CEB orders A330-300s worth $507M
With the success of Airbus' wide-body craft on Cebu Pacific's long-haul, low-fare routes, the flag carrier has placed a firm order with Airbus for two A330-300s worth around $507. 4 million to expand its network and service to the US market.
The aircraft will join CEB's existing fleet of six A330s for serving long range flights to destinations in the Middle East and Australia, as well as on selected domestic and regional routes.
“The A330 has proven to be the right choice for our long haul low fare product,” confirmed Lance Gokongwei, Cebu Pacific President and Chief Executive Officer.
“The newly ordered aircraft will enable us to add more long haul routes, including the launch of our first flights to the US. We are excited to be expanding our widebody fleet, offering more low fare options for our customers to fly farther than before.”
To date, CEB operates 49 Airbus aircraft, including six A330s and a fleet of 43 A320 Family single aisle aircraft flying on domestic and regional routes. In addition to its newest Airbus contract, the airline has 32 latest generation A321neo aircraft on order for future delivery.
The A330 is one of the most popular widebody aircraft, having won over 1,600 orders.
At present, over 1,300 aircraft are flying with some 120 airlines worldwide on a wide range of routes, from domestic and regional flights to long range intercontinental services of up to 13 hours. Offering the lowest operating costs in its category, the A330 is the most profitable and best performing aircraft in its class, so far.
"This order from CEB is another endorsement of the efficiency of the A330 for profitable long haul low-cost services,” added John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers.
“Combining low operating costs, proven reliability and a great passenger experience, the A330 is the preferred choice of airlines in this competitive market segment. We are looking forward to working with CEB as it grows its long haul services and flies to more destinations across the world.”
Cebu Pacific (CEB) will fly direct to Incheon (Seoul), South Korea from Kalibo, Aklan starting October 1, 2016.
CEB will use its 180-seater Airbus A320 aircraft for the service. The flight will depart Kalibo every day at 1:50a.m., and arrive in Incheon at 7:10a.m. The return flight will depart Incheon at 7:55a.m., and arrive in Kalibo at 11:15am on the same day.
To introduce the new route, CEB is offering a seat sale of R1,999 for Kalibo – Incheon flights, for travel between October 1, 2016 and March 15, 2017.
Travellers who wish to take advantage of the promo fare may book their flights from July 29 to 31, 2016, or until seats last. The fare covers country-specific taxes and fees, while bags, meals, and other ancillaries may be added as preferred.
"The new route opens opportunities for passengers to explore places such as Wolmi-Do Island, Landing Memorial Hall and Jeondeungsa Temple in Incheon, among others as we beef up economic, trade and tourism in this destination,” says Atty. JR Mantaring, CEB Vice President for Corporate Affairs.
CEB also operates daily flights to Incheon from Manila and Cebu and four times weekly to Busan from Manila. The airline recently announced that it flew over 10 million passengers from January to June this year, with South Korea as one of its largest short haul international markets.
The airline offers flights to 36 domestic and 30 international destinations, covering an extensive network that spans Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.Its 57-strong fleet is comprised of seven Airbus A319, 36 Airbus A320, six Airbus A330, and eight ATR 72-500 aircraft. Between 2016 and 2021, CEB expects delivery of 32 Airbus A321neo, 2 Airbus A330, and 16 ATR 72-600 aircraft.
Cebu Air, Inc. is the largest carrier in the Philippine air transportation industry, offering its low-cost services to more destinations and routes with higher flight frequency within the country than any other airline. (EVA)