Airphil Express Reinforces Presence by tapping market in the North

Airphil Express, the fastest growing budget airline in the country, further strengthens its foothold in the industry by opening new domestic and international routes, new aircraft, value-for-money offers that contributed to the surge of its market share to 20% this year. It has also extended its operation base to Pampanga by signing a contract with Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC).

“Airphil Express will soon be offering domestic and Southeast Asian routes based in the Clark international airport, to serve the growing number of travellers based in the northern regions of the country,” says Alfredo Herrera, Airphil Express senior vice president for marketing and sales. “This is all in line with our expansion process and consistent with our growth strategy to solidify our position as a key player in the local budget airline market.”

With eight Airbus A320, three Q300s and five Q400 under its wing, the company is expected to increase operations thus create new itineraries as Airphil Express. One more new Airbus A320 is anticipated to come before the year ends. Airphil Express also boasts one of the youngest and most reliable fleets of aircraft, composed of Airbus A320, Q300 and Q400 units. With more aircraft acquisitions recently, the airline has been able to expand routes as well. Domestically, Airphil Express has commenced Manila-Tacloban flight, and will yet to launch Manila-Ozamiz and Davao-Iloilo routes. A Cebu-Hong Kong flight also debuted just last July.

Currently, Airphil Express flies to 26 domestic and 2 international destinations along with selected domestic flights originating from Davao and Zamboanga.

Airphil Express seeks to increasingly corner a considerable share of the budget airline market by offering budget travellers with compelling value propositions. Among these is the free 15-kilo check-in luggage allowance plus 7-kilo hand-carry baggage that used to be standard among budget carriers. “This is an extremely important provision that has been taken for granted and now much appreciated by our passengers,” explains Herrera. Customers can also avail of other conveniences that are usually only associated with large full-service international airlines, such as travel insurance, online reservations and seat selection, and online check-in.

One of the most beneficial value-added offers of Airphil Express is an airfare discount for students. “We offer 20 percent discount on airfare for bonafide, currently enrolled students,” says Herrera. “We have identified and zeroed in on this valuable market segment of student travellers, who are mostly based in provinces and who study or work in Metro Manila. This is our way of helping create value and improve the lives of our valued passengers.”

A customer loyalty program has also recently been launched, dubbed APX Rewards, where loyal Airphil Express travellers can receive a free ticket after logging in 10 trips under the program. “We are glad that the budget airline industry in the Philippines is burgeoning, and we are optimistic of its further growth in the next few years. We are encouraging more and more Filipinos to enjoy local and international travel through promotions such as these,” adds Herrera.

To know more about the latest travel promotions and services of Airphil Express, simply visit www.airphilexpress.com, follow us on www.twitter.com/airphilexpress or Like Us on facebook.com/airphilexpressph.

Airphil Express beefs up fleet with a new Airbus aircraft

A new Airbus A320, designed with Airphil Express livery, taxied into the NAIA last November 18 with the airline's own pilots in command. The arrival of the aircraft represents another determined step towards meeting the Filipinos' growing demand for value-oriented air travel service. With its wider seats, bigger legroom and elbowroom for added comfort, and generous carry-on baggage space, the new 180-seater Airbus A320 is expected to offer enhanced cabin experience.

Alfredo Herrera, SVP for Marketing and Sales, says, "We aim to play a dominant role in the industry by bringing in more tourists around the country while beefing up our presence in the region." As part of its expansion plans, Airphil Express is slated to purchase more than half a dozen new A320 aircrafts starting this December until late next year.

With eight Airbus A320, three Q300s and five Q400 under its wing, Airphil Express is expected to increase operations and create new itineraries. Two recently inaugurated Airphil Express routes are the Manila-Cotabato and Manila-General Santos. The Cebu-Hong Kong flight, which opened a few months ago, also presents opportunities for frequent leisure and business trips between the two destinations.

As more and more Filipinos discover the joys of travel, local budget airlines strive to service the growing market, helping drive Philippine tourism to new vibrancy. Domestic travel is pegged at 74 percent this year, up from 35 percent last year. Nine months into the fiscal year, Airphil Express has already grabbed 20 percent of the market share. Just over a year after its re-launch, the airline is now considered as the country's fastest growing budget carrier.

