Cebu Pacific signs $280M jet maintenance deal with Rolls Royce

MANILA, Philippines—Cebu Pacific has signed a $280-million deal with auto and aviation company Rolls Royce for the maintenance of jet engines to be used on as many as eight long-haul aircraft the airline will add to its fleet next year.

The Gokongwei firm on Wednesday announced that it had formalized its deal with the British company as part of its plan to launch flights outside of Asia by late 2013.

“We are delighted to sign this contract with TotalCare today for our Airbus A330s. Cebu Pacific’s fleet expansion will enable us to launch long-haul operations and serve markets outside Asia-Pacific, including those in Europe, the Middle East, Oceania and the United States,” Cebu Pacific president Lance Gokongwei said.

“The level of support offered by Rolls Royce through the TotalCare package will further enhance our operations,” he said. TotalCare is Rolls Royce’s aircraft maintenance arm.

The signing of the contract with TotalCare was witnessed by President Aquino, who was in the United Kingdom for a working visit.

The Airbus A330 jets Cebu Pacific plans to lease for its long-haul operations will sport “Trent 700” engines made by Rolls Royce.

The Trent 700, the only engine specifically designed for the A330, is the market leader for the aircraft, with more than 1,400 in service or on order. More than 90 percent of Trent engine operators have selected TotalCare Support.

Cebu Pacific first announced the intention to select TotalCare in February 2012. The company will use the leased A330s to begin long-haul operations in the second half of 2013 and these aircraft will represent the first Trent engines in the carrier’s fleet.

Cebu Pacific’s current fleet is made up of 10 Airbus A319, 20 Airbus A320 and eight ATR-72 500 turboprop aircraft.

“We welcome Cebu Pacific to the TotalCare family of operators and we look forward to supporting the airline in the next phase of the carrier’s growth,” said Bruce Blythe, Rolls-Royce, senior vice president for customers, and civil aerospace.

“Our ability to evaluate Trent engine data from the worldwide fleet and work with each customer to plan maintenance activities will significantly help Cebu Pacific to meet the airline’s operational and financial goals,” he said.