Latest news with #Airbus'
GMA Network
5 days ago
- Business
- GMA Network
Cebu Pacific becomes PH's first carrier with 100-strong fleet
Gokongwei-led budget carrier Cebu Pacific on Friday announced its latest historic milestone as it becomes the first local carrier to operate a 100-strong fleet after receiving the delivery of its latest aircraft — a brand new A330neo. 'Reaching 100 aircraft is more than a milestone — it reflects our unwavering commitment to make air travel accessible to more Filipinos,' said Xander Lao, Cebu Pacific president and chief commercial officer. 'With a larger fleet, we're able to operate more efficiently, enhance connectivity across the country and the region, and pass on the benefits of scale through even lower fares,' said Lao. The airline's 100-aircraft milestone came amidst increasing demand for air travel. In June alone, Cebu Pacific said it flew a total of 2.2 million passengers, up 7.9% from the same month last year. From January to June 2025, the airline said it has flown 13.9 million passengers, up 21% from 11.5 million in the first half of 2024. Cebu Pacific said the latest A330neo aircraft is also the 12th aircraft of its kind to join its fleet, reinforcing the airline's position as the largest A330neo operator in the Asia-Pacific. The 459-seater aircraft, which arrived in Manila from Airbus' facility in Toulouse, France, is the second of four A330neos expected to join Cebu Pacific's fleet this year — the first of which arrived on March 28. The airline is expecting a total of seven aircraft to be delivered in 2025. Cebu Pacific's fleet is diversified with a mix of 12 Airbus A330s, 40 Airbus A320s, 26 Airbus A321s, and 22 ATR turboprop aircraft. —LDF, GMA Integrated News
The Star
09-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
AirAsia nears deal for Airbus narrowbody jet
The advanced discussions for extra-long-range narrowbody aircraft could still end up with no deal. KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia Bhd is nearing an agreement to buy dozens more Airbus SE single-aisle aircraft in a deal that could be announced during Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's state visit to France this week, according to people familiar with the matter. The South-East Asian low-cost carrier is working on an expanded aircraft purchase with the European planemaker, which supplies all its aircraft, said the people who declined to be identified discussing private matters. The advanced discussions for extra-long-range narrowbody aircraft could still end up with no deal, they said. AirAsia has 240 mostly single-aisle aircraft in its fleet, and a backlog of more than 350 orders for the top-selling A320 family of jets. The budget carrier has also been discussing an order for up to 100 of Airbus' smaller A220 jets. — Bloomberg
The Star
04-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Fulfil aircraft delivery, Airbus urged
Strengthening ties: Anwar, accompanied by Lombard, inspecting a guard of honour during an official ceremonial welcome at the Hotel National des Invalides in Paris. — Photo courtesy of Anwar's Facebook page PARIS: Malaysia has called for Airbus' commitment to deliver the A330neo aircraft promised to Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) to ensure efficient operations, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. 'I stressed the importance of this commitment,' said the Prime Minister, who met French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou here yesterday. It was reported that MAG ordered 20 A330neos and took out options for another 20 in 2022. Anwar said AirAsia also has confidence in French technology, as reflected in its commitment to acquiring several Airbus aircraft, a move that further strengthens aviation industry ties between the two nations. 'We discussed various strategic areas of cooperation, including high-value investments in aerospace, semiconductors and automotive, clean energy ventures, defence, education as well as technical and vocational training,' the Prime Minister said after the meeting. He added that Malaysia appreciates France's support in the country's energy transition efforts and economic transformation agenda, particularly through the active participation of firms such as ENGIE, Total and Thales. Anwar alexpressed confidence that Malaysia-France relations, with France being Malaysia's fourth-largest trading partner in the European Union, would continue to grow. 'I have extended an invitation to Prime Minister Bayrou to make an official visit to Malaysia to further deepen our strong ties,' he said. 'Prime Minister Bayrou and I later witnessed the exchange of three important documents that will strengthen Malaysia-France strategic cooperation in the fields of defence, economy and technology. 'The memorandum of understanding between Malaco and Carester marks a significant milestone in the development of Malaysia's rare earth industry in line with the country's ESG commitments and new energy initiatives,' said Anwar. The letter of offer to Thales LAS, he added, will enhance Malaysia's airspace surveillance capabilities through two new long-range radars. 'As for the collaboration between Matrade and Business France, it will boost bilateral trade promotion across strategic sectors such as aerospace, renewable energy and the digital economy.' Earlier, Anwar was accorded an official ceremonial welcome at the Hotel National des Invalides. He was received by Minister of the Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty Eric Lombard. The national anthems of both countries were played before Anwar inspected the guard of honour. 'Honoured to receive an official ceremonial welcome from the Government of France, a meaningful and dignified gesture that reflects the longstanding friendship and mutual respect between Malaysia and France,' he said. As the world navigates an increasingly complex global landscape, Malaysia remains committed to working with partners such as France to champion multilateralism, reinforce peace and stability, and build a more just and sustainable future for all, Anwar added.
