MANILA, Jan. 16 -- Cebu Pacific's (CEB) maiden flight to Sapporo took off on Thursday, making it the only airline currently serving direct flights between the two cities, and the largest local carrier to connect the Philippines and Japan.

The thrice-weekly services are scheduled every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. From the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the flight is scheduled at 11:15 a.m., arriving the New Chitose International Airport at 5:25 p.m. (local time). From Sapporo, the flight will take off at 6:25 p.m., arriving in Manila at 11:20 p.m. (local time).

"Sapporo is a gem in Japan's tourism landscape, renowned for its winter magic, stunning natural parks, and rich cultural heritage. We are excited to bring Sapporo ...