Cebu Pacific to deploy bigger planes for 3 domestic routes

MANILA, Philippines — Low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific is assigning widebody jets, typically used for long-range flights, to Bohol, Iloilo and Puerto Princesa to capture the demand during the holiday season.

By Oct. 26, Cebu Pacific will be deploying its Airbus A330neos, which can seat 459 guests, seven times a week for Manila trips to Iloilo.

The aircraft will also be used for four times a week services between Manila and Puerto Princesa starting Nov. 2 and seven times weekly trips to Bohol beginning Nov. 16.

For Cebu Pacific, this move allows it to serve more travelers per flight during the holiday season when demand is at its highest for the year. This improves the cost efficiency of the airline, which benefits passengers through cheaper fares.

Cebu Pacific is the largest operator right now of A330s among domestic carriers. In July it welcomed a new A330 to its fleet, pushing up the total to 12.

Cebu Pacific president and chief commercial officer Alexander Lao said A330s are traditionally sent out to long-haul routes like Dubai, but they could be designated for high-demand destinations in the Philippines and in the region.

Prior to this, the airline owned by the Gokongweis deploys its A330s for domestic trips to Cebu, Davao and General Santos City, where seats are almost always sold out.

“We are excited to expand our A330neo operations to more domestic destinations, as this allows us to offer more seats, lower fares and comfortable travel experience for passengers,” Lao said.

On sustainability, Airbus’ new engine option (NEO) jets burn up to 25 percent less fuel per flight compared to previous generations. Likewise, the NEO line of aircraft produces less noise for the comfort of passengers.

Cebu Pacific manages one of the industry’s youngest fleets through its portfolio of 12 A330s, 40 A320s, 26 A321s and 22 turboprops made by ATR. The airline is also the first in the country to reach a 100-aircraft fleet.

With a fleet this big and diverse, the carrier connects to the widest domestic network among local operators, able to fly to 37 domestic destinations and 26 international cities.