Determined to aid in the economic recovery of Zamboanga City, AirAsia Philippines is launching its cargo operations and increasing its flight frequency to the city.
The world’s best low-cost airline will commence its expanded daily cargo operations in Zamboanga City starting in June following the installation of new x-ray machines and the availability of a bigger warehouse. These expansion initiatives will allow AirAsia to fly more than 200 tons of both passengers and commercial cargo per month – an auspicious development for partner enterprises set to increase their shipments between Zamboanga and Manila.
Having had successful flight operations in the past year and a half to the city, the airline is also augmenting its flight frequency to Zamboanga, which will be scheduled daily starting in June to stimulate tourism and the economy in the region. The world’s best low-cost airline initially flew twice a week when it launched the route in October 2020.
Known as the flagship tourism destination of Western Mindanao, Asia’s Latin City is the gateway to other exciting tourist destinations in the region. Zamboanga City is also the center of economic activity in the Mindanao region, with 90% of its cargo requirement allotted to marine products exports.
“Zamboanga City is the gateway to the entire peninsula, making it a critical and strategic hub for any transport business. We hope that with the increased flight frequency and expanded cargo operations, we can continue to aid in the growth of the city’s tourism and trade industries. We are confident that Zamboanga City, through the Zamboanga City International Airport, is poised to be a key economic driver for the region as the country gears for post-pandemic recovery,” according to AirAsia Philippines Spokesperson and Head of Communications and Public Affairs Steve Dailisan.
A survey commissioned by AirAsia Philippines last December 2021 revealed that 29% of general travelers would like to spend time and explore Zamboanga. 31% of those coming from the Visayas region will also visit the city.
Tourist arrivals in Zamboanga City dropped by 81.68% during the same period last year due to the ongoing pandemic. From 125,614 arrivals in the first quarter of 2020, the number of visitors slipped to 23,010 in the same period in 2021.
The city’s pandemic response and enhanced security and safety measures supported by its Security Surveillance and System Project (SSEPS) or the Public Safety Program, is also set to reinforce the confidence of inbound tourists to explore more of Asia’s Latin City.