CebuPac, TigerAir create biggest network of flights

MANILA, Philippines - Budget carrier Cebu Air Inc. (Cebu Pacific) and Tiger Airways Singapore Holdings Ltd have created the biggest network of flights from the Philippines to the Asia Pacific region through the implementation of an interline agreement.

Cebu Pacific president Lance Gokongwei said both airlines are set to offer trademark low fares and fun flights to both passengers of Cebu Pacific and Tigerair.

“Together with Tigerair, we are proud to offer the largest, most extensive low cost network to and from the Philippines. Tigerair’s network reinforces Cebu Pacific’s strong presence in Asia, and expands our network with new destinations in Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Maldives and Thailand,” Gokongwei said.

Cebu Pacific and Tigerair made further progress on their interline agreement with the first interline flights available for sale on the Tigerair website from July 23 and available on the website of Cebu Pacific starting September.

With the interline agreement facilitating both domestic and international collaboration between Cebu Pacific and Tigerair, both airlines have created the biggest network of flights from Philippines to the region.

The interline agreement is part of a wide-ranging strategic alliance entered into by the two carriers earlier this year and will enable both airlines to leverage their respective strengths to enhance their network coverage and jointly market interline routes.

Travellers could enjoy seamless connections between the two airlines, with easy one-stop ticketing for connecting flights and baggage check-in. The ability to cross-book flights on a single itinerary would pave the way for greater connectivity between the two carriers, allowing customers to connect seamlessly within Asia Pacific and the Middle East.

Specifically, Tigerair’s customers would be able to fly from South East Asia to 34 Philippine cities, Korea and Japan on Cebu Pacific’s network, and Cebu Pacific’s customers in the Philippines would be able to add Tigerair’s destination calls in Australia (via Perth), India, and China to their flight itineraries. Customers on such extended itineraries will be able to connect through Singapore Changi Airport and Ninoy Aquino International Airport in the Philippines.

“The interline arrangement harnesses the strengths and networks of Tigerair and Cebu Pacific. We look forward to offering greater convenience to customers with the increased flight frequencies, enlarged network and more seamless options for both business and leisure travel,” Tigerair chief operating officer Ho Yuen Sang said. – Lawrence Agcaoili

Cebu Pacific spent $7 million to acquire the 40 percent share of Tiger Airways Singapore Pte Ltd and $8 million for the 60 percent owned by Filipino businessmen in Tiger Airways Philippines.