For the first time, Iloilo City will be directly linked to Singapore, opening up the destination to a more international market as access is improving now tremendously.
SINGAPORE- Cebu Pacific (PSE:CEB), the Philippines’ largest flag carrier, is set to begin a thrice weekly direct service from Singapore to Iloilo on 9 November, making the central Philippine city the airline’s 5th domestic hub.
Dubbed the “Province of Festivals,” Iloilo lies on the south coast of Panay Island. Its rich heritage is showcased in a variety of festivals, such as colourful street dances of the Dinagyang Festival, celebrated in the city and towns of the province. Iloilo is also known for its local gastronomic delights – from La Paz Batchoy (hot noodle dish with rich broth) to the world-famous mangoes of Guimaras island, foodies will have a lot to discover in Iloilo.
“The launch of this new route will be in time for the delivery of three more brand-new Airbus A320 aircraft in the 2nd half of 2012. CEB will continue to stimulate travel to, from and within the Philippines with the most extensive route network and trademark lowest fares,” said CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog.
CEB is holding a seat sale until 19 July or until seats last. This is for travel from 8 November to 31 January, 2013. Passengers can buy all-in, one-way seats from Singapore to Iloilo for less than 30 dollars one way. “Travellers can take advantage of this seat sale as it covers the peak travel period from November to January. Those coming home for the holidays, or planning Christmas vacations for family and friends can discover historical and cultural sites in the Philippines with Iloilo city’s majestic and iconic churches, century-old mansions, and delightful local delicacies,” Iyog said.
CEB currently operates 10 Airbus A319, 20 Airbus A320 and 8 ATR-72 500 aircraft. Its fleet of 38 aircraft – with an average age of 3.6 years – is the largest aircraft fleet in the Philippines. Between 2012 and 2021, Cebu Pacific will take delivery of 22 more Airbus A320 and 30 Airbus A321 neo aircraft orders. It is slated to begin long-haul services in the 3rd quarter of 2013. In its 16th year of operations, CEB had flown over 60 million passengers.
Luc Citrinot a French national is a freelance journalist and consultant in tourism and air transport with over 20 years experience. Based in Paris and Bangkok, he works for various travel and air transport trade publications in Europe and Asia.
