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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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.”
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.
Cebu Pacific hosts launch for Women in Aviation International – Philippines
Philippine low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific recently hosted the official launch of Women in Aviation International – Philippines (WAI-PH). WAI-PH is the first organisation in the country that aims to empower women across the aviation industry. According to airline vice-president for engineering and fleet management Shevantha Weerasekera: “Cebu Pacific is proud to support this initiative that empowers women in aviation. It aligns perfectly with our goal of fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone can take flight.” The launch, sponsored by CEB Engineering and Fleet Management (EFM) and the People Department alongside the chapter’s founding officers, comes at a pivotal moment as the Philippine aviation sector modernizes fleets, embraces digital transformation, and addresses workforce gaps. As part of the event, WAI-PH also celebrated Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD), inspiring young Filipinas through hands-on activities; career talks led by female pilots, engineers, mechanics, and cabin crew; aircraft tours; and resource kits from WAI-USA. This initiative gave the participants an early glimpse into the exciting world of aviation, encouraging them to consider careers in the aerospace industry. What exactly does this organisation do for women in the aviation sector? The Philippine chapter is the local arm of Women in Aviation International (WAI), a nonprofit with over 20,000 members worldwide. WAI provides mentorship, scholarships, and networking opportunities for women in aviation, with a mission to educate and empower women across all sectors of the industry. Looking ahead, WAI-PH aims to expand beyond its founding members Cebu Pacific, Aplus, and Airlink Aviation College. To do so, it will engage other airlines, aviation schools, and maintenance organisations (MROs) nationwide. Through mentorship, leadership programs, and outreach initiatives, Cebu Pacific seeks to inspire more Filipinas to pursue aviation careers and contribute to a more diverse and inclusive industry.
Cebu Pacific Launches 10.10 Seat Sale for 2026 Getaways
Cebu Pacific, the Philippines' carrier, gives travellers the chance to unpack happy holiday trips for 2026 as it launches its Super Seat Fest in time for 10.10 festivities. From October 7 to 12, guests from Hong Kong can book flights to Manila, Clark, Cebu, Iloilo, or Davao for as low as HKD 10 one-way base fare, exclusive of fees and surcharges. The travel period runs from March 1 to September 30, 2026, perfect for travellers mapping out their next vacation in the Philippines. Cebu invites visitors with its famous lechon (roasted pig) and fresh seafood, best enjoyed before an island-hopping tour or while relaxing on white-sand beaches. From Cebu, travelers can connect directly to Palawan to admire El Nido's limestone cliffs and lagoons, or to Port Barton (San Vicente), home to the country's longest white-sand beach solely served by CEB. Those headed to Iloilo can enjoy local specialties such as batchoy (noodle soup with pork ingredients) and pancit molo (wonton soup) and take a short trip to Guimaras Island, famous for its mangoes and beaches. Manila also offers travellers a mix of history, culture, and modern attractions — from heritage landmarks and museums to diverse dining and shopping experiences. With the airline's widest domestic reach, travelers can start their own journey to happiness in the Philippine capital or connect to the airline's other key regional hubs such as Clark, Cebu, Iloilo and Davao, for faster inter-island access within the country. CEB operates in 37 domestic and 26 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. CEB offers various payment options, including credit or debit cards and e-wallets, to book flights and buy add-ons.
Cebu Resorts, Hotels, and Communities Work Together on Post-Quake Recovery
Philippine President Ferdinand R Marcos Jnr inspects a heritage church in Bogo City, Cebu affected by the intensity 6.9 quake (Department of Tourism) (Editor’s note: This is a developing story. New details will be published per the most recent updates.) The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) has assured the provincial government of Cebu in the Central Philippines that it will actively support its ongoing recovery and rehabilitation efforts following the powerful 6.9 earthquake that rocked the province on Tuesday, 30th September. Tourism secretary Christina Frasco joined Philippine President Ferdinand R Marcos Jnr earlier today on an inspection tour of several heavily impacted areas in the province, particularly areas critical to Cebuano tourism and hospitality. In a statement issued around 5:00pm local time earlier today, 3rd October, Frasco declared: “We have already deployed teams from our sub-agency Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) to do a rapid assessment and inspection [of affected sites.] We are also endorsing the matter to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and other relevant heritage agencies, so that, together, we can ensure that the restoration and the rehabilitation of these symbols and living edifices of our faith and our culture can rise again.” As of press time, it has been reported that over 900 tourism workers in Cebu province have been impacted by the earthquake. This is on top of the 47,221 households (essentially 170,959 individuals) who lost homes and livelihood in the disaster. DOT officials, including secretary Christina Frasco, join the President in an inspection of quake-hit Bogo City (Department of Tourism) Talking to the locals Since Wednesday, 1st October, Frasco’s inspection tours in Cebu have enabled her to interact directly with tourism and hospitality professionals whose livelihood has been affected by the disaster. In the abovementioned statement, Frasco reminded the public that tourism is one of the key economic drivers for the province. She said: “We have determined that there are many