Cebu Pacific to debut in Chiang Mai

Budget carrier Cebu Pacific is on track to reach its goal of flying 24 million passengers this year with the launch of new destinations, including the most recent Manila-Chiang Mai route—the only direct flight to the popular northern Thai city from the country.

Xander Lao, president and chief commercial officer of the Gokongwei-led airline, said the aviation sector has continued to see recovery as evidenced by the growing passenger volume across domestic and international networks.

Local airlines, including Cebu Pacific, have been expanding their flight network to take advantage of the resurgence of air travel.

READ: Cebu Pacific to launch Manila-Chiang Mai flights in Oct

The low-cost carrier will introduce the Manila-Chiang Mai route this Oct. 29. It will be operated thrice weekly.

Lao said they were opening this route given the positive outlook on inbound tourism to Thailand. “This new route will provide our passengers the opportunity to explore Thailand beyond its urban attractions,” he added.

The Cebu Pacific official also said they were keen on launching a direct flight to Hong Kong from Iloilo. The Gokongwei-led company is currently waiting for regulatory approval before servicing the route.

Along with this, Lao also floated the idea of possibly building more hubs, in addition to Manila, Clark and Cebu. He identified Iloilo, Bohol and Kalibo as potential hubs.

“Infrastructure projects are coming and that’s certainly something that we consider whenever we think about these hubs or potential hubs,” he said, referring to airport upgrade projects like the Bohol-Panglao International Airport.

Cebu Pacific is rolling out its route expansion plan as the supply chain crunch is easing, with Lao saying the situation “has gotten better” with more aircraft spare parts available.

READ: Cebu Pacific to clear P16-B deficit

To recall, the global aviation sector saw several aircraft being grounded due to protracted maintenance period amid the lack of aircraft components.

This year, it has earmarked a P60-billion capital expenditure for mostly aircraft-related spending. The airline has received seven of the expected 18 aircraft deliveries for 2024.

Its existing fleet comprises eight Airbus 330s, 37 Airbus 320s, 22 Airbus 321s and 15 ATR turboprop aircraft.

By third quarter, Cebu Pacific is set to finalize its P1.4-trillion aircraft order for up to 152 A321neo (new engine option) jets with global manufacturer Airbus.