MARKING three decades of democratizing air travel in the Philippines, Cebu Pacific officially kicked off its 30th anniversary on Jan. 23 at the Manila Marriott Hotel Grand Ballroom. The event, aptly titled “Ang Travel Vibes,” transported guests back to the 90s—the period when the airline took its maiden flight—with a nostalgic program that highlighted 90s pop culture.
Hosted by actress, singer, and 90s icon Jolina Magdangal, alongside Zia Marquez, the program showcased a retrospective journey of the airline’s transformation from a bold newcomer into a market leader.
The kickoff celebration featured insights from the airline’s executives regarding the human stories behind their triumph. Candice Iyog, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer, emphasized that the airline has remained successful by staying true to its original goal of bringing flight within reach of the common Filipino.
”We look back at our journey, one that has been fueled by a commitment to provide a value service to everyone who ever dreamed of taking a flight to find work, to see family, to explore new places, and to seek new opportunities,” Iyog said during her address. “Behind these 30 years is not just growth, but a belief that travel is a key enabler to commerce, communities, and connection. And behind that belief are people.”
This sentiment was echoed by president and chief commercial officer Xander Lao, who reminisced about the airline’s humble beginnings before highlighting its record-breaking performance.
In 2025, Cebu Pacific flew close to 27 million passengers, marking the highest volume in both the airline’s and Philippine aviation’s history. This achievement is a stark contrast to its first year of operations back in 2007, when the airline flew just five and a half million passengers, illustrating an exponential trajectory of growth.
”Every flight carries more than just passengers, but rather it carries hopes, reunions, firsts, and futures,” Lao added. “At Cebu Pacific, growth isn’t just measured in aircraft or destinations—it’s really measured in the number of dreams we help take flight.”
The airline’s 30-year history is punctuated by several industry-defining milestones. Since its first Manila-Cebu flight in 1996, Cebu Pacific has consistently broken barriers in the country, especially when it pioneered the “low-fare, great value” model.
In the mid-2000s, the airline introduced e-ticketing and revolutionized the industry with its signature “piso sale”, making air travel accessible to millions who had never flown before.
By 2013, the airline expanded its reach into long-haul territory with flights to the Middle East, and it has since become a leader in sustainability by integrating fuel-efficient aircraft into its fleet.
Today, Cebu Pacific operates a vast network covering dozens of domestic and international destinations, continuing its legacy as the “everyJuan’s airline” while setting its sights on further global expansion.
