Cebu Pacific to Launch First Flight to US Next Year

Low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific (CEB) announced that it is set to launch its first US destination, four times weekly flights between Manila and Guam, on March 15, 2016.

This marks the first and only low-cost carrier to fly direct between the Manila to Guam route, which is relatively underserved, compared to other destinations with smaller Filipino populations.

CEB’s Guam route will operate every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, and will utilize the airline’s brand-new Airbus A320 fleet.

The Manila-Guam service will depart at 3:45 a.m. and arrive in Guam at 10:15 a.m. The Guam-Manila flight will depart Guam at 12:30 p.m. and arrive in Manila at 2:55 p.m.

From Manila, passengers can utilize CEB’s extensive network in the Philippines. Domestic destinations with excellent connections include Laoag, Iloilo and Cebu.

At present, CEB’s network spans 64 destinations on 98 routes, including flights to Sydney, Doha, Beijing, Tokyo, Bali and Dubai.

In a statement, CEB President and CEO Lance Gokongwei welcomed the airline company’s latest expansion noting that it can soon provide its trademark low fares to the sizeable Filipino community in Guam.

“Having Guam in our network sets us off on another expansion path across the Pacific. With the launch of Guam, we offer fares that are up to 83 percent lower than other airlines,” Gokongwei said.

“Fares this low can only mean more tourists to both countries, more Filipinos visiting home, and more opportunities for everyone,” he added.

CEB kicked off the Guam route announcement with PHP2,500 all-in seats, available until Nov. 29, 2015 or until seats last. These are for travel from March 15 to November 30, 2016.

After the seat sale, CEB fares to Guam start from PHP 7,197, which is still up to 40 percent lower compared to other airlines.

There are approximately 5,900 weekly seats currently available between Manila and Guam. CEB’s entry into the market adds 1,440 weekly seats to this pool, boosting air traffic between the two countries further. (PNA) JMC/ANP