CEBU PACIFIC said it is adding new flights from its hubs in Clark and Cebu this year amid increasing demand.
In a statement on Monday, the budget carrier said it is preparing to launch three new routes out of Clark in the second half of the year which will link to Iloilo, Bacolod and Puerto Princesa.
For Cebu, the airline is eyeing a connection to mainland China.
“There’s still a lot of opportunity for expansion within the Philippines-interisland connections from key cities like Clark and Cebu…. Creating direct links between domestic destinations and our other hubs will spur tourism and movement of goods and investments, whilst doing away with having to pass through the main hub in Manila,” Cebu Pacific Chief Operations Officer Michael Ivan S. Shau was quoted as saying.
The daily flights from Clark to Iloilo and Bacolod will start on Aug. 9, and from Clark to Puerto Princesa on Oct. 9. The route connecting Cebu to mainland China is still being finalized.
The Gokongwei-led company earlier said it wants to increase capacity at its Cebu hub by about 20% this year, with destinations in the North Asia such as China, Korea and Japan being eyed.
“The Philippines is the closest tropical destination from North Asia…. It’s a logical choice to be our ‘beach hub’ with easier access to world-class beaches, dive spots and resorts,” Mr. Shau said.
Aside from Clark and Cebu, Cebu Pacific also operates hubs in Manila, Kalibo, Iloilo, Davao and Cagayan de Oro (Laguindingan) where it serves flights to 37 domestic and 26 international destinations. — Denise A. Valdez
