Published on: Saturday, July 19, 2008 |
Kota Kinabalu: More arrivals from the Philippines are expected following the inauguration of the twice-weekly direct service from Manila to Kota Kinabalu by Filipino low-cost carrier, Cebu Pacific on Friday.
Cebu Pacific Vice President for Passenger Sales, Edwin Batuista at the launch of the service at Kota Kinabalu International Airport Terminal Two, VIP Lounge in Tanjung Aru said the company was bullish with the prospect of businesses from the new sector.
Speaking to reporters, he said Kota Kinabalu is Cebu Pacific's second destination in Malaysia after launching its direct flight to Kuala Lumpur International Airport Low Cost Carrier Terminal two years ago.
"All we need is lots of marketing and promotions É both ways," he said.
Despite the increasing cost due to the fuel price hike, Batuista said they remained upbeat that the route would be a success for Cebu Philippines, which has the youngest fleet in the Philippines.
Sabah Tourism Board (STB) Chairman, Tengku Datuk Seri Zainal Adlin in welcoming Cebu Pacific said it would boost the arrivals from various parts of the Philippines and the tourism industry in the State.
He said presently there were 13 flights coming in from the Philippines weekly to KKIA.
The total arrivals by air last year from the Philippines, he said was 52,000 and so up to May this year the figure is 14,000.
"So with extra flights by Cebu Pacific coming in we hope the figure will jump more," he said, adding that STB also hoped that Cebu Pacific would be able to gradually increase its flight frequency.
Cebu Pacific, now in its 13th year has a fleet of 10 A319s, eight A320s and two ATR72-500 aircraft. It presently flew to 24 domestic destinations in the Philippines and 16 international sectors.
Also on hand was Malaysia Airport Berhad General Manager - Marketing, Sallaudin Mohamed Shah.
