The operator of Cebu Pacific has rebranded Tigerair Philippines to Cebgo as part of the airline’s strategy to reduce expenses.
“The new Cebgo brand clearly identifies us as part of the CEB group, and streamlines our operations further. Cebgo will continue to leverage on CEB’s distribution channels and network, and work together to serve more guests,” Michael Ivan Shau, Cebgo president and chief executive, said.
Cebgo will continue to operate flights from Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 4 and Clark International Airport. It flies to 16 destinations–Bacolod, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Clark, Cebu, Davao, General Santos, Iloilo, Kalibo, Legazpi, Manila, Roxas, Puerto Princesa, Tacloban, Tagbilaran and Hong Kong.
Since Cebu Pacific’s acquisition of Cebgo in March last year, the Gokongwei-led carrier managed to quickly turn around its wholly owned subsidiary, narrowing its financial losses significantly.
The company posted a net loss of P159.8 million from March to December last year, down from the P1.69 billion in 2013.
Tigerair Philippines’ posted revenues of P2.8 billion from March to December last year, driven by the airline’s launch of eight new domestic routes, namely Cagayan de Oro, Tagbilaran, Roxas, Butuan, General Santos, Clark Cebu and Davao.
In 2013, the company recorded revenues of P2.88 billion, up 81.13 percent from P1.59 billion in the previous year.
Tigerair Philippines currently had a domestic market share of 6.4 percent last year from 4.8 percent in 2013.
The airline carried 1.3 million passengers last year, using five Airbus A320.
Parent Cebu Pacific has a 55-strong fleet comprising of 10 Airbus A319, 31Airbus A320, 6 Airbus A330 and 8 ATR 72-500 aircraft.
Between 2015 and 2021, CEB will take delivery of seven more brand-new Airbus A320 and 30 Airbus A321neo aircraft.
Tigerair has tapped on Cebu Pacific’s Web site as a sales and distribution platform for all its routes, and vice versa. Both airlines are working to upgrade their Web sites to facilitate such cross-booking of flights.
“Our intention is to grow Tigerair Philippines as an independent franchise. We are reviewing opportunities to increase Tigerair Philippines’ fleet. We are very excited to embark on this partnership and we look forward to working closely with Olive, who will continue with her leadership position at Tigerair Philippines,” said Cebu Pacific president and chief executive Lance Gokongwei.