airphil Express to Launch Flights from Clark

airphil Express is to launch flights from Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) from next month as it attempts to better compete with low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific and new entrant AirAsia Philippines in the domestic Filipino market. The airline, formerly known as Air Philippines and PAL Express, currently operates a mix of domestic and international services, complementing the activities of national carrier Philippine Airlines, with whom it shares common ownership.

The budget airline’s main focus has been serving destinations from Cebu, Davao, Manila and Zamboanga and it currently has a 21.2 per cent share of the available seats in the domestic Filipino market. However, from March 29, 2012 it will launch four routes to DMIA, also known as Clark International Airport, from Cebu, Davao, Kalibo and Puerto Princesa using a single based Airbus A320.

The Cebu route, already served by Cebu Pacific, will be operated on a four times weekly basis, as will Kalibo; while Davao and Puerto Princesa will see three flights every week. There is currently no direct competition on these three routes, although start-up AirAsia Philippines is expected to offer flights between DMIA and Davao and Kalibo when it inaugurates operations in mid-March.