Cebu Pacific and Tigerair Make Progress With Interline Agreement

Cebu Pacific and Tigerair, the two largest low-cost carriers in the Philippines and Singapore respectively, have made further progress on their interline agreement with the first interline flights available for sale on the Tigerair website from 23 July 2014. Tigerair flights will be available on Cebu Pacific’s website from September 2014. With the interline agreement facilitating both domestic and international collaboration between both airlines, Cebu Pacific and Tigerair have created the biggest network of flights from the Philippines to the region.

The interline agreement is part of a wide-ranging strategic alliance entered into between 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 can 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 will 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 will 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 will 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.

Chief Operating Officer of Tigerair, Mr Ho Yuen Sang said, “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.”

President and CEO of Cebu Pacific Air, Mr. Lance Gokongwei said, “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. We look forward to offering our trademark low fares and fun flights to both Cebu Pacific and Tigerair customers.”

Customers who wish to purchase connecting Cebu Pacific flights can do so from 23 July on Tigerair’s website. Tigerair connecting flights will be made available for booking on Cebu Pacific’s website (www.cebupacificair.com) from September.

Cebu Pacific to fly to Sydney and Kuwait

CEB President and CEO Lance Gokongwei (left) and General Manager for Long Haul Division Alex Reyes (right) unveil CEB’s two newest long-haul destinations: Sydney and Kuwait.

The Philippines’ leading airline, Cebu Pacific  will operate direct flights from Manila to Sydney, Australia and to Kuwait this September, to serve Filipino expatriates and open more opportunities for tourism.

CEB will be the only airline offering non-stop flights to Kuwait, which hosts more than 180,000 Filipinos workers. The new Manila-Kuwait thrice weekly service will start on September 2.

​Meanwhile, CEB will fly non-stop to and from Sydney four times a week, starting on September 9. As the only low-cost carrier offering this route, CEB hopes to stimulate travel both ways with this new service. There are also over 300,000 Filipinos based in Australia.

“Our trademark low fares will allow our kababayans abroad, the Global Filipinos, to visit home more often, as we had done in other destinations before, and at the same time attract Australian tourists into our shores,” said CEB President and CEO Lance Gokongwei.

To mark its new service, CEB offers an introductory seat sale fare from June 16 to 19, 2014 or until seats last, for travel from the new route’s launch date until December 31, 2014.

CEB is offering all-in fares from Manila to Sydney, as low as P4,999. These are inclusive of the fare, fuel surcharge and other fees, but exclusive of the Philippine Travel Tax. After the seat sale, lowest year-round all-inclusive fares to Sydney start at P12,150.

During the seat sale, base fares from Manila to Kuwait are as low as P1. These are exclusive of fuel surcharge, country taxes and other fees. After the seat sale, lowest year-round base fares to Kuwait start at P4,999.

Gokongwei encouraged passengers to book these seat sale fares, since it offers up to 64% in savings, compared to the fares of other airlines.

These new routes will utilize CEB’s brand-new Airbus A330-300 aircraft with a configuration of 436 all-economy class seats. It offers fast and convenient same-terminal connecting flights for guests taking advantage of CEB’s extensive Philippine network.

Passengers also have the option to purchase baggage allowance, seat selection, CEB Air Wi-Fi connectivity inflight and Hot Meals.

Cebu Pacific fleet now 52-strong with brand-new Airbus A330 delivery

The Philippines’ leading airline, Cebu Pacific, took delivery of the second of three Airbus A330 aircraft it will receive this year. CEB’s brand-new Airbus-A330 arrived at the NAIA Airport last May 18, 2014. CEB is due to take delivery of one additional Airbus A330 in August 2014. By end of 2014, the airline will be utilizing five wide-body Airbus A330 aircraft for its long haul operations.

With this delivery, CEB now operates a fleet of 52 aircraft comprised of 10 Airbus A319, 30 Airbus A320, 4 Airbus A330 and 8 ATR-72 500 aircraft. Between 2014 and 2021, Cebu Pacific will take delivery of 11 more Airbus A320, 30 Airbus A321neo, and 2 Airbus A330 aircraft. ​

European Commission lifts ban on Cebu Pacific

The Philippines’ leading airline, Cebu Pacific has been removed from the list of airlines banned from operating in European Union (EU) member countries. The European Commission formally announced today.

“We welcome this development, a testament to Cebu Pacific’s commitment to safety and full compliance with international aviation safety standards. This would not have been possible without the full support of the Philippine government, and especially the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines,” said Lance Gokongwei, Cebu Pacific President and CEO.

