Cebu Pacific, the country’s largest airline by passenger volume and fleet size, was named by an aviation market intelligence firm as Asia’s best low-cost airline this year.

During the 2025 Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) Awards for Excellence, Cebu Pacific was recognized as Asia’s Low-Cost Airline of the Year, marking a triumphant return to the rank of the region’s best airlines just over a decade after it first earned the same distinction.

The airline said the award reflects its strong business performance fueled by a commitment to make air travel affordable and accessible for Filipinos.

Cebu Pacific stood out among other budget carriers in Asia for its impressive passenger growth and strong financial performance this year.

From January to September, Cebu Pacific’s passenger volume rose by 14 percent to 19.95 million passengers from 17.51 million passengers in the same period last year.

Over the nine-month period, the airline saw its domestic segment grow by 13 percent to 14.89 million passengers, while international passengers jumped by 18 percent to 5.07 million passengers.

By the end of September, Cebu Pacific had offered 23.52 million seats, with a seat load factor—or the percentage of seats occupied—standing at 84.8 percent.

This year, the carrier aims to surpass its 2024 record of 24.5 million passengers by 20 percent.

Cebu Pacific’s parent firm, Cebu Air Inc., reported a net income of ₱8.97 billion in the first half of the year, a massive 153-percent jump from last year’s ₱3.55 billion.

Revenues during the period jumped by 23 percent to ₱63.33 billion, which tempered the 21-percent hike in expenses to ₱55.42 billion.

Cebu Pacific Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mike Szucs said the airline is deeply honored to receive the award from CAPA, as it not only recognizes the strength of its business but also that of its employees who work hard each day to make flying safe and affordable.

“As we expand our reach, our purpose remains clear—to connect people and communities, and to help fuel tourism and economic growth across the Philippines and the Asia-Pacific,” said Szucs.

Szucs noted the airline’s low-cost model has transformed air travel in the country by expanding connectivity and opening new routes while keeping fares affordable for travelers.

Cebu Pacific currently operates in 37 domestic and 26 international destinations across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

With 100 aircraft already in its fleet, Szucs said investments will continue to pour in as part of its ongoing fleet and network expansion.

Last year, Cebu Pacific made aviation history in the Philippines when it signed a purchase agreement for up to 152 A321neo aircraft, valued at ₱1.4 trillion.

Based on CAPA’s website, Cebu Pacific was last recognized as Asia’s best low-cost airline in 2014, which it shared with budget carrier FlyDubai.

Cebu Pacific said the annual recognition honors the low-cost carriers that set the standards across the region by demonstrating strategic leadership, innovation, and lasting industry impact.

The awards are independently researched and judged by an international panel instead of customer surveys or sponsorships, it said.