“How Far Can Juan Go?” – Cebu Pacific Unveils Plans for Long-Haul Flights

Juan will have a more affordable way to travel to and from home with Cebu Pacific’s long haul flights to take off in the third quarter of 2013.

The country’s budget carrier Cebu Pacific takes Juan farther with long-haul flights set to open late next year.

In a public announcement, Cebu Pacific president Lance Gokongwei revealed that the airlines will soon open their long-haul routes in areas where there are large concentrations of Filipinos.  These flights will particularly benefit overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) by giving them an affordable alternative to other international carriers passing through multiple stops and charging steep fares.  With Cebu Pacific’s latest endeavour, Pinoy OFWs do not have to endure the inconvenience of taking connecting flights, the high costs of air fare, and the unavailability of seats in direct flights.  “We are highly confident in our ability to succeed in this endeavor, considering there is a huge underserved market.  There are 11 million OFWs who want to see their families.  With lower fares and more direct access, the markets will grow,” Gokongwei intimated to members of the media in Tuesday’s press conference. 

Although Gokongwei chose to remain mum on the cities where Cebu Pacific will have long-haul routes, he admitted that Hawaii, Australia, and parts of the Middle East could be potential routes.  Gokongwei has already ruled out the US West Coast as a possible route in their long-haul flights as this is already being served by the country’s flag carrier, the Philippine Airlines (PAL).  Permits and licenses to operate routes in their identified countries are currently being filed and process to set the groundwork for take off late next year.  Cebu Pacific’s trademark low fares and friendly flight personnel will continue on to these new flights servicing Filipino communities in various destinations throughout the globe. 

Around eight Airbus A330-300 aircrafts will be leased by Cebu Pacific to fly routes that can be reached within about 11 hours from the Philippines.  This, Gokongwei pointed out, will give the budget carrier a lot of leeway in terms of lowering fares by as much as 35% from prevailing air fare rates.  “The A330-300 will give us the lowest cost per seat, allowing us to drive long-haul rates 35% lower than those currently offered by  other airlines and as much as 80% lower when CEB offers promo fares,” ended Gokongwei.     

Photo:  businessmirror.com.ph