Independent Filipino carrier Cebu Pacific has announced ambitious plans to enter the expanding Asian low-cost, long-haul market. Already the largest domestic operator in the Philippines, the carrier intends to lease eight Airbus A330-300s to serve medium- and long-haul routes from its base at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport by the third quarter of 2013.
Cebu Pacific has yet to formalise its operational plans but like most other long-haul budget offshoots the venture is likely to have its own management team. The range of the A330-300s opens up a wide list of network options for the carrier including destinations in Australia, Middle East, parts of Europe and the US, although current EU legislation would restrict any growth into Europe at the current time.
“We are exploring serving cities where large Filipino communities reside - Europe, Middle East, Oceania and the USA,” confirmed Lance Gokongwei, President and Chief Executive Officer, Cebu Pacific. “Data indicates that more than half of Filipinos deployed in these regions take multiple stops and connecting flights because no home carrier can fly them there non-stop.”
“The A330-300 will give us the lowest cost per seat, allowing us to drive long-haul fares 35 per cent lower than those currently offered by other airlines, and as much as 80 per cent lower when Cebu Pacific offers promo fares. This aircraft type is very well suited to the kind of network we want to build and the routes we want to launch,” he added
Since its inception in 1996, Cebu Pacific has successfully stimulated growth in the short-haul markets it serves, especially to markets where a large number of Filipinos work or reside. According to the carrier, passenger traffic between Manila and Hong Kong has grown by 88 per cent since it started operating flights in 2001.
“We want to do the same for long-haul traffic - offer the lowest fares possible and drive a significant increase on demand for air travel to regions outside of Asia,” outlined Lance Gokongwei. “This is truly an exciting time for Cebu Pacific as we continue to be of service to the 11 million strong global Filipinos, wherever they are in the world; and to their families back home.”
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