Cebu Pacific Air (5J, Manila Ninoy Aquino International) has signed an Operating Lease Agreement with Avolon involving five A320neo. According to an airline statement, deliveries of the Pratt & Whitney PW1100G-JM-powered aircraft will commence in the first half of 2019 and will be completed within the same year.
The five A320neo add to the Filipino carrier's existing ATR - Avions de Transport Régional and Airbus order book which consists of two outstanding A321ceo, thirty-two A321neo, and six ATR72-600s, all of which are scheduled for delivery between 2018 and 2022. The additional aircraft will be used to support the carrier’s expansion plans.
“We see expansion opportunities in new markets, as well as pent-up demand in areas where we currently operate," Alexander Lao, Vice President for Commercial Planning of Cebu Pacific, said. "The introduction of the first new generation, fuel-efficient A320neo aircraft to the Philippine market will help us to further strengthen our position in the Philippines and allow us to further pursue expansion of our international route network. From this year until 2022, we are adding an average of nine new aircraft per year to our fleet."
Cebu Pacific operates thirty-six A320-200s, five A321-200s, and eight A330-300s. Its Cebgo (DG, Manila Ninoy Aquino International) unit operates eight ATR72-500s and ten ATR72-600s.
