It was an unexpected event but yes, it is confirmed that Cebu Pacific will indeed be receiving their first Airbus A330-900neo sooner, most likely within the year. Just yesterday, another photo of Cebu Pacific’s A330-900neo appeared, and it was also confirmed to us by sources that she will be registered as RP-C3900!
Amidst all the craziness that the pandemic has brought about, it is nice to see an airline continue to receive brand new aircraft. In fact between 2020 to 2021, Cebu Pacific took delivery of 5 brand new aircraft, 4 A321neo, and 1 A320neo.
Soon to take its first flight
With its engines already on, it is not far that this A330neo will soon take its first test flight. There is still no news about the seating configuration too but originally, it was planned that Cebu Pacific’s new A330s will have 460 all-economy seats. However, since 2019, there was no final news on the configuration, until now.
Now, this particular aircraft was supposed to go to AirAsia X. If Cebu Pacific would follow AirAsia X’s configuration, that would mean that this particular aircraft will have a 2-class configuration consisting of 12 premium economy seats that lie flat and 365 economy seats. No news though about the seating configuration but we are more sold to the idea that this will have 400+ all economy seats. While post-pandemic customer preference may go for a less-dense cabin for distancing purposes, pre-pandemic travel demand may take place in 3 to 4 years.
Looking in the long run, Cebu Pacific is preparing for the time when airport congestion will be a problem again. As such, a larger aircraft would be the best solution to increase capacity without having to add more flights.
We can’t wait to see Cebu Pacific’s newest raccoon to take its maiden flight and to see her in Manila soon!
