Cebu Pacific Eyes New Zealand Flights

Cebu Pacific is placing New Zealand on its list of possible future long-haul destinations as the airline seeks to acquire a third of the recently negotiated flight entitlements to the country. Last month, the Philippines and New Zealand signed a new air services agreement, expanding the number of current flight entitlements between the two countries.

Copyright Photo: Angelo Agcamaran/PPSG

Under the new agreement, an additional 18 frequencies have been permitted between the two countries bringing the total number of weekly permitted flight entitlements up to 21. The previous agreement only permitted three flights per week. 

In a regulatory filing with the Civil Aeronautics Board, Cebu Pacific requested an allocation of seven weekly flight entitlements to New Zealand. The airline currently operates long haul flights from Terminal 3 at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

Cebu Pacific is the only local carrier that has expressed an interest offering flights between Manila and New Zealand. The petition is expected to be heard at the Civil Aeronautics Board's headquarters in Pasay on May 14. Cebu Pacific previously expressed interest in serving the Australian market as well. However, the carrier is currently limited to five flights per week under the current air services agreement between the two countries.

The new air services agreement between New Zealand and the Philippines also permits unlimited flights to points outside of Manila, and improves fifth freedom rights enabling Philippine carriers to pick up passengers in New Zealand and continue on to Australia. New Zealand carriers will be able pick up passengers in the Philippines and continue on to China. Third-country code sharing will also be permitted.

Third country code sharing allows airlines to market indirect but more seamless services between two countries, via cooperative agreements with third country airlines, which can assist in market development.