Low-cost Philippine carrier Cebu Pacific is launching a direct commercial air service between Manila and Batanes on March 25 as a result of an online canvassing of favorite local tourism destinations.
Batanes emerged as the most requested destination in a crowdsourcing campaign launched by the carrier last year—the first of its kind in Philippine aviation, Cebu Pacific said in a statement.
Cebu Pacific subsidiary Cebgo will fly once daily between Manila and Basco, Batanes beginning March 25 until October 27, 2018. The flight departs Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 4 in Manila at 6:20 a.m., with the return trip from Basco departing at 9:15 a.m. Cebgo will utilize its ATR aircraft for the Batanes route.
An introductory all-in seat sale for flights from Manila to Basco will be held from February 12 to 13, 2018, or until seats last. For those who plan to travel from March 25 to May 31, 2018, the summer peak season, the special introductory fare is P2,699. For travelers who plan to visit Batanes from June 1 to October 27, 2018, the all-in introductory seat sale fare is P2,399. The year-round fare from Manila to Basco is as low as P4,241 all-in.
“Our new flight to Basco is in keeping with our commitment to connect more of the Philippines and make air travel safe, affordable, reliable, and fun-filled for everyjuan. What makes this route more special is that netizens were actively engaged in the selection of our new destination—our customers were part of the process,” Cebgo president and chief executive officer Alexander Lao said.
Batanes emerged as the most requested destination among netizens on social media. Other popular choices included Daet (in Camarines Norte), Mati (Davao Oriental), Bantayan Island (Cebu), San Vicente (Palawan), and Siquijor. The top picks were then assessed in terms of readiness for commercial flights and tourism, with criteria that included airport infrastructure, safety and security processes, and passenger facilities.
Cebu Pacific flies to 37 domestic and 25 international destinations. The carrier operates out of seven hubs in the Philippines: Manila, Clark, Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Kalibo, and Iloilo.
