(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) The Philippines' largest flag carrier, Cebu Pacific, plans to launch direct daily flights between Manila and Dubai beginning October 7.
The airline offers fares that are up to 35 per cent lower than other carriers.
The airline's non-stop, direct Manila-Dubai service will be the fastest way to reach Manila and make same day connections with Cebu Pacific's extensive Philippine route network.
Carrier among most promising
Cebu Pacific was cited as one of Asia's Most Promising Brands during the Asian Brand and Leadership Summit held in Dubai.
The event was organised by the World Consulting and Research Corporation, or WCRC, and iBrands 360.
"We are very proud to be selected among Asia's Most Promising Brands for 2012-2013. This was made possible through the continued support of our passengers and dedication of the Cebu Pacific team to our vision of making air travel accessible to more and more people," said Candice Iyog, Cebu Pacific vice-president for Marketing and Distribution.
"Beginning October 7 of this year, we look forward to serving even more travellers and Filipinos around the world, as we will be launching Cebu Pacific's long-haul operations with a maiden flight from Dubai."
The India Consul-General Sanjay Varma and WCRC managing director Abhimanyu Ghosh presented the award to Easwar L.A., Cebu Pacific sales manager for Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. issacjohn@khaleejtimes.com
As the carrier prepares for Dubai-Manila service, it marked the arrival of its brand-new Airbus A330-300 aircraft from Toulouse in a ceremony held at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila. This is Cebu Pacific's second Airbus A330 aircraft delivery this year, in time for the launch of the airline's long-haul operations to Dubai in October 2013.
The ceremony's guest of honour was Philippine Vice-President Jejomar Binay, who was joined by Cebu Pacific chairman of the board Atty Ricardo Romulo and Cebu chief executive officer and President Lance Gokongwei.
"[This] marks another milestone for Cebu Pacific, as we celebrate the introduction of the Airbus A330-300 into Cebu Pacific's growing fleet. Since we started international operations, our focus has always been to fly where Filipinos are. With our flights to Dubai, using this brand-new Airbus A330 aircraft, we can bring Global Filipinos home faster, not just to Manila but wherever they may be in the Philippines," said Gokongwei.
"We estimate over half a million Filipinos are working and living in the UAE, and this figure is bound to increase in the future. When Cebu Pacific launches its long-haul services next month, it will be the first time a Philippine carrier lands in Dubai in 15 years. I hope that this will only inspire Cebu Pacific to remain committed to serving the Global Filipino community," Binay said.
Earlier this year, Cebu Pacific announced its support to global runner Cesar Guarin, the first Filipino set to run the length of the globe. He did his Middle Eastern leg last May and met Filipinos in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Jeddah, among others.
On the maiden Dubai-Manila flight, Cebu Pacific will also bring home "100 Lucky Juans" as part of its initiative to bring home 100 global Filipinos for free. The 100 Lucky Juans, whose length of stay in the Middle East without returning to the Philippines, at least a year, will be welcomed with a homecoming party upon their arrival from Dubai.
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