Cebu Pacific acquires another fuel-saving jet

MANILA, Philippines — The country’s largest carrier has taken delivery of another fuel-efficient aircraft, keeping its fleet expansion on track to serve the flying demand in spite of industry struggles.

Cebu Pacific yesterday said it has welcomed a new Airbus A320neo, assuring travelers that the carrier would keep on expanding this year.

The A320neo landed in Manila from the Airbus facility in Tianjin, China, marking the second of its kind taken in by Cebu Pacific this year.

Likewise, the arrival places Cebu Pacific on schedule to complete its delivery of seven aircraft in 2026. Of this, the airline owned by the Gokongweis expects to receive four A320neos.

Cebu Pacific president and chief commercial officer Alexander Lao said the new engine option (NEO) aircraft is one of the most fuel-efficient models. Cebu Pacific has been investing in NEO aircraft even prior to the oil price shocks to bring down fuel costs.

“In today’s operating environment, NEO aircraft play an important role in helping us manage our costs, improve operational efficiency and reduce carbon footprint,” Lao said.

To date, Cebu Pacific has built up 74 percent of its fleet to be NEO aircraft, allowing it to control fuel spending, especially recently when prices were breaking new record levels.

Compared to previous generations, NEOs consume up to 20 percent less fuel per flight, and this is enabling carriers to lower carbon emissions.

Right now, Cebu Pacific owns the largest fleet among Philippine carriers with 101 aircraft. It also manages one of the world’s youngest fleets, diversified by widebody, single-aisle and turboprop aircraft to reach multiple routes here and abroad.

Cebu Pacific operates 14 A330s, 27 A321s, 40 A320s and 20 turboprops made by ATR. Through this, it offers the widest domestic coverage of 35 destinations, boosted by 26 international cities in Asia, Australia and Middle East.

After enduring network damage from recent tensions in the Middle East, Cebu Pacific is starting to pick up the pieces again, highlighted by the resumption of Dubai flights in July.

The carrier said the Dubai flights would run four times a week beginning July 2, every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.