THE PHILIPPINES’ leading carrier, Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB) boosts its route network to and from its hub in Cebu as it is set to commence operation of its direct service between Cebu and Shanghai, China. The new route is in line with plans to expand capacity in Cebu to meet increasing demand.
To mark the launch of the new route, seats on CEB’s Cebu-Shanghai flights will be sold for as low as PHP1 base fare from March 22 to 30, 2019. Travel period is from April 15 to September 30, 2019.
Flights between Cebu and Shanghai will run six times weekly (Monday to Saturday), beginning April 15, 2019. The evening departure of the flights from Cebu to Shanghai will enable travelers from neighboring areas such as Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Dumaguete and Iloilo to connect seamlessly and fly to the biggest city in China.
At just under four hours’ flying time, Shanghai is also a popular destination for Filipinos. Attractions include an evening cruise along the Huangpu River to take in the skyscrapers in one of world’s financial hubs; a unique Disneyland theme park; and the historical Yuyuan Garden.
“We want to provide more international connections from other hubs in the Philippines and by connecting our Cebu hub to Shanghai, we offer travelers from the Visayas and Mindanao a compelling and easy option to access another top vacation destination,” said Candice Iyog, Vice President for Marketing and Distribution of Cebu Pacific.
Shanghai received 8.94 million inbound tourists in 2018, according to data from the Shanghai Administration of Culture and Tourism.
The carrier had earlier stated it would ramp-up capacity in its Cebu hub by as much as 20% in 2019. Aside from Shanghai, Cebu Pacific flies direct between Cebu, Hong Kong and Macau in China; as well as Narita Japan; Incheon, Korea and Singapore.
“Direct flights from Shanghai to Cebu will also make it easier for Chinese tourists to access one of the best islands in the world. Cebu has over 100 islands within the province alone with a wide array of beach resorts, water sports and marine life to appreciate and enjoy. As the beach hub of Cebu Pacific, Cebu also serves as a strategic jump-off point to enjoy more of the Philippines— with direct connections to Siargao, Camiguin, Puerto Princesa and 19 other domestic destinations.”
The Department of Tourism reported that Central Visayas—which includes prime tourist destinations such as Cebu, Bohol, Dumaguete and Siquijor, welcome over eight million tourists in 2018, of which 17% were Chinese.
Cebu Pacific operates flights out of seven other strategically placed hubs in the Philippines: Manila, Clark, Kalibo, Iloilo, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro (Laguindingan) and Davao. In 2018, CEB flew 20.3 million passengers on over 2,130 weekly flights across 37 domestic and 26 international destinations.
