Cebu Pacific News Archive

Cebu Pacific Flies To Hong Kong

Cebu Pacific Air has finally begun its regional operations with twice-daily flights to Hong Kong on November 22, 2001.

“We're raring to go,” said Cebu Pacific President and CEO Lance Gokongwei.

Gokongwei disclosed that Cebu Pacific, which has been designated as the country's second-flag carrier, is looking forward to its international expansion. “Flying international is a gigantic leap for us. For five years, Cebu Pacific worked hard to build a name in the domestic market. Now, we are ready for the realization of our corporate dream, which is to go international.”

“The present decline of world economy and the airline industry in particular, have brought in several inquiries as to whether we will pursue our international expansion or not. We have always been positive in our response.”

Cebu Pacific will operate the Hong Kong service with a newly- acquired, newly-refurbished Stage III DC9. In mid-December, the auspicious Boeing 757, leased specially for international service, will take over the mission.

“I'm sure our passengers will be pleasantly surprised as they try us out for their Hong Kong trip,” Gokongwei added “No matter what the aircraft type, Cebu Pacific is committed to giving passengers a pleasurable trip, with its special brand of warm, caring service.”

In preparation for its regional operations, Cebu Pacific leased two Boeing 757 planes from Pegasus Aviation, Inc. of San Francisco . The first aircraft is expected to arrive by the end of the month, while the second is scheduled for delivery before the end of the year.

“We all put our heart and soul into the preparations for our regional service because we want to start on the right foot," Gokongwei explained. "Flying overseas is infinitely more challenging, yet we are confident that the kind of service that the domestic market has enjoyed from Cebu Pacific will be the same kind of service that we will introduce to the international skies.”

Gokongwei said Cebu Pacific will make available to international travelers some of the innovations that the airline had introduced in its domestic flights. These include Cebu Pacific's online facilities and the Summit Club, the airline's frequent flyer program.

“Passengers will be able to make their reservations and payments for our Hong Kong flights through our webpage, www.cebupacificair.com soon,” he said. “And Summit Club members who will fly with us regionally will already earn the corresponding miles.”

Cebu Pacific's regional operations was formally launched to the travel and tourism industry recently at the Manila Midtown Hotel.