Cebu Pacific to fly big jets on 3 busy domestic routes ahead of holiday surge
Low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific will mount Airbus A330neo flights to three high-demand destinations in the Philippines during the fourth quarter to meet the strong demand over the holiday season.
The Gokongwei-led airline said it plans to roll out its 459-seater widebody aircraft to more routes ahead of an expected surge in air travel.
Starting Oct. 26, Cebu Pacific will operate daily flights between Manila and Iloilo.
The following month, it will launch four weekly flights between Manila and Puerto Princesa, as well as daily flights between Manila and Bohol.
Cebu Pacific President and Chief Commercial Officer Xander Lao said the airline is expanding its A330neo operations to make more seats available at lower fares amid strong travel demand.
“By increasing capacity to key domestic routes, we not only make travel more accessible, but also help drive tourism and stimulate economic activity, creating opportunities for local communities and further supporting the growth of Philippine tourism,” said Lao.
Cebu Pacific, which operates 12 A330neos, is the largest operator of the widebody aircraft in the Asia-Pacific region.
The airline currently operates A330neo flights to Cebu, Davao, and General Santos, as well as major international destinations across Asia, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Cebu Pacific said the aircraft enables the carrier with the flexibility to mount regional, long-haul, and busy domestic routes, while still 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 has set its sights on operating an all-neo fleet by 2027.
The airline is currently the country’s largest by fleet size, operating 100 aircraft composed of 40 Airbus A320s, 26 Airbus A321s, 22 ATR turboprops, and 12 A330neos.
Cebu Pacific is targeting a 15 to 20 percent growth in its passenger volume this year, from last year’s all-time high of 24.5 million passengers.
In the first seven months of the year, it flew 16 million passengers, up 18 percent from 13.6 million in the same period last year. Domestic passengers totaled 11.9 million, while international passengers reached 4.1 million.