Cebu Pacific takes delivery of its first Airbus A330neo

Cebu Pacific Airbus A330neo aircraft — Photo: © Airbus

On Monday, Cebu Pacific has taken delivery of its first Airbus A330-900neo jet.

Until 2026, the Philippine low-cost carrier plans to receive an additional 53 neo-aircraft from Airbus, including both A330neo, A320neo and A321XLR. The airline’s new Airbus A330neo aircraft is equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines and burns 25% less fuel than the preceding generation, according to the company.

We believe that growth and sustainability are not mutually exclusive and should in fact be inclusive if we want to work towards the greater good. This is why we will always choose the greener options – increased aircraft efficiency, reduced noise and carbon emissions, to ensure that more low fares will be available for everyoneAlex Reyes, Chief Strategy Officer

However, to achieve that, the airline does not only rely on improved efficiency of the aircraft type, but has chosen an unconventional one-class configuration with a total of 459 seats. This makes Cebu’s A330-900neo one of the densest configurated wide-body airplanes in the skies, lowering per passenger emissions and fuel use at the cost of passenger experience and comfort. The airline already operates previous-generation A330-300 aircraft with a total of 436 seats.

Cebu Pacific will variably use the A330neo on long-haul destinations in Australia and the Middle East, but also for shorter flights to destinations within Asia or the Philippines. With an average age of five years, it operates a modern 73-aircraft-strong fleet. Currently, the airline serves 55 domestic and international destinations.