Cebu Pacific to debut in Chiang Mai
The Cebu Pacific official also said they were keen on launching a direct flight to Hong Kong from Iloilo. The Gokongwei-led company is currently waiting for regulatory approval before servicing the route.
Along with this, Lao also floated the idea of building more hubs, in addition to Manila, Clark and Cebu. He identified Iloilo, Bohol and Kalibo as potential hubs.
“Infrastructure projects are coming and that’s certainly something that we consider whenever we think about these hubs or potential hubs,” he said, referring to airport upgrade projects like the Bohol-Panglao International Airport.
Cebu Pacific is rolling out its route expansion plan as the supply chain crunch is easing, with Lao saying the situation “has gotten better” with more aircraft spare parts available.
To recall, the global aviation sector saw several aircraft being grounded due to protracted maintenance period amid the lack of aircraft components.
This year, it has earmarked a P60-billion capital expenditure for mostly aircraft-related spending. The airline has received seven of the expected 18 aircraft deliveries for 2024.
Its existing fleet comprises eight Airbus 330s, 37 Airbus 320s, 22 Airbus 321s and 15 ATR turboprop aircraft.
By third quarter, Cebu Pacific is set to finalize its P1.4-trillion aircraft order for up to 152 A321neo (new engine option) jets with global manufacturer Airbus. INQ
