Carrier in the Philippines, Cebu Pacific (CEB) has announced it has ordered 31 next-generation aircraft from Airbus. The investment accelerates the carrier’s plan to introduce more fuel-efficient and eco-friendly aircraft to replace its current fleet.

The order is comprised of 16 A330neo and 15 A320neo family aircraft. The aircraft are scheduled for delivery between 2021 and 2026. Based on list price, the deal is worth an estimated SGD 9.3 billion. The agreement was made during the 2019 Paris Air Show in Le Bourget, France—the global aerospace industry’s biggest trade event. The latest order is in addition to the 32 A321neo aircraft ordered in 2011, for delivery until 2022.

“The lower fuel burn matched with higher seat density will allow CEB to address growing demand for leisure and business travel.”

The 16 A330neo will be fitted with 460 seats, having 5.5% more capacity than CEB’s current fleet of A330ceo aircraft. The additional seats were made possible through a more efficient layout of cabin interiors and new-generation seats.

Lance Gokongwei, president and CEO of Cebu Pacific said, “The A330neo will give us the lowest cost per seat and allow us to continue offering the lowest fares. Moreover, the lower fuel burn matched with higher seat density will allow CEB to address growing demand for leisure and business travel, by upgrading aircraft and maximising available airport slots in Manila and other megacities we serve,”.

The airline has also ordered 15 A320neo family aircraft. The increased capacity of the A320neo will result in a 7% reduction in cost per seat; and a reduction of fuel burn and emissions of as much as 15%.

Scheduled to start delivering in 2024, the A321 XLR is designed to have a range of up to 4,000 nautical miles and can potentially fly 220 passengers for up to 11 hours. This new and unique capability gives CEB the opportunity to develop new markets from key cities other than Manila.