“This enables Cebu Pacific to continue flying to where the Filipinos are. With nearly a million Filipinos working in the EU, we look forward to offering CEB’s trademark lowest fares, and the most extensive route network in the Philippines,” added Gokongwei.

“The decision of the European Commission to lift the ban on Cebu Pacific shows the ability of Philippine authorities and business to work with the EU to raise standards and create economic opportunity,” said Julian Vassallo, Chargé d’affaires at the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines. “Having demonstrated their commitment and capacity to adhere to international standards, we heartily welcome Cebu Pacific to European skies”.

CEB currently operates a fleet of 50 aircraft comprised of 10 Airbus A319, 29 Airbus A320, 3 Airbus A330 and 8 ATR-72 500 aircraft. Between 2014 and 2021, Cebu Pacific will take delivery of 12 more Airbus A320, 30 Airbus A321neo, and 3 Airbus A330 aircraft.

Journey to Japan on a budget with Cebu Pacific

Akibahara

With its rich history, cultural treasures and modern attractions, Japan ranks high on every traveler’s must-see list. It can also be an expensive place to visit, but with careful planning, research and budgeting, tourists can make the most out of their trip to the Land of the Rising Sun, without breaking the bank.

Exploring on a budget. Making it possible for budget-conscious adventurers to make that dream trip to Japan is Cebu Pacific, launching direct flights from Manila to Tokyo (Narita) and to Nagoya on March 30, 2014. The first Philippine low-cost carrier to offer direct flights between Manila and these two key Japanese cities, Cebu Pacific offers fares as low as P5,499, up to 60 percent lower than other full-service airlines. With the extra savings, tourists can spend less on airfare and more on memorable travel experiences. Going around Japan is also an adventure in itself, as the country is known for its efficient public transportation system. To keep costs manageable, travelers can purchase a Japan Rail (JR) pass prior to their trip. Depending on the length of their stay, they can opt for the 7-day, 14-day or 21-day pass. The JR pass provides guests with unlimited use of the extensive JR train system, and is also valid for non-JR railway lines, and some buses and ferry routes.

Taking on Tokyo. Tokyo has countless attractions for every kind of passion, interest and budget. Early risers can enjoy an action-packed morning at the Tsukiji Fish Market, the world’s largest and busiest fish market. A five-minute walk from the Tsukiji Station, this top tourist attraction is famous for its live tuna auctions, which are open for free to a maximum of 120 visitors on select days. Complete the experience by having a delightful breakfast at Sushi Dai, which offers fresh chu toro (fatty tuna) that gets people lining up as early as 4:30 am.

Near the Tokyo Station is the Tokyo Imperial Palace, the official residence of the Japanese imperial family since 1868. The inner palace gardens and buildings are closed to the general public for most of the year, but tourists can apply online at http://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/english/index.html for a free guided tour of the palace grounds. Tours are conducted only in Japanese, but electronic audio guides in English are lent to foreign visitors free of charge. While there, tourists can also visit the Imperial Palace East Gardens which are open daily except Mondays and Fridays. These are especially beautiful during the March and April plum and cherry blossom seasons.

A whole new world awaits in Akihabara, two stations away from the Tokyo Station. The major shopping center for the latest computers, cameras, mobile phones and other gadgets, it is also home to hobby shops selling anime and manga figurines, card games and other collectibles.

Navigating Nagoya. One of Japan’s largest and most populous cities, Nagoya is one of the country’s key business, industrial, and transportation hubs. Among its famous attractions is the Nagoya Castle, which is accessible via the Shiyakusho Station. Completed in 1612, the castle was largely destroyed during World War II and reconstructed in 1959. It now houses treasures that escaped the bombing during the war, including paintings on sliding doors and screens that once adorned the castle’s Honmaru Palace, as well as flintlocks, swords, helmets and other objects from the historic Owari Tokugawa era.

From big department stores to street and flea markets, Nagoya also offers a host of options for serious shoppers. Located right at the Nagoya JR station is the JR Nagoya Takashimaya Department Store, which houses luxury brands such as Hermes and Prada, plus a variety of shops that sell cosmetics, Japanese tableware such as kiriko (Japanese cut glass) and other souvenirs. Fashionistas who wish to bring home their very own kimonos can get beautiful, secondhand pieces for less at the Osu Shopping Street, which can be found between the Osu Kannon station on the Tsurumai Line, and Kamimaezu station on the Meijo Line.

For a taste of something different, travelers can swing by the Asahi Breweries in Nagoya, one of the brand’s nine factories in the country. Located close to the Moriyama station on the JR Chuo line, the facility offers free 75-minute guided tours in English and Japanese that take visitors through its brewing and packaging process. After the tour, guests can sample some of the brand’s famous brewed beverages, also free of charge.