The Philippines’ largest airline, Cebu Pacific Air (PSE:CEB) expands its long-haul network in the Middle East, with the launch of its newest route between the Philippines and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in October 2014. The airline will be the only low-cost carrier flying between the two countries.

CEB will launch thrice weekly flights from Dammam to Manila starting October 5, 2014. The flight departs Dammam every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday at 4:10am, and arrives in Manila at 6:35pm. The return flight departs Manila every Monday, Thursday and Saturday at 9:55pm, and arrives in Dammam at 2:40am the next day.

A statement says: “We have long wanted to serve the substantial population of Global Filipinos in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It will be our utmost pleasure to bring them home more often, on our extensive network and trademark low fares that are up to 35% lower than other airlines.”
As per 2012 Commission on Filipinos Overseas estimates, there are over one million Global Filipinos based in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
CEB’s Dammam services will utilize the airline’s brand-new Airbus A330-300 fleet with a configuration of 436 all- economy class seats. Its 5th A330 aircraft was just delivered brand-new from the Airbus factory in Toulouse, France on September 2, 2014.

The airline also offers fast and convenient same-terminal connecting flights for guests taking advantage of CEB’s wide Philippine network. Passengers have the option to purchase baggage allowance, seat selection, CEB Air Wi- Fi connectivity inflight and Hot Meals.
Aside from Dammam, CEB operates non-stop daily services between Manila and Dubai, and non-stop thrice weekly services between Manila and Kuwait. It launched flights to Sydney, Australia last September 9, 2014, and will launch flights to Riyadh on October 1, 2014.

CEB's 51-strong fleet is comprised of 10 Airbus A319, 28 Airbus A320, 5 Airbus A330 and 8 ATR-72 500 aircraft. It is one of the most modern aircraft fleets in the world. Between 2014 and 2021, Cebu Pacific will take delivery of 11 more brand-new Airbus A320, 30 Airbus A321neo, and 1 Airbus A330 aircraft.

Source