Flying passengers and cargo days ahead are seen prospectively cheaper as airlines implement a reduction made possible by lower fuel surcharge next month, according to the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB).
CAB Executive Director Carmelo Arcilla said the fuel surcharge from April 1 through 30 would scale back to Level 6 on the basis of jet fuel averaging between P36 and P39 per liter.
In March, the CAB imposed a higher fuel surcharge set at Level 7 on jet fuel averaging P39 to P42 per liter.
Under Level 6, airlines are allowed to collect a fuel surcharge ranging from P185 to P665 for domestic flights and P610.37 to as high as P4,538.40 for international flights.
As for cargo, the CAB allows airlines a fuel surcharge of P0.95 up to P2.78 per kilogram for domestic flights under Level 6 and P3.14 to P23.33 per kg. for international flights.
“Airlines wishing to impose or collect fuel surcharge must file its application with the CAB on or before the effectivity period, with fuel surcharge rates not exceeding the above-stated level,” Arcilla said.
Airline fuel surcharges are optional imposed only to recover costs and stem losses caused by upward spikes in the cost of fuel.
Fuel surcharges are not part of the basic airfare and maybe reduced or removed altogether depending on the price of jet fuel in the market.
Sought for comment, AirAsia Philippines Communications and Public Affairs Head Steve Dailisan said, “Any form of reduction in ticket value will not only motivate people to travel but also spur economic activity in the destinations where we fly to.”
“Our commitment has never wavered in democratizing air travel despite the volatile pricing of fuel,” he added.
AirAsia Philippines is taking advantage of its robust load factor and the rising confidence among guests to travel best reflected in its forward bookings.
