Cebu Pacific to sell 10 Airbus planes after 6-yr use

MANILA, Philippines – As part of its ongoing efforts to upgrade its fleet, Gokongwei-led budget carrier Cebu Pacific will sell 10 of its “oldest and smallest aircraft” that it has been using for the past 6 years.

In a statement to the stock exchange on Tuesday, July 31, Cebu Pacific said it will sell its entire fleet of 10 Airbus A319 planes to US-based Allegiant Travel Company over a 15-month period starting March 2013 as new Airbus A320 planes arrive to replace them.

“The Airbus A319s are our oldest and smallest jet aircraft. Whilst they have served us well for the last 6 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,” Cebu Pacific president and CEO Lance Gokongwei said.

“Between now until 2014, CEB will be taking delivery of 15 brand new Airbus A320 and 4 Airbus A330 aircraft. Cebu Pacific is likewise exploring options to advance the delivery of Airbus A320 orders scheduled for delivery between 2015 to 2016,” Gokongwei explained.

Airbus A319 planes can seat up to 156 while Airbus A320s have a seating capacity of about 180.

Cebu Pacific has been touting that it has the youngest fleet among local airlines. This translates to fuel and operational efficiency, which means lower operating costs.  

Aside from its 10 Airbus A319, Cebu Pacific also has 20 Airbus A320 and 8 ATR-72 500 aircraft. Between 2012 and 2021, Cebu Pacific will take delivery of 22 more Airbus A320 and 30 Airbus A321neo aircraft orders.

It is also expecting the delivery of up to 8 Airbus A330 aircraft for its planned long haul services in the third quarter of 2013. – Rappler.com