Cebu Pacific Wins Big at Routes Asia Awards 2025

Did you know that Cebu Pacific is among the pioneers of low-cost travel in Asia?

The company is renowned for its affordable services, making it the go-to cost-effective option for air travel. The only Skytrax 3-Star Low-Cost airline in the country, it mainly thrives on domestic short-haul flights. 

It soon added to its fleet, moving outside of the Philippines and becoming a household name in the aviation industry. In recent years, their hard work has been lauded by an international governing body.

In 2025, the company was awarded Best Airline at the Routes Asia Awards, marking its second consecutive win for the prestigious title.

Cebu Pacific surpassed the likes of Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, VietJet Air, and Vietnam Airlines because of the additional 28 routes made possible by their newly purchased aircraft, as reported by The Philippine Star. (2025)

In a news article posted by the Philippine News Agency, CebuPac President Xander Lao celebrated the victory, owing it to the airline’s strong partnerships and commitment to accessible air travel. (2025)

An article in BusinessMirror also quotes Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, saying that the consecutive wins reinforce Cebu Pacific as a “leader in Philippine aviation.” (2025)

Additionally, the Philippines, represented by the DOT, received the award for Best Destination over Guam, Japan, South Australia, and Thailand. 

Frasco mentioned that the award underscores their pursuit in expanding air connectivity through additional route developments and tourism initiatives like “Love Philippines”.

Routes, the organization that presented the award, is internationally acclaimed for its aviation-related events around the world. The annual award ceremony recognizes airports, airlines, and tourism officials from all over Asia, Europe, and the Americas. 

Notably, the Mactan Cebu International Airport was awarded the Best Airport in Asia during the Routes Asia Awards 2023. 

STATISTICS   

An article published in The Diplomat mentions that Cebu Pacific owns more than half of the Philippines’ domestic flights, making it the largest airline by passenger volume in the country. (2024)

GMA News reported its net worth to be at Php 5.4 billion in 2024, which is less compared to the year prior because of the costs of the airline’s new routes and aircraft. (2025)

As of 2024, it has a total of 98 planes, ranging from Airbuses to turboprops. The Philippine Star reports that it now has a total of 124 routes, growing by 19% compared to 2023. (2025)

The company closed a deal to buy 152 Airbus jets powered by a Pratt & Whitney-manufactured engine, marking the biggest deal in Philippine aviation history. These are slated to arrive in the country by 2029. 

Domestically, Cebu Pacific connects to 84 airports around the country, with an average of 3,000 flights a week at its five hubs in Manila, Cebu, Clark, Davao, and Iloilo. 

The airline also added nine international routes in 2024 to major cities such as Sapporo, Chiang Mai, and Kaohsiung. 

BRIEF HISTORY OF CEBU PACIFIC

The company was founded by John Gokongwei Jr. under JG Summit Holdings. Gokongwei is one of the most influential and richest Cebuano businessmen and Filipinos, also founding the Robinsons chain of malls and hotels. 

While the company was officially created in 1988, it wasn’t until eight years later that it had its first official flight, going from Manila to Cebu on March 8, 1996. 

After a tragic plane crash in 1998, the company bounced back in the early 2000s, focusing on route development. In 2001, they started offering flights to Hong Kong and have consistently added more international flights since then.

In 2010, it overtook Philippine Airlines to have the most number of passengers carried. In 2024, it had reportedly carried its 250 millionth passenger. 

By then, the company had implored a fun-loving atmosphere as part of their brand identity. This is when they introduced in-flight games where passengers could bring home exclusive merchandise. 

In 2014, CebuPac acquired Tigerair Philippines, and in 2024, they purchased the previously Ayala-owned AirSWIFT Transport for Php 1.75 billion.