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Airlines and Aviation

Philippine Airlines’ Cebu-Guam route takes off

Philippine Airlines (PAL) launched the first-ever nonstop flights between Cebu and Guam on Tuesday, 16th December. The new route offers a direct service linking Central Visayas and the western Pacific island of Guam. Officials of PAL, Aboitiz InfraCapital GMCAC, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA), the Department of Tourism (DOT), and other travel industry groups were present to mark the inaugural service. A thrice-weekly service The Cebu-Guam flights depart from Mactan-Cebu International Airport every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 9:40 PM, arriving at 3:25 AM local time.  Return flights from Guam to Cebu will operate every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, departing at 5:15 AM, arriving at 6:50 AM. PAL’s Cebu-Guam service complements daily flights between Manila and Guam, and will be flown with the Airbus A321ceo aircraft jetliners.

Airlines and Aviation

Jetstar Launches First Direct Brisbane–Cebu Flights: New Gateway from Queensland to One of the Philippines’ Most Beautiful Islands

Jetstar has launched its inaugural Brisbane to Cebu service, creating the first and only direct air link from Australia to one of the Philippines’ most spectacular island destinations. The seasonal route connects Queenslanders to Cebu’s white-sand beaches, world-class diving and vibrant island culture in just over six hours, making the heart of the central Philippines more accessible than ever before.​ The new service, which began on 3 December 2025, operates from December to May with up to four flights a week at peak, reflecting strong demand from both Australian holidaymakers and the Filipino community. Together with Jetstar’s recently launched Perth–Manila flights, the route significantly strengthens air links between Australia and the Philippines and opens up a broader range of itineraries that combine cosmopolitan cities with idyllic islands.​ This launch is part of Jetstar’s wider 2025 growth strategy, which has seen 13 new domestic and international routes added across the network, including connections to Rarotonga and Queenstown. The Brisbane–Cebu service is operated by new-generation Airbus A321LR aircraft, supporting greater range and efficiency while enhancing the onboard experience for travellers heading to the tropics.​ Brisbane Airport CEO Gert‑Jan de Graaff highlighted that the addition of Cebu brings Brisbane’s international network to 35 destinations, giving Queenslanders direct access to experiences such as canyoneering at Kawasan Falls, Moalboal’s famous sardine run and the Philippines’ renowned sunsets. The route also offers a convenient new option for Queensland’s sizeable Filipino community to reconnect with friends and family while boosting tourism and business links between the two regions.​ With the service timed to coincide with the busy Christmas and summer peak, Jetstar expects to carry more than two million passengers to and from Queensland over December and January and encourages travellers to plan ahead and arrive early at the airport. For Australians seeking a seamless, one‑flight journey to one of Asia’s most beautiful island destinations, the new Brisbane–Cebu route is set to become a standout choice.​

Cultural Tourism

DOT launches incentives to boost Cebu tourism

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has partnered with Cebu Pacific and the Hotel, Resort, and Restaurant Association of Cebu Inc. (HRRACI) to launch the "Visit Cebu" campaign, offering flight incentives and special accommodation packages to attract tourists to Cebu. This initiative aims to revitalise the island's tourism sector following recent natural calamities. Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco highlighted the campaign's goal to reinforce Cebu's status as a premier destination for leisure, dive, and heritage tourism. "We are investing by securing hotel vouchers that will allow tourists to stay longer, spend more, and ensure that business and livelihood thrive here in Cebu," she stated. The campaign targets six priority markets—Korea, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Vietnam—connected to Cebu through Cebu Pacific's international routes. It includes a digital marketing campaign to promote Cebu's offerings. Under the agreement, foreign visitors can enjoy a complimentary one-night hotel stay and other promotions through HRRACI's partner establishments. HRRACI President Mia Singson-Leon expressed enthusiasm for the new packages, stating, "We are rolling out very, very exciting packages, promotions, offers that we have never done so before." The initiative also includes business-to-business sessions and familiarisation tours in Moalboal and Malapascua to boost dive tourism. Cebu Pacific will provide air travel support, whilst HRRACI will manage hotel partnerships. Cebu Pacific's Chief Marketing Officer Candice Iyog noted, "By combining exclusive flight incentives, strategic overseas promotion, and special hotel and resort packages, we will position Cebu as a top regional choice for leisure travellers, divers, adventure seekers, and culture lovers." This collaboration exemplifies the effective public-private partnership in advancing Philippine tourism, according to Secretary Frasco. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by key representatives from DOT, Cebu Pacific, and HRRACI. ```

