Cebu Pacific to sell A319s

Cebu Pacific (CEB) will sell its entire fleet of Airbus A319 aircraft to US-based low-cost carrier, Allegiant Air.

The 10 single-aisle aircraft are expected to be delivered to Allegiant over a 15 month period commencing in March 2013.

“The Airbus A319’s are our oldest and smallest jet aircraft,” explained Lance Gokongwei, CEB’s President & CEO. “Whilst they have served us well for the last six years as we have grown our business and developed new markets, the time is right to trade up to bigger, brand new Airbus A320 aircraft.”

Between now until 2014, CEB will be taking delivery of 15 new A320s, and Gokongwei said he is “exploring options to advance the delivery of Airbus A320 orders scheduled for delivery between 2015 to 2016″.

“CEB’s fleet expansion plan will accommodate the growing demand for air travel, while also ensuring greater operational efficiency. With the delivery of bigger and newer aircraft over the next 10 years, we will continue offering the lowest fares, fly to even more routes, and ultimately deliver a better flying experience for all our guests,” Gokongwei added.

CEB is also planning to commence long-haul services in the third quarter of 2013, following the delivery of up to eight wide-body A330 aircraft, with routes to Australia, Middle East, Europe and the US under consideration.

CEB currently operates a fleet of 10 A319s, 20 A320 and eight ATR-72 500 aircraft. Between 2012 and 2021 however, the airline will take delivery of a further 22 A320s and 30 A321neo aircraft.