CEB drives toward 12% upswing

Budget airline Cebu Pacific (CEB) expects to close the year with a solid rebound in capacity and passenger traffic, as the airline pushes ahead with network expansion and continued fleet modernization.

At a media briefing on Tuesday, CEB President and Chief Commercial Officer Xander Lao said the carrier is eyeing for full-year seat capacity to reach around 32 million seats, translating to “roughly a growth of anywhere between 10 to 12 percent” from last year.

From January to October, CEB offered 26.1 million seats, up 13 percent from the same period in 2024. The airline also operated 139,000 flights, a 9 percent increase, and flew 22 million passengers, marking 12 percent growth.

Lao said the consistent uptick across all metrics reflects both the sustained recovery in travel demand and the airline’s earlier strategic moves.

He pointed to CEB’s expanding fleet as a central driver of its growth trajectory, noting that the airline recently became the first local carrier to operate a 100-strong fleet, which he described as essential in meeting future capacity requirements.

The carrier expects seven new aircraft deliveries in 2026 and the retirement of seven older units, a cycle that preserves scale while improving overall efficiency.

Lao added that “more than 70 percent of our jet aircraft—72 percent—will be NEO-powered by the end of next year,” with the newer models delivering “close to 20 percent fuel savings” compared to previous-generation aircraft to help manage costs and reduce environmental footprint.

Network expansion is also playing a major role in the airline’s projected growth. CEB launched 11 new routesthis year, most of them outside Metro Manila in line with efforts to strengthen regional connectivity.

Seat capacity in its key hubs—Cebu, Davao, Clark, and Iloilo—rose 15 percent to 25 percent, with Cebu gaining new links to Saigon and El Nido.

Lao said these routes have “gained traction quickly” and are expected to continue supporting regional tourism and trade.

CEB currently flies to 37 domestic and 27 international destinations across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.