Airports

Mactan-Cebu International Airport ushers in the Holiday Season by bringing hope to every home

Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) in the central Philippines officially welcomed the holiday season with the ceremonial lighting of its Christmas tree on Thursday, 4th December, at Terminal 1 Airport Village.  Embracing the theme A Christmas of Light and Hope for Every Home, the event transformed the terminal into a beacon of festive warmth, celebrating the enduring spirit of the Cebuano people and the joy of coming home. The lighting ceremony was attended by government partners, airline partners, airport stakeholders, employees and media partners, marking the start of a series of holiday activities designed to delight passengers. For his part, MCIA Authority general manager and CEO Julius Neri Jnr declared that the event highlighted the importance of unity during the season. Neri said: “The lighting of our Christmas tree is a cherished tradition that brings the entire airport community together. It is a steadfast reminder that no matter where our passengers are headed or where they are returning from, the spirit of Cebu goes with them. We are proud to share this symbol of hope with the world, and we wish everyone a safe, seamless, and meaningful holiday season.” More than another transit point As one of the foremost entry points into the Philippines, MCIA serves as an emotional backdrop for thousands of Filipino reunions during the holidays.  That said, this year’s theme pays tribute to the airport's role in connecting families and the shared resilience found in every household. Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (ACAC) chief executive Athanasios Titonis spoke emphatically of the airport’s dedication to creating a welcoming atmosphere for millions of travelers. Titonis said: “At MCIA, we strive to be more than just a transit point; we are a place where journeys connect and stories begin. This year’s theme, ‘A Christmas of Light and Hope for Every Home,’ reflects our commitment to bringing warmth, comfort, and positivity to every passenger passing through our gates. We want this tree to serve not just as a decoration, but as a beacon of optimism for the coming year.” The centrepiece of the celebration is a towering, sustainably-designed Christmas tree adorned with ornaments that reflect the vibrant culture of Cebu.  Travelers passing through MCIA starting today will be treated to festive musical performances, holiday-themed photo spots, and special treats as part of the airport’s commitment to delivering a world-class passenger experience.  As part of the Filipino Christmas tradition, an anticipated Simbang Gabi [evening votive Mass] will be celebrated nightly at Terminal 1 Airport Chapel from 15th to 23rd December, inviting travellers and the airport community to commemorate the essence of Christmas.

Asia

Mactan-Cebu International Airport wins Airport of the Year in Asia at TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Asia

The airport was commended by the awards programme for operating the most efficient transfer facility in the Philippines. Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) was named Airport of the Year - Asia at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 - Asia, in recognition of its drive to deliver the most seamless transfer experience in the Philippines through its CEBConnects initiative. CEBConnects focuses on providing smooth air-to-air transfers, supported by best-in-class Minimum Connection Time (MCT). Beyond efficiency, the programme also allows passengers more time to relax and enjoy MCIA’s retail and dining options. To achieve this, MCIA redesigned its passenger flow and infrastructure by introducing dedicated transfer facilities and streamlined processes. As a result, the airport has reduced its minimum connection time from 60 minutes to just 35 minutes for domestic to domestic, and from 90 minutes to just 60 minutes for domestic to international, international to domestic, and international to international, now amongst the fastest in Asia. This improvement has contributed to a 45% increase in transfer passenger volume year on year. As a national tourism catalyst, CEBConnects is helping travellers more easily reach the Philippines’ wide range of island destinations, supporting the dispersal of tourism benefits beyond traditional gateways. This leverages on the strategic geographical location of Cebu, being at the centre of the Philippines. MCIA currently serves 25 airline partners, with a strong point-to-point network and an average on-time performance rate of almost 80%, further supported by joint route marketing and global promotions. Through CEBConnects, Mactan-Cebu International Airport is shaping a more connected and traveller-centred future—one where the vacation experience begins the moment passengers arrive. TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards - Asia is a premier awards programme presented by Travel Daily Media. It seeks to honour the pinnacle of excellence in Asia's travel industry, covering the best hotels, airports, cruise lines, tour operators, travel agencies, booking platforms, and travel technology. The TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 - Asia is presented by Travel Daily Media Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. For more information on the awards programme, you may contact Danica Avila at (+65) 3158 1386 or danica@traveldailymedia.com.

