AirAsia Philippines on Wednesday announced plans to deploy more aircraft in a “reactivation” program it hopes to complete by the third quarter this year as it flies to more domestic and international destinations.
“We want to go back to 2019 levels by the third quarter of the year,” Ricky Isla, AirAsia Philippines chief executive, told reporters.
AirAsia Philippines flies a total 16 aircraft at the moment, significantly down from 24 pre-pandemic.
“Hopefully by the end of the year, we have 24 to 25 aircraft operating,” Isla said.
According to the executive, AirAsia will reopen more domestic and international flights in later months this year.
“We are going to open Dumaguete towards the fourth quarter and Zamboanga is a candidate for reopening,” he said.
On international flights, Isla said the airline plans more flights to Taipei, Japan, Macau and Hong Kong.
“By the first quarter next year, we are also looking at Australia,” Isla said.
The budget airline earlier planned flying more guests from around ASEAN, especially with the scheduled merger of AirAsia X and AirAsia Philippines.
Seen to materialize in the months to come, this is expected to consolidate its medium and long-haul flights, create more opportunities for foreign travelers to explore the country and connect the Philippines with neighboring destinations.
AirAsia Philippines flies to a total of 13 domestic destinations and 13 international destinations at the moment.
