Following growing and sustained demand, carrier set to increase route flight frequency
The Philippines’ largest carrier Cebu Pacific (CEB) recently celebrated its landmark 9th Anniversary of commencement of direct flights from Manila to Dubai.
A commemorative press conference held at the Rove Hotel in Deira City Centre, Dubai, was addressed by Carmina Romero, Corporate Communications Director, Cebu Pacific, who led the high-level delegation. Accompanying her was Romina Yasmin Aguirre, the Airlines’ Corporate Communications Manager, and a large media delegation from the Philippines.
Furthermore, to celebrate this milestone, CEB, the only low-cost carrier (LCC) from the Philippines that flies directly to Dubai, also announced a flash sale for the five-month travel period from November 2022 to March 2023.
Beefing up flights
Romero also announced that the airline will also add more flights to the route. Starting October 30, 2022, CEB will be operating twice daily—14 times weekly between Manila and Dubai.
As part of the celebrations, CEB hosted a ‘Homecoming’ community event headlined by celebrity blogger and digital influencer Kyle ‘Kulas’ Jennerman of ‘Becoming Filipino’. Philippines Consul General to the Dubai and Northern Emirates, HE Renato N. Dueñas, Jr. attended the event, together with community leaders, industry partners, and members of the League of Food and Beverage Entrepreneurs under the Philippine Business Council – Dubai and Northern Emirates.
Affordable travel
“We are happy to support the Filipino community in Dubai, by making travel more affordable and accessible as we celebrate our 9th year of service. Dubai is special to us because it is home to the largest population of Filipinos in the UAE,” affirmed Carmina Romero, Corporate Communications Director, CEB.
Romero also confirmed that CEB is eyeing expansion across other geographies notably China subject to regulatory approvals and easing of covid-related health protocols.
From its maiden flight on 7 October 2013 to September 2022, CEB has flown over 1.6 million passengers between Manila and Dubai.
Relief flights
In 2021, the carrier responded to the Philippine Government’s call to repatriate Filipinos from the UAE via Bayanihan flights. More than 8,750 Filipinos were flown on these special commercial flights, to reunite them with their families.
CEB currently operates 88 per cent of its pre-pandemic systemwide capacity. To date, CEB flies to a total of 34 domestic and 19 international destinations. The CEB network operates flights out of seven strategically placed hubs in the Philippines—Clark, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Kalibo, Cebu, Iloilo, and Manila.
The Cebu Pacific fleet comprises of a 77-strong fleet and includes two dedicated ATR freighters.
A member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Cebu Pacific has attained full compliance with IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA)—considered as the benchmark of the highest standards for safety in the airline industry, a press communique concluded.
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