Cebu Pacific Orders 152 New Airbus Aircraft

Cebu Pacific has selected Airbus to help power the future of its narrowbody fleet and broader business.

The major order, months in the making, was revealed as the Philippine-based carrier signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Airbus.

Valued at over USD 24 billion, the deal includes firm orders for up to 102 of the popular A321neo and 50 units for the base A320neo model.

As part of the colossal agreement that covers 152 total single-aisle aircraft, it becomes the largest aircraft order in Philippine aviation history.

In 2023, Cebu Pacific issued a request for proposals (RFPs) to Airbus and Boeing to test the waters on aircraft availability for future flying. Cebu Pacific relied mostly on Airbus; thus, the European plane maker was considered the favoured option throughout.

Despite being a favourite, Boeing still had the opportunity to present its 737 MAX family to Cebu Pacific. However, after deliberation, the carrier has decided to cement its future with Airbus and further add to the backlog of the single-aisle family.

Cebu Pacific states that the purchase is ideally positioned for them as there’ll be room to adapt to the market conditions, which will continuously adjust.

As part of these adjustments, Cebu Pacific says it can play around with the selected variants. This means if the airline wants to move from the A320neo to the A321neo or vice versa for some units it’ll be able to do.

The deal still needs to be finalised, but it is viewed as an incredible moment for not just Cebu Pacific but also the Philippines. With over 150 aircraft included, it also cements the intent outlined by Cebu Pacific across the last year of growth, which will be a key pillar of the future as it targets new markets.

Getting aircraft orders in sooner rather than later are proving to be essential for airlines worldwide. This comes as delivery slots continue to be picked up and airlines requiring capacity between now and the early-2030s that haven’t gotten their orders in will risk having no slots left at manufacturers.