CEB receives new Airbus A320neo aircraft

BUDGET CARRIER Cebu Pacific (CEB) is expanding its fuel-efficient fleet with the arrival of its second Airbus A320neo (new engine option) aircraft.

“The arrival of another Airbus A320neo reinforces our commitment to sustainability while keeping air travel accessible. In today’s operating environment, NEO aircraft also play an important role in helping us manage costs, improve operational efficiency, and reduce our carbon footprint,” Cebu Pacific President and Chief Commercial Officer Alexander G. Lao said in a media release over the weekend.

Cebu Pacific said the aircraft arrived in Manila from Airbus’ facility in Tianjin, China. The airline expects seven new aircraft deliveries this year, having already received its first aircraft in March.

Airbus NEO aircraft now account for 74% of Cebu Pacific’s jet fleet.

The budget carrier operates a diversified fleet consisting of 14 Airbus A330s, 27 Airbus A321s, 40 Airbus A320s, and 20 ATR turboprop aircraft, giving it one of the widest domestic network coverages in the Philippines, it said.

Airbus NEO aircraft are designed for improved fuel efficiency, reducing fuel burn by about 20% compared with previous-generation models. These aircraft are also capable of operating on sustainable aviation fuel, supporting lower-emission air operations.

For the first quarter, Cebu Air, Inc., the operator of Cebu Pacific, posted a net loss of P419.94 million, reversing a profit of P465.90 million a year earlier, as higher expenses weighed on earnings.

For the January-to-March period, Cebu Pacific recorded gross revenue of P33.32 billion, up 9.5% from P30.43 billion in the same period last year.

Total expenses rose 6.47% to P30.3 billion from P28.46 billion, driven mainly by higher repair and maintenance costs, which increased 9.8% to P6.48 billion from P5.9 billion. — Ashley Erika O. Jose