Retail News CRM

Tag: cebu pacific

  • Cebu Pacific now offers antigen tests to passengers

    Cebu Pacific now offers antigen tests to passengers

    The Philippines’ largest carrier, Cebu Pacific (CEB), commercially launches its Test Before Boarding (TBB) process for passengers flying from Manila, after its successful pilot run with the local government of General Santos. This process makes use of an antigen test taken just hours before the scheduled time of departure, with results released within 30 minutes.

    The TBB testing facility at the NAIA Terminal 3 is now open for walk-ins from 2AM to 2PM daily. CEB passengers will only have to register onsite and pay the fee directly to CEB’s diagnostic partner, Philippine Airport Diagnostic Laboratory (PADL).

    Throughout the pilot run from 3-14 December 2020, CEB tested a total of 1,143 passengers, three of whom tested positive and were not allowed to proceed with their flight. Only those who tested negative were allowed to board the aircraft. Subsequently, based on the data provided by the local government of General Santos, CEB passengers were retested after their 7-day quarantine and results were still negative, showing consistency with the earlier results of the TBB process.

    “Following the successful TBB pilot, Cebu Pacific is ready to offer this option to all their passengers. We are urging everyone to take advantage of this convenient alternative, especially since the testing site is strategically located at the airport, making the whole process easy and hassle-free for our residents,” said Mayor Ronnel Rivera of General Santos City.

    Apart from General Santos, the local governments of Butuan, Dipolog, and Pagadian also accept negative antigen test results as a pre-travel requirement. CEB passengers going to these destinations may also conveniently avail of the TBB beginning December 17, 2020.

    As a number of local and international destinations require negative RT-PCR test results prior to entry, CEB is offering RT-PCR tests for only PHP 3,300 (approx. USD68)viaits three partner laboratories, namely PADL, Health Metrics, Inc. (HMI), and Safeguard DNA Diagnostics Inc. (SDDI).

    Passengers booked on Cebu Pacific and Cebgo can easily choose and book appointments online. One will simply have to click on the “Testing Options” tab and choose from any of those in the list. From there, they will be redirected to each laboratory’s page to finalize their schedule online.

    “We remain committed to making flights affordable for everyone and seeing that testing is required by a number of destinations at the moment, we have partnered with accredited laboratories that may offer affordable testing options. We look forward to the day trust and confidence in air travel have been restored, but until then, let us all work together towards that,” said Candice Iyog, CEB vice president for Marketing and Customer Experience.

    Testing is just one out of the three key steps CEB strictly implements to regain passenger confidence. Other approaches include safety and sanitation, as well as track and trace. CEB continues to implement a multi-layered approach to safety and has been rated 7/7 stars by airlineratings.com for its COVID-19 compliance. Passengers are also constantly reminded to register in the Department of Transportation’s Traze App for a more efficient contact tracing process.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Cebu Pacific considers sending more aircraft to Alice Springs

    Cebu Pacific considers sending more aircraft to Alice Springs

    Philippine low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific Air is considering putting more aircraft in long-term storage, as it weighs a volatile demand environment amid the coronavirus pandemic.

    The carrier has 14 aircraft in long-term storage at Asia Pacific Aircraft Storage in Alice Springs, Australia, says Alex Reyes, vice president for cargo at Cebu Pacific.

    Cebu Pacific also operates Airbus A321neos. These comprise seven Airbus A321s, two A330s, four ATR72-600s, and one A320.

    “We are looking to put more aircraft for long-term storage, but this is still under study given the volatility in market demand and travel restrictions,” says Reyes.

    Cerium fleets data indicates that overall the airline has 30 aircraft in service and 23 in storage. It also has 56 aircraft on order from Airbus. These comprise 24 A321neos, 16 A320neos, and 16 A330-900s.

    The airline’s in-service fleet comprises 12 A320s, seven A321neos, six A330-300s, and five A320neos.

    “We have had positive discussions with Airbus and our engine suppliers regarding our pending orders,” says Reyes.

    “The current plan is in line with our conservative forecast in the coming years, given our current situation. We will proceed as planned per our long-term vision, which includes the continuation of an orderly exit strategy of older aircraft that began before COVID-19.”

