Cebu Pacific to fly international before yearend

Cebu Pacific is looking at October 2001 as the month it will start its international services.

Lance Y. Gokongwei, Cebu Pacific president and CEO, said the airline is aiming for several Asian destinations, though he still cannot specify the countries. "Our designations are still being processed," said Gokongwei.

Cebu Pacific has also forged an agreement with US-based Pegasus Aviation Inc. – one of the largest leasing companies in the world – to lease two 200-seater B757s. "We have option to lease additional aircraft, plus option to upgrade to bigger aircraft," Gokongwei said.

Considered as the Philippine’s second largest domestic carrier, Cebu Pacific is positive that the formula, which catapulted it to the number two slot in local aviation industry, will also work for the international arena.

"We are primarily a great value airline," Gokongwei said. "The definition of value may change as the market changes, or expands. But Cebu Pacific is always ready to adapt and be receptive to these changes."

Cebu Pacific, which pioneered the "low fare, great value" service in 1996, presently enjoys 31-percent market share in the domestic routes it serves. Its on-time performance continues to lead industry standards.

June 2001 resulted in 90 percent of its flights departing on the dot and 95 percent taking off within 15 minutes of scheduled departure.

Cebu Pacific is also the first airline in the world to receive company-wide AQS 9000/121 and ISO 9002 certifications, the international standards for safety and quality.