Cebu Pacific has launched its new direct Manila to Melbourne service today (Tuesday, August 14) with an all-in seat sale.
The special introductory fare of 3,999 pesos — just a little over 100 Australian dollars — will run until next Monday (August 20) or until all the seats are sold. The offer is valid on flights from the beginning of October to the end of March next year.
A statement from the budget airline has pledged that even after the deal ends, the cost of the flights will remain 60 per cent lower than other carriers. As we have previously reported, standard fare economy seats will start at 9,539 pesos
Candice Iyog, Cebu Pacific vice president for marketing and distribution said: “This new route will enable more Australian travellers — from adventure-seekers to leisure tourists to families on holiday — to discover the paradise that is the Philippines.
“This will also enable more Filipino immigrants, or Australians of Filipino descent, to discover their roots or visit family and friends more often.”
Cebu Pacific started offering direct flights between Manila and Sydney in 2014. Since then, tourism between the Philippines and Australia has increased by an average of 16 per cent yearly — from about 186,000 in 2014 to more than 413,000 as of April.
Furthermore, Filipinos are one of the largest immigrant groups in Australia, numbering about 300,000 as of last year.
The airline flies five times weekly between Manila and Sydney, on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The new Manila-Melbourne-Manila service will depart every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
As we recently reported, the airline has announced that it is ready to “strictly enforce” its one hand-carry luggage policy. As of last month, passengers are allowed just one carry-on bag with a maximum weight of seven kilograms and dimension of up to 56cm x 36cm x 23cm.
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