CEB reports strong December growth

CEB reports strong December growth | Daily Tribune

Gokongwei-led budget airline Cebu Pacific (CEB) reported a significant growth in passenger traffic during the holiday season, as reflected in the increased passenger numbers and seat load factors (SLF) in December.

In a stock exchange report on Thursday, CEB said it carried 2.6 million passengers in December 2024, 31.4 percent higher than the figures in the previous year. The airline’s SLF improved to 85.2 percent, up from 84.8 percent, while seat capacity grew by 30.7 percent.

“CEB is strategically positioned to capitalize on the Philippines’ economic growth and strong travel demand. The increased growth rate through Q4 2024 has already been absorbed by the market, with load factors stable to positive compared to the previous year,” CEB CEO Mike Szucs said.

“We will continue to focus on maintaining operational reliability and stability, particularly through our ongoing management of engine issues with Pratt & Whitney, while optimizing our capacity to meet rising consumer demand,” he added.

Domestic passenger traffic rose by 32 percent year-over-year, driven by a 34.5 percent increase in available seats, with an SLF of 85.4 percent due to strong demand during the Christmas holiday period, supported by new route launches from bases in Iloilo and Davao.

The Davao Hub saw traffic increase 2.4 times year-over-year, thanks to new destinations like Boracay, Puerto Princesa, and Tacloban. The Iloilo Hub added five new destinations — Dumaguete, Daraga, Tacloban, and Tagbilaran — resulting in a 3.3 times increase in hub traffic year-over-year.

International passenger traffic grew 29.5 percent compared to the previous year, with a 21.0 percent increase in available seats, leading to a 5.6 percentage point increase in SLF to 84.7 percent. Key routes to Japan, Vietnam, Thailand and Hong Kong saw strong growth, driven by additional frequencies and capacity.

For the full year 2024, CEB carried 24.5 million passengers, a 17.6 percent increase from 20.9 million in 2023.

Domestic passengers grew 15.5 percent to 18.5 million, while international passengers increased 24.6 percent to 6.0 million. The airline’s SLF averaged 84.4 percent, and overall seat capacity grew by 17.1 percent to 29.1 million seats.

Sapporo flight launched

As the only airline with direct flights between Manila and Sapporo, Cebu Pacific established itself as the largest airline connecting the Philippines and Japan as it launched its first flight from Manila to Sapporo on 16 January.

‘We will continue to focus on maintaining operational reliability and stability, particularly through our ongoing management of engine issues with Pratt & Whitney, while optimizing our capacity to meet rising consumer demand.’

With its excellent international connectivity, distinctively low rates, and unrivaled seat sales, Sapporo is CEB’s fifth destination in Japan, offering Filipinos more chances to travel there. In addition to Sapporo, CEB offers flights from Manila, Clark, or Cebu to Tokyo (Narita), Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka.

Starting 16 January, CEB will fly directly to Sapporo three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Starting at 11:15 a.m., the flight departs at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 and arrives in Sapporo at 5:25 p.m.

Passengers can save up to 63 percent on airfare and shorten travel time by up to five hours with CEB’s direct service.

“Known for its breathtaking natural parks, rich cultural legacy, and winter charm, Sapporo is a gem in Japan’s tourism scene. We are thrilled to bring Sapporo much closer to our Filipino travelers as part of our commitment to make air travel even more accessible and affordable for every Juan,” CEB president and COO Xander Lao stated.