Xander Lao, CEB President and Chief Commercial Officer, said that the arrival of Airbus A321neo marked a significant milestone for the airline, which growth has been characterized by expanded operational capacity and an extensive network.
The 236-seater aircraft landed in Manila on December 24, 2024, bringing CEB’s total commercial fleet to 91.
“The arrival of this new aircraft solidifies our commitment to meeting the surging travel demand and enhancing connectivity for our passengers in the years to come,” said Lao.
Airbus NEOs represent the latest generation of aircraft, boasting 15% lower fuel consumption per flight and significantly reduced noise emissions compared to their predecessors. This reduction in fuel consumption translates to a substantial decrease in aircraft carbon emissions, aligning with CEB’s environmental sustainability goals.
On October 2, CEB made aviation history by signing a momentous purchase agreement with Airbus and Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, for up to 152 A321neo aircraft, each powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engines. This acquisition, valued at approximately USD $24 billion (PHP 1.4 trillion) based on list prices, is the largest single aircraft order in Philippine aviation history.
CEB operates one of the youngest fleets globally, comprising a diverse mix of 10 Airbus 330s, 40 Airbus 320s, 26 Airbus 321s, and 15 ATR turboprop aircraft, enabling the airline to offer the most extensive network coverage within the Philippines.