Cebu Pacific said air fares may increase once the new concessionaire of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) implements higher airport charges.
“I think fares will have to be adjusted to account for these factors. [But] I think we have to take a wait and see. Let’s see what happens to NAIA,” Cebu Pacific president and chief commercial officer Xander Lao told reporters on the sidelines of the signing ceremony for Cebu Pacific’s purchase of 152 aircraft from Airbus.
“The Philippine government hasn’t changed the fees in the last 20 years, so because of all the promised improvements that something has to come in privatization. That’s not new, not just in NAIA but also happened in other airports in the Philippines like Cebu, Clark, etc.,” Lao said.
Cebu Pacific also recognizes the importance of investing in both physical and operational improvements at airports, Lao said. The airline looks forward to collaborating closely with the New NAIA Infra Corp. for the benefit passengers.
“We are optimistic that these enhancements will lead to more efficient operations and improved services, benefiting both passengers and airlines in the long term,” Cebu Pacific said.
Cebu Pacific on Wednesday night signed a landmark purchase agreement with Airbus and Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, for up to 152 A321neo aircraft, equipped with Pratt & Whitney GTF engines.
The agreement with Airbus covers firm orders for up to 102 A321neo, plus 50 A320neo Family purchase rights.
The acquisition—which has a minimum commitment of 70 aircraft—is the largest in Philippine aviation history, valued at about $24 billion (P1.4 trillion) based on list prices for the entire 152 aircraft order.
“The selection of Airbus and Pratt & Whitney underscores our focus on operational efficiency, sustainability, and innovation, ensuring that we continue to deliver the highest standards of service while significantly reducing our carbon footprint,” Cebu Pacific chief executive Michael Szucs said.
“This milestone signals our ongoing dedication to expanding air travel accessibility and affordability, while supporting the Philippines’ broader economic growth and connectivity goals,” he said.
