Philippines' Cebu Pacific enters into strategic alliance with Tigerair

Philippine budget carrier Cebu Pacific Air announced Wednesday its partnership with Tigerair Philippines to create the biggest network of flights to the Asian region. Cebu Pacific acquired 100 percent of Tigerair Philippines, including the 40-percent stake of Singapore-based Tigerair. Under the partnership, Cebu Pacific and Tigerair will brand themselves as each other's partner. Tigerair Philippines will continue to operate under the Tigerair brand. Company officials said both Tigerair and Cebu Pacific websites will be used as sales and distribution platforms to market all routes operated by both airlines. The carriers also expect to collaborate on other common destinations in Asia. Subject to regulatory approval, the alliance will jointly operate common routes to and from Singapore and the Philippines. "Cebu Pacific and Tigerair can leverage on our extensive networks spanning from North Asia, ASEAN, Australia, India, all the way to the Middle East," said Cebu Pacific President and Chief Executive Officer Lance Y. Gokongwei. Tigerair, for its part, said the partnership will enable both companies to become more competitive as they expand their offerings to travelers. "Tigerair and Cebu Pacific can (now) compete more effectively in the regional market," said Tigerair Group Chief Executive Officer Koay Peng Yen. At present, Tigerair Philippines averages 102 flights per week with five aircraft to 12 domestic and international destinations from Manila and Clark in northern Philippines. The Tigerair Group operates a fleet of 50 Airbus A320-family aircraft, averaging less than three years old and covers four airlines: Tigerair Singapore, Tigerair Mandala, Tigerair Philippines and Tigerair Australia. Its collective network extends to over 50 destinations across 13 countries in the Asia-Pacific. Cebu Pacific currently operates 2,200 average flights per week with 48 aircraft, one of the youngest aircraft fleets in Asia, to 24 international destinations and 33 Philippine cities in its network.