Cebu Pacific has announced a strategic damp lease agreement with Bulgaria Air (FB) to enhance its operational capacity during the peak travel period from December 2025 to January 2026. The move underscores the airline’s commitment to maintaining reliable and efficient service amid a surge in passenger demand during the holiday season.
Under the agreement, Cebu Pacific will lease two (02) Airbus A320ceo aircraft from Bulgaria Air, each configured with 180 seats. These aircraft will serve four key domestic routes from Manila to Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, and Cagayan de Oro, destinations that consistently experience high passenger traffic during year-end holidays.
A damp lease arrangement, also known as ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) minus cabin crew, means Bulgaria Air will provide the aircraft, flight deck crew, maintenance, and insurance coverage, while Cebu Pacific will deploy its own cabin crew to operate the flights. This setup allows the Philippine airline to supplement its fleet without compromising its signature in-flight experience and safety standards.
“We are continuously exploring ways to expand our fleet and ensure operational resilience. Our damp lease agreement with Bulgaria Air will allow us to meet strong travel demand from December 2025 to January 2026,” according to Cebu Pacific President and Chief Commercial Officer Xander Lao.
The partnership comes as Cebu Pacific continues to strengthen its network capacity amid growing domestic and regional air travel demand. In recent years, the airline has invested heavily in fleet modernization and operational optimization, with a focus on balancing affordability, sustainability, and reliability.
Bulgaria Air, the national carrier of the Republic of Bulgaria, has built a solid reputation for professionalism and reliability through its extensive experience in international leasing arrangements. The airline operates a modern fleet designed for both comfort and safety, making it a preferred partner for global carriers during seasonal capacity expansions.
“We are pleased to partner with Cebu Pacific – one of the most dynamically developing airlines in Asia. This collaboration is yet another testament to the high level of trust and professionalism that our team delivers in the implementation of international leasing projects,” said Chairman of the Management Board of Bulgarian Airways Group Hristo Todorov.