Tiger Air Philippines Cleared to Japan

Tigerair Philippines has revealed that it has obtained the necessary permits from the Civil Aeronautics Board in order to mount flights to Japan. 

Image Source: Tigerair Philippines

According to Olive Ramos, CEO of Tigerair Philippines, the Civil Aeronautics Board approved Tigerair's request for 14 weekly flights between Manila and Narita as well as 7 weekly flights each from Clark and Cebu to Narita. A permit was also approved permitting the airline to operate 7 weekly flights each to Osaka from Clark, Cebu, and Manila. The application to mount 7 weekly flights from Kalibo to Osaka and Narita was also approved by the Civil Aeronautics Board. 

The move is expected to fuel an increase in Japanese tourists to the Philippines in 2014 that could easily rival South Korea as the country's main source of tourists as more airlines mount flights between the two countries. Tigerair Philippines is banking on the new routes to bring the fledgling carrier to profitability after what has been a turbulent ride since its inception. 

Tigerair recently suspended its newest international route between Manila and Phuket on December 15 after just over 3 months of operation. The airline cited mounting losses and an average load factor of only 50 percent. However, the airline indicated that it would be replacing its Phuket service with flights to Macau, Japan, and China in 2014. 

"Our target is middle of next year or before the end of the second quarter," said Ramos. "Our priority would be Manila-Narita and Clark-Narita, and then Kalibo-Narita." Ramos added that the airline may mount flights between Manila and Macau. However, it is more likely that service from Clark to Macau will be launched by the first quarter of 2014. 

Ramos reported earlier this year that Tigerair Philippines was on track for achieving its goal of P5 billion in revenue for 2013. The airline hopes to grow its market share in the Philippines up to five percent with a further plan to grow its fleet by up to 25 aircraft within the next five years. However, that plan is contingent on achieving profitability which the airline has consistently failed to do. The launch of flights to Japan may just be the turning point that the airline needs to achieve profitability in 2014.