By Emmie V. Abadilla
With the boom in domestic and international inbound tourists, Cebu Pacific Air (CEB) aims to fly 22 million passengers this year, 12% more than the 19.7 million the airline carried in 2017.
Last year, the flag carrier posted a 3% year-on-year in terms of number of passengers carried, with the almost 8% increase in international passengers despite the flat growth in domestic travel.
CEB “performed strongly in key markets like Sydney, Dubai, Hong Kong, Narita, Taipei and Incheon.”
“Despite the challenges posed by higher prices of petroleum products, the weakening of the Peso versus the US dollar, security concerns and travel advisories, we have remained relatively resilient,” Atty. JR Mantaring, CEB Vice President for Corporate Affairs, maintained.
“To reach our goal of flying 22 million passengers this year, we’re offering a compelling route network where we can meet rising demand and sustain our year-round low fare proposition.”
“We are also committed to transforming the customer experience and enhancing safety through continuous investments in technology and facilities as well as process improvement,” he added.
In 2017, CEB netted R7.9-billion earnings, with passenger revenues up 7% and ancillary revenues — including baggage allowance, seat selection and pre-ordered meals — up 15% year-on-year.
While fuel costs were over 20% higher, the average fare was up just 4% last year.
Cebu Pacific is expecting delivery of another three brand-new Airbus A321CEOs (Current Engine Option) in the coming days, adding to its current fleet of 62 aircraft.
The carrier invested US$4.9 billion for a total of seven (7) Airbus A321CEO and 32 Airbus A321NEO (New Engine Option), with deliveries starting this year until 2022.
Cebu Air, Inc. is the largest carrier in the Philippine air transportation industry, offering its low-cost services to more destinations and routes with higher flight frequency within the Philippines than any other airline.
To date, CEB flies to 37 domestic and 26 international destinations, operating an extensive network across Asia, Australia, the Middle East and the US.