BIZ BUZZ: Honda PH motorcycle output hits 8M

Honda Philippines has rolled out its eight millionth motorcycle unit that is proudly made in the Philippines.

Since it began producing motorcycles at the first factory in Parañaque in May 1973, Honda has produced some 3.921 million units of cub motorcycles that account for about half of the total output over the past 51 years. Business motorcycles make up 34 percent, followed by automatic motorcycles that are seeing robust demand in recent years and now account for 15 percent of total output.

Honda Philippines, the country’s largest motorcycle manufacturer, said the production of the eight millionth motorcycle, now from its top-class, 20-hectare plant in Batangas, “underscores its commitment to providing high quality, reliable and environmentally friendly motorcycles that have become a cornerstone of Filipino transportation.”

The company’s roots trace back to 1964 when Mariwasa-Distribution Inc. was established, eventually leading to the formation of Mariwasa-Honda Inc. in 1973, and later to Honda Philippines Inc. in 1983. —Tina Arceo-Dumlao

AirAsia KL-Boracay flights coming soon

Budget carrier AirAsia is looking to provide more breathing space in the congested Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia), this time through more direct routes to the country’s most popular island resort.

AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricky Isla recently said they were “exploring the possibility” of offering direct flights to Boracay Island from Kuala Lumpur to help decongest Naia.

“It’s crucial for airlines to make travel easy and accessible for our guests so that there’s more opportunity to attract foreign tourists,” Isla said.

The airline’s travelers to Boracay consist mostly of millennials and young professionals from the United States, United Kingdom, China, South Korea, Japan, Germany and Canada, it said in a statement.

AirAsia claims that its current fares for flights from Manila, Clark and Cebu to Caticlan and Kalibo are 50 percent lower than that of its competitors, such as Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines.

They’re hoping that the attractive rates are enough to garner support from the international community and promote tourism in Boracay. —Meg J. Adonis