Cebu Pacific to open Tawi-Tawi, CDO-Iloilo routes in October

MANILA, Philippines—Budget carrier Cebu Pacific is adding two routes of flights by October this year as it continues to grow its route network and solidifies its position as the top domestic carrier in the country.

In a statement on Thursday, the Gokongwei-led carrier said it would continue to add more flights, with the expected arrival of four brand-new Airbus A320 aircraft before the end of 2011.

The company said the Tawi-Tawi province in Mindanao would be the airline’s 50th destination. The company will also launch a new Cagayan de Oro-Iloilo service by October, making it the only airline in the country to fly the route.

“This is in time with the delivery of four more brand-new Airbus A320 aircraft in the last four months of 2011,” the company said.

Between 2012 and 2021, Cebu Pacific will take delivery of 23 Airbus A320 and 30 Airbus A321neo aircraft orders, and two Airbus A320 aircraft on operating lease agreement, further increasing the company’s capacity.

Earlier this week, the Center for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) named Cebu Pacific the top airline in the Philippines in terms of seat capacity.

CAPA, in a report released Sunday, placed Cebu Pacific on top of a list of the top 10 airlines operating in the Philippines. The report cited the budget carrier’s capacity to offer 258,120 seats, with its fleet of 100 percent brand-new eight ATR 72-500, 10 Airbus A319 and 15 Airbus A320 aircraft.

Trailing Cebu Pacific were Philippine Airlines (220,302), Airphil Express (103,102), Zest Air (77,232), Cathay Pacific Airways (29,170), Asiana Airlines (17,624), Korean Air Lines (12,996), Singapore Airlines (12,600), Southeast Asian Airlines (11,436) and Delta Air Lines (10,478).

“Cebu Pacific is now the largest airline operating to, from and within the Philippines, based on not only the number of domestic and international passengers flown, but also total domestic and international seat capacity,” said CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog.