Cebu Pacific, the Philippines’ leading airline, expects to exceed its pre-pandemic domestic capacity in April 2022. This comes after the airline ramped up its route network as travel restrictions were eased, marking a strong start to CEB’s 26th year in operation.
As the summer peak season approaches, the airline has noted a 200% increase in the average daily number of domestic and international flights, up from about 100 flights per day in 2020 to about 300 per day at present. Flights from Manila to key domestic destinations, such as Boracay and Cebu, have already surpassed their 2019 flight frequencies.
At present, the airline operates 96% of its total pre-pandemic domestic capacity. The improvement has enabled CEB to carry more passengers and boost its cargo service, which means faster and more efficient movement of goods across its domestic network, the widest in the country.
“We are excited to safely fly everyJuan to their destinations so they could reunite with their families and loved ones, or pursue their business interests, or revisit tourist destinations. It is encouraging to see and feel travel confidence returning. We thank our passengers for their continued trust, and we will endeavor to live true to our promise of providing safe, affordable, and accessible air travel for everyJuan,” said CEB President and CEO Lance Y. Gokongwei on the latest developments signaling the airline’s remarkable recovery.
During its anniversary month of March, CEB also celebrated another milestone as it flew its 200 millionth passenger on board one of its 18 daily Manila-Cebu flights. This route was the first-ever flown by CEB back in 1996.
Salbert “Bhagz” Garces, a resident of Cebu, was the lucky passenger. Before the plane departed for its destination, CEB President and CEO Lance Y. Gokongwei warmly congratulated Garces, who also happened to be celebrating his birthday that week. After landing in Cebu, Garces was greeted with more fanfare at the airport, where his prize as the 200 millionth “Juan”, as CEB dubs its loyal passengers, was revealed — unlimited domestic trips for free, for one entire year.
On his social media account, Garces gratefully recapped how the big surprise unfolded: “When I presented my QR code at the boarding gate, the Cebu Pacific staff told me that my seat was transferred from 18D to 9D. I didn’t mind because it happens all the time, nothing unusual, still normal. Then, I boarded the plane, that’s when things went a little bit different … the 9D seat was surrounded with Cebu Pacific employees! The 200 millionth Juan happened! CEB CEO Mr. Lance Gokongwei announced my name! Best way to end my birthday celebration!”
While not everyJuan can be as lucky and fortunate as Garces, CEB continues to offer its guaranteed low fares to spur travel among Filipinos and foreigners alike. As part of its anniversary celebration, CEB held its first month-long #CEBSuperSeatFest, offering a PHP88 one-way base fare seat sale to selected domestic destinations.
For more information on Cebu Pacific, visit cebupacificair.com
