Retail News CRM

Tag: Philippines

  • Cebu Pacific to introduce Contactless Flights as “new normal”

    Cebu Pacific to introduce Contactless Flights as “new normal”

    Cebu Pacific will introduce contactless flights in the future when people are ready to fly again. The low-cost airline put safety as its topmost priority in the age of “new normal” as the Philippines will start to ease its quarantine restrictions come May 16. Here are some of our new guidelines for Cebu Pacific Contactless Flights within the Philippines:

    Guests are required to keep masks on, from airport entrance until arrival. Bag drop counters will close one hour before flights, to allow enough time for staggered boarding procedures. Physical distancing markers must be followed.

    Hand sanitizers will be provided for guest and staff use, at the airport and inside the aircraft. CEB passenger areas such as kiosks, bag drop counters, shuttle buses, and aircraft lavatories and seats will also be frequently sanitized for everyone’s safety.

    Guests are highly encouraged to check-in online to minimize proximity to our check-in agents. Those with no bags can head straight to gate. Once the row is called, have boarding passes ready for scanning by our boarding gate agents.

    Meanwhile, operations teams have these world-class Preventive Measures in place:

    CEB pilots and cabin crew will undergo rapid antibody tests before their assigned flights, as part of our commitment to flattening the curve. The operating crew cleared for flights will also don personal protective equipment. They are also trained to assist and isolate guests onboard, as needed.

    Our daily disinfection program includes the misting of the aircraft cabin, using an Airbus-approved disinfectant effective in eradicating viruses including the Coronavirus. This process is aligned with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) guidelines and ensures that all surfaces (such as passenger seats, overhead bins and cargo compartments) are covered and sanitized. Lavatories will also be sanitized every 30 minutes.

    The air inside the cabin is changed every three minutes, using High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters installed in our Airbus aircraft. HEPA filters can filter out viruses with 99.99% efficiency, which is why it’s also used in hospital operating rooms.

    Cebu Pacific said that it will continue to work with government authorities and use guidelines from the World Health Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization. They will keep refining their procedures, so people can travel with peace of mind.

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  • PAL, Cebu Pacific hope to resume regular operations soon

    PAL, Cebu Pacific hope to resume regular operations soon

    Philippine Airlines (PAL) is hoping it can resume international and domestic operations in limited capacity flights on May 16.

    “We are preparing and identifying routes for possible bookings, but we still need the go-signal from the government to operate our commercial flights,” said PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna. “We have complete sets of masks, gloves, goggles, and personal protective equipment (PPE) which our crew will wear during and every flight for the protection of everyone on board.”

    On the other hand, Cebu Pacific Corporate Communication Director Charo Lagamon said they have been coordinating with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and other organizations to mount sweeper and repatriation flights.

    “We have finalized sweeper flights with the DOT, starting May 1, between Manila and key domestic destinations to fly stranded passengers,” Lagamon said.

    Cebu Pacific continues to operate all-cargo flights to keep vital goods moving across the country during the enhanced community quarantine.

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  • SM Aura launches online shopping service during lockdown

    SM Aura launches online shopping service during lockdown

    Philippine shopping mall SM Aura Premier has launched an online shopping service for customers facing restrictions on movement during the coronavirus pandemic.

    The Aura Concierge system allows customers to select a method of receiving essential goods, including curbside and drive-through pick-up. Online users can connect to businesses via social media or directly to order products and arrange payment. It also features an automated chat facility providing details on product availability.

    The service also allows for home delivery via the mall’s bike ride-sharing partner and delivery platform Angkas, who will purchase and pick up items ordered by customers.

    Registered customers are designated a personal shopper who will complete orders and deliver items directly to the customers on the same day of purchase.

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  • AirAsia sets up special recovery flights in the Philippines

    AirAsia sets up special recovery flights in the Philippines

    AirAsia released a schedule of special recovery flights in the Philippines for those who are affected by the lockdown or enhanced community quarantine in parts of Luzon and in different areas of the country.

    The flights are in response to requests from various organizations, including local and international government agencies.

    Those who intend to book these flights must get in touch with the relevant government agency.

