Airline one2one
buy a 32.5% stake in SEAIR and there are plans to expand its network on both domestic and international routes.]
What is your long-term vision for the airline? Well, the saying around here is fi rst we take Manhattan, and then we take Berlin. But really, with the Philippines, blue skies are the limit.
How well is the Philippines competing against its major tourism competitors in the Asia-Pacifi c region?
The Philippines has some of the best-kept secrets in Asia-Pacifi c. Developing the country properly for targeted growth will be a challenge for even the best planners though, because the country is so untouched. However, this means that there are still many opportunities. A big advantage is that most Filipinos are bilingual and speak English well. They are also very warm and friendly. The country’s beaches are some of the best in the world, there are undiscovered mountains, and, with 7,107 islands, there is literally every island adventure you can imagine available. As we say here: Pilipinas Kay Ganda (Philippines so beautiful). I believe that with proper access, and time, the Philippines will naturally become a leisure paradise for tourists, attracting both the low-cost segment and higher-end consumers to specialised boutique destinations. SEAIR is focused on both ends of the market.
What is the best thing about living in the Philippines?
The warm, friendly and enthusiastic people. As an expat, I’ve been
www.routesonline.com As aviation pioneers here,
our partnership with Tiger is a natural progression of our desire to give the best of what aviation has to offer to our customers, colleagues and to the country
adopted by so many families and been so well taken care of. We also have the best fruits, and have you tried Balut? Quite simply, I love the Philippines.
How did you start out in the airline business? I fi nished high school and took up applied mathematics and soon realised it was not for me, as I wanted to be a pilot and had dreamt of fl ying ever since I can remember. I joined a fl ight school affi liated with Eastern Airlines in Colorado and from there I met up with Iren Dornier. Together we concocted a crazy plan to fl y in Mexico, but instead, thanks to serendipity, we ended up here. I am fortunate and blessed that the Philippines gave me the opportunity to realise my dreams and am indebted to her for it.
What do you like about the aviation industry? It is always pioneering and developing. Plus there are airplanes,
airports, destinations, people, pressure, fast pace, the smell of jet fuel and the feeling you get when all the 1,001 moving parts fi t together, work perfectly and on time, and when someone thanks you.
What is your ‘little known’ fact? SEAIR is the second oldest airline in the country, but still the youngest at heart.
Who is your business hero? My father Stergios who taught me the worth of an honest day’s work. He immigrated to New York from Greece at 18 and still works hard aged 80.
GET INVOLVED! Do you want the global route development community to hear what you have to say? Let us know at:
lucy.siebert@
routes-news.com
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