The Star
04-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Anwar discusses strategic cooperation with French PM Bayrou, call for Airbus commitment in delivering A330 Neo to MAG
PARIS: Malaysia has called for Airbus' commitment in delivering the A330 Neo aircraft promised to Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) to ensure efficient operations, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. 'I stressed the importance of this commitment,' said the prime minister, who met French Prime Minister François Bayrou here on Friday (July 4). AirAsia, he added, was also confident in French technology through its commitment to acquire a number of Airbus aircraft, thus boosting aviation industrial relations between the two nations. 'We spoke about various strategic cooperation efforts like high value investment in aerospace, semiconductor and automotive, clean energy ventures, defence, education, technical and vocational training,' he said after the meeting. Malaysia, he said, valued France's support in the energy transition mission and national economic transformation through active participation from firms like ENGIE, Total dan Thales. Anwar expressed confidence that relations with France, being Malaysia's fourth biggest trading partner in the European Union, would continue to grow. 'I have extended an invite to PM Bayrou to visit Malaysia officially to further deepen our strong bond,' he said.
Business Times
04-07-2025
- Business
- Business Times
AirAsia in talks with Airbus to convert some narrow-body orders to long-range model: sources
[KUALA LUMPUR] Budget airline AirAsia is in negotiations with Airbus to convert some existing narrow-body plane orders to the long-range A321XLR model as it sets a path out of restructuring, two industry sources said on Thursday (Jul 3). Tony Fernandes, CEO of AirAsia owner Capital A Group, told Reuters last month he was in talks to buy 50 to 70 of the latest Airbus model within one to three months, but signalled the first priority was to complete the group's financial reorganisation. A deal could come as early as this week when Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim visits Paris, the sources said. A separate source said that a deal was not guaranteed. Malaysia-based AirAsia is one of Asia's largest low-cost carriers and one of Airbus' largest customers, with more than 350 planes on order. It has been steadily restructuring its order book as it faced financial difficulties after a slump during Covid-19. Such a deal would not necessarily increase the overall size of AirAsia's outstanding orders with Airbus but would support the industry's longest-range narrow-body jet model, they said. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 8.30 am Asean Business Business insights centering on South-east Asia's fast-growing economies. Sign Up Sign Up Talks for a potentially large order of smaller A220 planes have taken a backseat for now, they added. Fernandes wants to expand AirAsia's global reach and has said Airbus' long-range models are an important part of that vision. Fernandes said this week that he was seeking a hub in the Gulf region. AirAsia is in talks with four locations, including in Saudi Arabia and Ras Al Khaimah, part of the United Arab Emirates, he told Dubai Eye radio. Bloomberg News on Thursday reported that AirAsia could place orders for narrow-body jets during the prime minister's visit, but that a deal was not guaranteed. Airbus and AirAsia did not immediately respond to requests for comment. REUTERS
