Low-cost carrier AirAsia Philippines has slashed airfare for nine international destinations to stir travel demand as it targets to return to its pre-pandemic flight frequency by the first half of next year.
In a statement, AirAsia Philippines said it is offering as low as P411 promo fare until November 6, for travel period from Nov. 2, 2022, to Sept.r 30, 2023.
The airline said it recently achieved 100 percent of its pre-pandemic domestic flight frequency in its Manila hub, seeing this as a prelude to the fast recovery of demand in the international travel scene.
AirAsia Philippines’ monthly load factor for destinations in the Asean averaged 80 percent in the third quarter of the year.
The airline said it expects the number to rise before yearend, especially with the increase of its frequency to some of its international routes: 11 times weekly for Manila-Bangkok and four times weekly for Cebu-Seoul starting November; and three times weekly for Manila-Hong Kong by December.
“We are determined to achieve 100 percent of our pre-pandemic flight frequency to international destinations by the first half of 2023. Having observed the high travel confidence of Filipinos in the new normal in our own domestic operations, we are optimistic that with more relaxed border protocols abroad, we will see outbound tourism rebound significantly by early next year. We aim to propel this with promos that further make our flights attainable,” said Ricky Isla, AirAsia Philippines chief executive officer. – Myla Iglesias
