Cebu Pacific launches Manila-Osaka service

Cebu Pacific (CEB), the airline brand of the Gokongwei family’s JG Summit Holdings Inc., launched yesterday its Manila-Osaka service at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport [NAIA] Terminal 3.

“We are confident that the launch of our Japan operation will increase the accessibility between Japan and the Philippines. Osaka is our first destination in Japan and we believe that our trademark low fares can stimulate tourism to both countries. The inclusion of Osaka in our international route network makes us the only low cost carrier in the ASEAN region to serve the major North Asia markets of Japan, China and South Korea,” CEB president and CEO Lance Gokongwei said.

The new route will involve a thrice weekly service using the 179-seater Airbus A320 aircraft. The plane departs from Manila every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday at 1:40 p.m. and arrives at the Kansai International Airport at 6:35 p.m. The return flight takes off from Osaka at 7:20 p.m. and arrives in Manila at 10:15 p.m.

“There are many Filipino communities in Japan and our new service will definitely allow them to come home more frequently; or perhaps, their families can visit them instead. This is aside from opening avenues for business, trade and investment opportunities,” Gokongwei added. – Rudy Santos