CEB further expands Vismin network with 18 new routes

CEBU, Philippines — Gokongwei-led Cebu Pacific Air (CEB) announced the expansion of its inter-island connectivity in Visayas and Mindanao complementing the robust growth of domestic tourism post-pandemic.

The low-cost carrier is poised to add 18 routes within the Southern Philippine region in the next few months.

This provides passengers with more accessible and affordable air travel across the airline’s domestic and international destinations.

By December, CEB will operate a total of 73 routes serving Visayas and Mindanao as it opens new routes from its Iloilo, Davao, Cebu, and Clark hubs.

This expansion will bring the airline’s capacity on Visayas and Mindanao flights to 2.1 million seats from 1.4 million in January 2024 and increase the number of flights operating across the same network to an average of 12,000.

CEB is set to operate the following domestic and international routes serving Visayas and Mindanao starting October 2024:  From Cebu are flights going to Masbate, San Vicente. From Clark are flights going to Davao , General Santos, Iloilo, Puerto Princesa and Tagbilaran.

Davao will have flights to Caticlan, Puerto Princesa, Tacloban.

From Iloilo, Cebu Pacific will fly to Tacloban and Zamboanga.

Meanwhile, Cebu Pacific unveiled additional international direct flights from Cebu,  Davao and Iloilo.

Cebu-Bangkok (Thailand) direct flight will open on October 2, 2024, to be followed by Cebu-Osaka, Japan on October 15, 2024.

Davao will have direct flights to Hong Kong and Bangkok (Don Moeang) starting October 27, 2024 and to Singapore on November 25, 2024.

To support this growth, CEB is set to accept a total of 18 aircraft this year, of which 11 have already arrived. On top of this, the airline has also placed an order for up to 152 aircraft from Airbus --- the largest aircraft order in Philippine aviation history --- deliveries of which will start no later than 2029.

“Visayas and Mindanao serve as the gateway to the world’s most beautiful beaches, colorful festivals, and vibrant cultures. We are excited to offer the traveling public more opportunities to explore our islands and connect with more communities. This also allows us to boost our hubs outside Manila that will help generate economic opportunities to support the country’s growth agenda,” said Candice Iyog, CEB Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer.

Data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) showed that every job in the air transport industry supports 29 other jobs in tourism, supply chain and other related sectors. This means that with Cebu Pacific deploying up to 128 pilots and cabin crew to man its aircraft deliveries this year, more than 3,700 jobs can be produced.

To encourage people to travel, CEB is running a special seat sale until September 17, 2024 allowing travelers from Visayas and Mindanao to book their flights on select domestic destinations for as low as P88 one-way base fare, exclusive of surcharges and other fees.

The travel period is from September 11, 2024 to February 28, 2025, perfect for those with immediate travel needs or who are planning to spend the holidays with their family and friends in the provinces.

CEB operates to 35 domestic and 26 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. — (FREEMAN)