Cebu Pacific signs 12-year engine deal

MANILA, Philippines — Cebu Pacific has signed a long-term agreement with aviation manufacturer Pratt & Whitney for the maintenance of jet engines of up to 167 aircraft coming into its fleet.

Cebu Pacific yesterday entered into a comprehensive maintenance services agreement with Pratt & Whitney for the geared turbofan (GTF) engines in the airline’s fleet.

The deal, lasting for 12 years, allows Cebu Pacific to prepare its maintenance costs ahead of time given that it is set to receive a historic number of aircraft from Airbus.

In particular, the agreement covers every GTF engine Cebu Pacific ordered in 2024, particularly for the $24-billion purchase of up to 152 A321neos, the largest aircraft procurement in Philippine aviation. The deal also includes engines bought for 10 A321neos and five A320neos.

Currently, Cebu Pacific manages the widest and youngest fleet among Philippine carriers, made up of 98 aircraft of A320s, A321s, A330s and turboprops. These support Cebu Pacific in reaching 37 domestic destinations and 26 international cities.

Cebu Pacific CEO Michael Szucs said the agreement provides the airline with access to Pratt & Whitney’s services, from technical expertise to fleet data, all of which are useful for operational planning.

Likewise, Szucs said the airline saves up on costs when using the GTF engines manufactured by Pratt & Whitney as it cuts fuel burn by up to 20 percent compared to previous generations.

To date, Cebu Pacific manages 56 aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney engines, and this makes up more than half of the airline’s fleet.

Prior to the GTF engines, Cebu Pacific was using JT8D engines, also made by Pratt & Whitney, for its DC-9 aircraft. The airline owned by the Gokongweis has traced its relationship with Pratt & Whitney since the 1990s.

Further, Cebu Pacific signed an agreement for the adoption of new operations control and crew management solutions developed by Lufthansa Systems. Specifically, Cebu Pacific selected the NetLine suite for its crew planning, disruption management and flight operations.