Budget carrier Vanilla Air will offer direct flights between Tokyo and Cebu by the end of the year, becoming the first Japanese airline to launch regular nonstop service to the central Philippine island. The wholly owned ANA Holdings unit will operate once daily round-trip flights from Narita Airport to Cebu beginning Dec. 25. One-way fares will start at about 15,000 yen ($147), or around 50-70% lower than those of bigger airlines. The service will cater to demand from Japanese travelers seeking refuge in the tropical island’s year-round warm weather or looking to take English classes on short- to medium-term stints. Japanese budget carrier Vanilla Air is facing fierce competition on existing routes (Image: Nikkei) Regular direct service between Cebu and Narita is currently offered by Philippine Airlines, which operates two round-trip flights daily. The flag carrier is also in a code-sharing partnership with All Nippon Airways, ANA Holdings’ core subsidiary....
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