CEBU Pacific has reduced its fares further following the budget carrier?s removal of fuel and insurance surcharges on all domestic flights starting today.

Fuel used to account for up to a third of the airline?s operating cost, forcing it to introduce the surcharge to protect revenue. But the dramatic fall in world oil prices prompted it to dump the extra charge.

?This is part of our commitment to offer to the public the most affordable fares coupled with the newest planes,? Cebu Pacific spokesman Candice Iyog said, adding they expected delivery of six new aircraft this year.

?In fact, we have made air travel a viable option for those who would normally travel by bus or ferry.?

Earlier, Philippine Airlines reduced its fuel surcharge on some domestic and international flights from Jan. 1 to reflect the continuing decline in fuel prices.

The airline cut its fuel surcharge by $45 on some international flights and up to P100 on most domestic flights, and less than two months after it reduced the surcharge by $20 on international round-trip flights and P400 on domestic round-trip flights.

Cebu Pacific said it had also removed fuel and insurance surcharges on some international routes including Bangkok, Osaka and Hong Kong.

The airline flies to 15 international cities and 27 domestic destinations, and will start another service connecting Cebu and Siargao on Jan. 30.

Meanwhile, South Korea?s Jeju Air completed its first chartered flight to Subic from Seoul Monday night, flying in 174 Korean nationals to the free port.

The Koreans, mostly golf enthusiasts, made up the first batch of 3,000 tourists scheduled to visit until March under a program arranged by Hanafil Golf and Tour Inc., the Filipino-Korean firm operating Subic?s 18-hole golf course. Roderick T. dela Cruz with Cecille Garcia