Cebu Pacific is set to expand its fleet in 2023. The chairman and owner, Lance Gokongwei, announced that the airline will spend around $650 million on new aircraft this year. In an interview with Forbes Asia, Gokongwei revealed that Cebu Pacific’s fleet would increase by six aircraft in 2023, taking its total to 76.
Strategic and Necessary Expansion
Gokongwei describes this growth rate as strategic and necessary for the airline, which will acquire 15 additional aircraft this year while retiring or returning nine. The Chairman said, “We’re growing Cebu Air in a very manageable fashion,” emphasizing the airline’s growth plan as a crucial factor in its expansion.
The expansion plan also includes ATR Avions de Transport Régional turboprops, which operates for subsidiary Cebgo at Manila Ninoy Aquino International. Gokongwei stated that Cebu Pacific would take delivery of ten Airbus NEOs this year and an additional five leased aircraft.
Cebu Pacific’s Fleet and Delivery Plans
Cebu Pacific has 12 A320neo, 11 A321neos, ten A321XLRs, and 12 A330neos all on order at Airbus. The airline already operates these aircraft types plus A320-200s. Ch-aviation fleets advanced data has contacted the carrier for further information regarding its delivery plans this year.
A330-300 No Longer in Service
The airline recently finished operating the A330-300, which the airline acquired between 2014 and 2017. The aircraft operated long-haul flights primarily to the Gulf region and Australia. Three A330-300s, namely RP-C3348, RP-C3346, and RC-C3345, underwent maintenance and were returned to their lessor Voyager Aviation.
Cebu Pacific’s A330-900neo is replacing the A330-300. The airline currently has four A330neos in service, and a dozen more are expected to be delivered soon. The next A330neo is reportedly due to arrive within the next couple of months, accounting for at least one of the aircraft in Gokongwei’s delivery tally for the year. The A330neos are presently operating flights to Dubai International, Sydney, and Melbourne.
Cebu Pacific’s plan to expand its fleet with the addition of six new aircraft is an essential step for the airline, particularly given the current air travel situation. Gokongwei’s investment in new aircraft and the retirement of older ones is an example of strategic and necessary growth. With its expansion plan, Cebu Pacific is positioning itself to serve more passengers and strengthen its position in the aviation industry.
Source: Ch-Aviation
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Cebu Pacific could buy new aircraft from Boeing. 1-class twin aisle Boeing 787-8’s and 9’s.
For their NEO aircraft, I’ll respect the airline’s decision for picking PW engines. (note that PAL also sided with Pratt & Whitney) I personally love the CFM-Leap engines on NEO’s. And they could have taken CFM for their NEOs instead. CFMs are like the little sibling of GE’s. Also CebPac could purchase a handful of Embraer E2-175/90. I do know Philippines remains steadfast with Airbus, but let’s also have Boeing and Embraer aircraft in CebPac and PAL.
Boeing 787-8/9’s could serve middle east (Saudi Arabia and UAE). Boeing 787-8’s could serve Fukuoka, Osaka, and Tokyo Haneda. -9’s could also serve Tokyo-Narita. While A330 could serve Guam again with FAA approval at the peak season.
They don’t have to agree with my comment. I only thought for enthusiasts, it would be better to have both Airbus and Boeing aircraft in their fleet.