The start of the year is the perfect time to set new goals and look forward to what lies ahead. While we all have personal resolutions—some of which may not come to fruition—there are others we can actively hope for. Alongside my own resolutions, I have high hopes for the Philippine airline industry in 2025.
The resilience of our local carriers during the pandemic was commendable, especially since they did not have full government support. Their determination to recover and grow sets the stage for a promising year ahead.
A Recap of 2024 Highlights
Cebu Pacific experienced remarkable growth last year. With the delivery of 17 new aircraft, the airline expanded its network by 27%, launched 17 new routes, and added 600,000 more seats. It also made history with the largest single aircraft order in Philippine aviation—102 Airbus A321neos with 50 purchase rights.
AirAsia Philippines also saw improvements. In 2024, the airline flew over 7 million passengers, a significant increase of 400,000 compared to 2023. Their fleet grew from 9 to 16 aircraft, marking steady progress.
Philippine Airlines (PAL) had notable achievements, including the launch of direct flights from Manila to Seattle, its sixth North American destination. PAL also introduced Cebu-to-Osaka services and several domestic routes. However, limited aircraft hindered their expansion. The airline acquired two additional Boeing 777-300ERs from Garuda Indonesia but still needs more to meet demand.
Allow me to share my wishes for Philippine carriers this 2025.
Wishes for Philippine Airlines
For 2025, my biggest wish for PAL is for the airline to expand its fleet and modernize its planes. PAL needs to order more aircraft, including new-generation models such as Boeing 787s, additional A350-900s, A350-1000s, A330neos, and A320neo family jets. This expansion is crucial for replacing aging planes, especially those under PAL Express, and for meeting the increasing air travel demand, which is expected to grow by 3% to 4% annually.
A larger fleet would enable PAL to open new routes and position the Philippines as a transit hub between Asia, North America, Australia, and Europe. Beyond NAIA and the upcoming New Manila International Airport in Bulacan, airports like Mactan Cebu International and Clark International are underutilized and could support transpacific flights. Expanding PAL’s fleet aligns with the company’s vision of attracting transit passengers to the Philippines.
PAL also needs to address its reputation. Many travelers associate the airline with “expensive fares but old planes.” While PAL’s exceptional cabin crew service enhances its brand, a consistent and modern hard product is equally important. The airline should standardize its offerings, ensuring all aircraft, including the A330s, feature updated interiors and in-flight entertainment systems. Consistency in cabin quality would cater to the growing market of tourists and OFWs traveling to the Middle East and other destinations.
Lastly, while I hope PAL resumes flights to Europe, this will only be possible with a sufficient fleet. PAL’s return to its status as one of Asia’s top airlines depends on these improvements.
Hopes for Cebu Pacific
Cebu Pacific continues to surpass expectations, but there are still areas for improvement. I hope the airline reinstates its Middle East destinations, including Riyadh, Dammam, Doha, and Kuwait. These routes would provide low-cost travel options in a market currently dominated by full-service carriers. With Saudi Arabia expanding its tourism efforts, Cebu Pacific could cater to tourists and OFWs alike.
I also wish Cebu Pacific would revisit its A321XLR order. The airline initially ordered 10 of these aircraft in 2019 but later converted the order to standard A321neos. The A321XLR could enable Cebu Pacific to launch new routes to Australia and even connect Australian destinations to Cebu and Clark.
Additionally, installing Wi-Fi on its A330neos would enhance the passenger experience and generate ancillary income. This feature would make Cebu Pacific more competitive with both low-cost and full-service carriers.
Aspirations for AirAsia Philippines
AirAsia Philippines has great potential, especially as part of a global low-cost airline network. My wish is for Tony Fernandes to prioritize the Philippines when allocating new A321neos and A330neos. These aircraft would allow AirAsia Philippines to expand its routes across the Asia-Pacific region and enhance its brand image.
AirAsia Philippines offers the lowest domestic fares but has limited network coverage. With newer planes, the airline could serve more destinations and improve passenger satisfaction. The A321neo, in particular, features a beautiful cabin design that would elevate AirAsia’s competitiveness against Cebu Pacific.
I also hope NAIA management will stop frequently relocating AirAsia Philippines’ operations between terminals. Keeping them in Terminal 2 would provide stability, especially as the airline expands.
Wishes for Sunlight Air and Royal Air Philippines
I hope they consider investing in regional jets such as the Airbus A220 or Embraer E-Jets. The demand for regional jets in Southeast Asia appears to be growing, and this could allow Sunlight Air to expand its network while maintaining its boutique airline image. These jets are ideal for serving underserved routes and reaching more destinations with cost efficiency.
For Royal Air, additional planes like more A320s and an expanded route network would be essential for growth. However, I believe they have the potential to position themselves as another ultra-low-cost airline in the Philippines, similar to what Zest Air and AirPhil Express were in the past. This approach could make them more competitive and accessible to budget-conscious travelers.
These are my wishes for Philippine carriers in 2025. With fleet upgrades, network expansions, and improved passenger experiences, I believe our local airlines can soar to greater heights. Here’s to a successful and transformative year for the Philippine airline industry!
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
