AirAsia-Pegasus deal widens Europe access for Filipino travelers

FILIPINO TRAVELERS are set to gain more connecting options to Europe after Malaysian low-cost carrier AirAsia entered its first codeshare agreement with Türkiye-based Pegasus Airlines, linking their networks through Istanbul. The agreement comes as the Philippines and Türkiye move to expand air connectivity following recently concluded bilateral air talks. “By connecting our extensive network across Asia with Pegasus’ strong European network from Istanbul, spanning 160 destinations across 56 countries, we are making Europe more accessible to our guests while creating a gateway for European travelers to discover [Southeast Asia] and beyond,” AirAsia Group Chief Executive Officer Bo Lingam said in a statement on Wednesday. AirAsia said the partnership is expected to provide access to more than 100 routes across Asia and Europe by leveraging the combined networks of the two budget carriers. The initial phase will connect passengers traveling from Kuala Lumpur via Istanbul to five destinations: London Stansted in the United Kingdom, Moscow Vnukovo in Russia, Ankara in Türkiye, Zurich in Switzerland, and Athens in Greece. The expanded network will also provide European travelers with connections to destinations in AirAsia’s Asian network, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, China, and Vietnam. “The expanded connectivity will give guests greater choice and convenience when traveling between Asia and Europe, while opening up more possibilities as the network continues to grow,” AirAsia said. The airline is also set to increase the frequency of its Kuala Lumpur-Istanbul service to daily flights, or seven times a week, from four weekly flights starting in February next year. Pegasus operates flights to more than 150 destinations, including more than 100 international destinations. Last month, the Department of Transportation said the Philippines and Türkiye concluded air talks aimed at expanding connectivity between the two countries. The agreement allows additional services between Manila and Istanbul and provides opportunities to expand flights between Istanbul and other Philippine gateways. The AirAsia-Pegasus partnership does not introduce direct flights between the Philippines and Europe but is expected to give Filipino passengers additional connecting options through AirAsia’s Southeast Asian network and Istanbul. The codeshare agreement marks AirAsia’s first such partnership with another airline as it seeks to expand its international connectivity beyond its own network. MOVE GAINS IATA ACCREDITATION Meanwhile, AirAsia MOVE, the online travel agency of the AirAsia Group, has secured accreditation from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), allowing it to expand its airline partnerships and ticketing options for travelers. “Our IATA accreditation is already opening new doors for MOVE. Within the first few weeks, around 30 international airlines serving routes to and from the Philippines have granted us ticketing authority,” MOVE Philippines Country Head Maria Lourdes F. Japson said in a statement. MOVE said it currently provides access to more than 700 airlines serving about 3,000 destinations globally, including through direct airline partnerships. The online travel agency is also expanding partnerships with hotels, live events, and other travel services. “We see a strong opportunity for MOVE to take a more active role in connecting Filipinos to the world, while helping position the Philippines as a more accessible, and compelling destination for international travelers,” Ms. Japson said. “Ultimately, our goal is not simply to facilitate travel, but to help build stronger connections across the entire travel ecosystem,” she added. — Ashley Erika O. Jose