Eaglexpress eyes Philippines' Muslim pilgrims

Malaysia-Based carrier Eaglexpress Air Charter has locked on to the Philippine Muslim pilgrimage market, with plans to open a Davao office on November 5 and begin flights to the Middle East.

The airline, which has had a GSA and Manila office since 1H2013, hopes to launch flights from Davao to Jeddah and/or Medina in January 2014 once it attains clearance from the Civil Aeronautics Board and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines. Flights will come with two halal meals, baggage allowance for holy water and will be served by Muslim staff. 

Raudah Travel Philippines, Eaglexpress’ GSA in the Philippines, will facilitate tours, accommodation, food and the acquisition of hajj and umrah visas.

Edmund T Thelmo, president of Raudah Travel Philippines, said Eaglexpress’ flights saved travellers US$300-$400 by flying from Davao, eliminating additional travel time from Manila.

“Most of the (Philippine) Muslim population is in Mindanao. Davao is the only airport (in the region) that can handle international flights, specifically a Boeing 747,” he said, ruling out operations from the General Santos City airport. TTG Asia understands that the airport in question lacks the customs, immigration and quarantine facilities needed for international operations.

Raudah is planning to work with the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos and the Magbassa Kita Foundation to attract local business. Thelmo added: “We’re a wholesaler, so we’re open to partnerships with other travel agencies (in the Philippines).”

Established in 2011, Eaglexpress currently has operations in Malaysia, Indonesia and Africa servicing Muslim pilgrims for hajj and umrah trips.

-TTG Asia.

http://eaglexpressair.com/