CEB starts Guam service

Cebu Pacific Air yesterday launched its inaugural flight to Guam from Manila, marking the airline’s first voyage into United States territory.

The airline is set to fly to Guam four times a week (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday), and is expected to open more flights to other US destinations. Trips to Hawaii are already in the pipeline, said Alex Reyes, Cebu Pacific long haul division general manager.

Asked for a specific date on Hawaii flights, Reyes replied: “Soon.”

“As soon as we get all the approvals in place, then we can make the appropriate announcement,” he said in an interview yesterday shortly before the 3:45 a.m. (Manila time) flight to Guam aboard an Airbus A320.

In a separate statement, the airline said it was also looking into the possibility of flying to Saipan and Palau islands.

“With international travel, we are always looking [for destinations] where there is a sizeable Filipino community,” said Reyes. “Kung saan may Pinoy (Wherever Filipinos are), we fly there.”

The Guam flight, which has a 180-seating capacity, landed an hour ahead of its scheduled 10:15 a.m. (8:15 a.m. in Manila) arrival. As a treat, a lucky passenger was awarded a roundtrip Manila-Guam ticket.

An introductory one-way fare of P2,500 was made available to the maiden flight’s passengers. Regular fare is at P7,203, which Reyes said was still up to 48-percent cheaper than that of other airlines. Meals are available at about P350 ($7.50).