Airlines and Aviation

Cebu Pacific brings a touch of Filipino culture to its Japanese roadshow

Philippine low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific brought the warmth and joy of Filipino culture to Japan through a two-day pop-up event at Shibuya 109 on the 8th and 9th November. The activation is part of the airline’s inbound tourism campaign Fly to Your Happy Philippines, which aims to inspire more Japanese travelers to discover the Philippines’ world-renowned islands and attractions.  Visitors enjoyed a simulated CEB flight experience, explored virtual getaways to Cebu, Boracay, Bohol, and Palawan, and took their chances in a raffle which offered free round-trip tickets to the Philippines as the grand prize. Ramping up promotions in a vital market According to airline president and chief commercial officer Xander Lao, Japan is a key market for Cebu Pacific and he sees strong growth in travel between it and the Philippines. Lao said: “Through this campaign, we hope to encourage more Japanese travellers to visit the Philippines and experience its diverse destinations, while making their journey affordable and enjoyable with Cebu Pacific.”  Currently, Cebu Pacific operates direct flights from Fukuoka, Nagoya, Osaka (Kansai), Sapporo, and Tokyo (Narita) to Cebu, Clark, and Manila, making it the largest Philippine carrier serving Japan.  The airline will further increase flight frequencies to select Japan destinations in the fourth quarter of 2025 to meet growing demand among travellers.

Airlines and Aviation

Philippine Department of Tourism announces new flights to Manila and Cebu

The Philippine Department of Tourism announced new direct flights to Cebu and Manila from eight regional eight destinations are scheduled to operate in the last quarter of this year. In a statement released on Tuesday, 11th November, these routes include new ones as well as resumptions. The list includes: The new and returning routes include the following: Firefly’s Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)-Cebu Jetstar’s Perth (Australia)-Manila Jetstar’s Brisbane (Australia)-Cebu Vietnam Airlines Hanoi (Vietnam)-Cebu VietJet’ Saigon (Vietnam)-Manila  AirAsia’s Cebu-Kuala Lumpur and Cebu-Macau Philippine Airlines’ Cebu-Guam Business as usual The DOT emphasized that connectivity remains robust in Cebu despite the recent typhoons and earthquakes that left severe destruction in some parts of the island. Indeed, the Mactan–Cebu International Airport maintains normal operations and major sea routes have resumed. In a statement, Tourism secretary Christina Frasco urged all stakeholders to proceed with planned visits and inaugural flights to Cebu. She declared: “We acknowledge that a few groups have chosen to defer travel, and we stand ready to help them rebook and adjust itineraries. Our foremost commitment is safety; our message is confidence. Cebu is moving forward, our gateways and core tourism areas are open, and together we will turn recovery into renewed growth.”

