Flying Stronger Together with Cebu: AirAsia Empowers Disaster Resiliency, Expands Cebu Route Network

“To say that it has been tough and heartbreaking is an understatement. Many Cebuanos have lost their homes, livelihoods, and, most tragically, their loved ones. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by these calamities. Recovery will not be easy but together, through compassion and collaboration, we will rise stronger. We are also deeply committed to partnering with the people of Cebu during the rebuilding process by providing affordable travel options that can spur economic activity and aid in recovery. As we expand our network, we also continue to make meaningful journeys by uplifting the communities we serve. AirAsia’s goal is to accelerate Southeast Asia’s position as a global low-cost megahub. By linking our Cebu hub with Kuala Lumpur, we’re connecting Visayas and Mindanao to a broader global network spanning Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and Europe.” ~Capt. Suresh Bangah, AirAsia Philippines CEO and President

In keeping with the Filipino ethos of "Bayanihan," which exemplifies solidarity, compassion, and resilience in times of tremendous need, AirAsia today launched its community development and disaster resiliency programs to promote the rehabilitation of catastrophe-affected Cebu.

In a video message, Allstars (AirAsia employees) from Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Cambodia expressed their deep sympathy and concern for their Asean brothers and sisters in the Philippines, who were most recently devastated by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake and battered by Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi). 

A moment of silence was held in remembrance of the victims of disasters to honor the bravery of volunteers, rescue personnel, and common people who have shown strength in saving lives.

In response to the earthquake, AirAsia sent essential rescue team humanitarian flights and volunteers to support government partners logistically.   On directives from the Office of the President, AirAsia sent the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) search and rescue team and essential rescue equipment to Cebu the day after the earthquake.   The MMDA squad was among the first on the ground to carry out search, rescue, and recovery operations in the province of Cebu.

As part of its rebuilding efforts, AirAsia will donate PHP15 for every seat sold from November 15 to January 14, 2025 to support earthquake and typhoon relief and recovery programs in Cebu.

Through its philanthropic arm, AirAsia Foundation, AirAsia will disburse up to PHP 9 million to assist local communities through its support for grassroots organizations such as Bike Scouts, a social enterprise with more than a decade of on-ground disaster response experience across the Philippines. 

The community-based, volunteer-driven organization provides vital information, communications, and supplies to communities isolated by typhoons, floods, landslides, and other natural events by using bicycles to reach areas difficult for larger vehicles to reach during emergencies. Bike Scouts will focus on logistics, transportation, and helping affected families as an essential community partner. The AirAsia Foundation awarded Bike Scouts its first grant late last year in response to a disastrous typhoon season that saw 14 tropical cyclones impact the Philippines between August and December 2024. A PHP560,000 grant was given to Bike Scouts so they could conduct disaster resilience workshops for more than 200 responders in high-risk areas.

This current commitment will help the group increase the number of resilience workshops, fix community infrastructure, and provide emergency relief supplies. Bike Scouts will receive additional financing from the AirAsia Foundation to assist social enterprises in impacted areas in rebuilding community infrastructure and means of subsistence.

“At AirAsia Foundation, one of our main priorities is helping communities rebuild stronger after a disaster. As the focus shifts from emergency relief to recovery in these communities, we leverage our network of social enterprises and trusted partners to connect resources with communities in need, supporting them to restore homes and livelihoods and make a meaningful difference for those affected.” ~Mun Ching Yap, Executive Director of AirAsia Foundation

Asean post-disaster programs have previously been spearheaded by the AirAsia Foundation.   Over USD 4 million has been donated and distributed by the Foundation since its establishment in 2012 to help post-disaster relief and rehabilitation efforts, including responses to the 2021 floods in Malaysia, the 2018 Palu tsunami, and the 2013 Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.   Furthermore, seven Asean countries have received more than USD 670,000 in social entrepreneurship awards from the AirAsia Foundation, supporting deserving initiatives that fight poverty, promote sustainable livelihoods, and bolster climate resilience.

AFFORDABLE TRAVEL OPTIONS

AirAsia started two international and three domestic flights from Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) today in an effort to improve regional connectivity and aid relief efforts in areas hit by disasters throughout the Visayas and Mindanao.

The inaugural Kuala Lumpur-Cebu flight, which arrived XX ahead of schedule, was welcomed with a traditional water cannon salute at MCIA.

AirAsia Philippines CEO and President Capt. Suresh Bangah and AirAsia Aviation Group Chief Commercial Officer Amanda Woo were warmly welcomed by Cebu Governor Pam Baricuatro, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Ma. Cynthia K. Chan, Department of Tourism–Region 7 Director Gelena Asis-Dimpas, alongside Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (ACAC) CEO Athanasios Titonis, airline executives and members of the media.

The expanding AirAsia network, which now connects travelers to more than 160 destinations group-wide, including the international services to Kuala Lumpur and Macao, has five new routes in the Philippines. 

New domestic connections from Cebu to Davao, Iloilo, and Caticlan further solidify the Queen City of the South's position as a strategic center by providing tourists with more reasonably priced options throughout the region.

About AirAsia 

AirAsia is a leading low-cost carrier with licenses to operate in five Asean countries—Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Cambodia. Founded in 2001, AirAsia has stayed true to its purpose and tagline "Now Everyone Can Fly". The airline has made flying affordable and accessible to over 800 million guests, connecting people and communities across more than 130 destinations. Today, as one of the largest airlines in the region, AirAsia is expanding to become the world's first global low cost network carrier. It operates more than 200 aircraft and holds a significant orderbook for the next decade. AirAsia leads in sustainable aviation with green initiatives and a net zero target by 2050. In 2023, it avoided 130,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions from its narrowbody regional network through 20+ efficiency measures, saving US$40 million in fuel and over US$388,000 in shadow carbon costs.