    The airline is arranging more flights as required.

    AirAsia added that flight schedules may change at short notice, as new regulations may have to be met in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    “AirAsia assures that the safety and wellbeing of our guests and Allstars is our top priority. AirAsia is complying with advice and regulations from the local government, civil aviation authorities, global and local health agencies, including the World Health Organization,” it said.

    It added, “AirAsia is closely monitoring this situation and reserves the right to announce further policies according to the latest developments.”

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  • Cebu Pacific extends the suspension all flight operations from April 15 – April 30

    Cebu Pacific extends the suspension all flight operations from April 15 – April 30

    Cebu Pacific flights will remain suspended from April 15 to April 30, 2020, in accordance with the Philippine government’s directive on extending the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).

    Passengers on canceled flights are encouraged to take any one of the following options:

    1. Free rebooking – Rebook to any other travel date within three months with change (rebooking) fees and fare difference waived

    2. Full Travel Fund – The Travel Fund is now valid for one (1) year. Use it to either book a flight up to one (1) year ahead, or pay for add-ons (e.g. baggage allowance, seat selection, etc.)

    If the Travel Fund is not used within one (1) year, passengers can get a full refund.

    3. Full refund – Processing of refunds will start on May 4, 2020 – after the Community Quarantine is lifted and regular work schedules resume. However, due to the unprecedented volume of requests for refunds, the process will take as long as three (3) to four (4) billing cycles.

    Flights may be managed online through the “Manage Booking” portal in the Cebu Pacific website.

    Furthermore, to provide added flexibility for passengers with booked flights from May 1 to September 30, but wish to change their travel plans, CEB is offering the following options, free of charge:

    • Option 1 – Rebook to any other travel date within one (1) year
      Change (rebooking) fees waived, but fare difference may apply.
    • Option 2 – Place the full cost of the ticket in a Travel Fund, now valid for one (1) year
      Decide and book travel within a year for flights as far as one year ahead
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  • AirAsia Philippines Cancels All Flights Until 30 April 2020

    AirAsia Philippines Cancels All Flights Until 30 April 2020

    AirAsia Philippines (Z2) has canceled all domestic and international flights until 30 April 2020, at the earliest. The decision was made after the Philippine government’s directive to extend the Enhanced Community Quarantine period in Luzon.

    AirAsia customers with existing flight bookings made on or before 22 March 2020 with a departure date until 31 May 2020 can select from a range of extended flexibility options:

    Unlimited Flight Change: Change to any new travel date before 31 October 2020 on the same route for an unlimited number of times without any additional cost subject to seat availability; OR

     Credit Account: Retain the value of the flight booking in your AirAsia BIG Member account for future travel with AirAsia to be redeemed within 365 calendar days from the issuance date.

     For bookings made through travel agents, including online travel agents, refund requests must be made via the respective travel agents.

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  • Cebu Pacific lays off over 150 cabin crew amid COVID-19 travel restrictions

    Cebu Pacific lays off over 150 cabin crew amid COVID-19 travel restrictions

    Travel bans to and from Manila and in key provinces forced Cebu Pacific to lay off over 150 cabin crew members.

    Notices sent to probationary workers seen by CNN Philippines revealed that the budget airline terminated the employment contracts of select flight personnel after it was “forced to scale down and suspend flight operations” due to travel restrictions covering Metro Manila, as well as key provinces and cities in the country.

    The airline had to cancel flights to mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau since early February after the Philippine government-issued travel bans to these areas hard hit by the disease known as COVID-19. This was eventually broadened to cover North Gyeongsang province of South Korea, until the month-long Metro Manila quarantine forced Cebu Pacific to cancel all flights to and from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the country’s main transport hub.

    The airline confirmed the layoffs. One employee estimates around 180 crew members might be let go.

    “As we foresee fewer flights and reduced operations in the coming months, we will have less requirement for flying staff. Given this situation, it is a difficult decision but we are letting go of our newly hired cabin crew because fewer flights mean less time and opportunity for them to gain inflight experience. It is painful, but necessary action to take to cope with the impact of COVID-19,” Cebu Pacific said in a statement, saying that newly-hired cabin crew members would be let go after Thursday, March 19.

