Cebu Pacific adds new flights from Iloilo

Budget carrier Cebu Pacific continues to expand its domestic operations with the launch of three flights from Iloilo to other Visayas provinces and Bicol region by December.

In a statement on Monday, the Gokongwei-led airline said it would launch daily Iloilo-Tagbilaran flights on Dec. 1 and thrice-per-week Iloilo-Daraga flights the following day. On Dec. 3, the airline will start thrice-a-week lights between Iloilo and Dumaguete.

“We are excited to introduce three new domestic routes from Iloilo, which come just in time for the holiday season when many Filipinos go the extra mile to visit loved ones in different provinces,” Cebu Pacific president and chief commercial officer Xander Lao said.

Following these launches, Cebu Pacific will have a total of 14 routes—including those going to Hong Kong and Singapore—being operated from its Iloilo hub.

The carrier has been ramping up its flight network to take advantage of the resurgence of air travel demand.

The low-cost airline will launch this month the Manila-Chiang Mai route, the only direct flight to the popular northern Thai city from the country.

Earlier this year, it also started flights from Manila to Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok and routes from Cebu to Don Mueang, Osaka, Masbate and San Vicente.

Along with this, the carrier finalized its P1.4-trillion order of up to 152 jets with European aircraft manufacturer Airbus this month as it gears up for expansion.

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The additional aircraft will allow the low-cost airline to have a bigger foothold outside Metro Manila, including Davao, Cebu and Clark.

The Gokongwei-led company also acquired Zobel family’s boutique airline AirSwift Transport Inc. for P1.75 billion this month. This will enable it to operate direct flights to El Nido, Palawan following the integration of operations.

Cebu Pacific services 35 domestic and 26 international routes across Asia, Australia and the Middle East.