Cebu Pacific takes 50% market share in 3 big cities

MANILA, Philippines - Gokongwei-controlled Cebu Pacific (CEB) continued to serve the most number of Filipinos with close to 50 percent market share in a top three cities outside Manila in 2011.

CEB posted a 48 percent domestic market share in Cebu, where it operates the most extensive network with more than 500 weekly flights between Cebu and 19 domestic destinations. These routes allow passengers to take direct flights from Cebu to the Bicol region, Northern Mindanao, Palawan and North Luzon, among others.

The airline also posted a 47 percent market share in Davao, where it flies more than 200 weekly flights between Davao and five domestic destinations: Manila, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga and Iloilo.

Meanwhile, CEB reported a 50 percent market share in Iloilo, where it flies more than 150 weekly flights between Iloilo and four domestic destinations: Manila, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro and Davao.

 “Cebu Pacific will continue to bring foreign and local tourists and business travelers to these key cities on its trademark lowest fares. With our seat sales and multiple flight options, we are happy to play a key role in the tourism and economic development of the whole of the Philippines,” CEB vice president for marketing and distribution Candice Iyog said.

CEB captured a 46 percent domestic market share last year, based on 2011 figures from the Civil Aeronautics Board. The airline flies to 33 domestic destinations from four hubs in Manila, Cebu, Clark and Davao.

The airline is also the largest domestic cargo carrier, with close to 89.5 million kilos in 2011 and 49 percent market share. This tops the combined domestic cargo market shares of both Philippine Airlines and Airphil Express.

“We look forward to serving more passengers and cargo forwarders this year, as we strengthen our network in the Philippines with more flights and routes, and brand-new Airbus aircraft deliveries,” Iyog added.

CEB currently operates 10 Airbus A319, 20 Airbus A320 and eight ATR-72 500 aircraft. Its fleet of 38 aircraft – with an average age of 3.6 years – is one of the most modern aircraft fleets in the world. Between 2012 and 2021, it will take delivery of 22 more Airbus A320 and 30 Airbus A321neo aircraft orders, and two Airbus A320 aircraft on operating lease agreements.