    In its letter to employees, Cebu Pacific said the aviation sector was “facing a crisis of proportions” amid the COVID-19 pandemic, paralyzing tourism as countries scramble to contain the spread of the disease.

    Cebu Pacific said it would be “unable to support the regularization of any further employees,” and is forced to end work contracts. Among those who received the letters were cabin crew members hired late September 2019, which meant that they were supposed to be regular employees by next week.

    The Gokongwei-led airline also bared a separation package for these displaced employees. It includes a separation pay equivalent to two months’ salary, two free roundtrip tickets, a return ticket to their home province or city, and a waiver of charges for training bond, uniforms, and accessories. The company also promised to “fast-track” the selection of that employee should the airline start hiring flight attendants again.

    Just last week, Gokongwei-owned media company Esquire reported that members of Cebu Pacific’s senior management opted to cut their own salaries to avoid layoffs.

    Cebu Pacific made ₱3.9 billion in 2018, just half the ₱7.9 billion it made the prior year.

    Last month, Philippine Airlines said it laid off 300 workers as the flag carrier owned by tycoon Lucio Tan seeks to trim losses. The country’s biggest airline said it let go of administrative and management staff to increase revenues and reduce costs, especially after PAL ended 2019 at a loss, only to be aggravated by travel bans and flight cancellations due to the coronavirus.

    Other airlines worldwide have counted hefty losses brought about by the pandemic. CNN International earlier reported that Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific asked its 27,000 workers to take three weeks off without pay to preserve cash and keep the airline afloat.

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  • Philippine Airlines to operate Manila-London roundtrip for stranded travellers

    Philippine Airlines to operate Manila-London roundtrip for stranded travellers

    Philippine Airlines will fly a single round-trip flight between Manila and London Heathrow on April 4 “in response to an urgent public need amid Covid-19 quarantine situation,” the airline said in a notice posted on its website.

    While the airline initially announced that it would pause all remaining international flights from March 26 until April 14 last week, it will now operate this one-off service to the UK to help stranded travelers return home.

    The Manila-London Heathrow flight (PR720) will be allowed to carry only UK nationals to comply with “current Covid-related UK immigration restrictions”, the airline said.

    The return leg (PR721), on the other hand, will be allowed to carry only Filipinos, their foreign spouse and children, and officials from governments and international organizations.

    The service will be operated with an Airbus A350-900, which has seats for 295 passengers.

    Hundreds of thousands of British citizens are thought to be struggling to get home from overseas after the UK government advised all British travelers to come home as soon as possible on March 23. Many airlines are operating a small number of flights to help stranded passengers return home after countries around the world closed their borders to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.

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  • Cebu Pacific net income doubled in 2019

    Cebu Pacific net income doubled in 2019

    Cebu Pacific on Wednesday reported a 132.6-percent jump in net income for 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic grounded world travel and plunged airlines into financial turmoil.

    The Philippines’ largest airline posted net income of P9.123 billion last year from nearly P4 billion in the previous year, according to a stock exchange filing. Passenger revenue grew 8.7 percent to P4.3 billion while cargo revenue rose 19.3 percent to P887.8 million.

    Gokongwei-led Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines and AirAsia Philippines on Tuesday sought credit relief from Manila, saying their survival was at stake. Flight were suspended throughout the 1-month Luzon lockdown, scheduled to end on April 12.

    “While it is difficult to predict when operating conditions will improve, the Group believes that it remains a going concern, given the measures undertaken, its liquidity position, its access to short and long term funding, and the strong relationships it has with major suppliers,” Cebu Pacific said.

    Cebu Pacific earlier said its senior management took pay cuts to avoid layoffs.

  • Cebu Pacific feels pinch from Philippines quarantine

    Cebu Pacific feels pinch from Philippines quarantine

    Cebu Pacific says the month-long “community quarantine” imposed on Metropolitan Manila and the main Luzon island group recently will free up 90% of its total seat capacity, even as it maintains services from its hubs outside of Manila and the region.

