LAGUINDINGAN, Misamis Oriental -- Cebu Pacific (CEB) is strengthening its domestic route network and air connections to and from Mindanao by designating Laguindingan Airport as its seventh hub in the country, aside from just launching two new routes that link Northern Mindanao to Caticlan (Boracay) and Dumaguete City.
Cagayan de Oro was among the first domestic destinations launched by CEB when I started operations in 1996. Today, the CEB network, including inter-island routes of subsidiary Cebgo, boasts of a total on nine connections to and from the Laguindingan Airport – Manila, Bacolod, Caticlan, Cebu, Dumaguete, Tagbilaran, Davao, Zamboanga and Iloilo.
CEB said that what was originally the 4th destination launched back in 1996, is now a hub. It follows the path of Manila, Cebu and Iloilo, also hubs.
“Today is a testament to our long- standing commitment to contribute to nation-building, and make air travel more accessible to Filipinos. We look forward to the effect our low fares and direct flights will have on Northern Mindanao,” said Lance Gokongwei, President and CEO of CEB.
Located in Misamis Oriental, Laguindingan Airport serves the gateway to Northern Mindanao, catering Cagayan de Oro City, and neighboring areas, including Iligan City, Marawi City, and Bukidnon province. The Airport complex currently has 7,200 square meter passenger terminal and a 2,100 meter runway, capable of four takeoffs and landings per hour. Since it opened in 2013. The airport has become the sixth-busiest in the country, serving over 1.7 million passengers per year.
The expansion of the CEB domestic route network will also increase the carrier’s capacity and reach for cargo service. This will mean faster an more efficient movement of goods across the country.
CEB also marked another milestone-its 150 millionth passenger, after 21 years of operation. CEB aims to carry 20 million passengers in 2017. From January to June this year, the Carrier has already flown 10.09 million passengers.
The Cebu Pacific route network now has 25 international and 37 domestic destinations. Its fleet of aircract includes one Airbus A319. 35 Airbus A320 and eight Airbus A330s, while the Cebgo fleet is composed of eight ATR 72-500 and seven ATR 72-600 aircrafts.
Between 2017 and 2022, CEB expects delivery of seven more brand new Airbus A321ceo and 32 Airbus A321neo aircraft.