Philippine low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific intends to order 100 to 150 narrowbody passenger jets estimated to be worth up to $12 Billion. This will potentially be the biggest single aircraft order in the history of Philippine commercial aviation.
The budget carrier’s CEO Michael Szucs told local media outlet Philippine Daily Inquirer that the airline will soon send out official proposals to Boeing and Airbus.
According to Szucs, the order will likely not be split between the rival aircraft manufacturers, describing the intended purchase to be a “winner-take-all deal”, awarded to the company that offers the “best deal.”
“We have no preference who wins. We want the best economic outcome because that means we can get the best economic outcome for our passengers,” Szucs said.
Cebu Pacific said Boeing and Airbus have until the end of 2023 to submit proposals.
The airline aims to more than double its fleet by 2035 amid a post-pandemic long-term travel boom in the Southeast Asian region.
“The Philippines has a moment here with this young middle class, increasing the wealth of the nation but also wanting to travel. We are strategically placed within the ASEAN region to be a hub, allowing more connectivity between all the people in this region,” Szucs said during the Philippine Aviation Summit held in September 2023.
“The growth story is impressive and consistent, and the tourism potential here is massive. This is the moment; this is the opportunity to get back. Now is our time to get back to that pedestal, to that very top,” Szucs added.
Cebu Pacific currently flies to 35 domestic and 24 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.