Cebu Pacific launched its inaugural direct service between Manila and Sapporo on Thursday, marking the airline’s fifth Japanese destination and establishing the only nonstop connection between the two cities.
Flight 5J-5128, operated by an Airbus A320neo (registration RP-C4350), departed Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 11:38 a.m. and touched down at New Chitose International Airport at 5:01 p.m. local time, completing the journey in 4 hours and 23 minutes.
The new route will operate three times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with outbound flights departing Manila at 11:15 a.m. and return flights leaving Sapporo at 6:25 p.m. local time.
Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuya Endo, Philippine Transportation Undersecretary Bobby Lim, and Japan National Tourism Organization Executive Director Makoto Watanabe attended the launch ceremony at NAIA Terminal 3.
“I would like to encourage everyone in the Philippines to come visit and make Hokkaido your next adventure. The Japanese government is actively working with the Philippine Department of Tourism to promote tourism and foster deeper cultural exchanges between our two countries,” Ambassador Endo said during the inaugural flight ceremony.
On his part, Cebu Pacific President and Chief Commercial Officer Xander Lao emphasized the route’s importance in making Sapporo, known for its winter attractions and cultural heritage, more accessible to Filipino travelers.
“Sapporo is a gem in Japan’s tourism landscape, renowned for its winter magic, stunning natural parks, and rich cultural heritage. We are excited to bring Sapporo much closer to our Filipino travelers in our commitment to make air travel even more accessible and affordable for every Juan,” he said.
The new service joins Cebu Pacific’s existing Japanese routes to Tokyo (Narita), Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, which operate from Manila, Clark, and Cebu. The airline currently serves 37 domestic and 26 international destinations across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.
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