Airphil Express provides unmatched experience for passengers who seek affordable, efficient and pleasant service (even before they board the plane) through value-added features like Web Check-in, Travel Insurance, Seat Selector and Pre-Paid Baggage. Among budget carriers in the country, Airphil Express prides in being the only airline that gives up to 15-kg free baggage allowance, aside from the additional 7-kilo free hand carry. Airphil Express also started and became the first budget airline to offer the 20% student discount on all published fares for its domestic routes, including select promotional fares.

Another first is the company’s “manage booking” feature, an online service which allows Airphil Express passengers to make flight adjustments like rescheduling and rerouting of previously booked tickets, on their own thru, www.airphilexpress.com. The company also has an ongoing APX Rewards program, a free flight program that allows a customer to exchange ten (10) used boarding passes bearing his/her name for a one-way, free ticket to any local destination of his/her choice.

To know more about the latest travel promotions and services of Airphil Express, simply visit www.airphilexpress.com, follow us on www.twitter.com/airphilexpress or Like Us on facebook.com/airphilexpressph.

AIRPHIL EXPRESS NOW FLIES TO EXCITING HONG KONG FROM CEBU

Passengers were treated to a festive Chinese send-off when Airphil Express made its first flight to exciting and progressive Hong Kong from Cebu’s Mactan Terminal recently.

Hong Kong is home to a significant number of OFWs and remains an important neighboring international destination in terms of business and tourism, while Cebu is one the Philippine’s most crucial trade and leisure hubs. Connecting the two centers via Airphil Express represents another advance for the fastest growing budget airline and is seen to help drive growth in the Southern Philippine region.

To give an auspicious and rousing launch and to wish for the success of the new route, a lively and colorful lion dance performance was held at the boarding area. Passengers had a blast when the custom-made Chinese lantern, containing corporate and travel freebies was given a tug by Peter Y. Ong, President and CEO and Brian Hogan, Airphil Express Chief Executive Adviser, as it triggered a shower of prizes to lucky travelers: 2-roundtrip domestic tickets, 4GB USB, mouse pads, and slippers. Around 125 customers were on board the Airbus A320 that serviced the new route.

“We were quite enthusiastic about our first flight to Hong Kong,” shares Alfredo Herrera, Senior Vice-President for Marketing and Sales. “It is one of our kababayans’ favorite Asian places to visit, and with the entry of Airphil Express, it is now a top value destination. With the launch of the maiden flight of Airphil Express from Cebu, we hope our loyal, as well as new passengers, experienced a cultural celebration that gave them a good taste and glimpse of Hong Kong.”

Hong Kong is Airphil Express’ second international destination. The route is part of a substantially funded capacity-expansion program that includes adding another new Airbus A320 to the airline’s current fleet to service a robust Philippine travel market venturing more frequently to destinations in and outside the country.

With the opening of the Hong Kong route from Cebu, Airphil Express is expected to post the highest growth rates among Philippine budget airlines, continuing from its highly successful inaugural year as a rebranded carrier in 2010. Airphil Express is known to offer services and products that are valued by frequent flyers: good airfare deals for its domestic and international routes, and comfort-driven services like Web Check-In, Seat Selector, Travel Insurance, and Pre-Paid Baggage, as well as travel bonuses of as much as 15 kilos free baggage allowance and an additional 7-kilo free hand carry.

To know more about the latest travel promotions and services of Airphil Express, simply visit www.airphilexpress.com, follow us on www.twitter.com/airphilexpress or Like Us on facebook.com/airphilexpressph.

Airphil passenger volume doubles after 9 months

MANILA — Budget carrier Airphil Express said its passenger volume more than doubled in the first nine months of the year.

Citing data from the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), the airline noted that passenger volume soared by 143 percent or 1.6 million passengers to reach 2.72 million during the January-September period compared to 1.12 million in the same period last year.

Alfredo Herrera, senior vice president for marketing and sales of Airphil Express, expressed elation over this new development.