    The 90% capacity figure is based on the suspension of domestic flights departing Manila, and previously suspended services to China, Hong Kong, Macau and South Korea, says Cebu Pacific in a Philippines Stock Exchange disclosure.

    During this period, the airline continues to operate flights from its other hubs that have not been affected by the quarantine order such as Cebu, and is maintaining connectivity “where operationally feasible”.

    Cirium schedules data show that in February, domestic routes accounted for 83% of Cebu Pacific and subsidiary Cebgo’s seat capacity.

    Although it expects a “significant revenue impact” during the quarantine period, operating expenses will fall in tandem, while lower fuel prices provide an additional cost benefit to its reduced fuel consumption.

    Cebu Pacific was unable to provide any earnings guidance for 2020, due to uncertainties caused by the coronavirus pandemic. However, it stressed that it has a strong balance sheet with “over Ps18 billion ($353 million) in cash and cash equivalents” at the end of 2019, and that a net debt to equity level of around 1.25x with a long maturity profile gives the airline room to seek short-term or long-term funding.

    It is also conserving cash and reducing expenses by freezing recruitment and consultancy work, implementing pay cuts for its top management, and suspending salary increases.

    Earlier in February, the carrier estimated that the outbreak will see a “Ps3-4 billion swing on profit” should the outbreak remain unabated over the next six months. The estimate was based on 2003’s Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome outbreak, which curtailed demand for air travel for six months.

    Cebu Pacific is expected to release its 2019 financial results in the coming weeks.

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  • New Crocs concept store openening in Manila

    New Crocs concept store openening in Manila

    The first modular Crocs concept store in the Philippines has opened in Estancia Mall, Metro Manila.

    Despite the “enhanced community quarantine” being implemented across Luzon, it didn’t stop the casual footwear brand from opening its 63rd store in the country.

    The 85.5sqm Crocs concept store showcases the classic collection of Crocs such as clogs, slides, and flips with their Jibbitz accessories.

    Literide Collection which is the bestseller is also available in the latest spring/summer 2020.

    On its website, Crocs Philippines says it will operate a skeletal workforce which started on March 17 after Metro Manila was put into enhanced community quarantine.

    Crocs will continue to offer a delivery service, however, but customers have been warned that there might be delays in some areas where travel has been suspended due to the government’s move in fighting the spread of coronavirus.

    Crocs was founded in 2002 by Lyndon “Duke” Hanson and George Boedecker Jr in the US producing foam clog shoes. The shoe was originally developed for boaties, but later evolved into more widespread use and even for fashion.

  • Cebu Pacific suspends all flights until April 14 due to COVID-19 lockdown

    Cebu Pacific suspends all flights until April 14 due to COVID-19 lockdown

    Cebu Pacific said Tuesday all flights would be canceled from March 19 to April 14 in compliance with the Luzon-wide lockdown and similar quarantines elsewhere in the country to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The last day of operations will be on March 18 to service flights from Manila, Bangkok, Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Ho Chi Minh, Singapore, Taipei, Bali and Jakarta, the country’s largest carrier said in an advisory.

    “All Cebu Pacific and CebGo flights will be canceled from March 19 until April 14, in support of government regulations on COVID-19,” Cebu Pacific said.

    Philippine Airlines and AirAsia earlier announced flight cancellations due to COVID-19.

    Affected passengers can rebook, refund or store the value of the ticket in a fund, it said.

    Ticket offices will also be closed from March 19 to April 14 for the safety of passengers and personnel, the carrier said. Changes can be done through the “manage booking” portal in its website, Cebu Pacific said.

    Cebu Pacific earlier said the COVID-19 pandemic would “significantly” dent revenues and operating expenses.

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  • Starbucks Philippines shuts down all stores due to COVID-19

    Starbucks Philippines shuts down all stores due to COVID-19

    Following its temporary closure of stores in Luzon last week, Starbucks Philippines has now extended the shutdown to Visayas and Mindanao.

    In social media posts, the coffee chain said the health and well-being of its partners (employees) and customers remain top of mind and their highest priority.

    The complete closures means no delivery or takeaway services will be offered either.

