Cebu Pacific, the Philippines’ leading budget carrier, has been named Asia’s Low-Cost Airline of the Year by the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA), a global aviation research and analysis group.
The recognition highlights the airline’s strong performance and commitment to making air travel affordable and accessible. CAPA’s annual awards honor carriers demonstrating strategic leadership, innovation, and industry impact in the region.
“We are deeply honored to receive this award from CAPA. It recognizes the passion and commitment of every Cebu Pacific employee who works hard each day to make flying safe, affordable, and accessible for our passengers,” said Cebu Pacific chief executive officer Mike Szucs. “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.”
Unlike customer survey-based recognitions, CAPA’s Awards for Excellence are independently researched by an international panel of judges and analysts.
Cebu Pacific stood out for its record passenger growth and strong financial performance. From January to September 2025, it carried nearly 20 million passengers, up 13.9 percent from 17.5 million a year earlier. Domestic passengers rose 12.7 percent to 14.9 million, while international travelers increased 17.7 percent to 5.1 million. The carrier’s seat load factor averaged 84.8 percent, with overall capacity rising 14 percent to 23.5 million seats.
The airline’s growth continues to be driven by its low-cost model and expanding network. Cebu Pacific recently placed a record order for up to 152 Airbus A321neo aircraft—the largest in Philippine aviation history—to support its fleet and route expansion.
Separately, Cebu Pacific expanded its widebody fleet with the delivery of its 13th Airbus A330neo, strengthening its operational capacity and cementing its position as the largest A330neo operator in Asia.
The 459-seater aircraft, which arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport from Airbus’ facility in Toulouse, France, is the third of four A330neos scheduled for delivery this year.
“Being the largest A330neo operator in Asia reflects our strong commitment to enhancing connectivity across the region. This aircraft enables us to serve more passengers while keeping costs low, which is a key part of our mission to offer affordable fares for every Juan,” said Cebu Pacific president and chief commercial officer Xander Lao.
Cebu Pacific has started deploying its A330neo on the Manila–Puerto Princesa route four times weekly, followed by daily flights between Manila and Bohol beginning Nov. 16.
The A330neo gives the airline flexibility to serve both regional and long-haul routes with improved fuel efficiency—burning 15 percent less fuel per flight and producing less noise compared to previous-generation aircraft.
Cebu Pacific now flies to 37 domestic and 26 international destinations across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East, strengthening its position as a leading low-cost carrier in the Asia-Pacific region.
