Cebu Pacific bets big on China

Budget carrier Cebu Pacific is increasing flights to several cities in China, such as Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai, by early next year.

In a statement, the Gokongwei-led carrier said mainland China was now one of the fastest-growing segments of its international operations.

Manila-Beijing-Manila flights will be a four times weekly service starting Jan. 7, 2012, to cope with rising demand.

The airline currently flies thrice weekly to Beijing and Guangzhou, and daily to Shanghai. Its Greater China operations extend to daily flights from Manila to Taipei, up to six daily flights to Hong Kong from Manila, Clark and Cebu, and 11 weekly flights to Macau from Manila and Clark.