Cebu Pacific eyes Boeing, Airbus narrow body planes

Cebu Air Inc., operator of budget carrier Cebu Pacific, said Friday it has sent out request for proposals to aircraft manufacturers Boeing Co and Airbus S.A.S. for a possible major aircraft order in anticipation of growth in travel and tourism.

“Issuing the RFP is the first step in a meticulously planned process, which will involve a thorough technical and economic evaluation of Boeing’s and Airbus’ narrow body aircraft,” said Cebu Air, a listed unit of the Gokongwei Group.

“We would like to emphasize that a firm commitment to purchase aircraft from either manufacturer will only be made at the successful conclusion of such process,” the company added.

A newspaper reported that Cebu Pacific is looking at purchasing up to 150 aircraft worth as much as USD12 billion based on list price.

Cebu Pacific currently has a fleet of 73 Airbus jets and ATR aircraft. Latest aircraft leases and orders would increase that fleet to 91 by the end of next year.

The Philippines’ largest budget carrier flew 10.3 million passengers in the first half of 2023, up 63 percent year-on-year, pushing the number of flights 48 percent higher and raising load factor to 84.8 percent from 74.6 percent.