    He adds that the airline continues to target sale & leaseback transactions, per its pre-pandemic plans.

    Cebu Pacific has been working to restore flights after operating less than 10% of its domestic network from June to November. It is now operating 400-450 flights weekly to 28 domestic and eight international destinations.

    In its third-quarter ended 30 September, Cebu Pacific and its units reported an operating loss of Ps6.7 billion ($139 million), reversing the Ps873 million quarterly operating profit it made last year.

    Revenue for the period plummeted 89% to Ps2 billion, outpacing a 52% year-on-year decline in expenses. The revenue decline was led by a dramatic 97% drop in passenger revenue year on year.

    Lees ook:

  • Cebu Pacific steadily restores capacity in complex Covid-19 times

    Cebu Pacific steadily restores capacity in complex Covid-19 times

    Cebu Pacific Air has highlighted the bewildering array of coronavirus-related protocols as it works get passengers flying again.

    In a virtual media roundtable, Cebu Pacific head of commercial Alex Reyes says travelers confront “a very complex situation” when making a decision about flying. As with many airlines, Cebu Pacific has a page listing testing and other requirements for various destinations, but it is extremely difficult to keep it fully updated.

    “We try to capture all of the current regulations in place now,” he says. “It’s not perfect because the regulations are constantly changing…whether at the country level or even at the city level. They are constantly evolving and changing, as they react to the unique circumstances of their own locality.”

    More often than not, he says, people still opt to buy a ticket, but there are travelers that are put off by the complexity involved in booking a flight and dealing with the correct testing protocols.

    “I think the traveling public understands is that it is massively complex right now. Everyone is doing their part to try and make sure that yes, you can fly or no, you cannot fly. Or you get to fly as long as you do X, Y and Z.”

    The key is making the process “clear and transparent” to travelers.

    Covid-19 has hit the Philippines hard, including strict lockdowns earlier in the year that all but completely shut down air travel from mid-March to early June. According to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center, the country has 444,164 infections, second only to Indonesia in Southeast Asia.

    Nonetheless, Cebu Pacific has been working to restore flights after operating less than 10% of its domestic network from June to November. It is now operating 400-450 flights weekly to 28 domestic and eight international destinations.

    It has also relaunched services to leisure locations such as Bohol, Coron, Siargao, and Boracay.

    On international routes, the only service operating at normal, pre-Covid-19 capacity is Manila-Dubai, operated daily with an Airbus A330. The carrier recently increased frequencies to Nagoya and Seoul Incheon, and will restart flights to Taiwan on 18 December.

    Still, the low-cost carrier derived 66% of its third-quarter revenue from cargo. It has converted an A330 for cargo work and is carrying cargo on the seats of passenger aircraft.

    In addition, the airline is conducting a trial where passengers are tested at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport before flights to the southern city of General Santos. From 3 to 14 December, passengers will undergo a free antigen test prior to boarding their flight. Only passengers who test negative will be allowed to board.

    “It’s an approach we’re taking to assure the traveling public and local governments that we are not transporting any asymptomatic Covid-19 patients into their city or locality,” says Reyes. “It is another layer of protection to respond to the pandemic.”

    After analyzing the results of the trial, the airline will consider rolling.

    Lees ook:

  • Cebu Pacific extends flexible booking options

    Cebu Pacific extends flexible booking options

    CEBU Pacific (CEB) extends the coverage of its flexible booking options for passengers traveling until Dec. 31, 2020.

    The Travel Fund, valid for two years, can be used to book flights up to 12 months ahead, given that transactions are done before the fund expires. This means customers can use their Travel Funds to book trips potentially until 2023.

    This virtual wallet will consist of the full cost of the ticket and can even be used for purchasing ancillaries such as baggage allowance and seat blocking.

    For customers with existing Travel Funds, the two-year validity will be applied retroactively.

    Those who wish to postpone travel plans may opt to rebook their flights as many times as possible. A minimal fare difference may apply.

    Those with canceled flights will continue to have the following options: placing the full cost of the ticket in a Travel Fund valid for two years; rebooking flights with no limit (both rebooking fee and fare difference are waived if new travel date is within 90 days); or availing of a full refund.

    One simply has to go to the “Manage Booking” portal on the Cebu Pacific website. Bookings can be modified up to two hours before the flight.

