Gokongwei-led Cebu Pacific, the country’s largest carrier by fleet size, has made its mark as the first local airline to operate a fleet of 100 aircraft with the arrival of its 12th Airbus A330neo.

The 459-seater aircraft, which flew from Airbus’ facility in Toulouse, France, arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Friday, July 18.

Cebu Pacific President and Chief Commercial Officer Xander Lao said reaching the 100-aircraft milestone is part of the airline’s commitment to make air travel more accessible.

“With a larger fleet, we’re able to operate more efficiently, enhance connectivity across the country and the region, and pass on the benefits of scale through even lower fares,” he said.

With 12 A330neos under its fleet, Cebu Pacific has positioned itself as the largest operator of the wide-body aircraft in the Asia-Pacific region.

Its latest A330neo is the second of four that will join the airline’s fleet this year, bringing the total of expected aircraft deliveries to seven.

Cebu Pacific looks to harness the aircraft to serve regional and long-haul routes, as well as high-demand sectors.

With its increased range and capacity, the A330neo enables the airline to optimize operations while maintaining cost efficiency.

Manufactured by European jetmaker Airbus, the A330neo burns up to 25 percent less fuel per flight, resulting in a corresponding cut in carbon emissions.

Cebu Pacific’s fleet expansion comes at a time of continued passenger growth for the airline, with a target to raise its volume this year by 15 to 20 percent.

Last year, Cebu Pacific carried an all-time high of 24.5 million passengers.

In the first half of the year, the airline has flown 13.91 million passengers, up 21 percent from 11.51 million recorded during the same period in 2024.

Cebu Pacific operates one of the youngest fleets in the world, including 12 Airbus A330s, 40 Airbus A320s, 26 Airbus A321s, and 22 ATR turboprop aircraft, enabling it to serve 37 domestic and 26 international destinations.