Cebu Pacific Poised for Record Passenger Growth in 2025
Named Asia’s Low-Cost Airline of the Year by CAPA
Cebu Pacific Chief Executive Officer Mike Szucs
(Singapore, October 31, 2025) Cebu Pacific (CEB), the Philippines’ leading airline, is poised to achieve record passenger traffic this year as it heads into the peak travel season—bolstered by strong demand, network expansion, and strategic fleet investments.
The airline’s exceptional performance has also earned it the distinction of Asia’s Low-Cost Airline of the Year at the 2025 CAPA Aviation Awards for Excellence.
Cebu Pacific Chief Executive Officer Michael Szucs (center) receives the plaque on behalf of Cebu Pacific after it was named Asia’s Low-Cost Airline of the Year by the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA). Left: Aviation Week Network's Region Vice President, Paul Burton; Right: APAC Network's CEO Oriel Morrison
From January to September 2025, CEB flew nearly 20 million passengers, a 13.9% increase from 17.5 million in the same period in 2024. Domestic passengers grew 12.7% to 14.9 million, while international passengers rose 17.7% to 5.1 million. The airline’s seat load factor averaged 84.8%, with total capacity increasing 14% to 23.5 million seats. CEB carried a record 24.5 million passengers in 2024, up 17.6% year-on-year.
To support this growth, Cebu Pacific is further strengthening its fleet through a damp lease agreement with Bulgaria Air, the national carrier of the Republic of Bulgaria, from December 2025 to January 2026.
“By increasing flight frequencies, deploying widebody aircraft, and supplementing our fleet through a damp lease with Bulgaria Air, Cebu Pacific is strategically positioned to capture peak travel demand and sustain our growth momentum into the holiday season,” said Cebu Pacific Chief Executive Officer Mike Szucs.
Under the agreement, two Airbus A320ceo aircraft with 180-seat capacity each will operate on four domestic routes from Manila — Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, and Cagayan de Oro — from December 2025 to January 2026.
Bulgaria Air brings years of experience in damp lease operations, having partnered with airlines around the world. The carrier will provide the aircraft, pilots, maintenance, and insurance, while Cebu Pacific will deploy its own cabin crew to serve passengers.
The Airbus A320ceo has been central to Cebu Pacific's growth
Fleet and Network Expansion
Cebu Pacific is currently the largest operator of A330neo aircraft in the Asia-Pacific region, with 12 aircraft in its fleet, each configured with 459 seats, making them among the most space-efficient and environmentally friendly widebody aircraft in operation. Space efficient for the Carrier but somewhat crowded for the passenger. With Cebu Pacific focusing on short haul flights, mainly domestic routes within the Philippines. "Our market wants a safe, affordable, 'bus in the sky'" the CEO said at a press conference in Singapore.
The airline will take delivery of its 13th A330neo on November 2 and its 14th and final unit in December. CEB currently operates the youngest jet fleet in the Philippines and one of the youngest in the world, with a fleet of 100 aircraft: 18 A320ceo; 22 A320neo; 7 A321ceo; 19 A321neo; 12 A330neo; 18 ATR 72-600; 2 ATR 42-600; and 2 ATR-500F.
Expanding Connectivity Across the Philippines and Asia-Pacific
Cebu Pacific continues to strengthen the Philippines’ position as a major aviation hub by expanding both its domestic and international networks. The airline operates from five international gateways — Manila, Clark, Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao — connecting travelers to the country’s top island destinations such as Siargao, El Nido, Boracay (via Caticlan), Bohol, and Puerto Princesa.
CEB operates 64 weekly flights between Singapore and the Philippines, making it the largest operator on this sector. Singapore remains one of CEB’s top five growth markets, with direct flights to Manila, Clark, Iloilo, and Cebu.
Recognized as Asia’s Low-Cost Airline of the Year
Cebu Pacific’s sustained growth and operational excellence have been recognized by the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA), which named the airline as Asia’s Low-Cost Airline of the Year. The CAPA Awards for Excellence are not driven by customer surveys or sponsorship. They are independently researched by an international panel of judges and analysts.
“We are deeply honored to receive this award from CAPA,” said Szucs. “It recognizes the passion and commitment of every Cebu Pacific employee who works hard each day to make flying safe, affordable, and accessible for our passengers. As we expand our reach, our purpose remains clear—to connect people and communities, and to help fuel tourism and economic growth across the Philippines and the Asia-Pacific.”
The Philippine aviation market continues to be one of the world’s fastest growing, driven by infrastructure investment, economic expansion, and rising connectivity. Airbus forecasts that Philippine air traffic will grow 7% annually over the next 20 years, compared to 5% for the broader Asia-Pacific region.
Cebu Pacific’s ongoing fleet and network expansion — including its record-breaking order for up to 152 Airbus A321neo aircraft, the largest in Philippine aviation history — underscores its commitment to meeting growing demand and delivering on its mission to make air travel more accessible to everyone.
