AirAsia launches flights to Zamboanga, General Santos

Budget carrier AirAsia Philippines on Wednesday launched two new routes aimed at further strengthening connectivity in Mindanao.

The inaugural flight Manila-Zamboanga departed on October 27 while the Manila-General Santos flight departed on October 28.

The flights between Manila and Zamboanga will be twice a week every Tuesdays and Saturdays; while flights between Manila and General Santos will be during Wednesdays and Fridays.

In a virtual forum, AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricky Isla said the company is looking at adding more flights towards the Christmas season as it banks on the huge volume of traffic during the holidays.

“But let’s wait for the turnout for the Zambonga and Gen. San routes... Na-identify na natin what these routes are... we have the list of airline passenger traffic for the next five or 10 more cities,” Isla said.

The AirAsia chief noted that before entering to new destinations, the airline conducts market research to minimize risks.

“Frankly speaking, the original date of the launching of these new cities was as early as last week of March. Dapat last week of March pa namin ni-launch ito... unfortunately nagkaron tayo ng lockdown so na-move po namin,” Isla said.

“Kahit na na-move, we are still monitoring. We came up with a research on June, hindi pa kami confident. Nag-test kami nung August, hind pa kami confident. Finally, nung nagbukas na kami ng seat sale towards September we were more confident,” he said.

“Talagang lumalabas na po ang eagerness ng mga taong bumiyahe and there are a lot of good reasons to travel —go to their family, business, and of course, tourism... We are trying to be as realistic and as conservative as possible.”

AirAsia Philippines said both maiden flights were greeted with a traditional water cannon salute and were welcomed by distinguished guests in a simple inaugural ceremony held at the respective airports.

”We are thrilled to finally touch down in Zamboanga and General Santos. All of this would not have been possible without the initiatives of the local governments of Zamboanga and General Santos, as well as the civil aviation authorities for their support in making these new services a reality,” Isla said.

“These new destinations provide vast economic opportunities and AirAsia is proud to offer not just affordable air travel, but to also deliver a welcome boost for tourism in the region,” he said.

To celebrate the launching of new destinations, AirAsia Philippines is offering all-in promotional fares from Manila to Zamboanga and General Santos from as low as P800 for BIG Loyalty Members.

Booking period is from October 28 until November 1, 2020, for travel commencing Wednesday until June 2021. -MDM, GMA News