Travel bookings were to intensify further as the fuel surcharge for domestic and international flights continue to drop, according to domestic airline executives.
“Any form of reduction in air travel cost is a big help for all our guests as they can allot this to additional baggage allowance or pasalubong – which can be particularly helpful for people traveling on a budget or for families traveling together,” said AirAsia Philippines communications and public affairs country head Steve Dailisan.
” We are also expecting the travel booking trend to continuously intensify as most Filipinos are still eyeing last-minute summer plans extending to June. Thus this fuel surcharge development would benefit travelers,” he added.
The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) earlier lowered the applicable fuel surcharge for domestic and international flights to Level 5 in May from the current month’s Level 6.
Passengers purchasing tickets next month will only incur an additional surcharge of P151 up to P542 for domestic flights and from P498.03 up to P774.75 for international flights, depending on the distance.
AirAsia Philippines assures guests that it will continue to provide an affordable and the world’s best service even with the volatility of fuel prices in the international market.
Cielo Villaluna, spokesperson at Philippine Airlines, said the reduction in fuel surcharge in May is a welcome development.
“The Philippine Airlines will faithfully comply with this latest fuel surcharge level that applies to tickets to be purchased in the month of May,” Villaluna said.
“PAL remains focused on further regaining strength as we target to end this year with more operational aircraft in our fleet,” she added.
PAL posted an average passenger load factor of 80 percent in the first quarter this year and boosted optimism the company’s 2023 financial performance prove within or even above target.
“We have increased flight capacity to several destinations, including routes to China. Flights to Asian destination were restarted in January following the easing of border restrictions,” she said
“We are set to offer last-mile cargo service delivery. This service could support the operations of small and medium enterprises in the advent of e-commerce. We are working on the digitalization of our processes and procedures to enhance the overall customer experience,” Villaluna added.
