Cebu Pacific is set to change air travel with a big order of new, fuel-efficient A321neo planes. These planes will carry up to 236 passengers on Cebu Pacific’s busiest routes and use less fuel than before.
Cebu Pacific, Airbus, and Pratt & Whitney have signed a deal to buy up to 152 A321neo planes, worth about $24 billion (P1.4 trillion). This is the largest aircraft order in Philippine history and a big step forward for air travel in the region.
The deal includes firm orders for 102 A321neo planes, with options for 50 more A320neo Family planes. Pratt & Whitney will provide the engines for these new planes.
“The order is designed to give Cebu Pacific the flexibility to choose between the A321neo and A320neo aircraft as needed, helping us adapt to market changes,” said Michael Szucs, chief executive officer at CEB. “This deal is a significant milestone in our ongoing mission to make air travel more accessible and affordable for everyone while supporting the Philippine growth story.”
Airbus highlighted the MOU as a sign of Cebu Pacific’s confidence in its products and a positive signal for the aviation industry’s recovery.
“We thank Cebu Pacific for its continued confidence in Airbus. These new-generation aircraft will help reduce operating costs and maintain low fares in a competitive market. We look forward to working with Cebu Pacific as it strengthens its position as a leading low-cost carrier in Asia-Pacific,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP of commercial aircraft sales at Airbus.
Pratt & Whitney also expressed appreciation for CEB’s ongoing confidence in the GTF engine, first selected by the airline in 2012.
“This order highlights the growing opportunities in the Philippines and Asia Pacific,” said Rick Deurloo, president of commercial engines at Pratt & Whitney. “Our GTF™ engine will support this growth with its industry-leading fuel efficiency and sustainability benefits for single-aisle aircraft. Cebu Pacific’s order underscores its value.”
The purchase agreement is expected to be finalized in the third quarter of the year.
