Cebu Pacific has selected Airbus to supply its new narrowbody aircraft, signing a memorandum of understanding for the purchase of up to 152 A321neos.
The deal – valued at $24 billion at list prices – is expected to be finalised in the third quarter of the year, says the Philippines low-cost operator.
When finalised, the order – the country’s single largest ever aircraft purchase – covers firm commitments for up to 102 A321neos, with purchase rights for another 50. The carrier has selected the Pratt & Whitney PW1100G to power the new narrowbodies.
Airline chief Mike Szucs says the order will allow the airline to switch between A320neos and A321neos, giving Cebu Pacific “maximum flexibility to adapt fleet growth to market conditions”.
He adds: “When finalised, the deal will be a significant milestone for the local airline industry and a testament to [Cebu Pacific’s] unwavering commitment to support the Philippine growth story.”
The airline has talked about a record order for some time. In October 2023, it confirmed it was in the market for up to 150 narrowbodies, and issued a request for proposals to Boeing and Airbus with an end-2023 deadline.
In March this year, Szucs said the airline – an all-Airbus operator that uses A320-family aircraft and A330s – was in final negotiations with the two airframers.
