airasia Digital announces next MOVE, unveiling new era of travel innovation

 In a strategic move to emphasise its commitment towards travel, the digital arm of Capital A, airasia Digital announces its transformation into MOVE Digital (MOVE). This rebranding marks an exciting chapter in its next phase of growth through both its businesses, airasia Superapp and BigPay.

Capital A CEO and MOVE Executive Chairman Tony Fernandes (center) together with new airasia Move CEO Nadia Omer (left) and BigPay CEO Subin Rada Krishnan (right) during the big announcement in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

MOVE’s travel platform business, airasia Superapp will also undergo a brand refresh and change its name to ‘airasia move’ in the near future as part of the ongoing transformation.

The visionary co-founder of AirAsia and CEO of Capital A, Tony Fernandes will assume the role of Executive Chairman of MOVE. He will play a pivotal role in driving the close collaboration between both airasia Superapp (now airasia move) and BigPay to unlock the true potential and synergy of these digital businesses.

“The name MOVE signifies us better as the digital arm of Capital A, and reiterates our commitment to move people, ideas and innovation forward within the travel space. Imagine seamless access to travel and financial services on one single platform, with integrated financial features such as balance display, top-up and payments from BigPay and further strengthening the value proposition of airasia move as the travel app of choice. My role as the Executive Chairman of MOVE will be to enhance synergy between both businesses. With this change, the market can expect an enriching user experience aside from more integration of BigPay features within the airasia Superapp (now airasia move) very soon” said Tony Fernandes, Executive Chairman of MOVE.

In this new era of travel innovation for MOVE, we are happy to welcome Nadia Omer into the organisation as the new Chief Executive Officer of airasia move effective 26 October. Her key priority will be to further drive airasia move’s vision as a low-cost travel platform with high conversion, while closely collaborating with BigPay, led by Zubin Rada Krishnan. Mohamad Hafidz, who is currently the acting CEO will continue leading the business in the interim and I would like to thank him for his contributions throughout the past few months.” 

The airasia Superapp, or what will be called airasia move soon, has swiftly become a one-stop travel platform offering value and convenience through seamless end-to-end booking experiences within the past two years, while BigPay has established itself as an innovative fintech provider enabling Southeast Asians to improve their lives through better financial management.

Both of Capital A’s digital businesses have been making significant strides, with airasia Superapp (now airasia move) reaching its highest recorded MAU (monthly active users) of 15 million at the end of the second quarter, while BigPay saw its carded users grow by 16% YoY for the same period.

MOVE Digital Sdn Bhd (formerly known as airasia Digital Sdn Bhd) is the digital arm of Capital A Berhad, and encompasses two transformative businesses: airasia Superapp (now airasia move) and BigPay. MOVE is dedicated to revolutionising the travel and financial services sectors by offering innovative, user-centric solutions at the best value.

Cebu Pacific adds flights to Singapore from Manila and Cebu - Intends to fly 2x daily from Manila and 3x weekly from Cebu in July

 The Philippines’ leading airline, Cebu Pacific, continues to boost its international network as it ramps up flights to Singapore from two of its largest hubs, Manila and Cebu.

CEB doubles its daily frequency between Manila and Singapore on July 1 as it adds a morning schedule option for everyJuan. Flight 5J 813 is scheduled to depart Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 at 5:35AM, and is set to arrive at Changi Airport at 9:20AM. Its return flight, 5J 814, is scheduled to leave Singapore at 10:15AM, and arrive in Manila at 2:00PM.

On July 15, CEB intends to restart its flights between Cebu and Singapore, beginning with a thrice weekly frequency (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday). Flight 5J 547 is scheduled to depart Mactan Cebu International Airport Terminal 2 at 11:05PM, and is set to arrive at Changi Airport by 3:00AM the following day. Its return flight, 5J 548, with flights every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, is scheduled to leave Singapore at 4:00AM, and arrive in Manila at 8:05AM.

“We are delighted to continue ramping-up our international flight frequencies, not only in Manila, but also in Cebu. We know majority of the travelling public have been looking forward to travel internationally again, especially since a lot of countries have eased their restrictions. We continue to work towards the expansion of our international network while we maintain operating over 100% of our pre-pandemic domestic capacity,” said Xander Lao, CEB Chief Commercial Officer.

Fully vaccinated travelers flying to Singapore are no longer required to submit a pre-departure COVID 19 test. They must instead present their proof of full vaccination (VaxCertPH or BOQ Yellow Card), and fill out a Singapore Arrival card three (3) days before arrival. For more information, passengers may refer to CEB Travel reminders page for the latest updates and complete travel guidelines to their destination.

CEB continues to offer its guaranteed low fares to stimulate travel across its flight network. It continues to implement a multi-layered approach to safety, while it operates with a 100% fully vaccinated crew, 95% of whom have been boosted – all to ensure every Juan flies safely and conveniently on Cebu Pacific.

