THE PHILIPPINES, MARCH 29, 2012: Malaysia-based low-cost carrier airline Philippines AirAsia opened its doors to Filipinos with its maiden flights from its Clark, Pampanga airport to Kalibo, Boracay and Davao.
The launch took place March 28 at Clark, Pampanga and the first flight PQ7001 and left at 7 a.m. Onboard were 143 guests, including 18 children with hearing impairment and Down Syndrome along with their parents and teachers on their way for an educational trip in Kalibo.
Being the pioneer of the said route, Philippines’ AirAsia aims to provide convenient and comfortable trips for passengers from Northern and Central Luzon.
“They can even be spared from the traffic of EDSA and the long queues of NAIA,” AirAsia Inc. CEO Maan Hontiveros said at the send-off ceremonies in the Pre-Departure Lounge of Clark International Airport.
According to Hontiveros, the company chose its first two destinations because of its tourism potential; Davao as an important gateway to Mindanao and Kalibo because of popular tourist spot Boracay
“Philippines is a robust and growing market. We are here because we are confident of its growth,” AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes said.
AirAsia has an initial investment of P468 million and currently has two brand new Airbus A320s for its daily flights from Clark to Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao and its twice daily flights from Clark to Kalibo International Airport.
