Cebu Pacific News Archive

Cebu Pacific inaugurates Manila–Shanghai
service today

Gokongwei-owned budget carrier, Cebu Pacific (CEB) starts flying its direct Manila–Shanghai service today.  The new service is scheduled to operate daily to and from the Shanghai Pudong International Airport in China.  

The Manila-Shanghai service will be operated using CEB’s 150-seater A319 aircraft. The flight leaves Manila at 08:05pm, arriving in Shanghai at 11:45pm. The flight then departs from Shanghai at 12:30am the following day and arrives back in Manila at 4:10am.

CEB is the only Asian budget carrier currently operating internationally to Shanghai.

Shanghai is the first of four new international destinations that CEB will launch in the next month. CEB will start flying to Xiamen later this month and Guangzhou and Macau in October.

“We are excited about Shanghai as it comes at a very opportune time for everyone.    Seeing that China is a growing tourist market for the Philippines, we want to be able to replicate the success of our low cost model in the Philippines, in China as well.” Candice Iyog, CEB VP for marketing and product said.

The lowest ‘Go’ fare to Shanghai starts from P2,999 one-way. Iyog added that the best way to purchase tickets is through CEB’s website (www.cebupacificair.com).

“We are sure that with the low fares we are offering to and from Shanghai, we will be able to stimulate travel and help grow our tourist arrivals from China.  We also hope that more Filipinos take advantage of our year round low fares to go and see the vibrant and dynamic city of Shanghai,”  Iyog added.

CEB announced earlier the acquisition of additional Airbus and ATR aircraft to complement its continued expansion both domestically and internationally.  This is part of CEB’s strategy to carry more than 5 million passengers by the end of this year and more than 15 million passengers by 2013.

“This continues to be part of our commitment to the country’s tourism agenda and to bringing air travel closer to more people.” Iyog emphasized.

Now in its 12th year, CEB has the youngest fleet in the Philippines with a fleet age of a little over one year. CEB operates 14 Airbus aircraft to its 20 domestic and soon to be 12 international destinations with the addition of Xiamen, Guangzhou, and Macau.