Zest Air to boost nationwide presence

Updated March 13, 2009 12:00 AM

CEBU, Philippines - Zest Air, which brands itself as Asia’s most refreshing airline, is set to establish its presence in a total of 19 destinations all over the country by March 16.

Mark E. Hilario, assistant vice president for marketing and sales, said that come March 16, the airline will be servicing the airports of Kalibo, Tagbilaran, Iloilo, Tacloban and Bacolod using the A320 and the airports of Legaspi, Naga and Puerto Princesa using the MA60. The new destinations will bring the areas serviced by Zest Air to a total of 19, which includes their existing flights to and from Cebu and Davao and the Manila to Busuanga, Virac and Caticlan routes.

“We will be using the A320 for the bigger airports and the MA60 for the smaller airports,” he said.

Hilario said the airline expects an increase in passengers within the next three months, especially with their competitive fares and the comfort that their airplanes offer. He said flying with Zest Air is different from other airlines because their planes have spacious legroom. An A320 for example, which he said has an actual capacity of 167 to 170 passengers, has been reconfigured by Zest Air to accommodate only 162 people, thus creating bigger spaces between seat rows. An MA60, meanwhile, which actually accommodates 60 passengers, has been reconfigured by the airline to accommodate only 56 passengers.

“We want our passengers to know that we put premium on comfortable travel. Aside from ensuring that our passengers are comfortable, we also offer overflowing Zesto juices during our flights,” he added.

Ambassador Alfredo M. Yao, the president and CEO of Zest Air, is also the chairman of Zesto Corporation, the makers of Zesto fruit juices and drinks. It was in March 26, 2008 when Yao’s AMY Holdings Corporation acquired 99.6 percent of Asian Spirit Inc. The new owners then infused capital, initiated re-fleeting, altered the management style of the company and changed the brand name of Asian Spirit Inc. to Zest Airways, Inc. Zest Air officially started its flights in October 2008.

Aside from servicing local destinations, the airline is also set to service international destinations like Incheon in Korea, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia and Vietnam. Hilario said the airline is planning to start its Kalibo, Aklan to Incheon, Korea flights in May.

“We are also considering flights to the Middle East because of the presence of Overseas Filipino Workers there. We are, however, still in the process of acquiring bigger aircraft for these international flights,” he added. – Quennie Sanchez Bronce