MANILA -- Cebu Pacific launched direct flights between Cebu and Macau, seeking to expand operations out of Central Visayas' busiest airport.

The Philippines' largest carrier said it would have one roundtrip flight between Cebu and Macau 4 times a week, the airline said in a statement. The route was opened Friday.

"Macau is a perfect access point for business and leisure travelers alike," said Alexander Lao, president and CEO of Cebu Pacific unit Cebgo.

"A direct Cebu-Macau route will provide a logistics support to further stimulate two-way trade and investments," he said.

Cebu Pacific CEO Lance Gokongwei earlier told ABS-CBN News that the airline would increase flights to Cebu by 20 percent in 2019.

Cebu Pacific will also add more routes to China, Korea and Japan to meet its target to fly 22 million passengers by the end of 2018. This will represent a 3-million strong jump from 19.4 million seats in 2017.

Cebu Pacific and Cebgo fly to 27 domestic and 5 international destinations direct from its hub in Cebu.