AirAsia launches new Kalibo to China routes

MANILA, Philippines — Low cost carrier AirAsia continues to expand its international network with the addition of several flights to Macau, Kunming, and Chengdu from Kalibo International Airport, the gateway to Boracay island.

“We are ringing in the new year with additional international flights to Boracay via Kalibo International Airport from three new destinations to once again boost tourism in our paradise island,” AirAsia Philippines chief executive officer Dexter Comendador said.

 AirAsia said its Kalibo–Macau route will commence on March 2 with three flights weekly, while Kalibo–Chengdu will begin on Jan. 24 operating four times weekly, and Kalibo – Kunming to start on Jan. 25 at three times weekly.

It earlier announced it would  operate Kalibo–Hangzhou starting Jan. 18.

“China is an important market for leisure and tourism and we are excited to bring them back to Boracay. Direct flights will provide ease and comfort for Chinese tourists while giving the local tourism industry a necessary boost after the rehabilitation works that closed the island to all tourists for six months last year,” Comendador said.

The AirAsia Group, the largest low-cost carrier in Asia, has multiple routes to and from China from its hubs in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

In the Philippines, AirAsia operates flights to Macau, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Hangzhou from hubs in Manila, Cebu, and Kalibo.

It has a current fleet of 21 Airbus A320s, from only two aircraft in 2012 when the airline began its commercial operation in Clark, Pampanga.

Macau is a popular destination regarded as the “Las Vegas of Asia.” Kunming is the capital of Yunnan province in China and is famous for the limestone formations in Shilin (Stone Forest), a UNESCO World Heritage site, while Chengdu is one of the biggest cities in China known for its culinary and cultural delights.