Cebu Pacific Air
"It's Time Every Juan Flies"
The Philippines boasts three distinct titles in the aviation world: Its flag carrier, Philippine Airlines, is (1) Asia's first and (2) oldest airline that's still in operation today. And its primary competitor, Cebu Pacific, is (3) Asia's first low-cost carrier and is currently the country's largest airline company. Today, we're writing an article about the latter as it'll soon celebrate its 29th year of service to the Filipino people.
Founded on August 26, 1988, Cebu Pacific commenced operation on March 8, 1996. Initially operating with used Douglas DC-9 aircrafts, the airline slowly grew its domestic and regional network, and fleet as the years progressed. By the new millennium, the airline added three Boeing 757-200 to support its growth. Shifting to the new trends in aviation during the early 2000's, Cebu Pacific, as a company, prepares to shift to a new business model.
In 2005, the carrier offered discounted fares to its passengers, bringing in significant growth and demand for the airline. With this approach, Cebu Pacific followed the "low-cost airline" business model perfected by Malaysia's AirAsia. The public was extremely receptive to this move thus generating huge demand for Cebu Pacific flights. During this time period, the airline decided to order new aircraft types namely: the Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft from Airbus and the ATR 72-500 from ATR. This marked the gradual retirement of the DC-9s and Boeing 757s whilst streamlining its fleet. This move not only saved the airlines millions in cost, but it also enabled them to launch further discounted fares to the masses.
With its market share growing locally and regionally, Cebu Pacific embarked on an ambitious project that'll enable them to reach key regions with huge Filipino presence: the Middle East and Oceania. In 2007, Cebu Pacific ordered its first widebody aircraft - the Airbus A330-300. The first aircraft was delivered and put into service in 2013, paving the way for the airline to reach these two regions as well as supporting existing popular regional and local routes to further optimize fleet usage.
By mid 2010s, the airline embarked on its fleet renewal program. They subsequently placed an order for next generation airplanes such as the Airbus A320NEO, A321CEO, A321NEO, A330NEO, and ATR 72-600s. These planes will not only replace the existing generation of planes it has on its fleet but will also be used to grow its route network well over the 2030s. Thus, as of this writing, Cebu Pacific is the country's largest carrier and one of Asia's most prominent low-cost carriers.
From humble beginnings to unimaginable growth, Cebu Pacific truly is a story of hard work, grit, determination, and forward - thinking. In just 29 years, the humble airline managed to turn its fortunes and became the airline that it is today. Truly, the airline made good to its promise - that indeed, every Juan will fly. Happy 29th year Cebu Pacific, to more years and success! Cheers!