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Low-fare airline Cebu Pacific (CEB), the Philippines’ largest domestic carrier flew 6.7 million passengers last year for a 23-percent growth over its 2007 figure, cementing its leadership position in the industry. The airline expects to fly 9.3 million passengers this year as it takes delivery of six new planes, and expand its route network in the country and in Asia.
Lance Gokongwei, CEB President and CEO, said, “We carried 5.38 million domestic passengers last year, up 20.7 percent from 2007, while international passengers rose by 33 percent, from one million to 1.4 million.” He explained, “This growth can be attributed to the increase in our seat capacity coupled with our trademark low fares. We were able to successfully convince more Filipinos to travel by air despite economic uncertainties. 2008 challenged us to look for ways to stimulate travel and sustain our domestic and international operations.”
CEB pioneered all-inclusive fares in the domestic air travel market and introduced the phenomenal ‘Go Lite’ fares that gave discounts to travelers without check-in luggage. Gokongwei added, “We will continue to look for ways to deliver a simple and reliable product and the public can expect more innovation from CEB this year.” CEB expects to take delivery of 6 new aircraft (3 Airbus A320 and 3 ATR 72-500) this year and expand services accordingly.
The airline grew its total number of destinations in 2008 to 42, from 32 in 2007, and its number of routes to 63 from 43. Of these, domestic destinations rose from 20 to 27 while domestic routes increased from 28 to 39. Now on its 13th year, CEB has the youngest aircraft fleet in the country. It flies to 15 international cities and 27, soon to be 32 domestic destinations with the addition of Siargao, Catarman, Calbayog, Cauayan (Isabela), and Virac (Cantanduanes) in the coming months.
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