Airlines

Cebu Pacific becomes first Philippine airline to reach 100-aircraft fleet

Budget airline takes delivery of its 12th A330neo, as passenger numbers surge 21% in first half of 2025

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Cebu Pacific's 12th Airbus A330neo, RP-C3911, arrives in Manila from Toulouse, France, on July 18th, 2025. (Photo: Cebu Pacific)

Cebu Pacific has achieved a historic first for Philippine aviation, becoming the country’s first airline to operate a 100-aircraft fleet. The achievement came with the delivery of the carrier’s latest Airbus A330neo from the manufacturer’s facility in Toulouse, France.

The 459-seat aircraft is the 12th A330neo (RP-C3911) in Cebu Pacific’s fleet, solidifying the airline’s position as the largest A330neo operator in the Asia-Pacific region. This delivery marks the second of four A330neos expected to join the fleet this year, following the first aircraft that arrived on March 28.

Reaching 100 aircraft is more than a milestone — it reflects our unwavering commitment to make air travel accessible to more Filipinos.

Xander Lao, Cebu Pacific President & Chief Commercial Officer

“With a larger fleet, we’re able to operate more efficiently, enhance connectivity across the country and the region, and pass on the benefits of scale through even lower fares.”

The fleet expansion comes during a period of robust passenger growth for the low-cost carrier. In June 2025, Cebu Pacific carried 2.2 million passengers, representing a 7.9% increase compared to the same month in 2024.

The first half of 2025 showed even stronger performance, with the airline transporting 13.9 million passengers from January to June. This represents a 21% increase from the 11.5 million passengers carried during the same period in 2024.

Cebu Pacific expects a total of seven aircraft deliveries throughout 2025, as the airline continues its fleet modernization and expansion strategy.

The A330neo provides Cebu Pacific with enhanced operational flexibility for both regional and long-haul routes, as well as high-demand domestic sectors. The aircraft’s increased range and capacity enable more efficient operations while maintaining cost effectiveness.

Airbus NEO (New Engine Option) aircraft represent the latest generation of fuel-efficient technology. These aircraft burn up to 25% less fuel per flight compared to previous generation models, while also producing significantly less noise. The reduced fuel consumption directly translates to lower carbon emissions.

Cebu Pacific now operates one of the world’s youngest fleets, with a diversified mix spanning four aircraft types. The current fleet consists of 12 Airbus A330s, 40 Airbus A320s, 26 Airbus A321s, and 22 ATR turboprop aircraft.

This fleet diversity enables the airline to maintain the widest network coverage in the Philippines, serving both domestic and international destinations with appropriate aircraft for each route’s requirements.

The achievement represents remarkable growth from the airline’s humble beginnings, evolving from operating DC-9s in the 1990s, to Boeing 757s in the early 2000s, and welcoming the Airbus fleet by 2005.

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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