In response to the soaring demand for air travel, Cebu Pacific is taking notable strides. The airline has laid plans to amp up its aircraft deliveries to a groundbreaking high of 21 in 2023, surpassing the initially projected figure of 15. This will be the first time any airline in the history of Philippine aviation has received such a large number of aircraft within a single year. Cebu Pacific recently marked the arrival of its 9th aircraft for the year, an A321neo, part of the 21 planes it intends to receive.
One of the highlights of 2023 was the arrival of the ninth aircraft delivery, an Airbus A321neo (New Engine Option), on July 27. The journey began at Airbus’ Delivery Centre in Hamburg, Germany and concluded with the aircraft’s touchdown at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila. What’s notable is the fact that the aircraft used blended sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for its flight, showcasing the airline’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
An Eco-Friendly Approach to Aviation
According to Alex Reyes, Cebu Pacific’s Chief Strategy Officer, the delivery of this aircraft enables the company to enhance its operational resilience while consistently delivering safe, reliable, and economical air travel to passengers. The commitment to sustainability is reflected in the company’s ongoing shift towards newer-generation, fuel-efficient aircraft and their continued use of sustainable aviation fuel. This aligns with their decarbonization efforts, and their mission to contribute to a more sustainable aviation industry.
Of the 21 aircraft scheduled for delivery this year, 17 boast the New Engine Option (NEO), while the remaining four aircraft have the Current Engine Option (CEO) and are on a short-term lease. Cebu Pacific aspires to transition to an all-NEO fleet by 2028, reflecting a focused push towards more fuel-efficient planes.
Promoting Sustainability Through Fuel Choice
On June 30, Cebu Pacific achieved a notable milestone in their sustainability initiatives. The airline received a brand-new A320neo aircraft, powered by SAF with a blend of 41%, from Airbus’ final assembly line in Tianjin, China.
SAF, often referred to as drop-in fuel, boasts similar characteristics to conventional jet fuels. It doesn’t necessitate any modifications to the aircraft or engines, and it doesn’t negatively affect performance. The application of SAF leads to a staggering 80% reduction in carbon emissions across the fuel’s lifecycle, marking a significant step towards reducing the environmental impact of aviation.
If you want to read more about SAF and how it works, please read this.
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