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MANILA - The operator of Cebu Pacific on Tuesday said it would sell its fleet of small jets and replace them with bigger aircraft in preparation for the airline's long-haul flights.
In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Cebu Air Inc. said its 10 Airbus 319 aircraft would be sold to Allegiant Travel Co. Delivery would be done over a 15 month period starting March next year.
"The Airbus A319’s are our oldest and smallest jet aircraft. Whilst they have served us well for the last six years as we have grown our business and developed new markets, the time is right to trade up to bigger, brand new Airbus A320 aircraft. Between now until 2014, CEB will be taking delivery of 15 brand new Airbus A320 and 4 Airbus A330 aircraft," Lance Gokongwei, president and chief executive of Cebu Pacific said.
Gokongwei said the airline is exploring options to advance A320 orders scheduled for delivery between 2015 and 2016.
“CEB’s fleet expansion plan will accommodate the growing demand for air travel while also ensuring greater operational efficiency. With the delivery of bigger and newer aircraft over the next 10 years we will continue offering the lowest fares, fly to even more routes, and ultimately deliver a better flying experience for all our guests,” Gokongwei said.
The airline is slated to begin its long-haul service in the third quarter of 2013, with the delivery of up to eight Airbus A330 aircraft.
The A330 has a range of up to 11 hours, which means CEB could serve markets such as Australia, Middle East, parts of Europe and the US.
Cebu Pacific operates 10 A319s, 20 A320s and 8 ATR-72 500 aircraft. Its fleet of 38 aircraft – with an average age of 3.6 years – is the largest in the Philippines.
Between 2012 and 2021, Cebu Pacific will take delivery of 22 more A320s and 30 A321neo aircraft orders.
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