Airport News Japan

Cebu Pacific Air to Operate between Kansai and Manila - 3rd LCC to Fly to Japan

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Kansai International Airport departure gate area

On October 24, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism announced that Cebu Pacific Air, a Philippine airline, has been granted permission to fly to Japan.

The company is an LCC (budget airline) based in Manila, the Philippines. It is the second-largest airline in the country, with thirty domestic routes in additional to its twenty international routes. The airline has long sought routes to Japan, but it will only be permitted at first to operate between Kansai International Airport and Manila with three weekly flights. Planes flown on the route will be Airbus 320 (179 seats, economy only) or 319 (150 seats, also economy only).Flights are scheduled to start on November 20.

According to Cebu Pacific Air, limited-time fares for one-way trips between Manila and Kansai will be sold at a discount of 1,999 pesos (around 3,800 yen; excludes fuel surcharge and tax), about 70% below other airlines' rates. Budget fares of 3,999 pesos (around 7,800 yen; also excludes fuel surcharge and tax) -a 40% discount- will be offered year-round (with conditions). Reservations for flights between Kansai and Manila at these discounted rates can be made online at the airline’s website.

Cebu Pacific Air's CEO stated, "Cebu Pacific Air is the only LCC to fly to the three main countries in northern Asia: China, South Korea and Japan." He also expressed confidence in expanding the company’s network and operating in Japan.

This is the third LCC to offer regular service in Japan, the other two being Hong Kong Express and the Australian airline Jetstar.

Cebu Pacific Air