Cebu Pacific flies to Hong Kong

Cebu Pacific Air will finally begin its regional operations with twice-daily flights to Hong Kong effective Nov. 22.

Lance Y. Gokongwei, Cebu Pacific president and chief executive officer, said the airline’s first flight from Manila to Hong Kong has been scheduled for 8:50 a.m. and the second, for 4:40 p.m. Its flights from Hong Kong to Manila, on the other hand, are scheduled for 11:50 a.m. and 7:40 p.m.

Gokongwei said that Cebu Pacific, which has been designated as the country’s second-flag carrier, is looking forward to its international expansion. "Flying international is a gigantic leap for us. For five years, Cebu Pacific worked hard to build a name in the domestic market. Now, we are ready for the realization of our corporate dream, which is to go international."

In preparation for its regional operations, Cebu Pacific has leased two Boeing 757 planes from Pegasus Aviation Inc. of San Francisco. The first aircraft is expected to arrive by the end of the month, while the second is scheduled for delivery before the end of the year.

"We all put our heart and soul into the preparations for our regional service because we want to start on the right foot," Gokongwei explained. "Flying overseas is infinitely more challenging, yet we are confident that the kind of service that the domestic market has enjoyed from Cebu Pacific will be the same kind of service that we will introduce to the international skies."

Gokongwei said Cebu Pacific will make available to international travelers some of the innovations that the airline had introduced in its domestic flights. These include Cebu Pacific’s online facilities and the Summit Club, the airline’s frequent flyer program.

"Passengers will be able to make their reservations and payments for our Hong Kong flights through our web page, www.cebupacificair.com soon," he said. "And Summit Club members who will fly with us regionally will already earn the corresponding miles."