MANILA – AirAsia Philippines chief executive officer Ricardo Isla on Wednesday said he is hopeful of a continuous increase in the number of domestic flights in January to February or "after the pandemic".
"Even now, we have many bookings for future flights. We have to give jobs. We have to open the economy," Isla said in a virtual presser.
On opening new domestic routes, Isla said that would depend on the success of the Zamboanga and General Santos routes, which the carrier just launched on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.
The Manila-Zamboanga and Manila-General Santos flights will be offered twice weekly, according to Isla.
He said that opening new domestic routes is more likely when the country secures the vaccine for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
"Supposed the vaccine arrives in the second quarter, we have to add more flights. We can immediately open (where we have a) strong presence -- China and Korea," Isla said, while also noting that domestic flights will be the carrier's priority.
Meanwhile, AirAsia Philippines spokesperson Steve Dailisan urged travelers to follow safety precautions at the airport, as well as observe safety measures and prepare the requirements in the places they are heading to.
Launching new routes to Zamboanga and General Santos amid the pandemic is the carrier's way to show that it can keep up with the "new normal", Dailisan said.
Repatriation flights have helped AirAsia Philippines to survive despite the pandemic, according to Isla. He also hopes the government could give airlines loan guarantees.
Earlier, Air Carriers Association of the Philippines executive director Roberto Lim said the government is in the position to bring confidence to banks and businesses to lend support to airlines. (PNA)
