Cebu Pacific announces new flights to Doha, Qatar

17 Mar 2015 2041 | Business & Trade Fairs

The Philippines’ leading airline, Cebu Pacific Air (PSE: CEB) will launch twice weekly direct flights between Manila and Doha, Qatar, starting June 4, 2015.

CEB will be the only Philippine carrier flying between these two cities, serving more Global Filipinos in the Middle East.

Its introductory Manila-Doha fares, is for sale until March 22, 2015 or until seats last. The seat sale fare, which is the cost of approximately five movie tickets, may be used for travel from June 4 to December 31, 2015.

The non-stop service departs Manila every Monday and Thursday, at 9:35pm. It arrives in Doha at 2:45am the next day. The return flight departs Doha every Tuesday and Friday, at 4:15am, arriving in Manila at 6:35pm.

This new route will utilize CEB’s brand-new Airbus A330-300 aircraft, with a configuration of 436 all-economy class seats. Hot meals, seats with extra legroom and Wi-Fi onboard, among others, are options that can be added to the fare.

CEB also offers fast and convenient same-terminal connecting flights for guests taking advantage of CEB’s extensive Philippine network.

“We are excited to offer Cebu Pacific’s trademark low fares to travelers in Doha, especially since we are the only low-cost carrier operating this route. With our expanding network, Qatar becomes more accessible from the Philippines, and the Filipino community can reunite with their families more often,” said CEB General Manager for Long-Haul Division Alex Reyes.

The route will serve over 260,000 Filipinos in Qatar, based on Philippine Overseas Employment Administration 2009 stock estimates.

Qatar has the third-largest Filipino community in the Middle East. CEB already serves the other two key markets for Global Filipinos: United Arab Emirates via direct flights to Dubai, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia via Riyadh. CEB is also the only airline flying direct between Manila and Kuwait.

Reyes added, “It is CEB’s priority to maintain a strong presence in the region, where we are able to reach a large population of Filipino communities.”

CEB’s 55-strong fleet is comprised of 10 Airbus A319, 31 Airbus A320, 6 Airbus A330 and 8 ATR-72 500 aircraft. It is one of the most modern aircraft fleets in the world. Between 2015 and 2021, Cebu Pacific will take delivery of 7 more brand-new Airbus A320 and 30 Airbus A321neo aircraft.