"We believe this continued expansion and growth of the company is due to the genuine value-added features and services we have been offering to the flying public since the company’s inception in 2010. Since then, we have upped the ante by introducing one of the youngest and most reliable fleets in the region," he said.

At present, the Lucio Tan-led carrier has also expanded its routes and is now serving 26 local destinations and two international flights.

Some of its most recently inaugurated local destinations include Manila-Tacloban, Manila-Ozamiz, Davao-Iloilo, Manila-Cotabato, and the Manila-General Santos routes.

Aside from the Manila-Singapore route, Airphil Express now also offers the Cebu-Hong Kong flight, which it opened just a few months ago.

Airphil Express now fastest growing carrier, grabs 19% market share

MANILA, Philippines — Airphil Express (APX) is expected to remain as the fastest growing low-cost carrier in the country despite the entry of new foreign airlines in the industry.

APX Senior Vice President for Marketing and Sales Alfredo Herrera said that while traffic growth from all Philippine carriers has increased by 11 percent in last year and would remain at double-digit this year, APX’s rise has been staggering

With the deployment of six A320s and eight Q300s/400s last year (its first full year of operations since its re-launch in 2009), APX’s market share has surged 353 percent to 1.9 million passengers in 2010. APX cornered 11 percent of the domestic market last year or nearly 4 times its market share of 2.9 percent in 2009, making it the country’s number three airline.

An independent industry think-tank, Center for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA), said APX’s rapid growth has come at the expense of the top two players that have seen their market share decline amid increasing competition from new players.

Following its capacity expansion, APX’s market share has so far surged to 19 percent. APX’s market share is expected to expand further with its plan to add six more A320s before the end of the year.

Herrera said customers have responded positively to APX’s expansion and they expect demand to follow with its programmed expansion in 2012 (additional 5 A320s) and 2013 (another five A320s) to complete its 20- aircraft, $250 million expansion approved last year.

CAPA said that APX would continue to post the highest growth rates among Philippine low-cost carriers in the coming years despite expansion from existing local players and the entry of new players such as by South East Asian Airlines (SEAir) and AirAsia Air Asia.

``While APX now competes with Cebu Pacific on most of its domestic routes and to Singapore, it has tried to differentiate itself by offering some frills such as free check-in baggage. APX markets itself as a budget airline that provides 'low fares with a premium travel experience'. For example, in launching services to Singapore, APX decided to operate out of one of Changi Airport’s full-service terminals instead of using the budget terminal used by Cebu Pacific, Tiger and SEAir,'' said CAPA in is latest report.

Airphil Express is Recognized for Top Aircraft Reliability in the Oceania Region

Airphil Express, the fastest growing budget airline in the Philippines, was recently awarded the top airline reliability performance award for the Q400* aircraft in the Oceania region by Bombardier, besting other airlines within this product category and region.

Airphil Express achieved the highest overall dispatch reliability, and placed first overall in the Q400* aircraft category for the Oceania region.

Bombardier applauded Airphil Express’ outstanding performance at a ceremony held during the company’s fourth annual Award Gala Dinner in Toronto, Canada.

“The winners of the Airline Performance Reliability Awards have achieved world-class performance over the past year. We congratulate Airphil Express, its management team and all its employees on their excellent results,” said Todd Young, Vice President, Customer Services and Support, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.

“We are proud of this tremendous achievement and all of our employees who contribute daily to the success of our operation,” said Alfredo Herrera, senior vice president for Marketing and Sales

The recognition was based on a review of the reliability statistics for airlines operating Q400* aircraft that have achieved over 99% dispatch reliability.

Airphil Express currently operates the newest aircraft fleet in the country. The company has more than 23 local destinations from its Manila hub alone, and at the end of 2010 introduced its first international destination, Singapore, with plans to launch more overseas destinations in the near future.

Airphil Express is also the only budget carrier in the region offering great-value travel services such as a 15 kg free baggage allowance and an added 7 kg hand carry allowance. It also provides excellent travel assistance like Web check-in, travel insurance, seat selector, and pre-paid baggage.

For more details, visit www.airphilexpress.com, follow us on www.twitter.com/airphilexpress or Like Us on facebook.com/airphilexpressph.

