After a major debate online on prices to local destinations.
On Thursday, Malacañang confirmed that the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has already held talks with local airline companies, namely Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Cebu Pacific (CEB) on the possible reduction of domestic airfares.
According to Palace Press Officer Usec. Claire Castro, citing Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez, both companies have agreed to lower ticket prices for destinations such as Siargao.
“Sinabi rin niya (Secretary Lopez) na nakapag-negotiate na siya at nakipag-usap na sa pamunuan ng PAL at Cebu Pacific at nag-agree naman na mababawasan ang presyo lalong-lalo na sa Siargao flights,” she said.
Furthermore, she also stated that several factors affect domestic airfares, particularly the use of small aircraft that can accommodate fewer than 100 passengers.
“May mga nag-o-operate na mga smaller aircraft na nakakapag-accommodate lamang ng 60 to 70 passengers pero pareho ng operational costs as compared sa jet economics na nakakapag-accommodate ng 200 passengers,” explained the official.
Hence, applying the law of economics, causes the prices to go up to exorbitant prices, especially when compared to flights going to international destinations which make use of much larger aircraft.
“So, kung tutuusin niyo, mas mahal talaga ‘pag smaller craft ang magagamit. Pero karamihan talaga, smaller craft lang ang puwedeng bumiyahe sa mga magagandang destinasyon dito sa Pilipinas,” she added.
Meanwhile, adding to that factor is fluctuating fuel costs, which directly impact the cost of flight tickets. But the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) is said to have been continuing to remind airlines to lessen fuel surcharges once fuel prices drop.
“May mga problem rin patungkol sa fluctuating fuel cost pero kapag nakita naman na bumababa ang presyo, nire-remind ng CAB ang mga airlines na i-reduce rin nila ang fuel surcharge,” with Castro adding that the surcharge adjustment directly helps lower airfare.
At present, it is not yet made known when the agreed upon lower airfares will be officially implemented.