In the Philippines, Cebu Pacific introduces new fleet of turboprops

Published on June 14, 2024

Cebu Pacific, the Philippines‘ leading low-cost carrier, is revolutionizing domestic travel by expanding its fleet with the latest ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft. This move solidifies Cebu Pacific’s position as the operator of the largest turboprop fleet in the country, enhancing its ability to connect even the most remote destinations across the archipelago.

Key Points:

• Expanding Fleet: Cebu Pacific has recently welcomed its sixth aircraft delivery of the year, adding the ATR 72-600 to its lineup. By the end of the year, it will operate 16 turboprops, the largest turboprop fleet among Philippine carriers.
• Reaching Remote Destinations: The ATR 72-600 is specifically suited for landing on shorter or unpaved runways, making it ideal for accessing hard-to-reach areas like Busuanga, Calbayog, Camiguin, Masbate, Naga, Siargao, and Surigao.
• Enhancing Inter-Island Travel: This expansion is part of Cebu Pacific’s strategy to improve inter-island connectivity, allowing more passengers to travel efficiently between the country’s 7,641 islands.

Operational Efficiency and Passenger Experience

The ATR 72-600 turboprop is a state-of-the-art aircraft designed for regional flights. It is capable of handling high-altitude landings and steep approaches, with a range of up to 1,300 kilometers depending on the payload. This allows Cebu Pacific to offer reliable services to 25 domestic destinations, transporting about 2.5 million passengers annually.

Aircraft Specifications:

• Capacity: Can accommodate up to 78 passengers.
• Performance: Ideal for short-haul flights and airports with challenging runway conditions.
• Efficiency: Combines advanced technology with economic operation, providing a comfortable and efficient travel experience.

Strategic Investments and Future Plans

As part of its commitment to expanding and modernizing its fleet, Cebu Pacific is investing heavily in new aircraft. For 2024, the airline has allocated PHP 48.7 billion for capital expenditures, primarily focused on acquiring new aircraft to bolster its operations.

Fleet Composition:

• Current: The fleet includes eight Airbus A330s, 39 A320s, 21 A321s, and the expanding turboprop fleet.
• Routes: Cebu Pacific covers 35 domestic routes and 25 international cities, ensuring comprehensive coverage both within the Philippines and beyond.

Global Comparisons and Strategic Importance

Turboprops like the ATR 72-600 are vital for airlines worldwide that serve regional and remote areas. For instance:

• Air New Zealand utilizes similar turboprops to connect smaller islands and regional hubs across the country.
• Flybe in the UK leverages turboprops to provide frequent services to less accessible areas across the British Isles.

Cebu Pacific’s strategic expansion with turboprops not only supports local tourism and economic development but also aligns with global trends where airlines use similar aircraft to enhance connectivity in remote regions.

Commitment to the Philippine Market

Michael Szucs, CEO of Cebu Pacific, underscores the airline’s dedication to serving the Philippine market by expanding its turboprop fleet. This move allows the airline to capture the growing travel demand in far-flung areas, providing essential connectivity and supporting local economies.

• Quote: “This aircraft delivery brings our turboprop fleet to 15, and we should be receiving our 16th ATR turboprop in October. With this, Cebu Pacific will be operating the largest turboprop fleet in the Philippines, enabling us to serve more passengers across the country,” said Szucs.

Cebu Pacific‘s efforts to enhance domestic travel through strategic investments in turboprops underscore its commitment to providing accessible, reliable, and efficient services to passengers across the Philippines.