MANILA, Philippines - A new Airbus A320, designed with Airphil Express livery, taxied into the NAIA last Nov. 18 with the airline’s own pilots in command. The arrival of the aircraft represents another determined step towards meeting the Filipinos’ growing demand for value-oriented air travel service. With its wider seats, bigger legroom and elbowroom for added comfort, and generous carry-on baggage space, the new 180-seater Airbus A320 is expected to offer enhanced cabin experience.
Alfredo Herrera, SVP for marketing and sales, said: “We aim to play a dominant role in the industry by bringing in more tourists around the country while beefing up our presence in the region.” As part of its expansion plans, Airphil Express is slated to purchase more than half a dozen new A320 aircrafts starting this December until late next year.
With eight Airbus A320, three Q300s and five Q400 under its wing, Airphil Express is expected to increase operations and create new itineraries. Two recently inaugurated Airphil Express routes are the Manila-Cotabato and Manila-General Santos. The Cebu-Hong Kong flight, which opened a few months ago, also presents opportunities for frequent leisure and business trips between the two destinations.
As more and more Filipinos discover the joys of travel, local budget airlines strive to service the growing market, helping drive Philippine tourism to new vibrancy. Domestic travel is pegged at 74 percent this year, up from 35 percent last year. Nine months into the fiscal year, Airphil Express has already grabbed 20 percent of the market share. Just over a year after its re-launch, the airline is now considered as the country’s fastest growing budget carrier.
Airphil Express provides unmatched experience for passengers who seek affordable, efficient and pleasant service (even before they board the plane) through value-added features like Web Check-in, Travel Insurance, Seat Selector and Pre-Paid Baggage. Among budget carriers in the country, Airphil Express prides in being the only airline that gives up to 15-kg free baggage allowance, aside from the additional 7-kilo free hand carry. Airphil Express also started and became the first budget airline to offer the 20-percent student discount on all published fares for its domestic routes, including select promotional fares.