AirAsia to give away 250,000 free seats to Filipinos returning to the Philippines

SINGAPORE - Budget airline AirAsia will be giving away 250,000 free seats for Filipinos abroad who are looking to return home to their loved ones on selected domestic Filipino routes, as well as selected international routes into Manila.

The domestic Filipino routes are from Cebu to Cagayan de Oro, Davao and Puerto Princesa; while international routes are from Macau, Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai and Miri into Manila.

Filipinos in Singapore can fly from Singapore to the Philippines via Kuala Lumpur.

This is part of its donation and relief campaign called 'To Philippines with Love' (#toPHwithlove) to benefit the communities affected by Super Typhoon Haiyan, which recently devastated the Philippines.

Apart from the free seats, the airline will also provide free cargo space and free flights for accredited non-governmental organisations (NGOs), aid and humanitarian agencies for relief efforts.

Cash donations will also be collected on board flights and at airports through the AirAsia Group network. Donations may also be given on the AirAsia Foundation microsite at www.airasiafoundation.com/typhoonhaiyan. The collected donations will be directed to the Philippine Red Cross for relief efforts that are being carried out in the Philippines.

The donation drive will run until the end of the year.

The AirAsia Group will match the total public collection, with its philanthropic arm managing the amount for long term reconstruction efforts to rebuild the communities that were affected by the typhoon.

Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of AirAsia said, "Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragedy. Our own staff and their families in the Philippines have suffered as well, and we will stand by all Filipinos to fight through this test of time to find brighter skies together with the support of the ASEAN community."

The free seats will be available for booking on the airline's website from Nov 18 to 24 and will be at SGD 0 (zero) fare. Passengers will only need to pay for applicable taxes and fees. Anyone with a valid Filipino passport or identification number will be able to book these free seats, which will be operated on AirAsia Zest flights.

ellenja@sph.com.sg