Taiwan's V Air Plans Philippine Expansion

Following the launch of its new flights between Manila and Taipei, Taiwanese budget carrier V Air plans to expand its Philippine network to include some of the nation's top tourist destinations including Cebu, Puerto Princesa, and Kalibo.

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V Air launched its inaugural flights to Manila in March with four weekly flights from Taipei's Taoyuan International Airport. Flights operate every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. Like many of its budget counterparts in the region, V Air operates Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft that can seat up to 194 passengers in an all-economy configuration.

According to V Air's Chief Commercial Officer Bernard Hsu, V Air sees an opportunity to expand in the Philippines as more young adventure seekers eye the Philippines as a tourist destination. "There are more younger travellers coming to the Philippines," said Hsu. "Our round-trip fares are about P3,000 and I think the competitors' prices are double."

V Air is specifically targeting female travellers between the ages of 18 and 40, as well as the many overseas Filipino workers that currently reside in Taiwan. There are already four other carriers competing on the route between Manila and Taipei including Philippine Airlines, China Airlines, and EVA Air. However, Cebu Pacific is the only other budget carrier. 

Taiwan has lagged behind its Asian neighbours in the development of the low-cost carrier market. "Most of them are full-service airlines, except Cebu Pacific," added Hsu. "But Cebu Pacific departs early morning, not at night." All of V Air's departures from Manila are on an evening schedule.

Meanwhile, V Air has also secured government approval to operate daily flights between Manila and Taipei. The carrier is planning to increase its four weekly flights to daily service by the second half of this year pending market demand. In addition, the carrier hopes to expand its Philippine network next year.

"In the Philippines, we also have plans to launch direct flights to Kalibo, Puerto Princesa, and also Cebu, maybe by April next year," said Hsu in an interview with Business World. "Young travellers also want to go to the beach and tourism destinations because Manila is more on business and shopping. We want to provide them with a combination of both, so they may enter through Manila and spend a few days in Kalibo then fly back to Taiwan."

References: Business World