New jets mark Airphil Express relaunch

(March 28, 2010)


Low-cost carrier Air Philippines is re-launching itself under the brand name Airphil Express starting March 28, 2010 with the acquisition of two Airbus A320-200 aircraft.

The two A320s, sporting the new Airphil Express livery and configured mono-class of 177 seats, will fly starting March 28 from Manila to Iloilo, Bacolod, Puerto Princesa and Cagayan de Oro, signaling the resumption of jet service to these domestic points.

The first A320, with registry number RP-C3227, will be formally blessed in a simple ceremony on March 27 at the airline’s hangar at Nichols, Pasay City.

Airphil Express is acquiring a total of 20 new airplanes over the next four years, to be added to the current fleet of eight Bombardier Q400 and Q300 turbo-prop aircraft.

Aside from the two leased narrow-body jets, four brand-new A320s will also be delivered from Airbus’ manufacturing facility in Toulouse, France, between September and November 2010. Four more A320 aircraft will join the fleet next year, five aircraft in 2012 and another five in 2013.

"We want to position Airphil Express as a low-cost carrier offering quality service," said David Lim, President of Airphil Express.. "The modernization of our fleet will hopefully enable us to increase market share while the industry braces for the eventual rebound."

The route network of Airphil Express will continue to expand as it adds to its existing flights to the following domestic destinations: Tuguegarao, Naga, San Jose (Mindoro), Busuanga, Boracay (Caticlan), Catarman, Calbayog, Tacloban, Ormoc, Iloilo, Bacolod, Cebu, Surigao, Dipolog, Cagayan de Oro, Ozamiz, Zamboanga, Davao and Masbate.

More domestic points will be added to the route network when more jets join the fleet.

For additional information as well as booking and ticketing requirements, visit www.airphilexpress.com.