5J to use Routesonline for flight expansions

July 3, 2012

Cebu Pacific Air, the fast-expanding Philippines-based low-cost carrier, has entered into a partnership with Routes online, the online platform of Routes, to utilise its Route Exchange product to support its short-haul network expansion across Asia and its growth into medium and long-haul markets. 

A formal Request for Proposals (RFP) was launched today via Route Exchange and is working with Routesonline to open confidential discussions with airports to support the next stage of its network growth. With 52 additional short-haul aircraft, including new Airbus A320neos and up to eight widebodies on order, Cebu Pacific Air is seeking to gather data and proposals on the Southeast Asia, Japan, South Korea and Chinese markets for its short-haul equipment and the Middle East and Oceania for its A330-300s. 

Cebu Pacific Air is inviting airports across the continent to fill out a Pre Qualifying Questionnaire (PQQ) to deem their suitability to meet the basic operational and performance requirements of the airline's aircraft. This is currently only open to the members of the Route Exchange platform, but from July 16, 2012 will be expanded to include any other airport. 

"The Philippines' largest carrier, Cebu Pacific, looks forward to bringing its trademark low-fares and fun flying to new destinations," said Alex Reyes, General Manager for the airline's new Long-Haul Division. "With the delivery of 22 A320s, 30 A321neos and up to 8 A330s enabling significant expansion in the coming years, we are excited to seek partnership opportunities with airports and tourism authorities through the release of this RFP." 

"We are delighted that Cebu Pacific has chosen the Route Exchange platform to help plan its expansion with the narrow and widebody aircraft," added Paul Winfield, Airline Director, UBM Aviation Routes. "The platform offered by Route Exchange will offer an efficient process for Cebu Pacific and allow airports to bid for new routes which over significant opportunity for their respective economies." 

Once airports have met the terms of the PQQ, they will then be sent the formal RFP where they can complete a pre-defined data requirements and a proposal document. The final deadline for responses is August 13, 2012 when Cebu Pacific Air will then analyse the submissions before scheduling meetings with potential new airport partners at World Routes in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Routes organises world-renowned airline and airport networking events through its regional and global Route Development Forums. 

Previous RFPs through the Route Exchange have included Air Asia X, Scoot and IndiGo.

Routes was founded in 1995 as part of the Manchester UK-based ASM Ltd., a consultancy specialising in the field of route development for airports.