CEBU Pacific (CEB) began its Manila-Brunei-Manila service last August 21, 2010 with the maiden flight taking off Manila at 11:50 p.m. and arriving in Brunei at 1:40 a.m. the next day.
"We experienced almost 100 percent passenger load factor for our maiden Manila-Brunei and Brunei-Manila flights. This shows that the market for Cebu Pacific flights to and from Brunei can really be stimulated by CEB's trademark low fares, and that it is responsive to the low-cost carrier model. We are optimistic about our Brunei operations," said CEB VP for Marketing and distribution Candice Iyog.
Ambassador Malai Halimah Yussof, Ambassador of Brunei Darassalam to the Philippines, and First Secretary Shahrul Anaz Hj Ismail from the Embassy of Brunei Darassalam sent off CEB's first passengers to Brunei.
Also present in the send off program were key officials from the Department of Transportation and Communications, Civil Aeronautics Board and Manila International Airport Authority.
"CEB remains consistent in offering the lowest fare alternative to its destinations. This gives the big population of Filipinos in Brunei more opportunities to go home and visit family and friends. Filipinos can also visit their relatives in Brunei," Iyog added.
Brunei is CEB's 15th international destination. The airline is set to operate Manila-Brunei flights every Tuesday and Saturday, and Brunei-Manila flights every Wednesday and Sunday. The lowest year-round "Go Lite" fare for this route is P2,899. Those with check-in luggage will just add P100 upon booking.
In news reports, the Philippine Embassy's Charge d'Affaires, Celeste Vinzon-Balatbat said that CEB's operation in Brunei is a significant milestone in the Brunei-Philippines bilateral relations.
"Our cooperation in air services has the potential to promote the two-way flow of people, trade, investment and tourism," she said.
For bookings and inquiries, passengers can call (02) 7020-888 or (032) 230-8888, visit www.cebupacificair.com and funtours.cebupacificair.com or travel agents near them. The latest updates on seat sales are available at cebupacificair on Twitter and Cebu Pacific Air Facebook Fan Page.
Asia's third-largest low-cost carrier, CEB flies to 33 destinations in the Philippines, offering the most extensive network in the country. It now flies to 15 international destinations, and is slated to begin flights to Beijing on September 5, 2010.