    Lees ook:

  • Cebu Pacific promotes Philippine tourism with ‘Juan Love’ campaign

    Cebu Pacific promotes Philippine tourism with ‘Juan Love’ campaign

    The resilience of the country’s tourism sector was put to the test as local businesses and industries had to deal with the immense challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

    However, it also brought out the Filipino spirit of Bayanihan, sparking hope for the nation as everyJuan provided support to one another.

    As an airline that strongly believes in #EveryJuanWillFlyAgain, Cebu Pacific further encourages everyJuan to step up and support the country as it gradually recovers.

    The country’s leading carrier has launched its newest campaign “Juan Love – One love for the Philippines.” At a time when borders are slowly reopening, this online campaign aims to inspire everyJuan to travel again – to see the places they have missed and experience the local culture and cuisine unique to every destination.

    The Juan Love campaign will not only highlight the beauty and wonders of Philippine destinations but will also capture how flying supports the people keeping the tourism industry afloat. Each flight, each tourist will help people sustain livelihoods – everyJuan for everyone.

    As this campaign showcases the scenic spots, thrilling activities, and native delicacies each destination is known for, Juan Love will also shed light on all the local businesses and fellow Filipinos making all these possible.

    “We are delighted that Cebu Pacific came up with this heartfelt initiative. More than rekindling the desire of Filipinos to travel once again, the Juan Love campaign also puts a spotlight on the people whose jobs and livelihoods depend on the inclusive growth brought about by tourism,” expressed Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat of the Department of Tourism.

    “We are always grateful for the support, and rest assured that we will continuously collaborate with the aviation sector so we may all help our industries, and our economy, recover,” she also said.

    Staying true to its commitment to provide safe, affordable, and fun-filled air travels for everyJuan, Cebu Pacific celebrates local tourism with a series of exciting Juan Love Seat Sales!

    “We have been continuously working hand-in-hand with our partners in the government to help ensure the nation bounces back from this crisis. We believe as more destinations open up for tourist travel, we are able to support the small businesses and communities,” said Candice Iyog, Cebu Pacific Vice President for Marketing and Customer Experience.

    “With the launch of our Juan Love campaign, we hope everyJuan joins us in showing one love for the Philippines,” Iyog added.

    A total of one million seats to domestic destinations will be up for grabs throughout the ‘ber’ months for the Juan Love push.

  • Cebu Pacific to raise $500 million in fresh capital

    Cebu Pacific to raise $500 million in fresh capital

    Cebu Pacific announced plans to raise up to $500 million in additional capital — by selling preferred shares and bonds — as it undertakes a restructuring exercise that sees it cut its fleet and network to cope with reduced travel demand.

    The Philippine low-cost carrier discloses that it will raise up to $250 million in new convertible preferred shares and another $250 million in a private placement of convertible bonds.

    Proceeds from the recapitalization exercise, subject to shareholder approval by November, will help strengthen the carrier’s balance sheet, it adds.

    It also comes as part of a wider business transformation exercise that the carrier is undertaking.

    Like many carriers in and around the region, Cebu Pacific has acutely felt the impact of the coronavirus outbreak, which has seen travel restrictions crimp demand.

    It notes that it is only operating about 15% of pre-pandemic capacity. For the first six months of the year, Cebu Pacific reported a 61% year-on-year decline in revenue, at Ps17.3 billion ($357 million).

    It also reported an operating loss of Ps6.29 billion for the quarter ended 30 June, widening the Ps693 million loss incurred in 2020’s first quarter.

    “Due to this exceptional change in market conditions and industry dynamics, [Cebu Pacific] saw the urgent need to fast track its transformation. It is currently implementing a business transformation exercise that involves the right-sizing of network and fleet to meet new demand, and improvement of operations efficiency through process and policy enhancements and digitalization, among others,” the carrier discloses.

    Cebu Pacific adds that since the start of the pandemic, it has been accelerating efforts in digitalization, “resulting in a significantly reduced unit cost, allowing the carrier to continue offering affordable air travel”.

    “This capital raising exercise will provide the airline with the needed runway to withstand the financial challenges it faces as it slowly goes back to pre-Covid business levels and settles into the ‘new normal’,” it states.

