Cebu Pacific has placed a firm order for 70 A321neo aircraft on October 2, 2024. The order finalises a memorandum of understanding (MoU) made in July 2024.
The purchase agreement was signed in Manila by Cebu Pacific CEO Mike Szucs and Airbus EVP sales of commercial aircraft Benoît de Saint-Exupéry.
The MoU was signed at the Farnborough International Airshow, signing for a purchase of up to A321neo aircraft for an estimated value of $24bn based on list prices. The MoU covered firm orders for up to 102 A321neo aircraft, plus 50 A320neo family purchase rights. The airline had selected the GTF engine to power its future aircraft.
Deliveries for the new order will begin in 2029 through mid-2030s, a spokesperson for Cebu confirmed.
The additional 32 A321neo firm orders from the MoU will be sourced from lessors, an Airbus spokesperson confirmed. "We'll see about the 50 purchase rights," the person added.
The Cebu spokesperson added that the airline “did not have to make an immediate decision” on the additional slots.
"The selection of Airbus A321neo underscores our focus on operational efficiency, sustainability, and innovation, ensuring that we continue to deliver the highest standards of service while significantly reducing our carbon footprint," said Szucs.
Saint-Exupéry added: "The A320 Family has supported Cebu Pacific’s domestic and short-haul international network growth over the last two decades."
The airline operates 61 A320 family aircraft on its regional network. It also flies nine A330 widebodies.
Cebu's backlog with Airbus now stands at 94 A320neo family aircraft and seven A330neo jets.