Low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific has strengthened its domestic route network and air connections to and from Mindanao by designating Laguindingan Airport in Cagayan de Oro as its seventh hub in the Philippines. This as the airline launched two new routes that link Northern Mindanao to Caticlan (Boracay) and Dumaguete City.
Cagayan de Oro was among the first domestic destinations launched by Cebu Pacific when it started operations in 1996. Today, the airline’s network, including the inter-island routes of subsidiary Cebgo, boasts of a total of nine connections to and from Laguindingan Airport—Manila, Bacolod, Caticlan, Cebu, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Tagbilaran, Davao, and Zamboanga.
“What was originally the 4th destination launched back in 1996, is now a hub. It follows the path of Manila, Cebu and Iloilo, also hubs. Today is a testament to our long-standing commitment to contribute to nation-building, and make air travel more accessible to Filipinos. We look forward to the effect our low fares and direct flights will have on Northern Mindanao,” Cebu Pacific president and chief executive officer Lance Gokongwei said in a statement.
Located in Misamis Oriental province, Laguindingan Airport serves as the gateway to Northern Mindanao, catering to Cagayan de Oro City and neighboring areas, including Iligan City, Marawi City, and Bukidnon province. The airport complex has a 7,200-square-meter passenger terminal and a 2,100-meter runway, capable of four take-offs and landings per hour. Since it opened in 2013, the airport has become the sixth busiest in the country, serving over 1.7 million passengers per year.
The expansion of Cebu Pacific’s domestic route network will also increase the carrier’s capacity and reach for cargo service. The airline said this will mean faster and more efficient movement of goods across the country.
Cebu Pacific also marked another milestone—celebrating its 150 millionth passenger after 21 years of operations. The airline aims to carry 20 million passengers in 2017. From January to June 2017, the carrier had flown 10.09 million passengers.
The Cebu Pacific route network now has 25 international and 37 domestic destinations. Its fleet of aircraft includes one Airbus A319, 35 Airbus A320s and eight Airbus A330s. Cebgo’s fleet is composed of eight ATR 72-500 and seven ATR 72-600 aircraft. Between 2017 and 2022, Cebu Pacific expects delivery of seven brand-new Airbus A321ceo and 32 Airbus A321neo aircraft.
Photo from http://laguindinganinternationalairport.com
