Latest news with #XanderLao
Filipino Times
18 hours ago
- Business
- Filipino Times
Cebu Pacific passenger traffic up 25% on Dubai–Manila route in early 2025
Cebu Pacific reported a strong surge in travel demand on its Dubai–Manila route, carrying 40,000 more passengers in the first half of 2025. In an exclusive interview with Cebu Pacific, the airline said this represents a 25% increase compared to the same period last year. The growth was attributed to strong demand, driven by low fares and expanded seat availability. Data showed that 17% of passengers on the Dubai–Manila route and 5% on the Manila–Dubai route were classified as overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Most passengers were tourists, with the Dubai–Manila leg recording a higher tourist volume. To meet growing demand, the airline increased seat capacity on the Dubai route by 20% compared to last year. However, there are currently no plans to add more flights. The Gokongwei-led low-cost carrier also announced that it flew a total of 13.9 million passengers across its network in the first half of 2025, up from 11.5 million in the same period last year. Of this total, 10.35 million were Philippine domestic passengers while 3.54 million were international. 'For the first half of 2025, our load factors have increased despite seat growth of more than 20 percent. This reflects the continued strength of air travel demand within our network,' said Xander Lao, president and chief commercial officer of Cebu Pacific. However, Lao said the airline is reducing capacity in the second half of the year due to the off-peak travel season and to manage ongoing engine and supply chain challenges. He noted that capacity growth will remain steady in the third quarter and is expected to rise again in the fourth quarter. Cebu Pacific currently operates a fleet of 99 aircraft and serves 37 Philippine domestic and 26 international destinations across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. The airline is set to receive more aircraft in 2025 to support its growing network, after adding 17 new aircraft last year.
GMA Network
18-07-2025
- 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
GMA Network
15-07-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
Cebu Pacific passengers hit 2.2 million in June
Budget carrier Cebu Pacific posted a 7.9% annual increase in the number of passengers it flew in June, as the company reported strong domestic demand during the month. The carrier said it flew 2.233 million passengers last month, up from 2.069 million in June 2024. The majority of the passengers or 1.675 million were on domestic flights, translating to a 7.3% growth from the previous year. International passenger traffic climbed 9.7% to 558,000. 'Despite the earlier onset of the academic calendar—moving the start of classes from late July last year to mid-June this year—passenger traffic and seat load factors remained resilient,' Cebu Pacific president and chief commercial officer Xander Lao said in a regulatory filing. The seat load factor for the month stood at 87.5%. The domestic seat load factor was recorded at 92.1%, and 76.1% for international flights. Cebu Pacific flew 13.905 million passengers so far this year—10.356 million domestic and 3.549 million international. The seat load factor stood at 85.4%, slightly higher than 85.3% last year. 'For the first half of 2025, our load factors have increased despite seat growth of more than 20%. This reflects the continued strength of air travel demand within our network,' Lao said. 'Capacity for the second half of June was reduced due to the commencement of the leaner season. This also aligns with ongoing proactive management of engine and supply chain issues, and as such, we would expect capacity growth levels to stay at similar levels through the third quarter before rising again in the fourth quarter,' he added. Cebu Pacific last year announced plans to purchase over 150 aircraft from Airbus for $24 billion or P1.4 trillion, making it the biggest aircraft order in Philippine aviation history. The company earlier said it expected to close 2024 with 95 aircraft, which will boost its full-year 2024 seat capacity by 12% to 15% compared with 2023. —VBL, GMA Integrated News
