Cebu Pacific Goes All Out in Celebrating Its 27th Anniversary

Cebu Pacific is celebrating its 27^th anniversary with its unbeatable seat sales, the renewal of a strategic partnership, the strengthening of a key hub, and many more positive developments.

Known as the Philippines’ leading carrier, CEB has solidified its leadership position based on the latest data from the Civil Aeronautics Board. As of 2022, the airline of the Gokongwei Group holds a 57% share of the domestic market, up five percentage points compared to 2019.

CEB flew close to 13.5 million domestic passengers last year, up 312% from 2021, reflecting the strong recovery in both capacity and passenger traffic. Factoring in its international operations, the airline flew over 14.8 million passengers in 2022 – 335% higher year-on-year.

Higher travel demand both domestically and internationally, coupled with the easing of various travel regulations, paved the way for the impressive rebound in 2022.

As key destinations such as Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan eased their travel restrictions in the 4^th quarter of 2022, the airline was able to accelerate the recovery of its international network. Hong Kong, one of CEB’s largest markets, also lifted its quarantine requirements in December.

With these encouraging developments, the airline flew over 587,000 passengers to short-haul international destinations in the 4^th quarter, an increase of 97% compared to the 3^rd quarter. Long-haul destinations, namely Dubai and Sydney, likewise contributed to the growth, posting a 14% increase in passenger volume quarter-on-quarter, helping CEB end the year at 92% of pre-pandemic capacity.

This year, a full recovery is expected, alongside the 100% restoration of its pre-COVID network and capacity by March.

As part of its ongoing recovery strategy, CEB strengthened its partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board to help travelers reimagine the Lion City and visit Singapore.

CEB and STB previously signed a memorandum of understanding in April 2022 to mark the reopening of Singapore’s borders. As a measure of that partnership’s success, the MOU was recently renewed to intensify their collaboration to promote travel to Singapore. Key projects will include joint marketing and promotions, and joint business development in the areas of fly-cruise and meetings and incentive corporate groups.  

CEB Director for Corporate Communications Carmina Romero, STB Area Director for Philippines Ruby Liu, STB Executive Director for Southeast Asia John Conceicao, STB Assistant Chief Executive Juliana Kua, CEB Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer Candice Iyog, and CEB Director for Marketing Michelle de Guzman pose for a photo following the MOU signing. IMAGE CEB

CEB provides strong connectivity to Singapore as it currently flies from Manila, Cebu, and Davao. Starting in April, it will offer flights from Clark, Pampanga.

Through another strategic move related to that last development, CEB is strengthening its Clark hub. In late February, the airline announced that it would be operating a combined 13 domestic and international destinations from Clark International Airport, making it the largest airline servicing northern and central Luzon. Prior to the pandemic, CEB operated seven domestic and four international destinations from Clark. 

“We are excited to reestablish our presence in such an important gateway that will boost accessibility and connectivity for the traveling public. Furthermore, it allows us to boost our third operating hub in the Philippines that will help generate economic opportunities to support the country’s growth agenda,” said Xander Lao, Cebu Pacific President and Chief Commercial Officer.

Department of Transportation Undersecretary Bobby Lim, CEB President and Chief Commercial Officer Xander Lao, CEB Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer Candice Iyog, and LIPAD President and CEO Noel Manankil lead the announcement of Cebu Pacific's expansion in Clark. IMAGE CEB

To address capacity issues and growing passenger demand, CEB is leasing five aircraft in 2023. These are on top of the 10 new Airbus NEO aircraft that will be delivered this year to expand the airline’s entire fleet. “Three of the aircraft will be used to re-start the Clark base. The two other aircraft will be used to support overall growth ambitions as CEB recovers fully from the pandemic,” said Lao.

According to the International Air Transport Association, every job in the air transport industry supports another 29 jobs in tourism, the aviation supply chain, and other related sectors. With Cebu Pacific’s hiring of at least 140 pilots, cabin crew, and on-ground staff for its Clark hub, more than 4,000 jobs can be generated in Central Luzon.

“Clark International Airport and Cebu Pacific are committed to delivering a seamless and hassle-free travel experience to our passengers. With the resumption of pre-pandemic Cebu Pacific flights and the introduction of new routes, travelers may now seamlessly connect international and domestic destinations from this world-class terminal,” said Noel Manakil, President and CEO of Luzon International Premier Airport Development Corp. (LIPAD), the private consortium that manages Clark International Airport.

Most exciting for all travelers is the news of the airline’s signature seat sales, which will be held throughout the year. Having recently concluded its special seat sale for domestic and international flights to and from Clark, CEB is now in the midst of “March Pinabongga” its 27^th anniversary month-long sale.

All throughout March, CEB travelers can book their flights and fly right away across the airline's domestic network – the widest in the country – for as low as PHP199 (one-way base fare), exclusive of surcharges and fees. Travel period is from March 1 to September 30, 2023.

To make flying even more convenient for every Juan, the airline is also offering up to 27% off on selected add-ons.

“Cebu Pacific has come a long way since we flew our first flight 27 years ago. What better way to celebrate this milestone than by giving back to the passengers to whom we owe our success,” said Carmina Romero, CEB Director for Corporate Communications.

For more information on Cebu Pacific, visit cebupacificair.com.

Book your flights now via bit.ly/CebuPacificSale.