Airphil Express flies Manila-Tacloban

Manila Bulletin
September 1, 2011

 MANILA, Philippines — Airphil Express recently opened a new domestic route – Manila-Tacloban - which is expected to generate tourist interest in a culturally rich and nature abundant destination.

According to Alfredo Herrera, Senior Vice President for Marketing and Sales, the Manila-Tacloban opening flight achieved “100% load factor,” which means that every seat was occupied. The flight from Tacloban to Manila was likewise well received.

Despite having only one flight daily from Manila to Tacloban and vice versa, Herrera confirms that passengers’ traffic is building up since its inaugural flight last July 21. By October 2011, the company expects to improve its flight schedule to twice daily.

Tacloban in Eastern Visayas is home to nationally important locations such as the site of the Leyte Landing that represents a watershed episode not just in the Philippines but in world history. There is also the San Juanico Bridge, the longest in the country that spans between Leyte and Samar, and underneath it where adventurers can engage in kayaking. Those looking to experience Tacloban in a more physically charged way can engage in activities like cave exploring, mountain climbing, dipping in waterfalls, or skimboarding and surfing. Dining by the sea is a rare treat for work-weary urbanites who will enjoy relaxing in local cafés and restaurant-hopping to feast on freshly caught seafood.

“It’s about time that Filipinos got to know another special destination in the Visayas because the area is really a delight to explore. We want Filipinos to appreciate Tacloban for all the good reasons already known about the place, and the other possibilities that it can offer travelers who want to go on an adventure vacation,” Herrera says.

The new route is part of the company’s operation expansion and in promoting Airphil Express in the country as a Low Cost Carrier (LCC) therefore dominating and giving the airline market choices of air transportation that give value for money.

Frequent domestic travel is encouraged by Airphil Express’ affordable airfare deals and is in line with the thrust of the Department of Tourism. With the Manila-Tacloban route, the airline is expected to further enhance its market share in the Visayas region and