Hong Kong Trip: Airphil Express Cebu to Hong Kong Inaugural Flight

I hurriedly clocked out from work in order to head home and pack my things. At 3:30 in the morning, I was still figuring out what to bring for a 6-day retreat abroad. I was invited to a free trip from Cebu to Hong Kong by Airphil Express (formerly known as Air Philippines). cebu to hong kong airphil express

This airline has done major upgrades and is now climbing its way to becoming a tough competition among the budget airlines in the country. This is great news for travelers like me who are always looking for cheap fares online. This helps me book flights at lesser costs – I wouldn’t have traveled to a number of countries and local places if it weren’t for promo fares.

After taking a quick shower, I immediately put on some clothes and brought out my stuff. I felt that time was running out and I had to be at the Mactan airport fast. Then I realized, while riding a cab, that it was still dawn and there were hardly any vehicles around. I arrived at the airport around 4:45am.

I met other invited bloggers, Sinjin, Estan and Irene, and we proceeded to the immigration counters to have our passports stamped.

Click the photo for a larger view.

hong kong airport view

Airphil Express Inaugural Flight from Cebu to Hong Kong

I didn’t understand how big an occasion this was until I was there at the departure area where a program was held to introduce this new flight route. That’s when I found out that this was the first flight of this budget airline to HongKong. There are no flights (yet) from Manila to Hong Kong which makes it more accessible for people from the Visayas and Mindanao to book flight to one of the world’s most densely populated areas.

Dragon dance, free breakfast buffet and formal speeches from Airphil Express officials were presented in order to welcome this new route. They even had surprise game where a lucky passenger was able to win a free trip to the same destination.

airphil express cebu to hongkong

We boarded the Airbus A320 and we commenced the flight on time. I was a little nervous because this was, after all, a maiden flight, so I didn’t know what to expect. Morbid thoughts came to mind but that’s because of watching too many Final Destination movies. There was a storm in the Philippines at the time which added to the apprehension. But I just caught up with sleep as it was still going to be a long day then.

Hong Kong Arrival

The plane touched down 30 minutes earlier than expected. When we arrived at the Hong Kong International Airport, we were directed to an area in the terminal for a press briefing to also celebrate the partnership between Airphil Express and Jardine Airport Services Ltf & Jardine Air Terminal Services Ltd.

airphil express hong kong
HK Press People

It was a good experience and we spent the remaining day with a complimentary tour of some of Hong Kong’s famous spots. All the while in my mind, I was already thinking about other places that I haven’t visited as well as revisiting places I definitely wanted to go back again.

victoria harbor
View of Hong Kong Island from Victoria Harbour

Hong Kong is my first international destination and I was thinking that it would be a long time before I could visit this region again. I had more days during this trip to just chill and relax as well as to people-watch. Ultimately, I wanted to check out the food which I totally missed out on the last time I was here.

hongkong crowd
Hong Kong Crowd

honkong streetfood
Food on the Streets!

Airphil Express Expansion

This is still the beginning of the airline company’s efforts to expand its routes. Who knows, they might offer cheap flights to Florida in the future. I also like the fact that they have 15 Kilos extra baggage allowance despite being a promo fare. Plus their website looks a lot better now. Many thanks to the Air phil Express staff for this opportunity as well as the HK airport immigration and staff for the assistance!

airphil express a320 hong kong
Airphil Express Airbus A320

I work in a BPO company and I travel in order to get a temporary vacation from the stress that comes from working in a nocturnal industry. Having more options gives customers more choices when it comes to booking flights online so Airphil Express is definitely targeting the right market.

You can visit the Airphil Express website at www.airphilexpress.com to book your flights and you can Like their Facebook Page to get the latest updates on ongoing promos.

Check out my other articles about my second Cebu to Hong Kong trip here:


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soloflightEd.com is a travel blog by Edcel Suyo. He enjoys performing headstands and crazy stunts during his trips in the Philippines, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Now based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and working to earn a living, he takes time to enjoy the city and travel during weekends.
For updates, Like his page on Facebook or Follow him on Twitter.
For questions, advertising, and other concerns, shoot an email to ed@soloflighted.com.


8 thoughts on “Hong Kong Trip: Airphil Express Cebu to Hong Kong Inaugural Flight”

  1. @renz: the 15 kilos does make a difference especially when you have pasalubongs for your home! I'm good carrying a backpack but sometimes I check in my tripod which is a bit of a hassle especially when I'm in a hurry!

    Reply
  2. i just hope bawasan nila ang pagreresked ng flights ko. hahah! Malas lang siguro. Lagi kasi. Minsan nga inaanticipate ko na e. hahah! Anyway, gusto ko pa rin naman sila. Mabilis ang website at ang baggage allowance.. naman! pwede ko na dalhin ang aparador ko (closet yan. baka hindi mo alam sa tagalog e. hahaha!).

    Reply
  3. @kura: di ko pa natry ang paresked ng flights. kakatakot naman yan pagmangyari! yeah mabilis yung site and walang baggage allowance. haha. hahaha, may translation talaga. hehehe

    Reply

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