Cebu Pacific Air (5J, Manila Ninoy Aquino International) has entered into a firm Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus to acquire 102 A321-200neo aircraft, alongside options for an additional fifty aircraft from the A320neo Family. The Filipino low-cost carrier anticipates finalizing this significant order, which marks a historic milestone for the Philippines, during the third quarter of 2024.
According to Chief Executive Michael Szucs, the order aims to provide Cebu Pacific with maximum fleet flexibility, enabling adjustments to align with market conditions by allowing for potential switches between the A321neo and A320neo models.
While details regarding delivery timelines were not disclosed, the airline has confirmed the selection of Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engines to power the aircraft.
Cebu Pacific’s current fleet, as per the ch-aviation fleets module, features eighteen A320-200Ns (with an additional eight on order) and fifteen A321-200NXs (with eight more on order), all equipped with PW1100G engines. Additionally, the carrier holds an outstanding order for ten A321-200NY(XLR)s, though a decision on whether to accept the model or convert it into standard-range variants is still pending. Alongside these, Cebu Pacific operates a fleet of nineteen A320-200s, seven A321-200s, and eight A330-900s (with one more pending delivery), while its regional subsidiary Cebgo operates fifteen ATR72-600s.
With a diverse ownership strategy for its mainline fleet, Cebu Pacific owns two A320-200s, two A320-200Ns, and ten A321-200NXs, while leasing the remainder of its aircraft. Notable recent transactions include the sale and leaseback arrangement for its fifteenth A321neo, registration RP-C4143 (msn 11834), finalized on June 28, 2024, in collaboration with Aviation Capital Group.