    Lees ook:

  • Cebu Pacific promotes Philippine tourism with ‘Juan Love’ campaign

    Cebu Pacific promotes Philippine tourism with ‘Juan Love’ campaign

    The resilience of the country’s tourism sector was put to the test as local businesses and industries had to deal with the immense challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. Yet, it also brought out the Filipinos’ spirit of Bayanihan, sparking hope for the nation as everyJuan extended support to one another.

    As an airline that strongly believes #EveryJuanWillFlyAgain, the Philippines’ leading carrier, Cebu Pacific, further encourages everyJuan to come together and support the country as it gradually recovers, through its newest campaign “Juan Love — One love for the Philippines.” At a time when borders are slowly reopening, this online campaign aims to inspire everyJuan to travel again — to see the places they’ve missed, and experience the local culture and cuisine unique to every destination.

    The Juan Love campaign will not only highlight the beauty and wonders of the Philippines’ local destinations but will also show how flying supports the people behind the tourism industry — each flight, each tourist, will help people sustain livelihoods — everyJuan for everyone. As this campaign showcases the scenic spots, thrilling activities, and native delicacies each destination is known for, Juan Love will also shed light on all the local businesses and fellow Filipinos making all these possible.

    “We are delighted that Cebu Pacific came up with this heartfelt initiative. More than rekindling the desire of Filipinos to travel once again, the Juan Love campaign also puts a spotlight on the people whose jobs and livelihoods depend on the inclusive growth brought about by tourism. We are always grateful for the support, and rest assured that we will continuously collaborate with the aviation sector so we may all help our industries, and our economy, recover,” expressed Berna Romulo-Puyat, secretary of Department of Tourism.

    “We have been continuously working hand-in-hand with our partners in the government to help ensure the nation bounces back from this crisis. We believe as more destinations open up for tourist travel, we are able to support the small businesses and communities,” said Candice Iyog, Cebu Pacific vice president for Marketing and Customer Experience. “With the launch of our Juan Love campaign, we hope everyJuan joins us in showing one love for the Philippines.”

    Staying true to its commitment to provide safe, affordable, and fun-filled air travels for everyJuan, Cebu Pacific celebrates local tourism with a series of exciting Juan Love Seat Sales! A total of one million seats to domestic destinations will be up for grabs all throughout the “Ber” months.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Cebu Pacific now halfway through refund claims

    Cebu Pacific now halfway through refund claims

    Budget carrier Cebu Pacific is asking passengers for patience as it works through a pile of refunds that reached almost P5 billion. Like other airlines, Cebu Pacific has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the mass cancellation of flights and prospective trips.

    “We understand how challenging this whole situation is, and we sincerely apologize for the delay,” Cebu Pacific said in an advisory to passengers.

    Cebu Pacific said it had already refunded over P2.4 billion to customers but this was just about half of the requests received.

    “Since the start of this pandemic, we have received an unprecedented number of refund requests due to flight cancellations brought about by the lockdown,” Cebu Pacific said.

    “Our refund process than was originally not designed to handle this volume of requests, and this resulted in a backlog. We have since then revamped our procedures in order to address this,” it added.

    Cebu Pacific said processing of refund requests would take about six months.

    “We remain committed to our customers to complete pending refunds and will update them once these have been processed. We are currently halfway through refund requests filed last April,” Cebu Pacific said.

    At present, Cebu Pacific has restored just 10 percent of its pre-COVID network.

    Cebu Air Inc, which operates Cebu Pacific, announced a P9.1-billion loss in the first half of 2020, which included the almost three-month lockdown of major cites across the Philippines.

    The loss reverses a P7.14-billion profit in the January to June 2019. With the recent signing of the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act, airlines will have the option to stop issuing refunds for new requests while the law is in effect.

    Under the law, they will be allowed to issue travel vouchers instead.

    Lees ook:

  • Dh200 airfare to fly Dubai-Manila with Cebu Pacific in September offer

    Dh200 airfare to fly Dubai-Manila with Cebu Pacific in September offer

    At a base fare of Dh200 from Dubai to Manila, the Philippines’ no-frills carrier Cebu Pacific has unveiled a week-long airfare discount blitz on Tuesday (September 1, 2020).

