Cebu Pacific (CEB), the Philippines’ leading airline to the ASEAN region, launched its Osaka-Manila service last November 20 at the Kansai International Airport.
Cebu Pacific president and CEO Lance Y. Gokongwei led the inaugural flight send-off ceremony, together with Kansai International Airport Chairman Hajime Miyamoto, Airport Administrator Makoto Suganuma and Philippines’ Department of Tourism secretary Joseph Durano, and Philippines’ Consul General to Japan Maria Lourdes Ramiro-Lopez.
“We are confident that the launch of our Japan operations 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.” Gokongwei said.
Gokongwei added, “Our new service can also help open avenues for more business collaborations as well as trade and investment opportunities.”
The thrice weekly service, using the 179-seater A320 aircraft, departs from Manila every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday at 1:40pm and arrives in Osaka at 6:35pm. The return flight takes off from Osaka at 7:20pm and arrives in Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 at 10:15pm.
“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.” Gokongwei explained.
Cebu Pacific’s lowest year-round fare for the Osaka-Manila service starts from JPY 10,800 one-way, 40% lower than the current fares offered by other airlines for this route. Fare is exclusive of applicable surcharges and government taxes.
For flight bookings, passengers may log on to www.cebupacificair.com , call Cebu Pacific’s Osaka sales office at (06-626) 52535.
Cebu Pacific is the largest domestic airline in the Philippines. It flies to 27 domestic and 15 international destinations which include Bangkok, Guangzhou, Ho Chi Minh, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kaohsiung, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, Macau, Osaka, Pusan, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore and Taipei.