30% AirAsia fuel charge hike gets CAB okay

MANILA, Philippines - Budget airline Philippines’ AirAsia Inc. got the green light from the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) to impose a 30 percent increase in its fuel charge imposed on domestic and international passengers due to rising cost of jet fuel.

AirAsia filed a petition with the CAB last Sept. 13 to adjust upward its fuel surcharge on passengers.

The low cost carrier intends to increase the fuel surcharge to P300 per passenger from P230 for all domestic passengers.

The airline also plans to raise fuel surcharges for international passengers by 30 percent or to P460 from P400 for flights with two hours block time but less than three hours; to P680 from P600 for flights with three hours block time but less than four hours; and to P900 from P750 for flights with four hours block time and more.

AirAsia is a 60-40 joint venture between Filipino investors Antonio Cojuangco, Michael Romero, Maan Hontiveros and Malaysia’s AirAsia International Ltd. It started daily flights on March 28 this year.

The airline currently operates two A320’s servicing three domestic destinations and three regional destinations. It is awaiting the delivery of its third A320 in November and its fourth A320 in December.

AirAsia chief executive officer Maan Hontiveros yesterday announced the airline’s Free Seats promo available from Sept. 18 to 23 that could be used for travel from April 1 to Sept. 30 next year.

Better than a big seat sale, Philippines’ AirAsia today rolled out its Free Seats promo where guest can travel from Clark International Airport in Pampanga to Davao and Kalibo with an all-in fare of P275 pesos one way.

AirAsia flies daily to Davao and Kalibo (twice daily) and Puerto Princesa City (four times/week). These services provide accessibility for local and international tourists to visit the world famous Boracay beach, Puerto Princesa Underground River and Davao’s Philippine Eagle Sanctuary and other exciting tourist attractions.