Budget airline employs measures to cushion fuel surcharge impact

Budget airline AirAsia Philippines vowed to keep travel costs affordable amid the effect of Fuel Surcharge during the final month of summer season.

“With AirAsia, travelers can always rely on affordable fares. Our double-digit promo offers such as the LFG [lets fly and go] 20 percent off All Seats, and All Flights, available until 28 April will surely make travel plans happen. However, we always advise our guests to plan their travels to further save on costs,” AirAsia Philippines Head of Communications and Public Affairs and First Officer Steve Dailisan shares.

According to Dailisan, AirAsia Philippines is implementing measures to cushion the effect of the fuel surcharge.

For the past three consecutive months, the fuel surcharge has remained at a high of Level 6, which adds P185 to P665 for domestic flights, and from P610.37 to P949.51 for international flights for tickets bought between 1 to 30 May.

AirAsia Philippines, however, clarifies that tickets bought earlier in January and February will not be subjected to fuel surcharge adjustments.

Amidst high fuel surcharge, AirAsia Philippines continues to enjoy a positive performance as evident in the number of seats sold in the first quarter, which was at 91 percent or P1.87 million versus its initial target. Load factor in the same manner has also increased by 104 percent

AirAsia is also looking at implementing various measures to further optimize airport operations and enhance customer journeys.

The airline is currently in discussion with the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) Executives to facilitate the transfer of its international flights to Terminal 1 from Terminal 3.

“The shorter distance between Terminals 1 and 2, where AirAsia operates domestic flights, is seen to optimize the use of taxiways and minimize carbon emissions that will greatly benefit the entire airport operations. Guests are also expected to have an improved customer journey with shorter transfer times between two terminals. We see this as the “Best Move” for all stakeholders,” Dailisan added.

Last year, AirAsia successfully transferred its domestic operations from Terminal 4 to Terminal 2.

“The MIAA, under the stewardship of General Manager Eric Jose Ines, has been very welcoming of this initiative. We thank them for always putting the welfare of our guests on top of their priority,” Dailisan shared.

In 2023, AirAsia Philippines flew more than 1.72 million guests to various international destinations.

This year, it aims to double that figure and also targets to add frequencies to existing international routes to enable everyone to fly.