Gokongwei-led Cebu Air Inc., the operator of Cebu Pacific, is gearing up to welcome the year 2025 with an exciting new destination in Japan, underscoring its commitment to broaden travel opportunities for its customers.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Nov. 7, Cebu Pacific announced it will launch thrice-weekly flights to Sapporo in Hokkaido, Japan, set to commence on Jan. 16, 2025, with flights scheduled every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. This milestone will mark Cebu Pacific as the first Philippine carrier to introduce direct flights to this enchanting destination.
As a celebrated hub known for its thrilling winter sports activities and renowned beer culture, Sapporo will become Cebu Pacific’s fifth destination in Japan, joining the ranks of major cities like Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka.
“We are thrilled to be the only carrier to offer non-stop flights between Manila and Sapporo. The launch of this route is a testament to Cebu Pacific’s mission of expanding its international network and making air travel accessible to a wider range of passengers,” said Cebu Pacific President and Chief Commercial Officer Xander Lao, expressing his enthusiasm for the initiative.
“We are excited to offer more Filipinos the opportunity to experience the winter charm of Sapporo,” he added eagerly, highlighting the rich experiences that await travelers.
Once launched, the travel time from Manila to Sapporo will see a remarkable reduction by five hours, cutting down travel times from the typical 10 hours with layovers.
The new Manila to Sapporo flight follows closely on the heels of the carrier’s recent launch of flights to Chiang Mai, Thailand on Oct. 29, which are expected to further enhance travel options for passengers.
According to the company, the Manila to Chiang Mai flights will operate three times weekly on the same days—every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday—making it convenient for travelers seeking new adventures.
Cebu Pacific has been actively pursuing an aggressive expansion strategy this year, recently announcing what it proudly described as the “largest aircraft purchase” in Philippine history, a monumental acquisition of 152 aircraft from Airbus valued at $24 billion, aimed at substantially increasing its flight offerings.
Last month, the airline also introduced daily flights between Iloilo and Tagbilaran, Bohol, set to begin on Dec. 1; alongside thrice-a-week flights to and from Daraga, Albay, and Dumaguete in Negros Oriental, expanding its domestic connectivity.
**Interview with John Doe, Cebu Pacific Marketing Director**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, John. Exciting news about Cebu Pacific launching direct flights to Sapporo! Can you tell us what inspired the choice of Sapporo as a new destination?
**John Doe:** Thank you for having me! Sapporo is a thriving hub for winter sports and offers a unique cultural experience that appeals to travelers looking for adventure and exceptional local cuisine. With its beautiful snowy landscapes, Sapporo is perfect for those who love winter activities. We believe that our customers will not only enjoy the city’s famous snow festivals but also its renowned beer culture.
**Editor:** This will be Cebu Pacific’s fifth destination in Japan. How significant is this expansion for the airline?
**John Doe:** Expanding our network in Japan is a key part of our strategy to provide more travel options to our customers. Japan is a popular destination for Filipinos, and adding Sapporo enhances our presence in the region. With now five direct destinations, we can better cater to diverse travel preferences, from city tours to winter sports vacations.
**Editor:** The inaugural flight is set for January 16, 2025. Why did Cebu Pacific choose a thrice-weekly schedule for this route?
**John Doe:** A thrice-weekly schedule allows us to balance demand and operational efficiency. It provides our customers with ample choices while ensuring that we can maintain high standards of service and reliability. We’ll monitor passenger response closely, and if demand increases, we can look into adjusting the frequency in the future.
**Editor:** How do you foresee this new route impacting tourism in both Sapporo and the Philippines?
**John Doe:** We anticipate that the new flights will boost tourism in Sapporo by making it more accessible for Filipinos. This will not only benefit travelers—who can now explore a new city—but also local businesses in Sapporo that will see increased foot traffic. Conversely, we expect this will encourage Japanese tourists to explore the Philippines more, strengthening cultural ties between our nations.
**Editor:** Thank you for those insights, John. Is there anything else you would like to share regarding Cebu Pacific’s future plans?
**John Doe:** We are continuously exploring new destinations and enhancing our services to provide a great travel experience. Our commitment to our customers remains strong, and we look forward to more exciting developments in the future. Keep an eye on our announcements!
**Editor:** Thank you, John. We’re excited to see the impact of these new flights!
