AirAsia Philippines receives first aircraft
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AirAsia’s new Philippines-based low-cost carrier received its first aircraft yesterday. The brand new Airbus A320 jet arrived at the airline’s new home base at Clark’s Diosdado Macapagal International Airport on Monday with 29 people on board, including Marianne Hontiveros, Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia Philippines, and HE Mercedes Tuason, Philippine Ambassador to the Vatican.
“This is a proud moment for AirAsia Philippines as the arrival of the new aircraft signifies our first step in introducing ourselves to the nation. As an archipelagic country, air travel is necessary for Filipinos and we are here to serve and help them stay or be better connected with their families and friends,” Ms Hontiveros said.
“The Philippines has great potential in tourism, as our country has so much to offer. With AirAsia Philippines, we hope to increase the number of tourist arrivals. This is good for the community in Clark as well as Northern and Central Luzon as they can benefit in various areas including hospitality, retail and entertainment,” she added.
The aircraft is the first of four aircraft that will be delivered to AirAsia Philippines in its first year of operations. The second is scheduled to arrive later this year, with another two to be delivered in 2012.
Currently, AirAsia Philippines is awaiting official approval to start flying commercially. The airline plans to launch with routes from Clark to Singapore, Macau and Hong Kong, followed by services to Bangkok, Seoul and two domestic destinations – Kalibo, near Boracay, and Puerto Princesa.
AirAsia Philippines, which is 40% owned by Malaysia’s AirAsia Bhd, will become the group’s fourth regional subsidiary, following existing units in Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. Further LCCs are planned for Vietnam and Japan.
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