Carrier to restore full domestic capacity by April

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CEBU CITY. — Cebu Pacific (CEB), launched 26 years ago yesterday, is ready to restore over 100 percent of its pre-pandemic domestic capacity next month after it ramped up its network with the easing of pandemic travel restrictions.

As the summer peak travel approaches, the airline has noted a 200-percent increase in its average daily flights for both domestic and international combined — from about 100 flights per day in 2020, to about 300 at present. Flights from Manila to key domestic destinations, such as Boracay and Cebu, have exceeded their 2019 flight frequencies.

At present, CEB is operating at 96 percent of its pre-pandemic domestic capacity.

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“The improvement has enabled CEB to carry more passengers and boost its cargo service which means faster and more efficient movement of goods across its widest domestic network,” said Lance Gokongwei, chief executive officer of CEB, at the anniversary event held at Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

Gokongwei said while the past two years have been challenging, “ we are encouraged by the continued easing of restrictions in and out and within the Philippines, which now allows all of us to travel again.”

“The airline has come a long way from being the first low-cost carrier in Asia, to successfully making our mark through our famous promo fares and piso fares, to operating the widest domestic network with one of the youngest leads in the world,” Gokongwei said.

CEB yesterday also flew its 200 millionth passenger, Salbert Garces, on board one of its 18x daily Manila-Cebu flights. This route was the first ever flown by CEB back in 1996.
Garces will get to enjoy a one-year unlimited domestic flight.

“This milestone also serves as a signal that the travel and tourism sector is well on its way to recovery,” Gokongwei added.

Meanwhile, Gokongwei said the company’s A330 Neo has made the CEB the greenest airline in Asia.

A330 has 459 lightweight Recaro seats, allowing more travelers to be carried in a single flight which results in the lowest carbon footprint for passengers.

Delivered last December, the aircraft will be operated on trunk routes within the Philippines and the rest of Asia, as well as on longer range services to Australia and the Middle East.

Altogether Cebu Pacific has ordered 16 A330neo, and also has 16 A320neo and 22 A321neo outstanding to be delivered. The low-cost carrier currently operates 50 Airbus aircraft, comprising 43 A320 Family and 7 A330ceo.

Gokongwei added CEB continues to offer its guaranteed low fares. Its month-long #CEBSuperSeatFest is still ongoing as part of its anniversary month celebration.

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