Cebu Pacific carried more than 2.1 million passengers in August, up 1.9 percent from a year earlier, as stronger domestic traffic offset a decline in international passengers amid tighter capacity.
The budget carrier of the Gokongwei Group, which is listed under Cebu Air Inc., overall seat load factor rose to 84.8 percent from 83.7 percent a year earlier, even as total seat capacity increased only 0.7 percent.
Domestic passengers climbed 3.8 percent to 1.62 million on 4.7 percent more seats, resulting in an 86.9 percent load factor. International passengers, meanwhile, fell 3.3 percent to 523,000 as international seat capacity was cut 9.1 percent.
The capacity reductions lifted the international load factor by 4.8 percentage points to 79 percent, suggesting stronger aircraft utilization despite fewer seats being offered.
For the first eight months, Cebu Pacific carried nearly 18.9 million passengers, 4.1 percent more than the 18.1 million recorded in the same period last year.
Domestic traffic rose 5.3 percent to 14.22 million passengers, while international traffic edged up 0.5 percent to 4.64 million.
Total seat capacity increased 8.2 percent to 23.02 million during the period, pushing the average load factor to 81.9 percent.
Cebu Pacific Chief Executive Officer Mike Szucs said August travel demand remained resilient, particularly in the domestic market, while selected international routes such as Korea and Bali also showed improvement.
“International load factors continued to strengthen, reflecting healthy passenger demand, although overall international traffic remains below prior levels due to the capacity reductions we implemented,” Szucs said.
He said the airline would remain disciplined in managing capacity ahead of the year-end travel season, balancing growth opportunities with an evolving fuel cost environment.
The figures point to a more selective growth strategy for the airline, with Cebu Pacific adding capacity where demand remains strong while trimming weaker international capacity.
That approach is lifting load factors, but also highlights the balancing act facing airlines as they navigate fuel costs, international demand and the seasonal surge in year-end travel.