    The move is aimed to boost demand and post-COVID-19 confidence among flyers, especially overseas Filipino workers and their families in the UAE.

    The quoted discounted fare is valid for one-way travel only, inclusive of base fare. It also does not include taxes and fees, “web administration fee”, and fuel surcharge.

    The carrier is known for its “Piso” fare (1-peso, $0.021) offers. But, with the lingering threat from COVID-19, it remains to be seen whether such price-drops would indeed translate to a post-recovery spike in travel demand.

    The airline has also stated that promo fares offered are limited and are non-refundable — but rebookable subject to fees and charges.

    Flight changes, availing of prepaid baggage allowance for check-in baggage and web check-in service can also be done up to 4 hours before scheduled flight. International fare is on a book and buy basis, according to the airline.

    The Philippine economy, like the rest of the world, is reeling from the coronavirus pandemic. Up to 3,000 companies reportedly went bust in the last seven months.

    Quarantine measures remain in place for travelers as the Philippines reported 224,000 COVID-19 infections, with 158,000 recoveries and 3,597 deaths as of September 1, 2020.

    Lees ook:

  • Cebu Pacific strengthens contact info database

    Cebu Pacific strengthens contact info database

    The Philippines’ leading carrier, Cebu Pacific has enhanced its Manage Booking portal to allow passengers to easily update their contact information after booking has been finalized.  This is available for both passengers who booked online or through a travel agency.

    “Now more than ever, we have seen how important it is for airlines to have the accurate passenger contact information – not only to keep passengers updated on flight changes but also to support contact tracing efforts,” said Candice Iyog, CEB VP for Marketing & Customer Experience.

    This enhancement will provide support to local government units who require passenger details prior to the flight.

    “We believe with this multi-layer approach to safety and convenience, we will be able to restore trust and confidence in air travel for everyone”, added Iyog.

    Beginning today, passengers may already conveniently update their contact information anytime, from post-booking until check-in, through CEB’s Manage Booking portal on the website.

    Fill out necessary details on the manage booking page, then select which flight you’d want to modify. Click on “Update Guest Details” and click continue until done.

    Lees ook:

  • Flight restart in June offers little reprieve to Cebu Pacific

    Flight restart in June offers little reprieve to Cebu Pacific

    Gokongwei-led Cebu Air Inc. took a turn for the worse on the first half of the year as losses mounted due to the coronavirus pandemic that kept most of its fleet grounded. A gradual recovery is seen from reopening routes.

    In a disclosure on Wednesday, the budget carrier reported net losses amounting to P9.14 billion from January to June this year, a massive reversal of the P7.15 billion profits the same period a year ago. Losses worsened from the first three months of the year, when during the latter part of the period, the government declared a sweeping community quarantine that closed down airports and enforced travel barriers to contain the virus spread. The shutdown’s impact was so severe, Cebu Pacific slashed its workforce by a quarter.

    “While some sporadic arrangements for sweeper flights to assist with stranded tourists did occur, for the most part, the Group’s operations were virtually nil until April when some cargo flights within the Philippines and eventually to countries like Japan, Thailand, China, Hong Kong recommenced,” the company said.

    As the Philippines began to ease quarantine controls last June, Cebu Pacific returned flights to 25 of its 78 domestic routes in seven hubs located in areas under general community quarantine, providing relief to the bleeding. “The Group will continue to expand its operations as more local governments welcome flights into their cities,” the airline said.

    Broken down, revenues for the first six months plummeted 61.2% annually to P17.33 billion. Of that amount, P11.51 billion was generated from passenger flights, down a bigger 65.5% on-year as passenger traffic more than halved to 4.5 million from last year.

    Earnings from revenue operations, meanwhile, slipped 21.7% year-on-year to P2.22 billion in the same six-month period, incurred as a result of a 52.4% drop in cargo volumes. Ancillary revenues decreased by 57.7% annually to P4.9 billion.

    On the flip side, earnings also sank 32.2% from year-ago levels to P35.89 billion “mostly driven by the suspension of the Group’s operations due to the COVID-19 global pandemic,” Cebu Pacific said. The peso appreciation, as well as a decline in global oil prices, also helped temper disbursements by lowering imported fuel costs.

