Airlines

Cebu Pacific reports record Q1 revenue, continues strategic growth plans

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Cebu Pacific Airbus A330neo approaching Manila. (Photo: Nek Aberia)

Cebu Pacific reported a record ₱30.4 billion in revenue for the first quarter of 2025—up 20% year-on-year—driven by strong passenger growth and expanded operations.

The airline flew 7 million passengers in Q1, a 26% rise from the previous year, despite the Easter holidays shifting to April. This led to a 19% increase in passenger revenue to over ₱21 billion and a 22% boost in ancillary revenue to ₱7 billion.

Cargo operations also gained ground, with revenue jumping 35% to ₱1.7 billion after transporting 51.6 million kilograms of cargo.

“Our work over the past couple of years have placed Cebu Pacific in a position to take advantage of the Philippine growth story, and we are confident that our airline will continue to reach new highs – on the back of the outstanding work of the organization, other stakeholders, and of course, your unwavering support,” Gokongwei said at Cebu Pacific’s annual stockholders’ meeting.

Cebu Pacific ended the quarter with a fleet of 99 aircraft serving 63 destinations across 127 routes. Over the past year, the airline accepted 15 aircraft deliveries and 13 spare engines, boosting operational resilience amid global supply chain constraints.

Despite higher costs from its expanded fleet, Cebu Pacific posted a healthy ₱6.7 billion in EBITDA and a net income of ₱466 million.

“We remain optimistic on our financial outlook. Underlying demand for affordable air travel remains strong, and we’ve made earlier strategic investments to ensure resilient operations. Leveraging on these existing assets, CEB remains well positioned for sustainable growth, and improving profitability,” said Cebu Pacific Chief Financial Officer Mark Cezar.

Those investments include the historic 2024 deal to purchase up to 152 Airbus aircraft—the largest in Philippine aviation history—with deliveries beginning in 2029. This move supports Cebu Pacific’s long-term growth plan dubbed Future Skies for Every Juan, which also includes the acquisition of boutique airline AirSWIFT to strengthen regional tourism links, particularly in destinations like El Nido, Cebu, and Boracay.

According to Cebu Pacific’s 2024 Integrated Report, it carried 24.5 million passengers in 2024 and operated 3,800+ weekly flights, growing its domestic market share to 58.4% by year-end. It also led the international segment with a 22.5% market share in Q4 2024.

Cebu Pacific’s CEO, Michael Szucs, credited hub development in Clark, Davao, and Cebu—alongside a young and fuel-efficient fleet averaging 5.5 years old—as key drivers behind the airline’s market leadership. Sustainability remains a core focus, with Cebu Pacific earning an AA ESG rating from MSCI and saving over 11,000 tonnes of jet fuel in 2024 through efficiency efforts.

With robust demand and strategic expansion in place, Cebu Pacific is setting the stage to become not just the country’s leading airline—but a top low-cost carrier in Asia-Pacific.

Written by
Dirk Andrei Salcedo

Dirk is the founder and editor-in-chief of Aviation Updates Philippines (AUP), a platform dedicated to providing the latest news and insights on the aviation industry in the Philippines. With a strong passion for aviation and a background in computer engineering, he manages all aspects of AUP, from website development to content curation.

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