Cebu Pacific grows fleet by nearly 20% in 2024 amid expansion drive

Budget carrier Cebu Pacific has successfully achieved its fleet expansion target for 2024, reaching 91 aircraft with its final delivery on Christmas Eve, exactly matching the goal it set early this year despite industry challenges.

The arrival of an A321neo aircraft, registered as RP-C4149, marks the completion of the airline’s ambitious fleet growth from 76 aircraft at the end of 2023, representing a nearly 20% expansion during a year marked by global aviation supply chain constraints.

The airline has navigated significant hurdles throughout 2024, including the previously anticipated groundings of Pratt & Whitney-powered A320neo and A321neo aircraft for extensive inspections, and industry-wide delivery delays.

Despite these challenges, Cebu Pacific remained agile, managing to execute its fleet strategy effectively, taking delivery of 17 aircraft throughout the year.

The deliveries for 2024 included a mix of brand-new and leased aircraft. Three new A330neos joined the fleet, along with six new A321neos, four A320neos, three A320ceos, and one ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft.

The airline also retired two older aircraft in 2024, an Airbus A330ceo (RP-C3348) and an Airbus A320ceo (RP-C3276), as part of its fleet modernization efforts.

“The arrival of this new aircraft reinforces our readiness to meet the rising travel demand and our commitment to enhancing connectivity for our passengers in 2025 and beyond,” said Xander Lao, Cebu Pacific President and Chief Commercial Officer, referring to the delivery of RP-C4149.

The achievement is particularly noteworthy given that in early 2024, the airline had outlined plans to add just 15 aircraft—including two ATR 72-600s, two A330neos, and 11 A320 family aircraft. The carrier exceeded this initial delivery target by taking delivery of two additional aircraft than initially planned.

The successful fleet expansion in 2024 was further underscored by the airline’s landmark purchase agreement with Airbus and Pratt & Whitney in October, valued at approximately USD 24 billion for up to 152 A321neo aircraft. This deal is considered the largest aircraft acquisition in Philippine aviation history.

The carrier now operates a total fleet comprising 10 Airbus A330s, 40 Airbus A320s, 26 Airbus A321s, and 15 ATR turboprop aircraft, enabling comprehensive network coverage across the Philippines while maintaining one of the youngest fleets in the global aviation industry. The expanded fleet positions Cebu Pacific for continued growth in the coming year.

Aircraft deliveries

Summary of aircraft deliveries for Cebu Pacific, in chronological order:

1. RP-C3905 (Airbus A330-900, delivered February)
2. RP-C4330 (Airbus A320-200, delivered February)
3. RP-C4142 (Airbus A321neo, delivered March)
4. RP-C4267 (Airbus A320neo, delivered April)
5. RP-C4135 (Airbus A320neo, delivered April)
6. RP-C4143 (Airbus A321neo, delivered June)
7. RP-C7295 (ATR 72, delivered June)
8. RP-C3908 (Airbus A330-900, delivered July)
9. RP-C4263 (Airbus A320-200, delivered July)
10. RP-C4264 (Airbus A320neo, delivered August)
11. RP-C4350 (Airbus A320neo, delivered September)
12. RP-C4146 (Airbus A321neo, delivered September)
13. RP-C4147 (Airbus A321neo, delivered October)
14. RP-C4262 (Airbus A320-200, delivered October)
15. RP-C4145 (Airbus A321neo, delivered October)
16. RP-C3909 (Airbus A330-900, delivered December)
17. RP-C4149 (Airbus A321neo, delivered December)