An insider revealed the country’s largest carrier by passenger volume and fleet size is seriously considering nonstop flights from Manila to Sapporo, the biggest city in Japan’s northernmost prefecture.
The insider hinted at an announcement in the coming months, though it’s not clear if trips can be mounted in time for the Sapporo Winter Festival in February.
The main challenge, as many in the aviation industry are aware, is a combination of labor and fuel supply issues in several of Japan’s regional gateways.
“Fuel is a big concern. It’s a long flight—around five to six hours nonstop,” the insider shared.
This route can be served by Cebu Pacific’s growing fleet of A320Neos.
Cebu Pacific is still keen on developing this route, which was previously served by rival Philippine Airlines but was discontinued during the pandemic.
Overseas news outlets recently reported that Japan secured jet fuel supply for 200 more weekly flights for the winter season. Whether this will trigger Cebu Pacific to take off with its new route remains to be seen.
“We hope to make an announcement as soon as we get confirmation on the fuel supply,” the insider said.
Miguel R. Camus has been a reporter covering various domestic business topics since 2009.
