Gokongwei-led Cebu Air Inc., operator of Cebu Pacific, is set to kick off 2025 with a new destination to Japan as part of its commitment to making travel wider for its customers.
In a statement on Thursday, Nov. 7, Cebu Pacific said it would operate thrice-weekly flights to Sapporo in Hokkaido, Japan, beginning Jan. 16, 2025—every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. It would become the first Philippine carrier to launch direct flights to the said destination.
In addition, Sapporo—known for winter sports activities and beer tasting—will be the carrier’s 5th destination to Japan after 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," Cebu Pacific President and Chief Commercial Officer Xander Lao said.
“We are excited to offer more Filipinos the opportunity to experience the winter charm of Sapporo,” he added.
Once launched, travel time from Manila to Sapporo will be significantly cut by five hours from the usual 10 hours with layover.
The new Manila to Sapporo flight followed the launching of new flights to Chiang Mai, Thailand on Oct. 29.
According to the company, Manila to Chiang Mai flights will operate three times weekly—every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Cebu Pacific has been actively pursuing an expansion strategy this year. Just recently, it announced what it touted as the “largest aircraft purchase” in Philippine history with the purchase of 152 aircraft from Airbus for $24 billion to offer more flights to its flyers.
Last month, it also announced daily flights between Iloilo and Tagbilaran, Bohol, which will begin on Dec. 1; as well as thrice-a-week flights to and from Daraga, Albay; and Dumaguete in Negros Oriental.