Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) celebrated a landmark achievement in Philippine aviation last night with the official takeoff of Philippine Airlines (PAL) Flight PR 120, marking the first-ever direct connection between Cebu and the U.S. territory of Guam.
The inaugural flight was sent off with a traditional water cannon salute, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a commemorative cake-cutting to honor the new route. This milestone signals a strategic expansion for Cebu, reinforcing its position as a premier international gateway and bridging the gap between Central Philippines and the Pacific.
The event was attended by a distinguished delegation of government and aviation leaders, signaling the economic and cultural importance of this new link:
Hon. Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero, Governor of Guam
Justin Warby, Vice President for Sales, Philippine Airlines
Gelena Asis-Dimpas, OIC Regional Director, Department of Tourism-7
Mark Souter, Chief Airline Marketing Officer, Aboitiz InfraCapital Anthologics (ACAC)
Mary Ann Dimabayao, Public Affairs Office Head, MCIA Authority
Jeselyn Tan-Yu, President and CEO, Goodwind Development Corp.
This direct service offers travelers a more efficient route to the United States, bypassing the need for layovers in Manila or other Asian hubs. For the thousands of Filipinos with ties to Guam and for tourists seeking a tropical getaway with a unique blend of American and Chamorro culture, this route provides unprecedented convenience.
“This launch opens Cebu’s first-ever direct link to Guam and signals a renewed connection beyond Asia,” stated airport officials. “It is an exciting leap for MCIA as we continue to evolve into a rising global gateway.”
With the launch of PR 120, Cebu officially opens a new “gateway across the Pacific,” inviting business travelers and vacationers alike to explore new horizons. The direct flight significantly reduces travel time, fostering stronger tourism and trade opportunities between the two regions.
