CEB seeks additional frequencies to Australia

The Philippines’ leading airline, Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), is keen on expanding its operations in Australia on the back of growing passenger traffic. In January 2015, CEB carried 13,875 passengers, more than any other carrier operating direct flights to Sydney from Manila.

CEB started operating four times weekly non-stop flights to Sydney on September 9, 2014. The airline added a fifth frequency after three months.

From September to December 2014, Australia’s Bureau of Infrastructure Trade and Regional Economics (BITRE) reported a 42% increase in passenger traffic between Sydney and Manila.
Prior to CEB’s entry, passenger traffic in the route had been growing at a compound annual growth rate of 8% over five years.

CEB is fully utilizing its seat entitlements to Australia. It is set to participate in air talks which will be held in Canberra, Australia on April 28.

“In the first four months of operations, CEB’s low fares and direct, non-stop services significantly stimulated inbound traffic into the Philippines and Australia. We look forward to expanding our services and further growing inbound tourism into our countries,” said Alex Reyes, CEB General Manager, Long Haul Division.

Analysis from leading aviation think tank Centre for Aviation, indicates that routes between Australia and the Philippines are underserviced. Currently, there are about 5,800 weekly one-way seats between the two countries. This compares with other popular tourism destinations in Asia, such as Indonesia and Thailand, where there are approximately 36,000 and 22,000 weekly one-way seats respectively.

CEB’s 55-strong fleet is comprised of 10 Airbus A319, 31 Airbus A320, 6 Airbus A330 and 8 ATR 72-500 aircraft. Between 2015 and 2021, CEB will take delivery of 7 more brand-new Airbus A320 and 30 Airbus A321neo aircraft. It is slated to launch twice weekly direct flights between Manila and Doha, Qatar, starting June 4, 2015. The airline will be the only Philippine carrier flying between these two cities, to serve more Global Filipinos in the Middle East.

sourced:traveldailynews.asia