    Broken down, January-June expenditures from flying dropped 53.6% on-year to P8.15 billion, that from aircraft servicing shrank 48.8% annually to P2.17 billion, maintenance costs by 13.9% to P561.08 million, and costs from foreign exchange swings by 11.5% year-on-year to P8.17 billion.

    “The Group’s cash requirements have been mainly sourced through cash flow from operations which was significantly reduced due to the current COVID-19 situation,” Cebu Pacific said, even as the airline assured investors of its “strong” financial position.

    The budget carrier, as well as other local airlines, have pleaded to the government for a direct financial rescue to prevent collapse and layoffs. The Duterte administration, however, has rejected cash intervention to salvage firms, opting to let banks lend them money instead.

    Lees ook:

  • Cebu Pacific to refund tickets of 1.5M passengers

    Cebu Pacific to refund tickets of 1.5M passengers

    Budget carrier Cebu Pacific will provide refunds to an estimated 1.5 million passengers as 50 percent of its fleet remains grounded due to the coronavirus pandemic.

    Charo Logarta Lagamon, corporate communications director for Cebu Pacific Air, assured that passengers who requested refunds since April or earlier will be refunded by August.

    “All of a sudden, we have a situation where hundreds of thousands of passengers are all clamoring for a refund in a 160-day time frame. It’s not that simple to refund, especially now that there’s no cash flow in the airline. Nothing is going in and everything is going out,” she said in a Zoom meeting Friday, Aug. 7.

    Lagamon said they are doing their best to fast-track the process and that there are reforms underway to help in the refund process.

    She said the airline will reimburse payments made through credit or debit card while for those who paid in cash, the refund will be deposited in the bank account of the customer.

    Moreover, to stay afloat during these challenging times, the airline also implemented cost-cutting measures like the layoffs of 800 employees, which is 20 percent of the airline’s 4,000 employees.

    Company officials also had pay cuts.

    “Our second-quarter performance was very challenged due to the prolonged Covid-19 situation,” she said.

    Meanwhile, Cebu Pacific placed 14 of its 76 aircraft in long-term storage in Alice Springs, Australia to preserve the airline’s condition. Others were parked in the different hubs in the country.

  • Cebu Pacific, PAL suspends domestic flights to and from Manila during MECQ

    Cebu Pacific, PAL suspends domestic flights to and from Manila during MECQ

    All Cebu Pacific and Cebgo DOMESTIC flights to/from Metro Manila are canceled from August 4  to 18, 2020, in line with the announcement of Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) over Metro Manila and adjacent provinces, and continued community quarantine over the rest of the country.

    CEB will continue to operate the following domestic flights:

    ·         Clark-Cebu-Clark, every Tuesday

    ·         Cebu-Davao-Cebu, every Tuesday

    CEB also intends to operate the following international flights:

    Frequency
    5J 18 Manila-Dubai Every Sunday
    5J 19 Dubai-Manila Every Monday
    5J 194 Manila-Seoul (Incheon) Every Thursday
    5J 5059 Tokyo (Narita)-Manila Every Wednesday / Saturday
    (Starting Aug 8)
    5J 817 Osaka-Manila Every Friday  (Starting Aug 6)
    5J 807 Manila-Singapore Every Thursday / Saturday
    (Starting Aug 6)
    5J 808 Singapore-Manila Every Friday/ Sunday
    (Starting Aug 7)

    Flights between Manila and Taipei, along with all other Cebu Pacific international flights, are also canceled during this time.

    CEB will also continue to mount all-cargo flights to ensure the transport of essential goods across the country. We will also work with the government at the national and local levels to assist stranded passengers.

    Passengers on canceled flights have the following options:

    1.       Unlimited rebooking 
    Rebook to any travel date within three (3) months from original flight, with change (rebooking) fees and fare difference waived.  If travel is after three (3) months, change fees are waived, but minimal fare difference may apply.

    2.       Two-year Travel Fund 
    Place the full cost of the ticket in a Travel Fund, or a virtual wallet with Cebu Pacific. Valid for two (2) years, the Travel Fund can be used to pay for flights up to a year out, or purchase add-ons (e.g. baggage allowance, seat selection, etc.)