Airlines and Aviation

Cebu Pacific takes delivery of its 13th A330neo

Philippine low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific recently expanded its widebody fleet with the delivery of its 13th Airbus A330neo aircraft. The new addition to the fleet further bolsters the airline’s operational resilience, underscoring its leadership as the largest A330neo operator in Asia. The 459-seater aircraft that arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport from Airbus’ facility in Toulouse, France on 2nd November is the third of four A330neos expected to arrive this year.  The first two arrived on 28th March and 18th July, respectively. According to Cebu Pacific president and chief commercial officer Xander Lao, the new addition to the fleet reflects the airline’s strong commitment to enhancing connectivity across the region.  Lao said: “This aircraft enables us to serve more passengers while keeping costs low, which is a key part of our mission to offer affordable fares for everyone.” Now operational Since its arrival, the 459-seater widebody has been assigned to fly between Manila and Puerto Princesa four times weekly. On the other hand, daily A330neo flights between Manila and Bohol will commence on Sunday, 16th November. The A330neo provides Cebu Pacific with the flexibility to serve regional and long-haul routes, as well as high-demand sectors.  With increased range and capacity, the aircraft enables the airline to optimize its operations while maintaining cost efficiency. Airbus NEOs are the latest-generation aircraft that burn 15 percent less fuel per flight and produce less noise compared to the previous generation.  The reduction in fuel consumption leads to a corresponding reduction in aircraft carbon emissions.

Agreements / Understandings / Contract Signings

Cebu Pacific boosts capacity for the peak travel season via damp lease agreement with Bulgaria Air

Philippine low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific is strengthening its fleet in December by entering into a damp lease agreement with Bulgaria Air to meet the expected rise in passenger demand during the peak travel season. The LCC signed the agreement with Bulgaria Air for two Airbus 320 CEO aircraft with 180-seat capacity that will service four domestic routes from Manila - Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, and Cagayan de Oro from December 2025 and well into January 2026  As Cebu Pacific president and chief commercial officer Xander Lao puts it: “We are continuously exploring ways to expand our fleet and ensure operational resilience. Our damp lease agreement with Bulgaria Air will allow us to meet strong travel demand from December 2025 to January 2026.” Extensive experience Bulgaria Air, the national carrier of the Republic of Bulgaria, has many years of experience in damp leasing of aircraft, having partnered with airlines all over the world.  Under the agreement, Bulgaria Air will provide the aircraft, pilots, maintenance, and insurance, while Cebu Pacific will utilize its own cabin crew. Throughout its professional journey, Bulgaria Air has upheld a reputation for reliability and quality service.  The airline’s fleet boasts modern aircraft, ensuring passengers travel in a high level of comfort and safety. Bulgarian Airways Group chair Hristo Todorov said of the agreement: “We are pleased to partner with Cebu Pacific, one of the most dynamically developing airlines in Asia. This collaboration is yet another testament to the high level of trust and professionalism that our team delivers in the implementation of international leasing projects.”

Airlines and Aviation

Cebu Pacific supports communities in need by partnering with SOS Children’s Village Cebu

Filipino low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific continues to support communities in need by partnering with SOS Children’s Village Cebu to provide regular food donations for children and families under their care. Through this partnership, the airline will donate surplus pastries from its Mactan catering facility for those who need them the most. SOS Cebu staff will collect the donations weekly, supplying approximately 100 to 300 pastries to 106 children and young people enrolled in programs that provide education, family support, and holistic care. According to airline vice-president for customer service operations Lei Apostol: “Supporting SOS Children’s Village Cebu is about more than giving food. It’s about helping children thrive while promoting sustainable practices. Even small acts, like turning surplus food into opportunities, can make a real difference.” An ongoing commitment The initiative is part of Cebu Pacific’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts to assist communities while reducing food waste.  Since 2017, the airline has donated pastries to the Pangarap Foundation, an organization that uplifts underserved youth.  Just last year, it expanded its commitment by partnering with Scholars of Sustenance (SOS) Philippines, formalizing a program to donate surplus food. As the only local airline partner of SOS Children’s Village Cebu, Cebu Pacific hopes to set an example for the aviation industry by showing how surplus food can be managed responsibly while making a meaningful impact on society.

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Movenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu – Philippines

Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu Punta Engaño Mactan Island, Cebu Philippines

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