AIRPHIL EXPRESS AIMS TO MAKE AIR TRAVEL A PREFERRED TRANSPORT FOR OFWs

Air Express is aiming to make air travel the preferred mode of local travelers especially `balikbayans’ or returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) eager to see their relatives and friends quickly and comfortably at an affordable price.

SVP for Sales and Marketing Alfredo Herrera said the low-cost airline’s goal this year was to make travelers choose airlines as their number one choice in reaching their respective provinces from Manila or Cebu by bringing down their ticket prices at par with the cost of riding a bus or boat.

Bus fares from Manila-Legazpi range from Php 550-800 with an average travel time of 9 hours while ferry trips from Masbate City to Manila take about 19 hours with a going rate of Php 540 – 1,300 depending on the choice of on board accommodations. For Manila-Bohol travelers, trip last more than a day and rates go from PhP 1,800 – 3,200 via ferry.

Herrera said Airphil Express has already achieved this parity pricing in its Manila-Legazpi and Manila-Bohol routes where ticket prices are cheaper than riding a bus or boat in the same route. ``I think that people will soon think of airlines as their first choice of reaching their destination because we have been able to bring down the price of tickets. People used to sacrifice comfort and travel time because airline tickets were too steep. But with ticket prices going down, people will soon ride on buses and boats only if the airlines are full,’’ said Herrera.

Herrera said he expected the OFWs to make airlines their only choice in their connecting travel itinerary `` since most of them would want to reach their home provinces as quickly and comfortably as possible after coming in from a long-haul flight.’’ Airphil Express has invested in a new fleet, bringing in the modern Airbus A320 series to meet the growing demand from domestic and even international travelers. With the A320’s optimized legroom and elbowroom, passengers have access to stowage spaces, and world-class services from its pilots and cabin crew. Airphil Express also offers added-value travel services such as 15-kilo free baggage allowance, web check-in and seat selector.

The rapid expansion of budget airlines has spurred more Filipinos to spend a bigger cut of their budget for leisure travel

`` The future is bright for the leisure travel industry and we see passenger traffic doubling in the coming years,’’ said AirPhil Express Senior Vice-President for Marketing & Sales Alfredo M. Herrera.

Herrera said the entry and rapid growth of budget airlines in the country has made it more ``affordable’’ for Filipinos to travel not only for business but for vacation.

He added Filipinos used to prefer buses and ships as their mode of travel for their vacation in the country. But with competition in the budget airlines tightening, Herrera revealed the cost of an airline ticket is now within the reach to a broader number of Filipinos.

Airphil Express is currently the fastest growing budget airline in the country and it remains on course of being at par with the price of a bus or ship ride. ``Flying by air is faster, safer and more comfortable than land or sea and people will choose to travel by plane if they would pay the same price,’’ said Herrera.

Herrera further reveals, demand for leisure travel was coming from a wide base of consumers aged between 15 and 60 years old who were getting more information on travel destinations not only in the Philippines but also outside the country, " we believe in giving our customers more value so we continue to offer innovations to serve them better."

Airphil Express invested in a new fleet, comprising of modern Airbus A320 series to meet the growing demand from domestic and even international travelers. With the A320’s optimized legroom and elbowroom, passengers have access to stowage spaces, and world-class services from its pilots and cabin crew. Airphil Express offers valued travel services such as Web Check-in, Travel Insurance, Seat Selector, and Pre-Paid baggage. It is also the only budget airline that allows passengers a 15-kilo free baggage allowance plus 7 kilo hand-carry. Know more about Airphil Express visit www.airphilexpress.com.

AirPhil Express Launches Dedicated Customer Service in Facebook & Twitter

The country’s fastest growing budget carrier AirPhil Express delivers an airline industry first in the Philippines: dedicated online customer service. The company will be present to serve and engage in the two online channels where its customers spend a significant amount of time – Facebook and Twitter.

Aside from its website, Airphil Express also provides the latest airline updates on flights, fares and promos online through its Facebook and Twitter pages. Fans can win prizes for participating in promos, discussions, and sharing experiences with each other.

