Cebu Pacific, the largest low-cost carrier in the Philippines has taken delivery of its first A321neo.
The new addition complements the Manila-based airline’s Airbus fleet, which currently includes 43 A320 Family aircraft and eight A330-300 widebodies.
Cebu Pacific has ordered 32 A321neo aircraft directly from Airbus, and will receive another five A320neo leased from Dublin-based Avolon. These will support the carrier’s expansion and fleet renewal programme.
The A321neo can also help strengthen Cebu Pacific’s foothold in China, Cebu Pacific president and CEO Lance Gokongwei said.
“We are excited to welcome to Cebu Pacific a new fleet of aircraft that will usher in the next stage of our expansion,” Gokongwei said.
The Philippines’ largest airline ordered a total of 32 A321neo planes, each with a capacity of 236 seats or 31 percent more than the A320 that is currently on its fleet.
The aircraft is 15 percent more fuel efficient which can translate to lower fares, Gokongwei said.
This year Cebu Pacific will see “accelerated growth” with the arrival of 12 new aircraft including 6 Airbus A321neo, 5 A320neo and one ATR 72-600.
The low-cost carrier aims to fly 22.5 to 23 million passengers this year, higher than the 20 million passengers flown the year before, Gokongwei said.
Japanese carrier ANA’s investment in Philippine Airlines will be “good for the industry,” he said.
Cebu Pacific currently operates 1 Airbus A321neo, 36 A320, 7 A321ceo, 8 A330, 8 ATR 72-500, 12 ATR 72-600. The airline, with its subsidiary CebGo flies to 36 domestic and 26 international destinations spanning Asia, Australia, Middle East and Guam in the US.
Selected for their outstanding operational efficiency, comfort and range, these new-generation single-aisle aircraft will allow the fast-growing carrier to expand its Asia-Pacific network.
The A321neo aircraft for Cebu Pacific features 236 seats in a single class configuration. The aircraft is powered by Pratt and Whitney PurePower GTF engines.
The A320neo and its derivative aircraft family members are the world’s best-selling single aisle aircraft with over 6,100 orders from over 100 customers since its launch in 2010. It has pioneered and incorporated the latest technologies, including its new generation engines and the industry’s reference cabin design, delivering 20 percent fuel cost savings alone. The A320neo also offers significant environmental benefits with nearly 50 percent reduction in noise footprint compared to previous generation aircraft.
Airbus is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2017 it generated revenues of € 59 billion restated for IFRS 15 and employed a workforce of around 129,000. Airbus offers the most comprehensive range of passenger airliners from 100 to more than 600 seats. Airbus is also a European leader providing tanker, combat, transport and mission aircraft, as well as one of the world’s leading space companies. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions worldwide.
Source : Airbus
