Cebu Pacific (CEB), the country’s single largest domestic airline and biggest carrier to ASEAN region, is adding a direct Manila–Boracay (Caticlan) service to its domestic network.
CEB’s Manila–Boracay (Caticlan) service will operate a five-times daily flight (starting February 29, 2008) and will become an nine-times daily service starting March 28, 2008.
Boracay | photo by p@ragon (Flickr)
“Boracay has one of the world’s best beaches and with our trademark year-round ‘Go’ fares, more Filipinos and foreign tourists will now be able to spend less on their air travel and more on the fun and exciting activities the island has to offer,” Candice Iyog, CEB spokesperson said.
Hon. Joseph Durano, Secretary of the Department of Tourism, said, ”The continuous expansion of Cebu Pacific’s domestic operations, specifically the additional Manila-Caticlan flights, shows the confidence in the tourism industry’s growth as well as Cebu Pacific’s immediate response to the anticipated demand for the coming summer season. This boosts and support’s the country’s domestic tourism and will ably provide more connections for international visitors going to Boracay Island.”
CEB will also offer a Cebu–Boracay (Caticlan) daily service starting March 28, 2008.
“We hope to see more support from the government to improve the infrastructure and upgrade the runway length in Caticlan Airport. Being the gateway to a prime tourist destination, the airport facilities must be improved to be at par with the world’s best too. This will enable us to further maximize the tourism potential of Boracay,” Iyog added.
CEB also started its daily Manila-Laoag service on February 29th.
The airline is acquiring up to 18 ATR72-500 regional aircraft manufactured by Avions de Transport Regional (ATR), based in Toulouse, France. CEB expects to take delivery of six ATR aircraft this year and another four in 2009. ATR is the world leader in the 50 to 74-seat turboprop market. This fleet expansion is valued at over US$ 330 million.
Now in its 12th year, CEB flies to 12, soon to be 15 international destinations, with the addition of Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, and Kaohsiung. CEB also operates flights to 21 domestic destinations.