Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB) posted a record ₱30.4 billion in first-quarter revenue, up 20% year-on-year.
CEB carried 7 million passengers in the first quarter, up 26% year-on-year despite the shift in Easter holidays to April this year from March in 2024. This increase in passenger traffic resulted in a 19% rise in passenger revenue to over ₱21 billion, and a 22% increase in ancillary revenue to over ₱7 billion.
By the end of the first quarter, Cebu Pacific had a fleet of 99 aircraft, serving 63 destinations and 127 routes, with over 3,200 weekly flights.
CEB’s expanded network and capacity also enabled growth in its cargo segment, with cargo revenues rising 35% year-on-year to ₱1.7 billion, as the airline transported 51.6 million kilograms of cargo.
CEB accepted 15 aircraft deliveries and 13 spare engines over the past twelve months to support capacity growth and operational resilience amid global supply challenges. This resulted in additional fleet and financing costs in the first quarter of 2025.
While the increased fleet and broader operations led to higher costs, CEB maintained a healthy EBITDA of ₱6.7 billion, slightly higher than the previous year, translating to an EBITDA margin of 22%. Operating income was P1.96 billion, resulting in a net income of P466 million.
“We remain optimistic on our financial outlook. Underlying demand for affordable air travel remains strong, and we’ve made earlier strategic investments to ensure resilient operations. Leveraging on these existing assets, CEB remains well positioned for sustainable growth, and improving profitability,” said Mark Cezar, Chief Financial Officer at Cebu Pacific.