Cebu Pacific (CEB) has just launched an exciting new direct flight from Manila to New Chitose Airport in Sapporo, Japan. This inaugural flight, which took off on January 16, 2025, aboard one of the carrier’s Airbus A320neo aircraft, marks a significant milestone for the airline. Clocking in at a flight time of five hours and 10 minutes, this route also happens to be Cebu Pacific's lengthiest narrow-body flight to date. Operating three times a week, the flights between Manila and Sapporo are scheduled to depart from Manila at 11:15 local time and arrive in Sapporo at 17:25 local time, with the return leg departing Sapporo at 18:25 local time and arriving back in Manila at 23:20 local time. This new service solidifies Cebu Pacific as the sole airline offering a non-stop connection between these two vibrant cities. Sapporo becomes the fifth destination in Japan for Cebu Pacific, with existing routes already servicing Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka from various Philippine airports. By introducing this direct flight to Sapporo, Cebu Pacific aims to significantly reduce travel time by up to five hours and provide passengers with savings of up to 63% on airfare, making it an attractive option for travelers. The inaugural flight celebration at Manila Airport's Terminal 3 was a festive affair attended by important dignitaries such as Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines, His Excellency Endo Kazuya, Philippine Transportation Undersecretary Bobby Lim, and Japan National Tourism Office Executive Director Makoto Watanabe. Sapporo, being a popular winter destination, boasts stunning snowscapes, a vibrant beer culture, and delectable cuisine, solidifying its charm as the capital of Japan's Hokkaido region. The city's allure skyrocketed back in 1972 when it hosted the Winter Olympics, cementing its status as a must-visit locale for adventure seekers and food enthusiasts alike. With Japan drawing nearly half a million Filipino tourists annually, the newly established direct flight to Sapporo sets the stage for more seamless travel experiences and deeper cultural exchanges between the two countries.

Ultra-low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines has recently made a strategic decision to reduce costs by cutting 200 jobs after initiating the Chapter 11 process in the US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. The move is aimed at aligning the organization with its current fleet size and flight operations to enhance efficiency. Despite the challenges, a Spirit Airlines spokesperson assured the public that customer bookings and services will remain uninterrupted and that employee wages will not be affected. In an effort to secure its future, Spirit Airlines' bondholders have shown support by endorsing a restructuring plan that includes a $350 million equity investment and $300 million in debtor in possession (DIP) financing. The airline remains optimistic about overcoming its challenges, including ongoing maintenance issues related to its Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan engines. While the airline's proposed merger with JetBlue in 2024 did not materialize, Spirit Airlines is focused on implementing measures to optimize its operations and ensure financial stability. By streamlining its workforce and making tough decisions to cut costs, the airline is striving to navigate through this challenging period with a commitment to providing uninterrupted services to its customers.

Singapore Airlines has just made an exciting announcement - they're renewing their title sponsorship of the prestigious Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix for another four years! This partnership between the leading Singaporean flag carrier and Formula 1 began back in 2014. The renewed contract will cover the event from this year's adrenaline-pumping race happening on October 3 to 5, 2025, at the iconic Marina Bay Street Circuit, all the way through to the 2028 edition. The Singapore Grand Prix has truly put the nation on the map as a bustling business and tourism hotspot, drawing in crowds from all over the globe. Mr. Lee Lik Hsin, Chief Commercial Officer of Singapore Airlines, highlighted the significance of this event, stating, "The Singapore Grand Prix is an important event in Singapore's sporting and tourism calendar. It has become iconic not just for showcasing our beautiful skyline, but also for highlighting Singapore's position as a key global hub. This extension underscores Singapore Airlines' long-standing commitment to supporting the development of sports and tourism in Singapore." Emily Prazer, Chief Commercial Officer of Formula 1, expressed her delight in Singapore Airlines continuing as the Title Sponsor, saying, "Singapore has become one of the most revered Grands Prix on the calendar, and it is through the hard work and dedication of partners such as Singapore Airlines that we can continue to deliver such a strong event. We look forward to continuing to work with them to further elevate this event for years to come." This renewal is not just a celebration of speed and sportsmanship but also a testament to the strong partnership between Singapore Airlines and Formula 1 in creating unforgettable experiences for racing enthusiasts and tourists alike. Stay tuned as the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix continues to captivate audiences and showcase the best of what Singapore has to offer!