Ancillary products to drive additional revenues for carriers

MANILA, Philippines — Low-cost carrier AirAsia Philippines said ancillary products would drive additional revenue streams for airlines this year as the pandemic continues to impact their operations.

A recent survey by AirAsia Philippines showed that half or five out of 10 Filipinos avail of ancillary products or add-on purchases while traveling via air transport.

Topping the list of most purchased ancillary products are additional baggage allowance and in-flight meals, according to the airline, making these supplementary offers a major additional revenue stream for air carriers this year as the industry gradually recovers from the pandemic.

Other ancillary products that travelers purchase are travel insurance and seat assignments.

“Even though flight bookings continue to be our major revenue channel, we at AirAsia also give priority to other offers such as ancillary – and we are glad that our array of products is warmly received by our guests,” AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricky Isla said.

“What’s great about being a global air travel brand is we get to bring the best practices and products from our international counterparts here in the Philippines. So expect to have more options – proudly Pinoy included – in our in-flight meals and other ancillary offerings this year,” he said.

AirAsia Philippines is highly optimistic that with improved synergies between the national and local governments, and the intensified vaccination program of the country, more Filipinos will be enticed to travel again this year.

Among the company’s priorities this year is to grow its regional routes by exploring opportunities in the Middle East, US, and Australia, as well as expand its domestic presence to 18 from 14 destinations in 2021.

In its bid to make flying more inclusive, AirAsia Philippines said it is constantly offering promos not just on flights but on ancillary products as well.

Through the AirAsia Travel Hack Value Pack, the airline is providing guests easy access to services and products they need.

This bundles a selection of pre-booked add-ons that the guest can purchase at the time of the initial booking at a discounted rate.

It starts at P600 inclusive of 20 kilograms of baggage allowance, baggage protection, hot meal, standard seat selection, and faster check-in experience through priority check-in lane.

The value pack promotion is available when booking flights via the AirAsia super app.