AirAsia Philippines will launch a new direct flight route between Cebu and the Chinese city of Shenzhen next month.
The airline’s CEO Dexter Comendador said it would be AirAsia’s first China route from the Mactan-Cebu International Airport when it launches on May 19.
He added said the new route would enable the low-cost airline to further strengthen its network outside Metro Manila and open up a ‘new and exciting’ option for the travelling public.
“Cebuano travellers would be delighted to experience Shenzhen’s modern metropolisand marvel at the world’s largest electric bus fleet linking Hong Kong to mainland China, massive malls and amusement parks,” he said.
Shenzhen is located in the Pearl River Delta metropolitan area and is one of China’s major economic hubs.
Known as “China’s Silicon Valley,” Shenzhen is home to some of the top startup and tech businesses in the world, including Huawei, BYD and ZTE.
To celebrate the announcement, Mr Comendador said AirAsia was offering all-in promo fares from as little as 888 pesos each way. This special fare is available for booking until Sunday (April 22) and is valid for travel until October 27.
The CEO also said that AirAsia was also working on introducing direct flights from Cebu to Shanghai and Hangzhou.
“We have also considered Beijing, but it is too far for our planes,” Mr Comendador said.
AirAsia will also launch a new domestic service from Cebu to Clark on May 11.
“Our commitment is to make air travel more affordable, convenient and accessible to travellers especially outside Metro Manila,” Mr Comendador said.
Aside from the Cebu-Clark route, AirAsia also offers a range of flights connecting Clark, Iloilo, Davao and Puerto Princesa.
The new Cebu-Shenzhen flight could be a convenient way to reach the tropical Chinese island of Hainan, which is now open to visa-free travel.