Travel Advisory: Higher Free Baggage Allowance (20kg) on domestic turboprop flights starting June 15

Good news for our passengers:

Effective from June 15, 2022, all PAL domestic flights utilizing the De Havilland Dash-8 turboprop aircraft (except flights to and from Basco, Batanes) will offer up to 20kg Free Baggage Allowance (FBA) – a 100% increase from the previous maximum FBA of 10kg that has been in effect for several years.

The increased baggage allowance will allow more flexibility and convenience for domestic travelers, as well as result in a uniform standard for PAL domestic flights whether operated with jet or turboprop aircraft.

Passengers holding old and new tickets issued for travel on or after June 15 will be allowed to check-in up to 20kg on applicable booking classes (Economy Value and Economy Flex).

The new FBA will apply to PAL’s turboprop flights from our Manila, Cebu, Davao and General Santos hubs, including flights to Butuan, Cotabato, Catarman, Calbayog, Dumaguete, Antique, Siargao, Legazpi, Caticlan (Boracay), Busuanga (Coron), Iloilo, Tagbilaran (Panglao), Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Clark, Davao, Puerto Princesa, Tacloban and Zamboanga.

However, we will retain the current maximum FBA of 10kg for flights to and from Basco (BSO), because of unique route operational conditions that limit the baggage capacity on these flights.

To book and fly, check out www.philippineairlines.com, call our hotline at (02) 8855 8888 or reach out to your travel agents.

https://www.philippineairlines.com/AboutUs/NewsandEvents

LRMC launches new beep™ card promo, announces free LRT-1 rides on Independence Day

 Private operator of LRT-1 Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) joins the nation in celebrating the 124th Philippine Independence Day on 12 June 2022 with special promotional offers for commuters.

Starting 12 June 2022, the total cost of a new beep™ card with load will be PHP50 from the previous total amount of PHP100. The cost of the beep™ card itself remains at PHP30, but the minimum load required for new beep™ card purchases has been reduced to PHP20 from the previous amount of PHP70. Passengers may avail of this special offer until 30 September 2022 at LRT-1 teller booths only. beep™ cards have a validity of four (4) years, which is subject to extension upon request at the LRT-1 stations.

“We are launching this initiative to make beep™ card more accessible, more affordable for budget-conscious passengers. Through this promo, they can now buy a reloadable Stored Value Card (SVC) or beep™ at half of the previous total cost of new beep™ card with load. This aligns with LRMC’s Tap2Ride campaign which aims to promote the use of contactless transactions in LRT-1 for safety and convenience,” LRMC Head of Corporate Communications and Customer Relations Jacqueline S. Gorospe said.

“Aside from safer and faster travel, passengers can enjoy a wide range of benefits when they use beep™ such as discounted LRT-1 fares which can mean savings for commuters. There are more ways now to reload their beep™ cards such as Ticket Vending Machines, beep™ loading machines, and LRT-1 merchant loading kiosks – all located in LRT-1 stations. They can also use beep™ as e-money to purchase food or services from select LRT-1 merchants,” Gorospe added.

Moreover, LRT-1 passengers will enjoy a free ride from 7:00am – 9:00am and 5:00pm – 7:00pm on 12 June 2022 as part of the yearly Independence Day promo. Existing beep™ card holders shall pass through the usual Automated Fare Collection System (AFCS) gates and tap their cards to avail of the free ride without charge. Passengers without beep™ may get single journey tickets for free from the LRT-1 teller booths.

LRT-1 will follow normal operating hours on Independence Day, with the first trips leaving both Baclaran and Balintawak stations at 4:30am, and the last trips at 9:15pm (LRT-1 Baclaran Station) and 9:30pm (LRT-1 Balintawak Station).

For more updates and info on the LRT-1, follow LRMC on Facebook at facebook.com/officialLRT1, Twitter at @officialLRT1, or download the ikotMNL mobile app for free on Google Play and App Store.

‘Go where your mind’s been wandering’ – A new campaign by the DOT, TPB, and BBDO Guerrero

The Department of Tourism (DOT) and Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) have launched a beautiful outdoor, press, and online campaign, with the help of BBDO Guerrero, to promote domestic tourism in the Philippines as the country recovers from the pandemic and travel restrictions are eased.

The campaign 'Go where your mind's been wandering,' highlights the re-opening of 10 popular tourist destinations, from white sand beaches to strawberry farms, in captivating photos that illustrate the unique characteristics of each place and, if you look closely, reveal a silhouette of a hidden face.

From surfing in La Union, diving in Cebu and hiking in Davao, you're sure to find something you love, no matter where your mind's been wandering.

The campaign was produced together with STILLS MNL Photographer Jason Quibilan and UGL Post Production with minimal retouching, inviting domestic tourists to rediscover the beauty of the Philippines - safely and responsibly.

Stop dreaming, start planning, now ‘go where your mind’s been wandering’.