The country’s leading low cost carrier has firmed up an order with Airbus of 16 long range A330neo aircraft worth $4.8 billion.
Cebu Air Inc., operator of Cebu Pacific, said the 16 A330neo aircraft are scheduled for delivery between 2021 and 2024.
The order accelerates the carrier’s plan to boost capacity while shifting to more fuel-efficient and eco-friendly aircraft. By 2024, Cebu Pacific expects to have an all-next generation fleet of Airbus jets. It now operates 74 aircraft, mostly Airbus A320s.
Scheduled to be delivered between 2021 and 2024, the 16 A330neo aircraft will be deployed on routes in the Philippines, Asia, Australia and the Middle East, Cebu Air said.
Lance Gokongwei, Cebu Pacific president and chief executive officer, said the new Airbus aircraft will cut fuel emissions and costs per seat and would also help maximize seating capacity and the airline’s valuable slots in Manila and other major Asian cities.
The aircraft are part of the order signed with Airbus last June at the Paris Air Show comprising 31 next-generation aircraft, which also includes 15 A320neo family aircraft.
Cebu Pacific plans to utilize the aircraft on trunk routes within the Philippines and the rest of Asia, as well as long-haul routes to Australia and the Middle East.
The 16 A330neo aircraft will be fitted with up to 460 seats, five percent more capacity than the current A330ceo aircraft in the CEB fleet. The A330neos will replace CEB’s current A330ceos, which will be retired as the new aircraft is delivered. – with Reuters