I still have high hopes for the Philippine airline industry despite the latest radar mishap. While 2022 was a year of restoration, 2023 should be more profit-oriented, at least according to projections. Therefore, I thought I’d share some of the things I’m anticipating most about the airline industry in 2023. Though just a few of these are locked in stone at this point, I’d want to see them all come to fruition. These include airplane orders, jobs in the airline industry, and new routes.
With its strong resilience, the Philippines’ airline industry may finally begin to make significant strides forward in 2023. I’m crossing my fingers that airlines will be able to operate at even higher levels than they did before the pandemic. Wishing that all of these could come to pass!
New aircraft orders and deliveries
Up to eleven brand new planes, including four A330-900neo, four A321neo, and three A320neo, are scheduled to arrive at Cebu Pacific this year, as previously stated. This means that it appears as though Cebu Pacific will be receiving new aircraft at a rate of one per month. As the A330-300s gradually phased out, Cebu Pacific has added four A330neos to its fleet. Since Cebu Pacific still needs to take delivery of more than 46 planes over the next few years, I don’t anticipate them placing a new order anytime soon.
Until now, 13 of Philippine Airlines’ A321neo jets have not yet been delivered on the company’s order. However, after surrendering a sizable number of wide-body planes because to the recent chapter 11 filing, they seriously lack such aircraft. Maybe the return of these planes at a time when the industry is just beginning to show signs of life is too little, too late. Capt. Stanley Ng, President and COO of PAL, hopes to resume service to London, Auckland, and Sapporo this year if the company meets its goals, which means it will require additional aircraft. According to rumors, PAL may still be able to lease additional planes this year. So far, there are no confirmed reports. Whatever happens, I’m crossing my fingers that PAL places an order for more wide-body planes this year. Just a guess, but I think they’ll choose the A350-1000 and the A330-900neo.
When it comes to airlines, the Philippines also has AirAsia to look forward to. As of this year, AirAsia will be responsible for taking delivery of up to 362 A321neo orders that were previously placed. All of AirAsia’s affiliates, including the Philippine subsidiary, will benefit from this influx of aircraft. PAA Chief Executive Officer Ricky Isla is keen on adding these eco-friendly planes to the fleet. Each AirAsia A321neo can accommodate up to 236 passengers, making them ideal for both international and local flights. When compared to AirAsia’s other subsidiaries, AirAsia Philippines has the highest load factor by far. Even though it hasn’t been officially announced yet, I have high hopes that AirAsia Philippines would receive A321neo aircraft this year.
New routes and destinations
There will now be three routes serviced by AirAsia Philippines, with two new destinations. Three weekly flights between Manila and Kaoshiung are being added by AirAsia Philippines as of January 7. The route between Manila and Tokyo Narita will be serviced by AirAsia Philippines starting on February 1. This is the second city in Japan that the airline will serve. Cebu to Taipei flights on AirAsia will also launch in March. If AirAsia is able to acquire additional aircraft this year, I anticipate an increase in departures from Cebu and Clark.
Now is a great time to fly with Philippine Airlines. Direct flights between Manila and Perth, Australia, will begin this March. To date, PAL has indeed served Australia’s three main cities of Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. If all goes according to plan, though, I am even more looking forward to PAL’s return to London. Flights between Manila and Europe can now resume. Although I am hopeful that PAL will soon begin service to other European locations thanks to the recently signed ASEAN-EU air pact. I agree that it would be great to have Frankfurt and Paris back. There is hope that PAL will resume service between Manila and Sapporo, Japan, and between Manila and Auckland, New Zealand.
Although no additional destinations have been declared, when conditions are favorable Cebu Pacific may resume service between Manila and Melbourne. Cebu Pacific’s primary objective is the restoration of its entire network, however the addition of new destinations is likely already in the works. It would be great if they reinstated service to other cities in the Middle East, like Doha, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In the past, Cebu Pacific had services from Manila to Doha, Kuwait City, Riyadh, and Dammam in Saudi Arabia.
More job openings and open days across the airline industry
Increased staffing needs are inevitable in the face of proposed increases in both the number of aircraft and the number of destinations. Therefore, I anticipate increased recruitment efforts for cabin crew and flight deck crew from all four airlines in the Philippines, including Royal Air, this year. I’ve also heard that airlines are planning to resume employing as soon as this January. Thus, hopefuls are urged to begin their preparations immediately. Prepare for more jobs in the local airline industry this 2023.
One local airline received over 14,000 applications for cabin crew positions last year. About half to three-quarters of that amount were hired. The acceptance percentage was merely 5% if we simply look at the highest figures. The level of competition to join the cabin crew is this high. That’s how competitive the local aviation industry is, and it’s all thanks to the fun work environment, protective labor laws, and, of course, generous compensation and perks.
Cabin crew were employed and reemployed by five airlines in the past year. These airlines were PALexpress, Cebu Pacific, AirAsia Philippines, Royal Air, and AirSwift. With the industry trending upward, I anticipate more jobs in the airline industry this year.
This recent radar hiccup might turn out to be a chance to make the local airline business even better. It seems like a lot of good knowledge was gained, and I’m relieved that nobody was hurt. Consequently, I anticipate enhanced services such as upgraded airports, more cutting-edge equipment to guarantee the safety of all our aviators, and more convenient facilities at airports across the country.
The year 2023 will be a year to look forward to for the local airline industry in the Philippines. Last year was just the beginning.
Please, no more lockdowns!
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!
