The Philippines’ largest airline, Cebu Pacific (CEB), flew 19.1 million passengers in 2016, an increase of 4 per cent from the 18.4 million passengers flown in 2015. On average, CEB flights were 86 per cent full during the year.
Growth in passenger volume was largely driven by the airline’s low-cost short-haul services, and increased frequencies in key domestic markets. Specifically, the former recorded a 9.3 per cent growth compared to 2015, while the latter reflected a 2.6 per cent increase.
“Last December 27, 2016, the Cebu Pacific Air Group carried a total of 64,684 passengers– the highest number of travellers we have ever flown in one day. This surpasses our prior record of 62,947 passengers flown last January 3, 2016, translating to 1,737 additional passengers,” said J R Mantaring, the CEB vice president for corporate affairs.
“This significant increase in number only shows our firm commitment in trafficking trade and tourism in all the destinations we operate in, while at the same time enabling everyJuan to connect with their families and friends all around the world,” added Mr Mantaring.
CEB posted passenger growth in international destinations such as Beijing, Shanghai and Xiamen in China, Taiwan (Taipei) and Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam. In the Philippines, domestic traffic increased in Cauayan, Siargao and Ozamiz.
CEB currently offers flights to a total of 37 domestic and 29 international destinations, operating an extensive network across Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and United States.
Its 58-strong fleet is comprised of Airbus and ATR aircraft. Between 2017 and 2021, CEB expects delivery of one more brand-new Airbus A330, 32 Airbus A321neo, and 13 ATR 72-600 aircraft.