CEB to open direct Cebu-Tokyo flights

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Pacific Air aims to strengthen its Cebu hub with the opening of direct Cebu-Tokyo flights starting March 26, 2015.

"We hope to keep contributing to the national tourism agenda by providing direct access for Japanese leisure travelers to the island of Cebu . Its strategic location in central Philippines makes it the ideal gateway to beach and eco-adventure destinations in other parts of the country," said CEB vice president for marketing and distribution Candice Iyog.

During yesterday’s formal announcement held at Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa, Iyog said this is just the start of Cebu Pacific's aggressive expansion offering more international direct flights from Cebu as well as opening more routes for domestic destination.

Cebu Pacific has six hubs across the country, with Cebu as the second largest next to Manila.

There are 27 routes from Cebu going to domestic and international destinations, with more than 700 flights weekly from the Cebu hub.

The airline will launch four weekly flights (every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday) between Cebu and Tokyo.

"We are similarly focused on promoting Japan as a top-of-mind destination for Filipinos. With our trademark low fares and extensive Cebu hub network, Japan is more accessible and convenient for more guests," Iyog said.

Passengers from the airline's Cebu hub grew by 9.4 percent from January to September compared to the same period last year.

CEB's 52-strong fleet is comprised of 10 Airbus A319, 29 Airbus A330 and eight ATR 72-500 aircraft. It is one of the most modern aircraft fleets in the world. Between 2015 and 2021, Cebu Pacific will take delivery of nine more brand-new Airbus A320, 30 Airbus A321 neo and 1Airbus A330 aircraft.

The seat sale fare for CEB's newest route starts from P3,888 making it ideal for travelers to and from Cebu and surrounding regions, Iyog added. — (FREEMAN)