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Thursday, December 12, 2024

PH budget airlines optimistic for 2025

The country’s two budget airlines are optimistic about their prospects for 2025, fueled by the recovery of both domestic and international tourism.

“This year has been a transformative one for AirAsia Philippines. As we look back, this year was one of recovery, resilience, and above all, optimism. It hasn’t all been smooth sailing,” said AirAsia Philippines chief executive Ricky Isla.

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“But through it all, we have stayed committed. And it is your ongoing support that has helped keep our spirits sky high and our focus laser sharp,” Isla said.

This year, AirAsia Philippines flew over 7 million guests, surpassing the 6.6 million recorded in 2023 and showcasing its steady recovery and growth. Nearly 500,000 passengers are projected for December 2024, with an additional 250,000 expected in January 2025.

AirAsia Philippines attributed the growth in passengers to the 77-percent increase in fleet size compared to 2023, with 16 serviceable aircraft. The airline also rolled out 11 double-digit promotional offers and its popular P1SO deals, staying true to its mission of democratizing air travel across Asean and beyond.

This surge in capacity allowed AirAsia Philippines to strengthen its presence in key leisure destinations such as Caticlan (Boracay) Cebu and Tagbilaran (Panglao), and Narita, Osaka, Incheon and Bangkok for international, ensuring the airline is a top choice for travelers seeking to explore new horizons.

“We take pride in our achievements, which highlight the airline’s steady recovery. Looking beyond 2025, we are committed to sustainable growth and stability, ensuring we consistently deliver excellence and reliability to our guests,” Isla said.

Cebu Pacific’s chief marketing and customer experience officer Candice Iyog also expressed optimism about the airline’s outlook for 2025.

Iyog said Cebu Pacific expects its network to grow 130 percent by January next year and seats from 2.3 million a month to 2.9 million.

While routes are expected to expand from 104 routes to 116 routes.

“We expect Manila to grow by 14 percent, while Cebu will grow by 67 percent, Clark by 102 percent, Davao by 81 percent in terms of number of seats, and Iloilo by 67 percent. So, we are opening up the Philippines, not just through Manila, but also through our hubs In Clark, in Cebu, in Davao and Iloilo,” Iyog said.

On Oct. 2, 2024, Cebu Pacific announced that it signed a landmark purchase agreement with Airbus and Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, for up to 152 A321neo aircraft, equipped with Pratt & Whitney GTF engines.

The acquisition is the largest in Philippine aviation history, valued at about $24 billion (P1.4 trillion) based on list prices.

CEB operates one of the youngest fleets in the world, with its diversified commercial fleet mix of nine Airbus 330s, 40 Airbus 320s, 24 Airbus 321s and 15 ATR turboprop aircraft enabling the widest network coverage in the Philippines.

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