Cebu Pacific gets fifth jet this year

MANILA, Philippines — Cebu Pacific continues to ramp up its fleet, having received a fifth jet this year even as the aviation sector struggles, with supply chain constraints clipping its wings.

On Thursday, the Gokongwei-led carrier announced that it had taken delivery of an A320neo aircraft at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport earlier this week.

The budget carrier expects to receive a total of 14 jets this year.

“Adding another NEO (new engine option) aircraft to our growing fleet supports our goal of reducing our carbon footprint. We’re proud to take a more proactive approach in minimizing our environmental impact, all the while addressing the ongoing demand for air travel,” Cebu Pacific chief strategy officer Alex Reyes said.

Expansion in Asia and the Middle East

A neo aircraft is deemed fuel-efficient as it burns 15 percent less fuel per flight.

Before this, global aviation finance company Avolon announced that Cebu Pacific was leasing four new Airbus A33neo aircraft to support its expansion in Asia and the Middle East.

READ: Healthier Cebu Pacific leases four more planes

The first unit is scheduled for delivery before the year ends. The rest is expected to be received until 2026.

To date, the airline operates eight Airbus 330s, 39 Airbus 320s, 21 Airbus 321s, and 14 ATR turboprop jets.

The low-cost carrier has allocated P50 billion in capital expenditure for mostly aircraft-related spending this year.

READ: Cebu Pacific back in the black, cues fleet additions

On top of this, the listed airline operator is in the process of reviewing proposals from jet manufacturers Airbus and Boeing for its $12-billion aircraft order, targeting to pick one supplier by the first half.

The order includes the acquisition of 100 to 150 aircraft to meet the anticipated rise in passenger volume as Cebu Pacific expands its route network.