Cebu Pacific flew 11% more passengers in ‘12

CEBU Pacific flew 13.26 million passengers from January to December 2012, an increase of 11 percent over the 11.93 million passengers it flew in 2011.

Cebu Pacific attributes this increase to the expansion in its domestic and international operations in 2012. It launched direct flights from Manila to Hanoi, Siem Reap and Xiamen, as well as from Cebu to Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur last year. The airline also started direct flights from Iloilo to Hong Kong and Singapore.

This expansion, as well as seat sales and strengthened tourism promotions, led to notable passenger growth in the following international markets: Malaysia (21 percent), Taiwan (22 percent), China (29 percent), Vietnam (30 percent) and Brunei (32 percent).

A total of 10 domestic routes were also launched, paving the way for more air travel in various parts of the Philippines. This includes flights from Davao to Dipolog and from Zamboanga to Cagayan de Oro, routes which were previously served by buses plying 12-14 hour rides.

Domestic passengers from the airline’s Cebu hub grew by 20 percent, while its Davao hub grew by 16 percent.

“It is very fulfilling for us in the Cebu Pacific team to continue giving travellers new destinations, the lowest fares and direct flight options. The Philippines’ momentum when it comes to tourism buzz will be supported by Cebu Pacific’s expansion to more regions in the world,” said Cebu Pacific vicew president for marketing and distribution Candice Iyog.

Cebu Pacific is slated to launch twice weekly Manila-Bali (Denpasar) flights on March 16. It will also launch its long-haul operations with its first Manila to Dubai flight on Oct. 7, 2013.

Lowest year-round fares to Bali start at P3,499, while lowest year-round fares to Dubai are as low as P6,999. (PR)