Options For 10 Additional Planes

Phillipine low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific signed a contract this week for the purchase of 10 more A320 aircraft, with options on five aircraft and purchase rights on a further five aircraft. The airline placed an initial order for 12 A320 Family aircraft in September 2004, with the last one of those planes delivered earlier this month.

Since the delivery of the first A320 in May 2005, Cebu Pacific has totally replaced its fleet of DC-9 and Boeing 757 aircraft. Representatives with Airbus tell ANN the new A320s will be used to further expand Cebu Pacific's network that currently extends to 26 domestic and 10 international destinations.

"Our partnership with Airbus has been a key component in our domestic expansion and in intensifying our foray into the international arena. Our fleet of Airbus aircraft has helped in enabling us to offer the lowest fares in the market," said Cebu Pacific President and CEO Lance Y. Gokongwei. Because of the aircraft's high performance, aircraft utilization is maximized, thereby increasing operational efficiency."

Airbus states more than 5,000 A320 Family aircraft have been ordered by customers worldwide, over 1,200 of which are from customers in Asia-Pacific.

"The A320 Family has proven to be an outstandingly popular choice with both start-up and established low-cost carriers all around the world and I am delighted that Cebu Pacific's experience of low operating costs and high passenger appeal over the past two years has resulted in this further vote of confidence in the aircraft", said Airbus Chief Operating Officer - Customers, John Leahy.

FMI: www.cebupacificair.com