Underlining its commitment to the Australian market, the Philippines’ largest airline, Cebu Pacific, has increased flights between Australia and Manila to a record high.
Reflecting the resurgence of the Philippines as a tourist destination, Cebu Pacific is now flying between Sydney and Manila five times per week, the airline announced at an event celebrating its ninth anniversary of flying to Australia. Additionally, the carrier flies to Melbourne three times per week.
Speaking to Karryon at the Sydney event, Cebu Pacific Director for Corporate Communications Carmina Romero said the new frequency sees the airline operating more flights down under than pre-pandemic.
Utilising its 459-seater A330 neo aircraft on the routes, the carrier has also added more capacity per flight on its Aussie services.
“Sydney was our second long-haul route [after Dubai], so Sydney has a very special place in our hearts,” Romero told guests at the event, held at the Hilton Sydney Hotel.
Biggest and oldest
Established in 1996, Cebu Pacific claims it is the oldest low-cost carrier in Asia. It also has the widest domestic network in the Philippines (35 destinations) and flies to 24 international ports across 14 countries. It has flown more than 200 million passengers since 1996.
“So it’s no surprise that we have captured more than 60 per cent of the market. Three out of five passengers in the Philippines fly via Cebu Pacific,” Romero said.
From Manila, Aussie travellers can also connect to domestic destinations within “a very short time of about two hours”.
“We also offer the best value for money for our travellers”, she said, with fares around “40 per cent” cheaper ex-Australia than Cebu’s competitors.
New gateway
Meanwhile, the Philippines is in the process of constructing a new airport in Bulacan, on the outskirts of Metro Manila.
And Romero tells Karryon the much-needed new hub may welcome flights from Australia.
The Philippines Department of Tourism Attache for Australia and New Zealand Pure Molintas is more confident the new airport will welcome Aussies, sayingit would “absolutely” be open to ex-Australia services.
Speaking to Karryon at the event, she says the new hub would be ready by around 2027.
According to Molintas, the new airport will initially have four runways before possibly expanding to six runways upon completion.
A top five market
On current travel to the Philippines, Molintas says Australia is once again among the top five source markets for visitors.
“From January to August this year, we’re back to number five, which means we are getting back to normal,” she said.
“Our target is 200,000 and beyond [for 2023].”