United Airlines launched the much-anticipated Cebu-Tokyo/Narita service, with
gate events in Tokyo and Cebu with passengers traveling on the inaugural flight between the two cities.
The first outbound flight from Cebu was marked at Mactan-Cebu International Airport with a special ceremony at the departure gate. Customers, guests, United executives, staff and crew were joined by local dignitaries in a ribbon cutting ceremony marking the departure of the first flight.
The new service departs Cebu at 9:30 a.m. and arrives in Tokyo/Narita at 3:15 p.m. the same day. The return flight from Tokyo/Narita to Cebu departs at 5:30 p.m. and arrives on Cebu at 10:05 p.m.. United operates the flight with a 737-800 with 166 seats, 16 of which are in business class.
The new daily nonstop service provides greater choice for customers in the Philippines to travel to Tokyo and with United connections, to the United States. United is the only U.S. carrier to operate from Cebu, connecting customers from the Visayas and Mindanao regions of the with Japan via Tokyo/Narita and to
more than 200 destinations across the United States through its hubs at Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark and San Francisco.
“This new flight has been welcomed by our customers and the travel community across the Philippines. We are excited to offer even greater travel choice to our customers in the Philippines, with a one-stop connection, via Tokyo/Narita, to destinations in the United States and our unrivalled network of onward connections to destinations across the Americas, including our hub in Newark with fast easy access to Manhattan.”, said Walter Dias, Director, Asia Pacific, United Airlines. “We very much look forward to flying customers from Japan and the U.S. to Cebu, one of the leading beach resorts in Asia, benefitting tourism and supporting the local economy.”
“The arrival of United Airlines as a valued airline partner marks a significant milestone for our Cebu Connect service. This new connectivity to Japan and the United States not only expands travel opportunities for Cebuanos and Filipinos but also strengthens Cebu’s role as a gateway, inviting travelers from around the world to experience the natural beauty and vibrant culture of Cebu and other popular destinations across Central and Southern Philippines, including Siargao, Palawan, and Boracay.” said Athanasios Titonis, Chief Executive Officer, Aboitiz Infracapital GMCAC, private operator of Mactan-Cebu International Airport.
“With this partnership, we aim to foster even greater cultural and economic exchange between the Philippines and the world. Together, we are unlocking new possibilities for tourism, investment, and growth that will benefit our local communities and industries.”
