Cebu Pacific Air is rolling out more creative ways to explore possibilities and expand its services in ways that no other local airline has ever done before. In line with its commitment to fly to as many destinations across the country, the Philippines’ leading low-cost airline has announced plans to offer flights based on suggestions from netizens.
During the last quarter of 2017, the company launched #CEBFlyMeTo, a breakthrough campaign aimed at soliciting ideas from online users. Through the social media, Cebu Pacific Air conducted a poll by asking netizens about tourism destinations across the country where they want the carrier to fly next.
More than two million netizens have reacted, shared, watched, and posted comments with their #CEBFlyMeTo votes. And just recently, Cebu Pacific Air posted on its official Facebook page the top 10 most-requested destinations: Daet in Camarines Norte, Mati in Davao Oriental, Bantayan Island in Cebu, San Vicente in Palawan, the province of Siquijor, Lal-Lo in Cagayan, Marinduque, Maasin in Southern Leyte, Basco in Batanes, and Bislig in Surigao del Sur.
Mati City in Davao facilitates a breath-taking view of an island known as the Sleeping Dinosaur. Photo by Yasmeen Frani via Cebu Pacific Air
10 most requested destinations
The airline revealed that it is already checking the feasibility of offering commercial flights going to and from these 10 new destinations. The company is looking at each site’s market readiness, the condition of local airports or other related infrastructure, and safety and security in each of the areas.
“We want to engage with Filipino travelers and give them the opportunity to be part of our planning process as we continue to connect the Philippine islands and offer the lowest fares,” said Cebu Pacific Air Vice President for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog. “We are now in the process of reviewing the operational viability of flying to these destinations.”
Cebu Pacific Air is currently expanding its routes to more destinations nationwide. It is expecting the delivery of more brand-new aircrafts within five years—seven Airbus A321ceo, eight ATR 72-600 (twin-engine turboprop airships), and 32 Airbus A321neo.
Be enchanted by Siquijor Island. Lazi Beach is one of its natural wonders. Photo by Seka Cabatit via Cebu Pacific Air
New Manila—Masbate flights
The #CEBFlyMeTo campaign drew inspiration from the successful mounting of the airline’s latest Manila to Masbate flight offerings. The route was initiated by an online petition of the local government and the province’s residents, which in 2016 started calls for the company to consider flying to the island. In response to that clamor, Cebu Pacific Air did a feasibility study and conducted technical checks, which lead to a go signal.
In February 2017, the company began commercial flights between Masbate and Manila. To date, it flies 18 times weekly through this route. Thanks to Masbateños’ initiative, the province has since opened more doors of opportunities for tourism and business, thus helping bolster economic growth of Masbate.
Just like in Masbate, Cebu Pacific Air is also the first ever airline to offer commercial flights to up-and-coming tourism destinations like Siargao, Virac, and Camiguin.