BOHOL, Philippines — Cebu Pacific will begin deploying its wide-body Airbus A330neo aircraft to Bohol Panglao International Airport (BPIA) starting October, significantly boosting seat capacity on the Bohol-Manila route as part of the airline’s domestic expansion strategy.
The A330neo, with a seating capacity of up to 459 passengers, will replace smaller aircraft currently operating the route. The move signals the airline’s growing confidence in Bohol’s potential as a key tourism and transport hub.
The deployment was confirmed during a courtesy visit by Cebu Pacific executives to Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado on July 21.
During the meeting, the airline also acknowledged an invitation from Aboitiz InfraCapital, BPIA’s private operator, to explore additional route expansions.
Cebu Pacific, the country’s largest carrier with a fleet of 100 aircraft flying to 63 domestic and international destinations, raised several operational concerns during the visit, including bird strike risks and inadequate firefighting infrastructure.
“While Bohol has fewer incidents compared to other airports, bird strikes remain a hazard that we must proactively manage,” an airline official said.
In response, Governor Aumentado committed to implementing ordinances on vegetation control and bird dispersal near the airport, as well as addressing Cebu Pacific’s request for additional firefighting equipment.
“We are fully supporting the airport’s readiness to handle wide-body operations,” Aumentado said. “This is in line with our commitment to strengthen infrastructure and grow tourism in the province.”
Cebu Pacific officials expressed support for the province’s efforts, citing Bohol’s rising appeal as a tourism destination and the responsiveness of local leadership.
Business News Asia