    3.       Full refund
    Passengers on canceled flights are entitled to a full refund. However, due to the unprecedented volume of requests for refunds, the process may take at least four (4) billing cycles.

    Anyone of these options can be availed by managing bookings online via the Cebu Pacific website. Customers who booked through travel agencies or online booking sites must coordinate with them to manage their bookings or claim refunds.

    This is a developing situation. We may adjust flights depending on government regulations. We will contact passengers through the email addresses and mobile numbers provided upon booking for any information regarding their flights. We shall also provide updates through our website and official social media accounts.

    PAL

    Philippine Airlines said all its domestic flights to and from Manila (MNL) from August 4 to 18, 2020 are also canceled.

    PAL said domestic flights between Clark, Cebu, Davao and cities other than Manila are not affected and shall remain operational.

    International flights to and from Manila shall continue to operate, subject to further guidelines from the authorities in line with quarantine capacity and related arrangements.

    Domestic passengers of these canceled flights have options to rebook, refund or convert their ticket into a travel voucher.

    PAL told its guests that they seek the understanding and full cooperation “as we make these necessary changes to comply with the government directives and above all to support public safety.”

  • Cebu Pacific to lay off more employees

    Cebu Pacific to lay off more employees

    Budget carrier Cebu Pacific will be laying off more employees across the board, as the airline industry reels from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. At least 30% of the 4,000-member workforce, or around 1,200 employees, could be affected by “layoffs or voluntary separation.”

    When asked for confirmation, Cebu Pacific communications director Charo Logarta Lagamon sent a statement confirming what the airline called “rightsizing.”

    “Cebu Pacific is undergoing a transformation process that aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of the business, given the expected changes in travel demand and consumer behavior. We expect travel recovery to happen over a longer period, with COVID-19 negatively impacting the aviation industry,” she said in a statement sent to Rappler.

    “The rightsizing of Cebu Pacific will be necessary to fulfill our commitment to provide affordable and accessible air transport services to every Juan in the years to come.”

    Layoffs will affect employees “across functions, roles, and departments,” Lagamon said. She added that the details have yet to be finalized.

    To stay updated on news, advisories, and explainers, check out our special coverage page, “Novel Coronavirus Outbreak.”

    This is the latest blow to the airline industry as demand for air travel plunged after the coronavirus spread across the world earlier this year, from the ground zero of the outbreak in Wuhan, China.

    Domestic flights in the Philippines resumed only in June when the capital region was placed under modified enhanced community quarantine, but these remained limited. Physical distancing must also be in place during flights, forcing airlines to leave half of the plane seats vacant.

    Back in March, Cebu Pacific laid off 150 newly hired cabin crew when Metro Manila was first placed under lockdown. Cebu Pacific executives had voluntarily taken pay cuts at that time.

    On June 18, the budget carrier’s ground handler 1Aviation Groundhandling Services Corporation announced that over 1,000 employees were laid off.

    Other airlines have been badly hit as well. In late February, flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) terminated some 300 employees to avoid further losses.

    AirAsia Philippines had to slash jobs by 12% too, laying off 260 employees.

    In a bid to help the industry, Philippine aviation authorities deferred charging airport fees for the year, including landing, takeoff, and parking fees.

    The Air Carriers Association of the Philippines estimated that the industry needs some P8.6 billion in government subsidy per month to survive.

  • Cebu Pacific resumes some domestic flights yesterday

    Cebu Pacific resumes some domestic flights yesterday

    Budget airline Cebu Pacific on Saturday said it would resume some domestic flights by June 2, but international flights would remain suspended from June 1 to 30.

    “We will continue to work with the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), as well as other national and local government authorities, on the rules and requirements to resume commercial passenger flights between areas under General Community Quarantine (GCQ),” Cebu Pacific said in a statement.

    “In Manila, all flights will depart and arrive from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. All International flights remain suspended from June 1 to 30, 2020,” it added.

    The airline management reiterated that leisure travel was still prohibited by the government.

    It added that guests should check guidelines from the ”IATF and with the local governments of their origin and destination for the required documents.“

    Cebu Pacific also said they will provide updates on flight schedules from June 5 onwards as they “build-up domestic flight network, depending on market demand, quarantine restrictions and government regulations.”