Cebu Pacific recently celebrated its eighth aircraft arrival for 2023 — a brand-new A320neo aircraft straight from Airbus’ Final Assembly Line in Tianjin, China. This strategic move is meant to cater to the burgeoning demand for air travel and underscores the airline’s commitment to sustainable operations.
A New Era of Sustainable Aviation
The newly-acquired A320neo will run on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which comprises a 41% blend for its maiden voyage from Tianjin to Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Utilizing SAF, which mirrors the characteristics of conventional jet fuels, does not necessitate any adjustments to the aircraft or engines and won’t impact performance. Moreover, the use of SAF reduces carbon emissions by up to 80% across the fuel’s lifecycle, making this a significant milestone for Cebu Pacific’s sustainable aviation initiatives.
Michael Szucs, Chief Executive Officer of Cebu Pacific, shared his enthusiasm, saying, “We are thrilled to welcome this delivery, which is a major milestone for both Airbus and Cebu Pacific. This is in line with our fleet plan which aims to support our overall growth ambitions as travel demand continues to recover.”
Pioneering Decarbonization in the Industry
In 2023, Cebu Pacific is gearing up to accept a total of 15 aircraft deliveries, including 10 brand new Airbus NEO aircraft. These acquisitions are part of the airline’s mission to transition to a more fuel-efficient, all-NEO fleet by 2028. Apart from this, Cebu Pacific is also set to receive five additional aircraft through long-term leasing arrangements.
“Cebu Pacific has been the Philippine leader in propelling decarbonization in the aviation industry. This aircraft delivery, powered by SAF, demonstrates our commitment to providing safe, convenient, and reliable travel for our customers, while building a greener and more sustainable future,” expressed Alex Reyes, Chief Strategy Officer at Cebu Pacific.
Enhanced Passenger Comfort with the A320neo
Beyond its eco-friendly attributes, the A320neo is designed with the passengers’ comfort in mind. The aircraft boasts 188 seats made by Recaro, the world-renowned seat manufacturer, providing a comfortable experience with its slim and ergonomic design. Moreover, the A320neo is 20% more fuel-efficient than its predecessor, consuming a minimal 2.46 kilograms of fuel per seat per 100 kilometers.
This inaugural arrival of the China-assembled A320neo underscores Cebu Pacific’s commitment to transition to an all-NEO fleet.
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