CEBU PACIFIC on Wednesday said it received the last of its seven orders of A321ceo (current engine option) from aircraft manufacturer Airbus.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Gokongwei-led carrier said the new planes have a capacity of 230 seats, each with USB ports for mobile device charging. There will also be bigger legroom for passengers and spaces in between rows.
Cebu Pacific said it expects to continue taking delivery of the rest of its aircraft orders next year, including some coming from its 32 A321neo (new engine option) orders.
“Based on Airbus list price, the seven A321ceo aircraft have a total value of $812 million, and is on top of an existing order for 32 Airbus A321neo aircraft. Cebu Pacific expects delivery of the first of its A321neo aircraft from Airbus by the first quarter of 2019,” it said.
Aside from its pending A321neos, Cebu Pacific is also awaiting delivery of five A320neos and four ATR 72-600s. The five A320neos are expected to arrive within 2019, while the ATR 72-600s will be delivered through to 2022.
In July, the budget carrier said the expansion of its fleet is geared to cater to the growing market both in new destinations and those where it already operates. Cebu Pacific Vice-President for Commercial Planning Alexander G. Lao said then the company expects to receive an average of nine new aircraft every year.
As of September, the fleet of Cebu Pacific is composed of 71 aircraft: 36 Airbus A320s, seven Airbus A321ceos, eight Airbus A330s, eight ATR 72-500 and 12 ATR 72-600. Along with its subsidiary Cebgo, the company manages more than 107 routes connecting to 37 domestic and 26 international destinations.
Cebu Pacific listed operator Cebu Air, Inc. posted a P518-million loss in the nine-month period from an attributable net income of P42 million last year, due to the rising cost of jet fuel and the weakening of the Philippine peso. — Denise A. Valdez
