Airlines

Cebu Pacific explores acquisition of AirSWIFT

Budget carrier in talks with Ayala Land Inc. for potential deal to expand network and boost tourism in El Nido, Palawan

1.4k
(Photos by Matt Kieffer & AirSWIFT Airlines, respectively)

Budget carrier Cebu Pacific is reportedly in discussions to acquire boutique airline AirSWIFT from Ayala Land Inc. (ALI), according to industry sources cited by The Philippine Star.

The potential deal, which could be finalized within two months, is expected to enhance Cebu Pacific’s domestic network and boost tourism in El Nido, Palawan.

AirSWIFT, originally founded in 2002 as Island Transvoyager Inc., has evolved from a small charter carrier into a boutique airline serving various destinations across the Philippines. The airline currently operates a fleet of five ATR aircraft, consisting of two ATR 42-600s and three ATR 72-600s.

The carrier serves eight destinations within the Philippines, including Cebu, Clark, Boracay, Bohol, and Manila. Notably, AirSWIFT operates El Nido Airport, a private airport in Palawan that serves as its main operating base. The airline also owns and operates Sicogon Airport in Iloilo province.

Cebu Pacific confirmed in a Philippine Stock Exchange disclosure that it is “currently engaged in exploratory talks with Ayala Land Inc. but nothing definitive has been agreed upon.”

The company stated that it is “always on the lookout for opportunities to grow and expand its network, including partnership with other parties.”

According to the news report, the potential sale of AirSWIFT could allow the Ayala Group to focus on their core competencies, as sources suggest that running an airline business is not among the group’s primary areas of expertise.

As negotiations continue, both Cebu Pacific and Ayala Land Inc. have declined to comment further on the potential acquisition.

Similar to AirSWIFT, Cebu Pacific, through subsidiary Cebgo, operates an extensive fleet of ATR 72-600 aircraft. This enables a simpler merging process between the two airlines, if the deal moves forward.

Written by
Dirk Andrei Salcedo

Dirk is the founder and editor-in-chief of Aviation Updates Philippines (AUP), a platform dedicated to providing the latest news and insights on the aviation industry in the Philippines. With a strong passion for aviation and a background in computer engineering, he manages all aspects of AUP, from website development to content curation.

Leave a comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Newsletter

Featured Stories

Categories

Related Articles

Airlines

Cebu Pacific shifts ATR fleet to Clark, upgrades Manila-San Jose service to A320

Budget carrier Cebu Pacific is implementing notable operational changes, relocating portions of...

Airlines

Cebu Pacific welcomes first A330neo aircraft of 2025

Cebu Pacific welcomed its first aircraft delivery for 2025 on Friday, a...

Airlines

Cebu Pacific invests in new ground support equipment to boost operational efficiency

Cebu Pacific, the Philippines’ leading airline, announced Thursday its acquisition of new...

Airlines

Cebu Pacific honors top travel agencies at 19th Eagle Wings Awards

Cebu Pacific recently celebrated its top-performing travel agency partners at the 19th...