Cebu Pacific (CEB) has started operating on January 14 the A320ceo aircraft it acquired under its damp lease agreement with Bulgaria Air, further boosting the airline’s capacity to meet the increasing demand for air travel.
The two 180-seater aircraft are set to fly twice daily between Manila and Cebu and four times daily between Manila and Davao from January to March 2023. The first aircraft arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila from Sofia, Bulgaria on January 3, followed by the second aircraft on January 7.
“We welcome these two aircraft from Bulgaria Air into our fleet, which is just one of the various measures we are undertaking to strengthen our operational resiliency. These additions will ensure that Cebu Pacific will continue to provide a convenient, reliable, and affordable air travel to every Juan,” said Xander Lao, CEB President and Chief Commercial Officer.
Bulgaria Air, the national carrier of the Republic of Bulgaria, has many years of experience in damp lease of aircraft having partnered with airlines all over the world. Also known as ACMI, damp leasing is an agreement between two airlines, where the lessor provides an aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance (ACMI) to the lessee.
Aside from these two aircraft, CEB will also operate a record number of 76 aircraft in its commercial fleet at the start of the year, allowing for the widest domestic coverage and more affordable airfares.
The airline has been increasing its fleet through this year, accepting delivery of 19 aircraft in 2023 and further raising its fleet size to 92 by the end of 2024.
CEB currently flies to 35 domestic and 25 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.