Manila (2010-04-06)

PHILIPPINE Airlines subsidiary, Air Philippines, has been relaunched as Airphil Express, with flights to 19 domestic points including Caticlan (Boracay) and Cebu.

The rebranded low-cost carrier has added two Airbus A320-200s to its fleet that presently comprises eight Bombardier Q400 and Q300 turboprop aircraft. It is acquiring 20 new aircraft over the next four years, including four new A320s scheduled for delivery between September and November this year. Four more will join the fleet next year, five in 2012 and another five in 2013.

The two new A320-200s have been deployed on services from Manila to Iloilo, Bacolod, Puerto Princesa and Cagayan de Oro.

The airline's president David Lim said: “We want to position Airphil Express as a low-cost carrier offering quality service. The modernisation of our fleet will hopefully enable us to increase market share while the industry braces for an eventual rebound.”