Cebu Pacific sells planes to US carrier

MANILA, Philippines - Cebu Pacific has entered into an agreement with American low-cost airline Allegiant Air for the sale of the local carrier’s four Airbus A319 aircraft.

Cebu Pacific said it has signed a forward sale agreement for its four Airbus A319 aircraft with Allegiant Air.

Delivery of the four aircraft to Allegiant Air will take place beginning next year until 2018.

Cebu Pacific is selling its aircraft to upgrade its fleet.

“As we aim to expand our operations both in the Philippines and abroad, we remain invested in upgrading our fleet with fuel efficient, versatile aircraft. Between 2016 and 2021, we are anticipating the delivery of 30 Airbus A321neos, for long-range capability, and 16 ATR 72-600 turboprop planes, for better inter-island connectivity,” Cebu Pacific president and chief executive officer Lance Gokongwei said.

At present, Cebu Pacific operates one of the youngest fleets in the world, with an average age of 4.82 years.

Making up the budget carrier’s 57-strong fleet are seven Airbus A319s, 36 Airbus A320s, six Airbus A330s, and eight ATR 72-500 aircraft.

Jude Bricker, chief operating officer of Allegiant Air’s parent firm Allegiant Travel Co., said the agreement with Cebu Pacific is in line with its long-term goal to move to a single fleet type of aircraft.

“By the end of 2016, Allegiant will be a majority Airbus carrier, as measured by available seat miles. This agreement to purchase additional aircraft from Cebu Pacific is an important step in our long-term transition to a single fleet type,” he said.

Allegiant Air earlier agreed to purchase six Airbus A319 aircraft from Cebu Pacific, with three remaining deliveries scheduled later this year.

Cebu Pacific currently provides flight services to more than 90 routes on 64 destinations in Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and US.

The budget carrier, which flew a total of 18.4 million passengers in 2015, is looking to serve close to 20 million passengers this year.