According to Jasmin Eusebio, AirPhil Express AVP for New Media, “We don’t just sell affordable fares. As a growing budget airline, we take care of our passengers so that they will continue flying with us. We want and encourage their quick and candid feedback on how we can serve them better.”

Social media networks present challenges and opportunities to companies like AirPhil Express, and the low-cost carrier is eager to carry on a sustained level of support and real-time interaction with its customers through the internet platform. “We realize the potential of new media to immediately reach our passengers. Social networks will continue to evolve and we want to learn using these tools now to understand our customers better.”

Access and communication are at the heart of the online experience that the Facebook and Twitter pages will provide frequent travelers. Eusebio mentions that AirPhil Express is the first local airline to launch a dedicated customer service program in social media: “This is not a dipstick experiment. AirPhil Express intends to go full blast with online customer support. We want our passengers’ candid inputs so we can improve operations, design offers and services attuned to their needs.”

For exciting updates and promos, book and buy tickets at http://www.airphilexpress.com, like Airphil Express at http://www.facebook.com/airphilexpressph or follow http://www.twitter.com/airphilexpress.

AirPhil Express free baggage check-in is a best come-on among budget carriers

Airphil Express is keeping its free baggage perks to its consumers despite rising costs of operations as it seeks to attract more regular and new travelers on its flights.

Airphil Express is the only local carrier which allows passengers to carry up to 15 kilograms of baggage for free as other domestic airlines have stopped offering this complimentary.
``I think that aside from having the best price among budget airlines, AirPhil Express’ biggest come-on to fliers is our free baggage perks because other airlines charge passengers for every kilogram of luggage they check. People are beginning to realize that this makes their tickets more expensive so they appreciate our free baggage perks more,’’ said SVP for Marketing and Sales Alfredo Herrera.

Charges on check-in baggage have become a major source of profits for most airlines but Airphil Express believed that Filipinos were unique passengers in the market because they consider having free carry-on baggage as important as the cost of their airline ticket.

``Go to any airport in the world and you will notice that passengers with the most baggage being checked are Filipinos. This is why we have the `balikbayan box’. Filipinos are so close to their families and friends that it has become a tradition to bring in `pasalubong’ every time they travel,’’ said Herrera.

Herrera said Airphil Express has been able to maintain its free baggage perks while keeping its prices competitive due to its efficient management of resources, including its decision to use an all-new and a single type fleet, the Airbus A320.

``Like all companies we strive for profit but we have to balance this with building our market share for long-term growth. This is why we have kept our free baggage perks because this is unique to us,’’ said Herrera.AirPhil Express as it aims to become Filipinos’ low-cost carrier of choice has increased its A320 fleet and regional flights as well as offered added-value travel services such as The Seat Selector, Pre-Paid Baggage, and Web Check-In which can be accessed through www.airphilexpress.com .

AirPhil Express is raising the stakes in the budget airline beyond bargain basement ticket prices

AirPhil Express, the fastest growing Philippine airline, is upping the stakes in the budget airline business beyond bargain basement prices.

Airphil Express is making passenger safety, comfort, and convenience as its major selling points among budget airlines that have mostly sacrificed these factors for the sake off maintaining dirt-cheap prices.

SVP for Sales and Marketing Alfredo Herrera said that Airphil Express was eyeing to be the industry leader in these categories with its strategy of using only brand-new for its fleet and keeping the bulk of its flight schedule within normal time zones.

``The budget carriers will always be defined by pricing but airlines can only bring down their prices as much especially with the rising cost of fuel and labor. This is why we will highlight Airphil Express advantages in safety and comfort of our planes and the convenience of loading and unloading schemes as key marketing points aside from price,’’ said Herrera.

Herrera said that the company’s marketing studies showed that while price continue to be the main factor in a passenger’s choice of airlines, consumer demands for safety, comfort and convenience have become as important especially to second time fliers.

Airphil Express chose the Airbus A320 as its main steed because of its optimized legroom and elbowroom, and easily accessible storage spaces. APX also provides its passengers with a 15-kilo free baggage allowance.

