Air fares will be lower in November compared to this month due to a reduction in the fuel surcharge imposed by the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB).
In an advisory signed by Carmelo Arcilla, CAB executive director, the air regulator said passenger and cargo fuel surcharges for domestic and international flights from November 1 to 30 will correspond to Level 8 of the CAB’s fuel surcharge matrix, down from September and October when the fuel surcharge was pegged at Level 9.
The lower fuel surcharge for November is based on the average price of jet fuel for September 10 to October 9 at P42.87 per liter, which corresponds to Level 8 of the passenger and cargo fuel surcharge matrix.
The announcement came at a time when local carriers Philippine Airlines (PAL), Cebu Pacific (CEB) and AirAsia Philippines expect higher air travel demand during the period.
“We are pleased to comply. We shall implement the adjustments to our fuel surcharges in line with the latest CAB directive. The adjusted fuel surcharges apply to tickets that will be purchased in November,” said Cielo Villaluna, PAL spokesperson.
Xander Lao, CEB commercial officer, said “this is a welcome development. We look forward to the lower fuel surcharge which should help make fares more affordable and stimulate air travel as we get nearer the Christmas season. Cebu Pacific will adjust its fuel charges accordingly which should provide passengers great value.”
Steve Dailisan, AirAsia Philippines head of communications and public affairs, said the downgrading of the fuel surcharge starting November will highly benefit guests traveling this holiday season.
This lowers the fuel surcharge cost to the metro cities of Cebu and Davao to P503 and P708 from October’s P571 and P782, respectively.
“We’re expecting this new fuel surcharge rate to drive demand further. At AirAsia, we’re expecting to meet a high average of 90 to 95 percent in domestic load factor this fourth quarter,” Dailisan said.
CAB has directed the airlines to file an application with the agency on or before the effectivity period to allow them to impose the new fuel surcharge in November. – Myla Iglesias
