Way back in 2019 during the Paris Air Show, Cebu Pacific placed a huge order of 31 aircraft including 16 Airbus A330-900neo, 10 Airbus A321XLR, and 5 A320neo. The A321XLR was a surprise as we were simply expecting them that time to just go for the widebody aircraft. Also, the A321XLR was newly introduced during that time. As such, where does Cebu Pacific plan to deploy its A321XLR?
Flying after the pandemic
As more vaccines are administered, we do see everything slowly go back to normal. Things may not be quick though and airlines have now reduced their fleet into a more lean one. However, aviation experts feel that narrowbody long-range aircraft will play a huge role in the coming years as airlines are now opting to operate smaller but longer-range aircraft. Gone are the days of jumbos.
The Airbus A321XLR is indeed a very promising aircraft. With a range of 8,700km and with a 30% less fuel burn, this aircraft is indeed ideal for airlines who want to add farther destinations without having to purchase more expensive widebody jets.
The Airbus A321XLR
The A321XLR is the latest iteration of the popular A321, Airbus’s largest single-aisle aircraft. The XLR makes use of PW1100G-JM turbofan engines, the same as used by the other A321NEOs. What gives the XLR its range is the addition of a permanent rear center fuel tank which holds 3,400 US gal of fuel.
Though nothing has really been announced yet by Cebu Pacific, we now look into where the airline will possibly fly the aircraft. Before the pandemic, Cebu Pacific did hint that they will fly the A321XLR to places in Australia, India, and Russia.
Our take on where Cebu Pacific may fly the A321XLR
Using the map above which indicates the A321XLR’s range capability, we now predict future Cebu Pacific routes utilizing the A21XLR.
- Manila to Sapporo, Japan (3,771km) – Cebu Pacific has always wanted to expand its services to Japan.
- Clark to Sydney, Australia (6,344km) – Very well within reach of the A321XLR. As Cebu Pacific expands its services from and to Clark, there is no doubt in mind that they may introduce Oceania flights from the former American airbase.
- Clark to Melbourne, Australia (6,417km) – Jetstar presently services the route.
- Cebu to Sydney, Australia (5,695km) – Cebu Pacific may take advantage of those backpackers and tourists who want to travel directly from Australia to the Visayas region. So far, there are no direct flights from Sydney to the Visayas.
- Manila to New Dehli (4,753km) – This route must have long been in the pipeline of the airline. Philippine Airlines was supposed to open flights from Manila to India but was postponed due to the tension within the area that time.
- Manila to Male (5,320km) – Many Filipino travellers are looking for the cheapest flights to fly to the Maldives, and we are pretty sure Cebu Pacific is looking to provide that direct access. It was also rumored the Philippine Airlines was planning to launch direct flights from Manila to Male. This route though can be serviced by the airline’s regular A321NEO.
- Manila to Brisbane (5,812km) – This route must be well under the radar of Cebu Pacific in their quest open more flights to Australia.
- Manila to Sydney (6,243km) – Well under the radar of Cebu Pacific too. Their A321XLR can be used as a substitute to their A330 services especially during lean seasons. Philippine Airlines utilizes their A321neo LR also for this route.
- Manila to Melbourne (6,291km) – Prior to the pandemic, Cebu Pacific served Manila to Melbourne flights utilizing its A330. This is definitely within range of the A321XLR.
Again, these are just our predictions. Better that we wait for official announcements from Cebu Pacific. While they already had previous plans where to fly this long-range narrowbody aircraft, there may still be changes as a result of this covid-19 pandemic.
