Filipino airline Cebu Pacific is adding up to 152 new aircraft to its fleet after signing a $24bn order with Airbus for at least 70 A321neo jets and options for 82 more.
The order is believed to be the largest aircraft deal in Philippine aviation history and includes an agreement with Pratt & Whitney for the supply of GTF engines for all the aircraft.
Cebu Pacific CEO Michael Szucs said: “This milestone signals our ongoing dedication to expanding air travel accessibility and affordability, while supporting the Philippines’ broader economic growth and connectivity goals.”
The low-cost airline said its selection of the A321neo aircraft stemmed from a desire to improve the sustainability of its fleet with the Airbus model boasting a better fuel efficiency and optimised cabin space use compared to older similar aircraft.
The deal marks a significant expansion for Cebu Pacific, which currently has around 87 jets in its fleet, and means the company will continue to operate as an all-Airbus aircraft operator.
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, executive vice president of sales for Airbus’ commercial aircraft business, said: “The A320 Family has supported Cebu Pacific’s domestic and short-haul international network growth over the last two decades.
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By GlobalData“We’re grateful to the airline for its continued endorsement of our bestselling single-aisle product line.”
Cebu Pacific’s major investment comes as airline’s across Asia-Pacific seek to capitalise on growing air travel demand in the region, with other budget airlines such as Indigo and Air India Express investing heavily in their operations in recent years.
Airbus has also predicted the “centre of gravity” for the aviation industry would shift towards the region over the next 20 years in its most recent Global Market Forecast, with India, China and the Middle East showing some of the quickest passenger traffic growth.