Just four months after the launch of its Clark to Singapore route, Singapore-based low-cost carrier Jetstar Asia commenced flights from Clark to Osaka (Kansai) on March 27, 2018, as part of a one=stop Singapore to Osaka product. Marking the momentous occasion was a ceremony led by executives from the airline, Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC), and its ground handler in Clark, Philippine Airport Ground Support Solutions (PAGSS).
A fifth freedom route, Jetstar Asia’s Clark-Osaka flight is the first air link between Clark and Japan, addressing the demand for leisure and business travelers, as well as overseas workers residing in Northern and Central Luzon. In the interim, it is operated every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday—the same days Jetstar Asia’s Clark-Singapore route operates. Those coming from Singapore may also fly to Osaka with a stop in Clark.
The Clark to Osaka-Kansai flight departs at 7:00 AM and arrives at 11:55 AM, while the return flight departs Osaka-Kansai at 12:55 PM and arrives in Clark at 4:15 PM.
The new route supplements Jetstar Asia’s five times-weekly Manila to Osaka service and daily Singapore to Osaka service (via Manila and Taipei), as well as Jetstar Japan’s Manila to Osaka-Kansai, Tokyo-Narita, and Nagoya routes.
JOINING THE INAUGURAL FLIGHT
On the day of the inaugural, I arrived at Clark International Airport (IATA: CRK) a little early for my 7:00 AM flight, so I’d be able to cover the festivities. I was told at the check-in counter that the flight was full—and it was supposedly because of the Holy Week long weekend ahead.
As soon as I was done with the formalities, I proceeded to the pre-departure concourse. Like the Clark-Singapore inaugural, there was again a buffet by local caterer LnL Nouvelle Cuisine, which by the way did a fantastic job with the dishes on offer. There was a photo booth too for the passengers to enjoy.
Before long, Jetstar Asia flight 3K777 from Singapore arrived. I personally witnessed how straightforward the procedure was for those who were connecting from Singapore en route to Osaka—they simply deplaned with their hand luggage, cleared security by the gate, and immediately proceeded to the waiting lounge.
Officially inaugurating the flight were executives from Jetstar Asia, including CEO Bara Pasupathi (donning a colorful Barong Tagalog), Head of Commercial Francis Loi, and Jetstar Group Global Head of Sales Paul Rombeek; and CIAC President Alex Caguiran. Also gracing the event was Jetta, Jetstar Japan’s adorable mascot, who’s always present whenever a Japan route is launched.
We, including the executives of Jetstar, were called to board as soon as the aircraft was ready. Waiting at the gate were bags containing a handful of free Japanese swag and a boarding certificate, while waiting on the seats were cool Jetstar-branded comfort kits. The flight then departed on-time.
Seated beside me was Edgard Mariano, a Filipino based in Singapore, who passed the audition to be Jetstar Asia’s social media correspondent for the inaugural flight. He was in for a trip of a lifetime—aside from flights, all his expenses were paid for by the airline. During his nine-day journey, he took over Jetstar Asia’s Instagram stories and showed off all the places he went to in the Kansai region.
Anyway, during the flight, I was able to try out one of Jetstar Cafe’s newest offerings, black pepper chicken, which I found to be tender and tasty. Good thing, it was pre-booked with my flight, so I was served ahead of the rest.
As I was getting ready to doze off, I was surprised that Mr. Pasupathi, the airline’s CEO himself, was rolling the cart across the aisle while personally chatting up and handing each passenger treats, such as pineapple tarts and Japanese cookies. All these free stuff and fanfare make me want to book on each Jetstar Asia inaugural flight!
The rest of the flight was uneventful—and I had a restful nap, thanks to the emergency exit legroom seat I was booked. We landed on-time at Kansai International Airport, and our baggage were delivered promptly at the carousel.
All in all, it was another fun event with Jetstar Asia, and I wish them more successful launches.
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Jetstar Asia now flies from Clark (Pampanga) to Singapore and Osaka. For “all day, every day, low fares,” book flights at jetstar.com. For promos and updates, follow Jetstar Asia on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. |
