* Cebu Pacific to begin new domestic flights from Davao

[Kano]

Cebu Pacific to begin new domestic flights from Davao



Manila Standard Today  June 21st, 2012

Budget carrier Cebu Pacific announced Wednesday it will launch new direct flights from Davao to Kalibo and to Puerto Princesa on Aug. 1, in time for the delivery of three brand-new Airbus A320 aircraft.

The airline said it would operate a four-times-weekly service or every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, from Davao to Kalibo and to Puerto Princesa. It will be the only airline servicing those routes.

Cebu Pacific said from Davao, it currently operates eight daily flights to Manila, four daily flights to Cebu, daily flights to both Iloilo and Zamboanga and four weekly flights to Cagayan de Oro.

The airline posted a 17-percent passenger growth in the first quarter, compared to the same period last year.

"These routes will be launched just in time for Davao's Kadayawan Festival in August. It will open up new markets from Palawan and Aklan, especially since fares to Davao and vice versa are now 55 percent lower with direct flights," Cebu Pacific vice president for marketing and distribution Candice Iyog said in a statement.

"CEB's extensive route network will also encourage Davao's top tourist markets from the US, Japan, South Korea, China and Asean to proceed to Davao after visiting Palawan or Boracay. We believe in Davao's potential for tourism, as the largest airline operating from this hub," Iyog added.

Tourism Department Region 11 director Art Boncato said direct flights would help them achieve tourism targets.

"The modern-day traveler prioritizes seamless travel when choosing the destinations to visit. These direct flights would certainly hasten our tourism growth since we already have ample products and services fit for various markets," said Boncato.

Boncato described the Davao region as an eco-tourism destination, where travelers could go on a fun adventure from its islands to highlands terrain.


Source: http://business.manilastandardtoday.com/2012/06/21/cebu-pacific-to-begin-new-domestic-flights-from-davao/