CEBU PACIFIC is optimistic that its upcoming direct service between Manila and Melbourne will further boost its market share in Australia, on the back of competitive fare offerings for both passengers and cargo. The airline is set to begin its thrice-weekly Manila-Melbourne-Manila service on August 14, 2018.

Since the route was first announced in February this year, bookings have been strong, according to Candice Iyog, Cebu Pacific’s vice president for marketing. She said the bookings are coming largely from two groups: travelers looking to visit Melbourne, and Filipino-Australians hoping to visit friends and relatives back in the Philippines. Fares between Manila and Melbourne start as low as ₱9,539 — about 60 percent lower than prevailing fares from other airlines — which Iyog said reflects Cebu Pacific’s push to extend the “CEB effect” to Melbourne.

Melbourne becomes Cebu Pacific’s second destination in Australia, following the launch of its direct Manila-Sydney route in 2014. The new Manila-Melbourne service, which begins August 14, will depart every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.