Despite severe losses last year due to the pandemic travel restrictions and continued uncertainties in the global aviation sector, Cebu Pacific (CEB) is pushing through with its refleeting program, welcoming the arrival of its brand-new Airbus A321NEO (New Engine Option) aircraft worth around $130 Million last week (April 2, 2021).
This latest delivery is the eighth out of CEB’s 47 narrow-body orders from Airbus, in line with the carrier’s fleet expansion plans.
CEB’s newest aircraft is set to enter service Friday, this week, April 9, to serve various domestic routes.
On top of this A321NEO, CEB expects delivery of seven more aircraft this year, a mix of Airbus and ATR fleet.
“Pre-pandemic, we have already started embarking on our long-term vision and fleet strategy, which includes an orderly exit of older aircraft," remarked Mark Cezar, Cebu Pacific Deputy Chief Finance Officer.
"We envision the total CEB fleet to be composed of new-generation aircraft in the next few years,” he added.
To date, the Cebu Pacific 74-strong fleet is comprised of eight A321NEO, 25 Airbus A320, seven Airbus A321CEO, five Airbus A320NEO, seven Airbus A330, six ATR 72-500, and 13 ATR 72-600 aircraft.
Its fleet also has two ATR freighters on top of one A330 freighter.
CEB's newest A321NEO seats 236 seat passengers, 31 per cent more capacity without compromising cabin comfort.
Its seats are ergonomically designed by world-renowned manufacturer Recaro, which provide more legroom between rows.
All seats are equipped with a USB port that enables passengers to charge their mobile devices inflight.
Significantly, the Airbus A321NEO delivers 20 per cent fuel cost savings while offering significant environmental benefits with nearly 50 percent reduction in carbon footprint compared to previous generation aircraft.
CEB boasts of one of the youngest fleets in the world, with an average fleet age of about 5.7 years.