Cebu Pacific has been taking in brand new Airbus A321neo jets despite the pandemic. So far, 9 has already been delivered, the latest was just recent. However, another unconfirmed report came about. Rumors has it that Cebu Pacific may take in three A330neo this year.
Sources are now saying that these A330-900 jets were supposed to be headed for AirAsia X in Malaysia, however, the orders were deferred. Aircraft with MSN 1970 has been sitting in Toulouse since March 2020 and until today, it remains there without any engines installed. This jet is still painted in all white. The second reported A330neo with MSN 1973 is still painted in all white. The third A330neo is MSN 1976. It is painted in primer and has no engines on. The aircraft has been sitting in Toulouse since June 2020.
What are the possibilities that Cebu Pacific may take these three A330neo jets
Until there is an official announcement from Cebu Pacific, it would really be hard to say how true this is. A rumor is a rumor. However looking at the possibilities, it may be possible. First of all, Cebu Pacific has returned two A330-300s to its lessor. While the Philippine aviation industry seem to still be lagging behind due to a recent surge in covid cases and the lack of government support, Cebu Pacific is indeed planning for the future. They have started removing old aircraft from its fleet in exchange for the newly delivered A321neo jets.
Airbus on the other hand wants to let go of these three jets just sitting in the tarmac without engines. While AirAsia X is still facing financial woes due to the pandemic, Cebu Pacific on the other hand is recalibrating its fleet. The latter is going for more fuel efficient Airbus NEO aircraft. They are letting go of old aircraft including its 7 A321-200 which served as interim jets while awaiting for the A321neos.
While we do hope that this is true, we still have to see something cast and stone from Cebu Pacific and Airbus themselves. Until then, we can only just wish that this would happen. We are excited to see the very first A330neo carrying the Philippine flag.
