Cebu Pacific expanding service network in Asia
Shrugging off rising costs and widening losses, Gokongwei-led Cebu Pacific is launching five international routes to key cities in China, Japan and Vietnam starting in late October, as it seeks to capture stronger travel demand ahead of the year-end holiday season.
The low-cost carrier said on Friday it would launch new flights from Manila, Clark and Cebu, expanding its current network of 26 international destinations and 35 domestic routes.
Starting Oct. 26, Cebu Pacific will restore its thrice-weekly Cebu-Ho Chi Minh route.
This will be followed by the launch of Cebu-Shanghai flights on Nov. 17, operating three times a week. That will make Cebu Pacific the only Philippine carrier offering direct service between these two cities.
On Nov. 19, the airline will inaugurate four weekly flights between Cebu and Nagoya, becoming the sole airline operating the route. Nagoya will become Cebu Pacific’s third direct destination from Cebu to Japan, alongside Tokyo-Narita and Osaka.
The carrier will also relaunch its Clark-Hanoi service on Nov. 19 with three weekly flights.
Meanwhile, twice-weekly Manila-Xiamen flights will resume on Nov. 23. These will complement Cebu Pacific’s existing services to Shanghai and Guangzhou as it expands its presence in the Chinese market.
“At Cebu Pacific, we continue to strengthen our network to give every Juan a better opportunity to explore more destinations across Asia,” said Xander Lao, president and chief commercial officer of Cebu Pacific.
“The launch of additional direct flights to China, Vietnam and Japan not only provides travelers from all over the Philippines with more convenient access to these vibrant cities, but also encourages more international travelers to visit and explore our country,” Lao added.
The network expansion comes even as Cebu Pacific reported a wider first-half net loss of P5.9 billion.