Airphil Express convenience extends not only from its friendly schedule but also to its departure and arrival schemes that cut down the waiting and walking time for passengers. For example, Airphil Express is the only domestic airline that disembarks directly at the Changi airport in Singapore which allows passengers to get to their destinations faster.Airphil Express flies to major cities in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. By April 2010, it will open up its second international destination, Hong Kong.

EASE & EFFICIENCY WITH AIRPHIL EXPRESS NEW TRAVEL SERVICES

In this burgeoning era of budget air travel, price alone -- while remaining a major consideration when making flight decisions -- does not drive the market all the time. As consumers demand more value for their peso, AirPhil Express distinguishes itself as “the airline with a heart” by adhering to a low-cost carrier model that strives to take good care of its passengers even as it offers affordable airfare.

Passengers of AirPhil Express can now avoid long lines at the airport and enjoy travel ease without having to spend so much, with three new service products launched in December last year. The new services reward consumers who book in advance by 1) allowing them to pre-reserve their seats at a minimal cost, 2) providing a special discount off the standard excess baggage rate, and 3) offering a more convenient way to check-in.

At a minimal fee, the Seat Selector makes available to passengers their desired seats per flight sector upon booking, highlighting convenience for passengers who go to the website themselves to get the seats they want. With just a simple click, travelers can choose spacious Preferred Seats (located in the first two rows and exit rows) costing P200 each, inclusive of tax, and/or Standard Seats (any of the seats in the remaining rows) worth P100, inclusive of tax. Available from the time of booking up to 48 hours prior to flight departure, the Seat Selector is especially helpful among frequent travelers who have specific seat preferences, while the tech-savvy younger set, accustomed to the concept of reserved seating such as in modern cinemas, will likewise welcome this service feature.

Biyaheros who bring with them a lot of personal belongings and pasalubongs for loved ones will appreciate the Pre-Paid Baggage product that lets passengers pay their excess bags between the time of booking up to 48 hours prior to their departure. With this service, passengers can claim as much as 20% discount off the standard excess baggage rate.

The third product offers peace of mind to AirPhil Express passengers. By availing the Web Check-In service, waiting in long lines is minimized and transaction time is reduced since passengers will simply proceed to the dedicated check-in lane to have their bags weighed in and to exchange the virtual boarding pass before the flight. The product can be availed from 24 hours to 3 hours before the scheduled departure time.

The three travel service initiatives of AirPhil Express are in addition to the worry-free Travel Insurance product that was launched in October last year. The new products accommodate the needs and preferences of the passenger by delivering convenience in the most efficient, affordable way, making life that much easier for the traveler. The Seat Selector, Pre-Paid Baggage, and Web Check-In can be accessed through the AirPhil Express website, Visitwww.airphilexpress.com today and get more exciting deals on your next travel.

Airphil Express offers Knockout seat sale for Manila-Legazpi

Airphil Express, the country’s fastest growing low-cost airline, offers a knockout Manila to Legazpi (vv) seat sale for only P498.00. The limited seat only will run from January 16 to February 15, 2011, and is good for travel for the same period.

This special Manila-Legazpi (vv) promotion is over and above Airphil Express’ year- round promo to more than 18 domestic destinations. AirPhil Express Senior Vice-President for Marketing and Sales Alfredo Herrera says that the latest sale event is all part of the airline’s approach to encourage people to travel in the country’s newest planes. “We have a number of brand new A320 airbuses, and we would like the public to experience and get used to the convenience of air travel,” Herrera adds.

“Bus companies offer an average nine-hour travel time at P600.00 to Manila-Legazpi passengers. Airphil Express offers an average one-hour flight at only P498.00. And we have brand new airbuses that perform in world-class comfort, safety and efficiency much lower than any bus fare,” Herrera points out.

Airphil Express has redefined modern air travel with its A320’s optimized legroom and elbowroom, easily accessible storage spaces, and world-class services from its pilots and cabin crew. Touted as the budget airline with a heart, AirPhil Express also boasts of its added consumer benefit of a 15-kilo free baggage allowance.

For more information, log on to www.airphilexpress.com or call (632) 855 9000.