Cebu Pacific aims to soar to new heights in 2025

ALL ABOARD Cebu Pacific received an A321neo in December 2024. It expects to receive seven more in 2025.—CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Cebu Pacific is targeting another record year in terms of passenger volume in 2025 after opening new routes and increasing capacity with the delivery of additional jets.

Xander Lao, president and chief commercial officer of the budget carrier, said in a press briefing on Tuesday they were projecting a passenger volume growth of about 20 percent this year after servicing 24.5 million guests in 2024.

The Gokongwei-led airline has positioned itself for growth after launching 24 new domestic and international routes in the past year.

READ: Cebu Pacific saw Clark traffic surge in 2024

This month, it flew the inaugural flight from Manila to Sapporo, allowing Cebu Pacific to have the biggest network linking the country to Japan.

As of this month, Lao said the low-cost airline had total systemwide seats of 3 million, up 31 percent from 2.3 million in the same period last year.

Cebu Pacific is also set to take delivery of seven aircraft this year to augment passenger capacity. Last year, the airline received 17 new aircraft.

Lao also announced they would be introducing direct flights from Clark to El Nido and Coron by Mar. 30.

“Cebu Pacific is proud to position our Clark hub as a premier gateway to the Philippines’ most iconic destinations. With its growing network, Clark has become the ideal entry point for travelers seeking to explore the vibrant cities, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural heritage our country has to offer,” the budget carrier official said.

By Mar. 30, the flights to Masbate and Siargao from Manila will be transferred to Clark International Airport to decongest the Ninoy Aquino International Airport of turboprops and make more available slots to bigger jets.

Affected passengers can rebook their flights for free, avail of full refund or convert their booking to a travel fund.

“Cebu Pacific recognizes the importance of managing airport capacity effectively, which will lead to improved passenger experience and greater public convenience,” Lao said.

Cebu Pacific will have 15 local and international destinations being operated from the Clark hub.

The airline’s overall network caters to 37 domestic and 26 international destinations across Asia, Australia and the Middle East.