Cebu Pacific cuts Davao-Boracay one-way fare to P566

BORACAY, Philippines - Cebu Pacific (CEB), the country's single largest domestic airline and leading carrier to the Asean region, has reduced its year-round "Go" fare to Boracay, via Caticlan in Aklan, the gateway to the country's most popular tourist destination. Starting on Tuesday, CEB has reduced the one-way fare for the Cebu-Boracay (via Caticlan) route from P688 to P288, exclusive of applicable taxes and surcharges. Arroyo Watch: Sun.Star blog on President Arroyo At the same time, the airline also offers a Davao-Boracay (Caticlan) service via Cebu. One-way fare for this domestic service has also been reduced, from P976 to P566. The Cebu-Boracay (via Caticlan) route has been utilizing CEB's brand new French built ATR 72-500 aircraft manufactured by Avions de Transport Regional (ATR), based in Toulouse, France. ATR is the world leader in the 50- to 74- seater turboprop market. "We offer the lowest 'Go' fares to encourage Filipinos to travel by air. We are giving them options, especially during summer. We want them to visit and explore the country's most popular beaches," RG T. Orense, Cebu Air's corporate communications manager, told Cebu and Davao editors and reporters invited by the airline to the four-day tour to this enchanting island, from April 19 to 22. He said Cebu Pacific passengers from Davao City who travel to Boracay via Cebu will already be provided with two boarding passes upon checking in at Davao airport. "This way, passengers don't have to line up to check-in upon reaching Cebu. They just have to pay for their terminal fee and wait for few minutes before boarding the aircraft that will fly them to Boracay (via Caticlan)," Orense said, adding that the airline wants to offer a direct service at a lower rate instead of a connecting flight, which may cost the traveler more. With this new route, CEB is now flying nine times daily to Boracay from Manila and daily from Cebu. CEB launched on April 3 the daily flight service Cebu-Boracay via Caticlan. "With the arrival of four more ATR-500 aircraft this year, Cebu Pacific is expected to add more inter-island routes, giving Filipino travelers the chance to visit their desired destinations because of our lowest year-round lowest 'Go" fares," Orense said. He said Cebu Pacific is expected to increase its fleet to 25 by the yearend with the delivery of two more Airbus and four more ATR-500 aircraft. The Cebu-Boracay flight, according to Candice Iyog--CEB vice president for marketing and product, is part of the airline's commitment to boost tourism and business activities on this island. "Boracay is a perfect island for vacation and every year, more and more tourists are drawn to this lovely paradise. This year, we are elated to take part in bringing Boracay closer to more people," she said. Orense said the new route's load factor since it's launching is pegged at 82 percent. "The Cebu-Boracay flight is always fully booked. But we have a problem with our return flight because the (ATR-500) aircraft can only accommodate 44-46 passengers, because of the small runway of the Caticlan airport," Orense said, but was quick to add the market is "very good." Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Boracay president Charlie Uy earlier said ATR-500 aircraft "is the first-ever biggest capacity aircraft landing in Boracay (through Caticlan airport)." Entry points to Boracay include Caticlan and Kalibo in Aklan, with the latter now catering to 40 flights daily from other domestic airline carriers. Tourism Secretary Ace Durano said the new route "is an immediate response to the anticipated demand for additional flight connections to Boracay, especially at the height of the summer season." - Sun.Star Davao