Budget airline Cebu Pacific (CEB) will start flying a direct service from Manila to Kaohsiung, Taiwan, on June 7, 2008, with a special introductory fare offer of P999 only. The Kaohsiung seat sale will run from February 20 to 25, 2008.

The Manila - Kaohsiung service will use CEB's brand new 179-seater A320 aircraft and is scheduled to operate every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The flight departs from Manila at 2:50pm, and arrives in Kaohsiung at 4:35pm. The return flight leaves Kaohsiung at 5:20pm and arrives in Manila at 7:05pm.

The direct Manila to Kaohsiung service is introduced with a promotional fare offering of P999 one-way, a price reduction of almost 73% from the current fares for this route. This may be availed for travel from June 7 to August 31, 2008. Fare is exclusive of surcharges and government tax.

CEB is the only Philippine carrier operating this route. Kaohsiung is the second city CEB will operate to in Taiwan. CEB currently operates a daily service to Taipei from Manila and a thrice weekly service from Cebu to Taipei.

"We are very excited with the opening of this new international destination for CEB because we are confident that this will stimulate business activities for both the Philippines and Taiwan. Our Manila - Kaohsiung service will also provide better access to the industrial and manufacturing development zones of both sides," Lance Gokongwei, CEB President and CEO said.

Hon. Joseph Durano, Secretary of the Department of Tourism, said, "We are glad that Cebu Pacific is opening direct flights from Manila to Kaohsiung in Taiwan. This new development also supports our marketing strategy for 2008 as we expand our campaign in other key cities in Taiwan tapping new and first time travelers to the Philippines. Having the direct flights to Manila from Kaohsiung will provide easy access and convenience for our Taiwan tourists."

After the seat sale, the lowest "Go" fare to Kaohsiung starts from P1,499 one-way, which is still 61% lower than the current fares for this route. The best way to purchase tickets is through CEB's website, www.cebupacificair.com.

On February 19, CEB also announced its new offering of a direct Cebu-Macau service starting April 5, 2008. The new route is likewise being announced with a promotional fare of P999 one-way, exclusive of government taxes and surcharges.