Cebu Pacific plans to grow China market

Thursday, October 20, 2011

THE Philippines’ largest national flag carrier, Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB) is looking at expanding its operations in China, after a 30 percent growth in mainland China passengers in the 3rd quarter (Q3) of 2011, compared to the same period in 2010.

CEB already announced plans to increase flights to Beijing, after its 1st year of operations last September 5. Manila-Beijing-Manila flights will be a four times weekly service starting January 7, 2012 to cope with demand.

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The airline currently flies thrice weekly to Beijing and Guangzhou, and daily to Shanghai. Its Greater China operations extend to daily flights from Manila to Taipei, up to six daily flights to Hong Kong from Manila, Clark and Cebu, and 11 weekly flights to Macau from Manila and Clark.

“China is the next growth area for CEB. We already serve Northern and Southern China with our current routes, but additional connectivity between our two countries will only benefit tourism and trade,” said CEB vice president for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog.

“The Philippines is the nearest tropical destination to China, and this is evident in the influx of tourists to Boracay and some of our top beach getaways. There are also a lot of enterprises in the Philippines that source out their materials in China. There is a lot of potential for growth, as we take delivery of more planes,” she added.

In the meantime, CEB cuts fares to China and Taipei by as much as 63 percent in a seat sale from October 21 to 23, 2011 or until seats last.

For travel from January 1 to March 31, 2012, passengers can buy P1,488 seats from Manila to Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Taipei. CEB currently flies thrice weekly to Beijing and Guangzhou, and daily to Shanghai and Taipei.

Meanwhile, for those with more immediate plans of travel this December 1 to 31, 2011, P1,888 seats are also available from Manila to Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Taipei.

It also holds a select domestic seat sale for travel from December 1, 2011 to February 29, 2012. Up for grabs are P388 seats from Cebu to Dumaguete, P488 seats from Cebu to Pagadian, Surigao, Ozamiz, and Dipolog, P588 seats from Cebu to Butuan, and from Manila to Cebu, Dumaguete and Roxas.

Those coming from Manila to Dipolog, Pagadian and Surigao can also buy P888 seats.

For bookings and inquiries, guests can go to www.cebupacificair.com, or call the reservation hotlines (02) 7020-888 or (032) 230-8888. They may also book online and pay via CEB partner banks. The latest seat sales and promos can also be found on CEB’s official Twitter and Facebook pages.

CEB currently operates 10 Airbus A319, 17 Airbus A320 and 8 ATR-72 500 aircraft. By the end of 2011, CEB will be operating a fleet of 37 aircraft – with an average age of less than 3.5 years – one of the most modern aircraft fleets in the world. Between 2012 and 2021, Cebu Pacific will take delivery of 23 Airbus A320 and 30 Airbus A321neo aircraft orders, and 2 Airbus A320 aircraft on operating lease agreements. (PR)