Cebu Pacific boosts long-haul fleet

Cebu Pacific Air, the country’s largest budget carrier, sealed operating lease agreements for two additional long-range planes as it targets more international destinations, a statement on Wednesday said. AFP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Cebu Pacific Air, the country’s largest budget carrier, sealed operating lease agreements for two additional long-range planes as it targets more international destinations, a statement on Wednesday revealed.

The Gokongwei-controlled airline said that, with the deal signed with US-based Intrepid Aviation, it expects to receive its fifth and sixth Airbus A330-300 from 2014 to 2015.

“By 2015, [Cebu Pacific] will operate a total of six brand-new Airbus A330-300 aircraft,” the statement showed.

The airline earlier announced it would launch its long-haul operations with direct daily Manila-Dubai services on Oct. 7, 2013. The Airbus A330 aircraft will allow it to fly to farther destinations, beyond the range of CEB’s existing Airbus A320 fleet.

“With our A330 fleet strengthened by this lease agreement, we will continue exploring other regions we can serve, such as the Middle East, Australia, parts of Europe and the US,” said Cebu Pacific general manager for the long-haul division Alex Reyes.

The airline currently offers 22 international destinations, namely, Bali, Bangkok, Beijing, Brunei, Busan, Dubai, Guangzhou, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Hong Kong, Incheon (Seoul), Jakarta, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, Macau, Osaka, Phuket, Shanghai, Siem Reap, Singapore, Taipei and Xiamen.

It also operates the most extensive network in the Philippines with 34 domestic destinations and hubs in Manila, Cebu, Clark, Kalibo, Iloilo and Davao, the statement said.—Miguel R. Camus