Cebu Pacific to add more flights to ASEAN countries

MANILA, Philippines – Cebu Pacific Air, the country’s largest budget carrier, plans to expand its operations in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries.

This comes after the Philippine government signed the 5th and 6th “freedoms of the air” of the ASEAN Multilateral Agreement on Air Services (MAAS).

“With Open Skies, Cebu Pacific can add more flights to and from key destinations in ASEAN, to meet the growing travel demand within the region,” the Gokongwei-led carrier said in a statement on Wednesday, February 10.

The ASEAN Open Skies agreement allows airlines to operate unlimited flights between capitals, leading to better connectivity and more competitive fares and services.

Cebu Pacific currently offers the most number of flights and destinations to ASEAN countries from the Philippines. 

The airline flies to 11 destinations in 7 ASEAN countries, including Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia (Siem Reap), Indonesia (Bali and Jakarta), Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu), Singapore, Thailand (Bangkok and Phuket), and Vietnam (Hanoi and Saigon). 

Through Cebu Pacific’s interline agreement with Tigerair Singapore, it also offers flights to Myanmar (Yangon), via Singapore.

“The Philippine aviation industry has reached a milestone that will ultimately benefit the travelling public, as we open our airspace to vast travel opportunities and operational efficiencies between and among ASEAN carriers,” Cebu Pacific vice president for corporate affairs JR Mantaring said.

Subject to regulatory approvals, the agreement further allows carriers to upgrade their ASEAN flights to wide-bodied aircraft and increase capacity without the need for air talks. 

This streamlined process will enable Cebu Pacific to focus on expanding its operations, stimulating passenger traffic, and improving customer experience instead of negotiating for additional air rights.

“Given our government’s support of this liberalized and equitable air services agreement, the Philippines solidifies its position as a prime and competitive global hub for air travel,” Mantaring said.

Cebu Pacific offers flights to a network of over 90 routes on 64 destinations, spanning Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. 

It is slated to launch direct flights between Manila and Guam, its first US destination, on March 15, 2016.

Cebu Pacific’s 57-strong fleet is comprised of 8 Airbus A319, 35 Airbus A320, 6 Airbus A330, and 8 ATR 72-500 aircraft. 

Between 2016 and 2021, Cebu Pacific expects delivery of 3 more brand-new Airbus A320, 30 Airbus A321neo, and 16 ATR 72-600 aircraft. – Rappler.com