Cebu Pacific to launch direct Cebu-Tokyo flights

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Pacific Air plans to strengthen its Cebu hub with direct Cebu-Tokyo (Narita) flights starting March 26, 2015.

The airline will launch four weekly flights (every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday) between Cebu and Tokyo. The flight from Cebu will depart at 5:55am, and arrive in Tokyo at 11:20a.m. The return flight will depart Tokyo at 12:05p.m, and arrive in Cebu at 4:25p.m.

Utilizing CEB’s brand-new Airbus A320 fleet, the service is aimed at boosting Japanese tourist arrivals into Cebu. Lowest fares for the Cebu-Tokyo route start at PHP2,488, for travel from March 26 to May 31, 2015. As the only low-cost carrier operating this route, fares between Cebu and Tokyo are up to 60percent lower compared to other airlines.

“Cebu Pacific has a good track record of stimulating travel because of its low fares and network. 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,” said CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog.

Cebu is renowned as an island destination with urban comforts. Given its strategic location in the middle of the Philippines, it can also be a jump-off point to other beach, diving and surfing spots where CEB flies to, such as Boracay, Camiguin, Siargao and Palawan (Puerto Princesa). The island of Bohol is also just a ferry away.

CEB operates the most flights out of Mactan-Cebu International Airport, currently flying direct to 25 Philippine and international destinations.

“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.

CEB launched direct flights from Manila to Tokyo (Narita) and Nagoya in March this year. A month after it launched direct flights, the Japan National Tourism Organization indicated that the Philippines was one of its fastest growing source of foreign visitor arrivals. CEB also flies from Manila to Osaka. (FREEMAN)