Cebu Pac flying to Manila-Kaohsiung starting June

Budget airline Cebu Pacific will start flying direct to Kaohsiung, Taiwan on June 7 this year. This will be the carrier's second Taiwan service, as it already flies to Taipei. In a statement, Cebu Pacific said the Manila– Kaohsiung flight will use its brand new 179-seater A320 aircraft and is scheduled to operate every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Cebu Pacific said it is the only Philippine carrier operating this route. "This new destination will stimulate business activities for both the Philippines and Taiwan. Our Manila–Kaohsiung service will also provide better access to the industrial and manufacturing development zones of both countries," said Lance Gokongwei, Cebu Pacific president and chief executive. Tourism Secretary Joseph Durano also said that aside from stimulating business, the new flight will also help the country's tourism efforts. “We are glad that Cebu Pacific is opening direct flights from Manila to Kaohsiung in Southern Taiwan. This new development also supports our marketing strategy for 2008 as we expand our campaign in other key cities in Taiwan tapping new and first time travelers to the Philippines. Having the direct flights to Manila from Kaohsiung will provide easy access and convenience for our Taiwanese tourists," he said. The Manila to Kaohsiung flight will be introduced with a promotional fare offering of P999 one-way, a price reduction of almost 73 percent from the current fares for this route. This may be availed for travel from June 7 to August 31, 2008. Fare is exclusive of surcharges and government tax. Cebu Pacific flies to 12, soon to be 15 international destinations, with the addition of Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, and Kaohsiung. CEB also operates flights to 21 domestic destinations with the addition of Boracay (Caticlan) beginning February 29 this year. - GMANews.TV