Emboldened by upgraded aviation ratings in the Philippines by the US Federal Aviation Authority and the European Union, the country’s major low cost carrier is eying direct services to North America.
Cebu Pacific wants to start flying to Canada and has applied to the Philippines’ Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) to operate 7 weekly flights from Manila.
Jorenz Tanada, Cebu Air vice president for corporate affairs believes there is great demand for more affordable flights to Canada.
"The Filipino community in Canada has grown significantly in the last 10 years and we look forward to offering low cost services to Filipinos in Canada and their families back home," Tanada said.
The budget carrier started operating its first long-haul flights last year.
It serves Dubai from Manila on Airbus A300-330 aircraft for the nine-hour direct flight.
Cebu Pacific also asked that it be designated as an official Philippines carrier.
Cebu Pacific’s potential move into North America comes after the Philippines and Canada decided to revise a joint air service agreement (ASA), which was last updated in 2008.
The new agreement increases the number of direct flights available from carriers in each country from 7 to 14 a week.
National carrier Philippine Airlines has also applied to the CAB for clearance to fly 7 weekly services.
According to Canadian immigration data, 47,000 visitor visas were issued to Filipinos in 2013.
Canadian travelers visiting the Philippines also rose 12.5% last year.
