Cebu Pacific has cemented its position as a major player in the aviation industry with a landmark purchase agreement for up to 152 Airbus A321neo aircraft. This deal, valued at approximately US$24 billion (PHP1.4 trillion), marks the largest aircraft order in Philippine aviation history.
The agreement, finalized this evening in Pasay City between Cebu Pacific, Airbus, and Pratt & Whitney, entails a firm order for 102 Airbus A321neo aircraft. It includes a minimum commitment of 70 planes and purchase rights for an additional 50 from the A320neo Family, all equipped with Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engines. Deliveries are set to begin in 2029 and will continue through 2035, enabling substantial growth in Cebu Pacific’s fleet and route network.
This strategic move underscores Cebu Pacific’s unwavering confidence in the future of air travel and its commitment to providing affordable and accessible flight options for passengers. The A321neo, renowned for its fuel efficiency and extended range, will enable the airline to expand its domestic and international routes, further connecting the Philippines to the rest of the world.
“The selection of Airbus and Pratt & Whitney underscores our focus on operational efficiency, sustainability, and innovation, ensuring that we continue to deliver the highest standards of service while significantly reducing our carbon footprint. This milestone signals our ongoing dedication to expanding air travel accessibility and affordability, while supporting the Philippines’ broader economic growth and connectivity goals,” according to Michael Szucs, Chief Executive Officer at Cebu Pacific.
The purchase agreement also highlights Cebu Pacific’s commitment to sustainability. The A321neo, equipped with Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engines, offers significant fuel savings and reduced CO2 emissions compared to previous-generation aircraft. This aligns with the airline’s ongoing efforts to minimize its environmental impact and contribute to a greener aviation industry.
“The A320 Family has supported Cebu Pacific’s domestic and short-haul international network growth over the last two decades. We’re grateful to the airline for its continued endorsement of our bestselling single-aisle product line. The A321neo is highly regarded for its unparalleled economics, performance and fuel efficiency. We’re confident that these additional A321neo will contribute strongly to the all-Airbus operator’s next phase of expansion as one of Asia-Pacific’s leading low-cost carriers,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice-President, Sales of Commercial Aircraft Business at Airbus, expressing their appreciation for Cebu Pacific’s continued trust in its products.
“This latest order demonstrates the growing opportunities for aviation in the Philippines and the larger Asia Pacific region. The GTF engine will enable Cebu Pacific to continue to expand the number of routes it offers to passengers, while delivering industry-leading fuel efficiency and sustainability benefits,” said Rick Deurloo, President of Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney.
Blue Skies Consultants acted as advisors to Cebu Pacific on the landmark deal with Airbus and Pratt & Whitney.
This landmark deal is poised to reshape the Philippine aviation landscape, enhancing connectivity, boosting tourism, and contributing to the country’s economic growth. With its expanded fleet and unwavering commitment to passenger satisfaction, Cebu Pacific is set to soar to new heights in the years to come.