    “Based on the guidance of local authorities and after much consideration, our stores in Visayas and Mindanao will also close. As such, all Starbucks stores in the Philippines will be temporarily closed”, Starbucks Philippines posted on its Facebook and Twitter account.

    The company said it looks forward to serving customers again as soon as possible, but as of now, it encourages everyone to stay indoors and stay safe and healthy.

    President Rodrigo Duterte declared the whole Luzon under “enhanced community quarantine” on March 16 and some other regions followed suit as the number of cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continued to soar.

    Yesterday recorded the highest jump of COVID-19 in the Philippines with 82 confirmed patients in just a single day making it to 462 in total with 33 deaths while 18 have already recovered.

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  • Cebu Pacific announces policy on rebooking

    Cebu Pacific announces policy on rebooking

    Cebu Pacific flights continue to operate as scheduled. However, they have received rebooking and cancellation requests from passengers due to concerns over COVID-19 so they changed their booking policies to provide passengers with flexibility and peace of mind:

    Passengers traveling to Philippine and international destinations from March 10 to April 30, 2020, who would like to rebook or cancel their flights can avail of the following options:

    Free Rebooking – Rebook flights with change fees waived. Fare difference may apply.

    To rebook the flight, use the “Manage Booking” portal in the Cebu Pacific website.

    Travel Fund – Place the full cost of the ticket in a Travel Fund which can then be used as payment for a future booking. The Travel Fund is valid for 180 days and can be used for bookings as far as 12 months out.

    To avail of the Travel Fund option, they may use the “Manage Booking” portal in the Cebu Pacific website to cancel their booking and store the value in the Travel Fund.

    New flights booked from March 10 to April 30 (regardless of travel date and route) can avail of CEB Flexi for FREE. CEB Flexi enables travelers to rebook their flights up to two times, fare difference may apply. Simply select the “CEB Flexi” add-on during booking.

    Cebu Pacific practices precautionary measures against COVID-19. This includes frequent deep-extensive cleaning and disinfection of aircraft, provision of gloves and disinfectants for our cabin crew, and the use of HEPA air filters in our aircraft to block 99.99% of contaminants and viruses.

    Cebu Pacific is monitoring developments regarding COVID-19, coordinating regularly with government and other stakeholders.

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  • SM, Jollibee roll out emergency packages for employees

    SM, Jollibee roll out emergency packages for employees

    As the community quarantine continues all over Luzon, Philippine conglomerate SM Group has committed to maintaining regular pay for all of its employees, without deductions from their vacation or sick leave entitlements.

    The company will also give a US$97.64 (Php5000) additional payment to security staff and janitors, who the company describes as front liners.

    Hans Sy, chairman of the executive committee of SM Prime said that in such trying times, “we are in uncharted territory”.

    “Let’s be one with each other, united in the spirit of service. Let’s be mindful of our front liners and help with their need to be alert so they can continue to do their best in working for the safety and health of our communities.”

    SM earlier said it would waive tenant rentals nationwide as well as support health workers fighting the spread of COVID-19 with $1.95 million (Php100 million) worth of protective equipment, testing kits and supplies.

    Meanwhile, Jollibee Foods Corp has announced a $19.52 million (Php1 billion) emergency-response package for employees affected by the quarantine.

    “In these times, we know how people are worried about their safety and how to take care of their families. We want to help lessen their worries and we are setting up this fund to be able to help them through this difficult time,” said JFC founder and chairman Tony Tan Caktiong.

    The employee package will be given to Jollibee Group’s offices, stores, commissaries, and logistics centres, including the senior citizens and PWDs assigned to stores under the joint employment program with local government.

    The same assistance will be provided to partner employers in stores and other locations.

    Jollibee employees are scheduled to receive their 13th-month pay by April 30. This is in response to President Rodrigo Duterte’s appeal to employers to pay the 13th month early, due to the coronavirus crisis.

    In addition, affected employees may convert the leave credits in advance and can also file for personal leave as necessary until the situation normalizes.

    Jollibee Foods is providing $1.95 million (Php100 million) worth of food to healthcare workers and personnel manning checkpoints around quarantined areas.

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