlements to Italy is currently assigned to PAL, which they earned after the Philippines and Italy agreed to a 14-a-week flight limit.

There is an estimated 170,000 Filipinos in Italy, which makes the service lucrative among Philippine carriers, especially after the European Union (EU) allowed PAL to fly to the 28-nation bloc in July 2013, partially lifting a ban imposed against the Philippines in 2010.

Then in April 2014, EU also lifted the ban on Cebu Pacific.

The Gokongwei-led budget carrier continues to beef up its international service to meet its growing demand in the markets it serves.

To date, Cebu Pacific flies to 28 international destinations.

Currently, it has a fleet of 52 aircraft, comprised of 10 Airbus A319, 29 A320, 5 A330, and 8 ATR-72 500 jets. – Rappler.com