AirAsia launches Taipei to Manila and Cebu flights; one-way fares start from NT$588

▲ AirAsia today (22nd) proudly announced the official launch of two new direct flight routes — Taipei–Manila and Taipei–Cebu. (Photo / Reporter Yu Jiayun)

Reported by Yu Jiayun / Taipei

Identifying the growing trend in outbound travel among Taiwanese, AirAsia today (22nd) proudly announced the official launch of two new direct flight routes — Taipei–Manila and Taipei–Cebu. With three major advantages — “the lowest fares,” “the hottest destinations,” and “the best timing” — it offers young travelers who love island getaways another appealing choice.To celebrate the launch, AirAsia is also offering an unbeatable promotional fare: from now until November 30th, one-way tickets for the Taipei–Manila and Taipei–Cebu routes start at just NT$588 excluding tax — cheaper than taking the high-speed rail (THSR)!

Kathleen Tan, AirAsia’s Regional CEO for North Asia, said that Taiwanese people's enthusiasm for Southeast Asian travel is also reflected on AirAsia’s other routes. Over the past ten months, the average load factor for AirAsia’s Taipei–Kuala Lumpur flights has exceeded 80%, and today’s inaugural flight to Manila reached a passenger load rate of 97%. AirAsia also plans to launch more new destinations in the first half of 2017, including Thailand and Japan.

The Philippines is not only the closest Austronesian country to Taiwan, but it also boasts as many as 7,107 beautiful islands. It takes just 2–3 hours to fly from Taipei to Manila or Cebu. Travel expert Wu Yipei also recommends enjoying the sunshine and swimming with whale sharks in Cebu, or island-hopping from Manila to destinations like Boracay and Palawan to savor exotic flavors both on land and sea.

AirAsia Flight Information: Manila and Cebu

Taipei TPE – Manila MNL Departure: 01:35 | Arrival: 03:45 | Days of operation: Monday to Sunday

Manila MNL – Taipei TPE Departure: 23:05 | Arrival: 01:10 | Days of operation: Monday to Sunday

Taipei TPE – Cebu CEB Departure: 10:20 | Arrival: 13:10 | Days of operation: Wednesday

Cebu CEB – Taipei TPE Departure: 06:35 | Arrival: 09:25 | Days of operation: Wednesday

Taipei TPE – Cebu CEB Departure: 10:10 | Arrival: 13:00 | Days of operation: Friday

Taipei TPE – Cebu CEB Departure: 10:30 | Arrival: 13:20 | Days of operation: Sunday

Cebu CEB – Taipei TPE Departure: 06:10 | Arrival: 09:00 | Days of operation: Friday and Sunday