Cebu Pacific building up fleet for long-haul flights

MANILA, Philippines — Low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific has landed its 15th aircraft for long-haul flights, boosting its fleet ahead of capacity expansion during the holiday season.

Cebu Pacific over the weekend received its 15th Airbus A330neo, the fourth aircraft delivery this year, as the airline gears up its fleet for the Undas and Christmas breaks.

The aircraft flew from the Airbus factory in Toulouse, France, just in time for Cebu Pacific’s plan to increase flight volumes and resume suspended routes this  quarter.

Cebu Pacific president and chief commercial officer Alexander Lao said the aircraft also expands the carrier’s fleet powered by a new engine option (NEO). Currently, Cebu Pacific operates 100 units in its fleet, of which 78 are NEO aircraft.

The Gokongwei-run airline aims to achieve an all-NEO fleet by 2030. Lao said NEO aircraft are becoming more important for carriers, as jet fuel prices reach new highs.

“The A330neo offers significant fuel savings compared to previous-generation aircraft and gives us flexibility to serve different markets across and beyond the Philippines,” Lao said.

Airlines reduce fuel burn by up to 20 percent when using NEO aircraft, which also produces less noise for the comfort of passengers.

Moreover, carriers rely on fuel-saving aircraft like the NEO to comply with global commitments on carbon reduction and environmental sustainability.

For the year, Cebu Pacific expects to receive seven aircraft, all of which are NEO units. To date, the airline manages 100 aircraft in its fleet – 15 A330s, 27 A321s, 38 A320s and 20 turboprops made by ATR.

Cebu Pacific is recognized in the aviation industry as having one of the world’s youngest fleets. It leans on this fleet to offer the widest domestic coverage among Philippine carriers.