tourism establishments that have been affected and that have led to the loss of livelihoods of our tourism workers. Therefore, we have included them as a priority in terms of the provision of immediate relief through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and for the eventual provision of cash assistance as well as alternative livelihood assistance in the weeks and months to come.” The DOT is also in the process of preparing other relief measures, including rehabilitation loans under the Turismo Asenso loan programme it handles jointly with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Small Business Corporation (SBCorp), as well as better working connectivity through the efforts of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the country’s leading telecommunications firms. Multitudes gather outside a corporate structure in Cebu's central business district following the 6.9 earthquake (AFP) Hospitality and real estate firms give updates In an update published in Cebu broadsheet The Freeman earlier today, several hotel management and real estate companies have been issuing updates regarding the safety of their properties and staff in the province. Integrated resort development NUSTAR Resort & Casino was one of the first to issue a reassuring update in the immediate aftermath of the quake. In a statement released on Wednesday, 1st October, NUSTAR executives said: “We have resumed hotel, dining and gaming operations following a thorough safety check together with local authorities. All guests, team members, and partners are safe and well cared for. Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the earthquake, and we stand by the Cebu community as it recovers and rebuilds.” Meanwhile, Chroma Hospitality’s Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan conducted a thorough property inspection to assess the area’s overall safety and soundness for the resumption of operations. Per a statement issued at 8:45am local time on 1st October, Crimson Mactan has already returned to regular operations. bai Hotel Cebu in Mandaue City’s central business district also conducted a rigorous inspection of the property, especially following the buffeting it got from Typhoon Odette in 2021; the property was reported to be in sound and fully operational condition following the inspection. It is interesting to note, however, that a statement has yet to be issued by the management of Shangri-La Mactan in the aftermath of the quake. Other hotels throughout the province are currently conducting thorough safety inspections and are assuring the public that any structural issues will be dealt with immediately and that services will resume as soon as properties are confirmed safe. An area in one of Cebu's major cities sustained significant damage during the quake (Getty Images) Calling on the world for help While a number of local organisations, media companies, and retailers in the Philippines are opening their doors to donations in cash and kind on the domestic level, those who wish to help from overseas may do so through the national bureaus of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). In a statement issued online on Thursday, 2nd October, the IFRC featured a call for immediate assistance from Philippine Red Cross (PRC) secretary-general Gwen Pang. Pang said: “Our teams were on the move within hours of the quake, thanks to our strong network of trained staff and dedicated volunteers.The needs are immense, but we continue to strive to provide the much-needed assistance to those affected by the earthquake. We urgently need support to sustain and scale up our operations.” Per the IFRC, its Philippine bureau needs over US$10 million to aid over 47,000 households who are in sore need of food, clean water, shelter, and medical care. As IFRC head of delegation in the Philippines Sanjeev Kafley puts it: “This is a compounding crisis, climate emergencies, disasters, and now an earthquake, all hitting communities already under stress. We are committed to supporting the Philippine Red Cross in this emergency and throughout the long road to recovery. But we urgently need the international community’s help to meet immediate needs and support a sustainable, dignified recovery.” As a way of supporting the Cebu earthquake aid efforts, readers are encouraged to get in touch with their local Red Cross or Red Crescent chapter to see how they can do their part.
Airinmar and Cebu Pacific sign extended multi-year support contract
Independent British component repair cycle management and aircraft warranty management solutions provider Airinmar just signed a multi-year support services extension with Philippine low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific. This agreement is a continuation of the full suite of support services covering both aircraft warranty management and value engineering which Airinmar has provided to Cebu Pacific since 2022. Airinmar's services complement Cebu Pacific's current materials management activities and focus on maximizing the recovery of the airline's warranty entitlements as well as reducing the cost of component repair and the airline's overall cost of maintenance. A necessary partner According to Cebu Pacific vice-president for engineering and fleet maintenance Shevantha Weerasekera, Airinmar's highly regarded warranty management and value engineering services and ability to deliver cost savings and credit recovery have supported the airline with effective management of maintenance spend throughout its fleet expansion. Weerasekera said: "Airinmar's ability to customize its solutions to our business needs enables us to relentlessly pursue new ideas and better solutions." In response, Airinmar general manager Matt Davies remarked: "Airinmar is pleased to continue bringing value to Cebu Pacific through our well-proven value engineering and warranty management services. Cebu Pacific has reached a fleet of 100 aircraft with over 100 additional aircraft on order, and we take great pride in supporting the airline through its ongoing growth."
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Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu Punta Engaño Mactan Island, Cebu Philippines
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