Cebu Pacific is about to make history with what’s being called the largest narrowbody aircraft order in the Philippines. CEO Mike Szucs revealed this during the 2023 Aviation Summit in Manila. “In the coming week or two, we will formally launch the request for proposal and may the best man win,” he said. This is big news, not just for Cebu Pacific, but for the entire Philippines.
The Contenders: Airbus or Boeing?
Currently, Cebu Pacific operates an all-Airbus fleet, including various models like the A320-200s, A321-200s, A320neos, A321neos, and A330neos. They even have 44 more aircraft on order from Airbus. But don’t count Boeing out. Szucs mentioned that due to ongoing Pratt & Whitney engine issues affecting many Airbus planes, Boeing is definitely in the game. “It could be that we order a whole load of new Airbuses again, or it could be we order a whole load of Boeings,” Szucs added. The idea is to diversify the risk, so they don’t have “all their eggs in one basket.”
The decision isn’t just about the number or type of planes; it’s also about financial and operational outcomes. Both the Boeing 737 MAX and the Airbus A320 are excellent products, according to Szucs. “It will be the right financial answer so that we can pass on the best ticket prices for our paying passengers,” he explained. The whole Request for Proposal (RFP) process is expected to take three to six months.
Engine Troubles and Fleet Availability
In a recent filing with the Philippine Stock Exchange, Cebu Pacific indicated that some of its A320neo and A321neo aircraft might be temporarily grounded. This comes after Pratt & Whitney, the engine manufacturer, announced a recall of certain engines made between 2015 and 2020. The airline expects this to affect its fleet availability in 2024, leading to slower-than-expected growth.
Cebu Pacific is on the verge of making a historic aircraft order, and the competition between Airbus and Boeing is heating up. With financial and operational outcomes and even engine reliability playing into the decision, it’s anyone’s guess who will come out on top.
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