Philippine LCC Cebu Pacific Air will continue its long-haul expansion this summer with the launch of direct flights to Qatar. Commencing on 4 June 2015, Cebu Pacific will operate twice weekly flights between Manila and Doha using Airbus A330 aircraft.

“We are excited to offer Cebu Pacific’s trademark low fares to travellers in Doha, especially since we are the only low-cost carrier operating this route,” said Alex Reyes, general manager of the airline’s long-haul division. “

The move marks the latest stage in Cebu Pacific’s Middle Eastern expansion strategy. In late 2013 it launch its first ever long-haul flights to Dubai, and in September 2014 it rolled out new services to Kuwait and the Saudi Arabian cities of Riyadh and Dammam.

The low-cost carrer now operates a fleet of 55 aircraft comprised of 10 A319, 31 A320, six A330, and eight ATR 72-500 aircraft. It is scheduled to take delivery of seven more A320 and 30 A321neo aircraft between this year and 2021 as part of its US$4 billion fleet renewal programme.