CEBU Pacific is eyeing to increase flights to Australia on the back of growing passenger traffic.

In a statement on Thursday, the budget carrier said that it is set to participate in air talks to be held in Canberra, Australia on April 28.

“In the first four months of operations, CEB’s low fares and direct, non-stop services significantly stimulated inbound traffic into the Philippines and Australia. We look forward to expanding our services and further growing inbound tourism into our countries,” said Alex Reyes, CEB general manager for long haul division.

CEB started operating four times weekly non-stop flights to Sydney on September 9 last year. The airline added a fifth frequency after three months.

From September to December 2014, Australia’s Bureau of Infrastructure Trade and Regional Economics (BITRE) reported a 42 percent increase in passenger traffic between Sydney and Manila. Prior to CEB’s entry, passenger traffic in the route had been growing at a compound annual growth rate of 8 percent over five years.

In January 2015, CEB carried 13,875 passengers, more than any other carrier operating direct flights to Sydney from Manila. (SDR/Sunnex)