DOMESTIC travel picked up in January despite the surge in coronavirus cases, low-cost carrier Philippines AirAsia, Inc. said on Monday.
The airline reported a 182% increase in domestic travel for the month of January.
“The uptick in [coronavirus] cases in January has not affected domestic travel as the airline recouped 42% of its pre-COVID flight frequency this month,” the low-cost carrier said in an e-mailed statement.
“Seats sold for said month also increased by 200% as compared to the same month in the previous year. Moreover, load factor has increased by 10%,” it added.
The airline noted that Caticlan, Cebu and Tacloban remained the top destinations for both leisure and essential travels.
The low-cost carrier has also started gradually increasing its domestic flights slated for February for Davao, Iloilo, Cagayan De Oro, Bacolod, Puerto Princesa, Panglao and Kalibo “in preparation for a possible influx of travelers.”
The airline previously said, citing its own survey, that seven out of 10 Filipinos are still keen on pushing through with their planned air travel in the next nine months despite the rising coronavirus cases.
Philippines AirAsia Chief Executive Officer Ricardo P. Isla said that the airline has observed an increase in Filipinos’ confidence to travel as the country gains “a better understanding of the pandemic” and develops “a more fitting culture of safety and vigilance.” — Arjay L. Balinbin
