Cebu Pacific to boost Manila-Iloilo flights

Cebu Pacific Airlines is set to boost its flights between Manila and Iloilo this week, citing increased travel demand to the destination.

In an advisory released Sunday, Cebu Pacific said it will increase flights to Iloilo from Manila from twice a week to thrice a week starting Thursday, December 16, 2021.

The additional daily flight 5J447 is scheduled to fly out of Manila at 6:30 a.m., and land at the Iloilo International Airport at 7:45 a.m. The return flight will leave Iloilo at 8:20 a.m., and arrive at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 9:30 a.m.

Cebu Pacific Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Michael Ivan Shau said some 80% of the carrier’s passengers from Manila to Iloilo over the past two weeks are fully vaccinated.

“This is indeed a positive indicator enabling us to continue working closely with our stakeholders to rebuild every Juan’s trust and confidence in air travel,” he said.

“This additional daily frequency from Manila will surely contribute to the economy of the Province of Iloilo,” he added.

However, the carrier noted that Iloilo-bound passengers must ensure that their travel requirements are complete prior to their scheduled flight.

Cebu Pacific’s domestic network currently covers 33 destinations, on top of 12 international flights. Its fleet cover 74 aircraft, including two dedicated ATR freighters.

Cebu Pacific started to gradually resume its international flights in August, after suspensions due to international restrictions.

Commercial air travel to and from Metro Manila was restricted from March 2020 and only resumed in June last year, after the easing of COVID-19 community quarantine.

Cebu Air Inc. in May secured some $250 million from the issuance of convertible bonds to private equity investors. —Jon Viktor Cabuenas/LBG, GMA News