Cebu Pacific stepping up expansion of fleet, markets

Cebu Pacific Air, the country’s largest budget airline, is expanding its fleet with the addition of five Airbus A320neos.

In a statement, it said the planes would be delivered in 2019.

“We see expansion opportunities in new markets, as well as pent-up demand in areas where we currently operate,” said Alexander Lao, vice president for commercial planning of Cebu Pacific.

“The introduction of the new generation, fuel-efficient A320neo aircraft to the Philippine market will help us to further strengthen our position in the Philippines. It will also allow us to further pursue expansion of our international route network. From this year until 2022, we are adding an average of nine new aircraft per year to our fleet,” he added.

The deliveries are on top of the orders for two more A321ceo, 32 Airbus A321neo and six ATR 72-600 aircraft. These are scheduled for delivery between 2018 and 2022.

“With higher seat capacity and much greater fuel efficiency, the A320neo will enable us to fly further and more economically. It’s the perfect addition to our fleet, allowing us to offer even more compelling fares to more passengers,” the company said in its statement.

The single-aisle A320neo aircraft for Cebu Pacific will be equipped with the Pratt & Whitney PurePower PW1100G-JM geared turbofan. It has a maximum range of 6,300 kilometers but burns 20 percent less fuel.

Cebu Pacific said it would acquire the five aircraft via an operating lease agreement signed with Avolon Aerospace Leasing Ltd., one of the largest aircraft leasing companies in the world.

This is the second lease agreement between Cebu Pacific and Dublin-based Avolon following the placement of three Airbus A330-300 aircraft with the carrier.

Cebu Pacific has 67 aircraft with an average age of 4.8 years.

Its fleet is composed of 36 Airbus A320, five Airbus A321ceo (current engine option), and eight Airbus A330, as well as a fleet of eight ATR 72-500 and 10 ATR 72-600 aircraft.