Will Cebu Pacific Ever Fly to the US Mainland?

Many Filipinos have wondered if Cebu Pacific will ever fly to the United States mainland, especially as the airline continues to expand its fleet and open new routes. This question has been repeatedly asked and answered by the airline’s executives, with a consistent response: NO. Cebu Pacific has no plans to operate flights to the US mainland because it aims to maintain a low-cost model, focusing on destinations within a four-hour flight radius from the Philippines.

Cebu Pacific’s Chief Executive Officer, Mike Szucs, has explained this clearly. The regional market remains unsaturated, and the airline sees many opportunities for growth. Cebu Pacific continues to open hubs and launch flights from locations outside Metro Manila, such as Cebu, Clark, Davao, and Iloilo.

Additionally, China has not yet fully reopened, and airlines are waiting for this market to resume its potential. This is a significant factor for low-cost carriers in Asia. Cebu Pacific’s recent order for 152 aircraft did not include widebody planes, which reflects its strategy. The airline is satisfied with its current widebody fleet of Airbus A330neos, which serve destinations across Asia, the Middle East, and Australia. These aircraft also help address capacity constraints at congested airports by providing more seats without increasing flight frequencies.

Operating transpacific flights would require a completely different business model. Cebu Pacific’s current Airbus A330neo configuration of 459 all-economy seats limits the aircraft’s range and cargo capacity. The airline’s market primarily consists of light travelers who bring fewer balikbayan boxes, unlike US mainland flyers, who often carry one or two boxes per passenger. Full-service airlines like Philippine Airlines configure their aircraft with fewer seats to balance passenger and cargo payload for long-haul nonstop flights.

Future Possibilities

Cebu Pacific seems firm in its decision not to operate flights to the U.S. mainland. However, I am not discounting the idea of Cebu Air or the JG Summit Group establishing a full-service subsidiary to compete with Philippine Airlines on routes to cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. While no formal announcements or plans have been made, the idea lingers in my mind because Cebu Pacific’s leadership is known for innovative approaches and tackling challenges.

If Cebu Air Inc.—the parent company of Cebu Pacific, CebGo, and AirSwift—chooses to create a full-service subsidiary, it would require a separate branding distinct from Cebu Pacific. This venture would involve acquiring widebody aircraft like the Boeing 777-9X, 787, or Airbus A350. Additionally, it would need investments in training facilities, personnel, catering services, and other resources. Such a shift would demand meticulous planning, research, and execution. It will also need deep pockets! Really deep!

I recall reading that John Gokongwei, the founder of Cebu Pacific, once envisioned his airline flying to the US mainland. While Cebu Pacific’s current business model does not support this, the possibility remains that a premium subsidiary under Cebu Air Inc. could make it happen. For now, Cebu Pacific is focused on its existing market and plans to expand its network in Asia, the Middle East, and Australia. The airline’s strategy is working well and is expected to drive growth through 2035.

However, the future is unpredictable. The Philippines may or may not have two full-service carriers, similar to Japan Airlines and ANA in Japan or China Airlines and EVA Air in Taiwan. Competition would benefit travelers, offering more options and better services.

Currently, many Filipinos can only hope for Cebu Pacific to fly to the US mainland, as it remains a distant dream.

Note: Cebu Pacific earlier had flights to the United States – Guam!