DALLAS — Low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific (5J) has placed a firm order for 70 Airbus A321neo aircraft, partially finalizing its Airbus order.

In July, the Philippine airline and the European aircraft manufacturer signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for firm orders of up to 102 A321neo aircraft and 50 purchase rights for the A320neo family. 

“The order is intended to provide Cebu Pacific with maximum flexibility in adapting its fleet growth to market conditions,” said airline CEO Michael Szucs in a press release. This is possible because the airline has the option of switching between the A321 Neo and A320 Neo when placing the order worth US$24 billion.

Fleet Expansion, Network Focus

Cebu Pacific's current fleet comprises 86 ATR 72s, Airbus A320s and A320neos, A321s and A321neos, plus A330neos. The carrier expects the final purchase agreement to be signed by the end of the third quarter.

Cebu Pacific configures its A321neo with 236 seats. There is only one class - Economy. However, the LCC sells seats at the emergency exit or far forward in the aircraft as premium.

Founded in 1988, 5J is Asia's first LCC. The airline cancelled its long-haul expansion plans in July 2024, concentrating instead on expanding regionally within a five-hour radius, starting flights to destinations in Southeast Asia such as Da Nang, Vietnam, and Chiang Mai, Thailand.