CEB 2024 passenger volume surges 18%; kicks-off Manila-Sapporo flight

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The country’s leading low-cost carrier, Cebu Pacific yesterday said its passenger volume surged by 18 percent to 24.5 million in 2024 from 20.9 million passengers in the previous year driven by significant growth on domestic travel.

Domestic passengers grew 16 percent to 18.5 million, while international passengers grew 25 percent to 6 million. Seat load factor (SLF) averaged 84.4 percent, while overall capacity in seats grew 17 percent to 29 million. 

“CEB is strategically positioned to take advantage of the Philippines’ economic growth and robust travel demand.  The increased growth rate through Q4 2024 has already been absorbed by the market with load factors stable to positive versus the previous year.  We will continue to focus on the reliability and stability in our operation through our ongoing management of powdered metal issues with Pratt &Whitney and at the same time optimizing our capacity to serve the increase in consumer demand” said Mike Szucs, CEO of CEB in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange yesterday. 

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For the month of December last year, CEB, carried 2.6 million passengers, a strong 31 percent increase compared to December 2023.  SLF improved to 85 percent from 85 percent, while seat capacity grew by 31 percent.

Domestic passengers carried grew 32 percent versus December 2023 on 34.5 percent higher seats, with a SLF of 85.4 percent. Traffic growth was driven by strong demand around the Christmas holiday period, supported by route launches from new bases in Iloilo and Davao. Davao Hub traffic grew 2.4 times compared to same period last year, driven by new destination: Boracay, Puerto Princesa, and Tacloban. Meanwhile, Iloilo Hub added 5 more destination: Dumaguete, Daraga, Tacloban, and Tagbilaran, resulting in 3.3 times increase in hub traffic year over year.  

International passenger traffic, meanwhile, grew 29.5 percent year over year on 21 percent higher seats, which allowed a 5.6 percentage point increase in SLF to 84.7 percent.  Japan, Vietnam, Thailand and Hong Kong recorded strong growth driven by additional frequencies and capacity for these key destination.

In addition, CEB yesterday launched its maiden flight from Manila to Sapporo, making it the only airline to offer direct flights between the two cities and solidifying its position as the largest airline connecting Philippines and Japan.

Sapporo is CEB’s fifth destination in Japan, giving Filipinos more opportunities to explore the country with its strong international connectivity, signature low fares, and unbeatable seat sales. Aside from Sapporo, CEB also flies to Tokyo (Narita), Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka from Manila, Clark, or Cebu.

Starting January 16, CEB will operate direct flights between Manila and Sapporo thrice weekly, every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

CEB’s direct service shortens the journey by up to five hours and offers passengers the opportunity to save up to 63% on airfare. 

“Sapporo is a gem in Japan’s tourism landscape, renowned for its winter magic, stunning natural parks, and rich cultural heritage. We are excited to bring Sapporo much closer to our Filipino travelers in our commitment to make air travel even more accessible and affordable for every Juan,” said Xander Lao, CEB President and Chief Commercial Officer. 

The new direct flights to Sapporo also make it easier for travelers to explore the region’s popular winter activities. From skiing on powdery snow to experiencing the Sapporo Snow Festival, there’s something for every Juan to experience.

Visitors can also enjoy freshly brewed beer at the Sapporo Beer Museum, stroll along the Otaru Canal, or relax in onsens to make the most of their trip.    

CEB operates in 37 domestic and 26 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. 

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