Cebu Pacific boosts Japan flights

Cebu Pacific Air, the country’s largest budget airline, is expanding its presence in Japan via increased flights and new routes after Manila and Tokyo recently negotiated more liberal bilateral rights between them.

A statement on Friday showed that Cebu Pacific, which already flies to Osaka, plans to start Manila to Tokyo and Nagoya flights on March 30 next year, making it the first Philippine low-cost carrier to do so.

Starting Dec. 20, the airline will double its thrice weekly flights to Osaka. This would translate to a 133-percent increase in seat capacity, the airline said.

“With Cebu Pacific’s trademark lowest fares, travelers from Japan now have Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka as jump-off points when exploring the Philippines’ world-renowned beach and diving destinations,” Cebu Pacific vice president for marketing and distribution Candice Iyog said.

“This is very much in line with the government’s tourism agenda, and the airline’s commitment to boost Philippine tourism,” she said.

“With more flights to the Philippines, we believe Japan has the potential to be as big as South Korea when it comes to foreign tourist arrivals,” she added.