Cebu Pacific add 22 new aircrafts to fleet by 2014
The Philippines’ number one domestic airline, Cebu Pacific (CEB), strengthens its aircraft fleet with seven additional orders of Airbus A320 aircraft, on top of an existing order of 15 aircraft.
The 22 brand-new aircraft will be delivered from 2010 until 2014. The first of the 180-seat aircraft arrives in October, and will be used to add routes and frequencies on Cebu Pacific’s network of 33 domestic and 14 international destinations.
“This will enable us to have the largest fleet of Airbus A320 family in the Philippines, and the second largest in South East Asia, allowing us to offer our trademark low fares to even more Filipinos,” said Cebu Pacific President and CEO Lance Gokongwei.
Cebu Pacific has already carried more than 40 million passengers since its inception in 1996. In 2009, the airline posted a 30% year-on-year growth in the number of its domestic and international passengers. This year alone, Cebu Pacific will transport more than 10 million passengers.
The new Airbus A320 aircraft is part of Airbus’ single-aisle product offering. The aircraft’s advanced wing design lessens fuel burn and improves take-off capability, while the CFM56 engine helps lower maintenance costs.
“We currently operate the youngest aircraft fleet in the country, composed of 21 Airbus and 8 ATR 72-500 aircraft,” said Cebu Pacific VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog. “We have been experiencing a surge in the number of passengers flying with Cebu Pacific because of our low fares and convenient direct services both locally and internationally.”
Low-fare pioneer Cebu Pacific operates hubs in Manila, Cebu, Clark and Davao. It was the first airline to introduce e-ticketing, prepaid excess baggage and seat selection in the Philippines. It was also the first to offer innovative pricing schemes such as the ‘Go Lite’ and ‘Go’ Fares, and all-inclusive pricing.
