Filipino LCC Cebu Pacific opts for 20 more A320's

Cebu Pacific, a Filipino low-cost carrier, has signed a contract for the purchase of ten more A320 aircraft, with options on five aircraft and purchase rights on a further five aircraft.

Cebu had placed an initial order for 12 A320 family aircraft in September 2004, the last one of which was delivered earlier this month. With the delivery of the first A320 in May 2005, Cebu Pacific has now totally replaced its fleet of DC-9 and Boeing 757 aircraft. The new A320 aircraft will further expand Cebu Pacific's network that currently extends to 26 domestic and 10 international destinations.

According to Airbus, more than 5,000 A320 Family aircraft have been ordered by customers worldwide, over 1,200 of which are from customers in Asia-Pacific.

"The A320 Family has proven to be an outstandingly popular choice with both start-up and established low-cost carriers all around the world and I am delighted that Cebu Pacific's experience of low operating costs and high passenger appeal over the past two years has resulted in this further vote of confidence in the aircraft", said Airbus chief operating officer - customers, John Leahy.

With around 1600 sales in the last two years alone, the A320 family is also the fastest-selling jet airliner of all time. The Airbus A320 family has been ordered by, or is in service with, more than 200 customers and operators worldwide. More than 3,000 A320 family aircraft have already been delivered and have completed 30 million flight cycles and 50 million flight hours.

Airbus is an EADS company.