CebuPac to mount direct flights to Tokyo from Cebu

MANILA, Philippines - Budget airline Cebu Air Inc. (Cebu Pacific) of taipan John Gokongwei is set to mount direct flights to Narita in Tokyo, Japan from its hub in Cebu starting March 26 next year as part of the airline’s efforts to ferry more Japanese tourists into the country.

The low cost carrier would fly four times a week to the new destination in Japan using a brand new Airbus A320 aircraft.

 “With this direct access to Cebu, we hope more Japanese tourists will visit the Philippines, just in time for the Visit the Philippines Year 2015,” Cebu Pacific vice president for marketing and distribution Candice Iyog said.

She pointed out that tourists could use Cebu as a jump-off point to other beach, diving and surfing spots such as Boracay, Camiguin, Siargao, Palawan, and Bohol.

The airline currently flies to 25 international and domestic destinations from the Mactan-Cebu international airport.

 “This new route also makes travel to Japan more convenient for those coming from the Visayas and Mindanao. We are launching direct Cebu-Tokyo flights just in time for the cherry blossom season in Japan. We hope more Filipinos can plan their trips ahead and experience this wonderful destination,” she added.

Last March, Cebu Pacific launched direct flights to Tokyo (Narita) and Nagoya in Japan via the Ninoy Aquino international airport in Manila. The airline also flies to Osaka from Manila.

A month after it launched direct flights, the Japan National Tourism Organization indicated that the Philippines is one of its fastest growing source of foreign visitor arrivals.