Cebu Pacific is considering some big changes as they are in talks with Boeing about adding 737 MAX jets to its fleet. This comes as a surprise because Cebu Pacific has been flying Airbus planes for almost 20 years. On top of that, the airline is also planning to set up shop at the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan, which is under construction.
Cebu Pacific’s leadership recently visited Boeing’s manufacturing facility in Washington. The team included its president Xander Lao, CEO Michael Szucs, CFO Mark Cezar, CMO Candice Iyog, and VP for customer service operations Lei Apostol. They’re exploring options to add Boeing 737 jets to their fleet. Why? Well, they’ve had some issues with Airbus delays and problems with Pratt & Whitney’s supply chain.
Cebu Pacific is also eyeing the upcoming New Manila International Airport in Bulacan as a new operations hub. A high-ranking official from the airline said they plan to use the new airport, which might be operational by 2026, as a major base. They’re considering operating either Boeing or Airbus planes from there, depending on who offers the best deal.
A Shift in Strategy
This move marks a big change for Cebu Pacific. The airline started in 1996 with second-hand DC-9 aircraft and has been an exclusive operator of Airbus jets since 2006. They did operate Boeing 757s for international flights from 2001 to 2006 but switched to Airbus for cost-saving reasons. Now, they’re open to operating Boeing jets again, specifically eyeing the 737 MAX 10, which has a capacity similar to the Airbus A321neos.
What’s on the Table?
Boeing offers four variants of the 737 MAX: the MAX 7, MAX 8, MAX 9, and the largest, the MAX 10. The MAX 7 and MAX 10 still need certification. These planes use CFM LEAP 1B Geared Turbo Fan engines, unlike the Airbus A320neo and A321neo, which use Pratt & Whitney and CFMI GTF engines.
If Cebu Pacific goes ahead with the 737 MAX jets, it’ll mark Boeing’s comeback in the Philippines. Back in the day, from the ’80s to the early 2000s, Boeing planes were the big names in Philippine air travel, from the 737 classic to the Boeing 747-400. Right now, Philippine Airlines is the only one still flying Boeing, with nine 777-300ERs in their lineup. Word on the street is that PAL is also considering the Boeing 787 to replace their A330s.
Source: Inquirer
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