Budget airline Cebu Pacific started regular operations Saturday at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) in Clark, Pampanga for flights to destinations in Macau and Southeast Asia.

DMIA will serve as Cebu Pacific's fourth hub, along with Manila, Cebu, and Davao.

"The residents of Central and Northern Luzon can now fly directly to Hong Kong, Macau, Bangkok, and Singapore without traveling all the way to Manila. More importantly, we are now making our trademark low fares available and accessible to even more people in the country," Cebu Pacific president and chief executive officer (CEO) Lance Gokongwei said in a statement.

He added that Cebu Pacific's operations will present new opportunities for the region since DMIA is a strategic gateway for both local and foreign investors.

Victor Jose Luciano, president and CEO of Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC), agreed with Gokongwei, saying that the move will not only add profit to the airline, but will lead to DMIA's development as well.

"The commencement of Cebu Pacific's international flight is a testament to its strong entrepreneurial spirit, as well as its faith in DMIA. Cebu Pacific is one of the largest local carriers which has grown by leaps and bounds; and has become known in Asia as one of the fastest growing arilines. DMIA and Cebu Pacific will create a synergy that will benefit both companies leading to the developmental growth of the airport," he said.

Cebu Pacific is the first Philippine carrier to offer regular international scheduled services from Clark, with flights to Hong Kong, Macau, Bangkok, and Singapore. It also operates flights from DMIA to Cebu four times weekly.

"Cebu Pacific offers the lowest fares and has the most number of flights, routes, and destinations among airlines using DMIA," said Candice Iyog, vice president for marketing and distribution.

Now on its 13th year, Cebu Pacific has the youngest fleet in the country, with ten Airbus A319, nine Airbus A320, and four ATR 72-500 aircraft. This month, the carrier flies to 27 domestic destinations including Osamis and Surigao, and 15 international destinations including Osaka, Japan.