Z2 · Active
Zest Air
Philippines

32
Routes
6
Hubs
—
ICAO
Z2
IATA
TravelerPulse profile
Affordable flights connecting the Philippine archipelago.
Founded
2007
Headquarters
Manila, Philippines
Zest Air was a low-cost carrier based in the Philippines that operated domestic routes connecting Manila with various provincial destinations across the archipelago. The airline positioned itself as a budget alternative for Filipino travelers seeking affordable air travel.
Founded in the mid-2000s, Zest Air operated from Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila and served key domestic destinations including Cebu, Davao, and other provincial cities. The airline competed in a growing low-cost market alongside AirAsia Philippines and Cebu Pacific.
In 2013, Zest Air entered into a partnership and eventual merger with AirAsia Philippines, ceasing operations under its own brand. The airline had faced financial difficulties and regulatory challenges before the consolidation with AirAsia Philippines effectively absorbed its operations.
Hubs & network
Zest Air operated primarily out of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila as its main hub.
Fleet
Zest Air operated a fleet primarily consisting of ATR 72 turboprop aircraft and Airbus A320 jets for its domestic routes.
Notable facts
- ›Zest Air was formerly known as Asian Spirit before rebranding.
- ›The airline merged with AirAsia Philippines in 2013, ending independent operations.
- ›It operated as a low-cost domestic carrier serving provincial Philippine destinations.
- ›The Civil Aeronautics Board temporarily suspended Zest Air operations in 2013 due to safety concerns.
- ›Zest Air used the IATA code Z2, which was later retained by AirAsia Philippines after the merger.
This profile is provided for general information only. Contact details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airline's official website before acting on them.
Primary hubs
Route network map (32 legs)












Leaflet © OpenStreetMap © CARTO
Route network
BKI → MNL320
CEB → ICN320
CEB → KUL320
CEB → MNL319 320
ICN → CEB320
ICN → KLO320
ICN → MNL320
KLO → ICN320
KLO → MNL320 319
KLO → PUS320
KLO → TPE320
KUL → CEB320
KUL → MNL320
MFM → MNL320
MNL → BKI320
MNL → CEB319 320
MNL → ICN320
MNL → KLO320 319
MNL → KUL320
MNL → MFM320
MNL → MYY320
MNL → PPS320 319
MNL → PVG320
MNL → TAC320
MNL → TAG320 319
MYY → MNL320
PPS → MNL320 319
PUS → KLO320
PVG → MNL320
TAC → MNL320
TAG → MNL320 319
TPE → KLO320
Fleet (aircraft types operated)
Encyclopaedia
Zest Airways, Inc., operated as AirAsia Zest, was a Filipino low-cost airline based at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay, Metro Manila in the Philippines. It operated scheduled domestic and international tourist services, mainly feeder services linking Manila and Cebu with 24 domestic destinations in support of the trunk route operations of other airlines.
Read full article on WikipediaLatest news
webintravel.com· 2/20/2017
AirAsia buys stake in Zest Airways to expand Philippines’ foothold
Read at webintravel.com
Inquirer.net· 8/16/2013
Zest Air suspended due to safety breaches
Read at Inquirer.net
The Aviation Herald· 6/25/2009
Accident: Zest Air MA60 at Caticlan on Jun 25th 2009, overran runway
Read at The Aviation Herald
Rappler· 12/13/2021
Zest Air losing P70M a day due to suspension
Read at Rappler
Philstar.com· 8/17/2013
Zest Air grounded due to safety violations
Read at Philstar.com
Inquirer.net· 3/11/2013
AirAsia to acquire 40% of Zest Air
Read at Inquirer.net
