The Department of Tourism (DOT) supported the “Future Skies for Every Juan” Gala hosted by Cebu Pacific Air, an event that marked the finalization of the largest aircraft order in Philippine aviation history, covering firm orders for 102 A321neo aircraft and up to 50 A320neo Family purchase rights.
In her keynote speech, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco lauded Cebu Pacific’s partnership with Airbus and Pratt & Whitney, emphasizing the move’s importance in providing ‘efficient, convenient, and reliable air travel’ experiences for visitors and recognizing Cebu Pacific’s “Future Skies for Every Juan” initiative in line with the Department of Tourism’s commitment to making the Philippines accessible to all.
“The addition of over a hundred aircrafts to Cebu Pacific’s fleet reinforces its position as a key player in the global aviation industry holding the distinction of prioritizing not only profitability, but also, sustainability.”
“Cebu Pacific’s partnership with Airbus and Pratt & Whitney-marking the largest aircraft order in Philippine aviation history-reflects Cebu Pacific’s commitment to ensuring that every Filipino, or as you say, Every Juan, and every visitor to our country, experiences efficient, convenient, and reliable air travel. The addition of over a hundred aircrafts to Cebu Pacific’s fleet reinforces its position as a key player in the global aviation industry holding the distinction of prioritizing not only profitability, but also, sustainability. Most importantly, the influx of travelers that will inevitably ensue with the increase in air seats, routes, and flights will vastly increase opportunities for livelihood and employment for our fellow Filipinos and uplift local economies across our destinations. For all of these, I express my warmest congratulations and my deep gratitude to Cebu Pacific led by its Chairman, Lance Gokongwei,” Frasco said.
With 99% of international travelers coming into the country by air, the tourism chief stressed the invaluable role of aviation in expanding the tourism industry.
According to the DOT head, this has led to a strong prioritization of tourism infrastructure investments and connectivity enhancement under the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023-2028, approved by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.
“We are grateful for and we welcome the expansion of Cebu Pacific’s fleet.”
“Air travel is the main gateway through which millions of international and domestic visitors discover the beauty and diversity of our country, and experience the warmth and culture of our people. We are grateful for our President’s aggressive push for the privatization of our gateways and regional airports, and the construction of more airports, as well as his policy reforms to increase the attractiveness of the country’s climate for investment as it has paved the way for what is now the golden age of travel for the Philippines. We are grateful for and we welcome the expansion of Cebu Pacific’s fleet, and the resumption and addition of both domestic and international routes as it supports our President’s vision of transforming the Philippines into a tourism powerhouse in Asia,” she stressed.
Citing the airline’s resumption of direct international flights from Hong Kong and Singapore, and the expansion of domestic routes from Manila, Clark, Puerto Princesa, Bohol, Tacloban, Iloilo, Caticlan, Davao, General Santos, and Zamboanga, as well as new international flights from Cebu to Bangkok and Osaka, Frasco lauded Cebu Pacific’s commitment to making both well-known and emerging destinations more accessible and affordable for travelers, one that was recently recognized by with the 2024 Best Airline Award at the Routes Asia Awards.
She concluded her remarks extending the DOT’s continued hand of collaboration.
“We are one with you in our shared goals to ensure that every Filipino and many more travelers have the opportunity to explore and enjoy the many reasons to Love the Philippines,” Frasco stressed.
