Cebu Pacific A330: World's First Flying Bus


With the first photos of Cebu Pacific’s brand new Airbus A330-300 just released, many in the aviation industry are growing eager with anticipation of what can be expected of the long-haul service of this highly successful low-cost Philippine airline.

Cebu Pacific transformed Philippine skies forever when it introduced its low-cost budget friendly service throughout the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Fast forward several years and many new budget carriers later and Cebu Pacific is looking to revolutionize the aviation industry once again as it prepares to enter the long-haul budget air travel market.

cebu pacific a330
Highest Density A330 in the World - 436 Seats
Photo Source: DoubleDecker.Boards.net
Few carriers have been successful in launching long-haul low cost products. Jetstar and Air Asia X are a couple of airlines that come to mind that have managed to carve a niche for itself in the budget long haul market surviving intense competition. But it didn’t come without failure. Air Asia X attempted to launch a Europe-Asia budget service from its base in Kuala Lumpur but had to cancel the routes in March 2011 due to poor economics. Today it concentrates more on services to Australia, China, and Japan. But Cebu Pacific sees a window of opportunity with the strong demand from the vast Philippines overseas foreign worker market. It is scheduled to launch its first flight to Dubai in October 2013. It has also set its sights on Australia, Honolulu, and destinations in Europe. Whether they will be successful or not remains to be seen with seat sale fares between Dubai and Manila being offered for as little as $250USD round-trip inclusive of taxes and fees.

Perhaps what makes Cebu Pacific’s attempt unique compared to its predecessors is that it is approaching long-haul with a unique model. Not only does it get to tap into a targeted Filipino overseas foreign worker market hungry for cheap airfares but it also gets a competitive advantage enjoying a much lower cost base being a Philippine carrier. But perhaps the single most anticipated and unique characteristic of Cebu Pacific’s plans is to maximize the seat capacity of the Airbus A330-300 installing what will become “the highest seat density in the world” for that aircraft type at 436 seats. After all, the carrier is targeting the cost-conscious migrant Filipino worker but whether the low fares will be able to sway the rest of the market remains to be seen. Unlike Air Asia X, Cebu Pacific will be operating in a single-class configuration leaving very little choice for Westerners who might like to pay more for additional legroom. After all, what is bearable for a 2 hour flight may not be tolerable for an 8 hour segment. By comparison, Philippine Airlines carries only 300 seats on board their fleet of A330-300 aircraft in a multi-class configuration while Air Asia X carries 377 seats in a two-class configuration. But Cebu Pacific intends to alleviate those concerns by segmenting seat selection by location. Bulkhead and exit row seats will be sold as "Premium" seats and will offer the most generous legroom as is standard with most airlines while a dedicated "Standard Plus" section at the rear of the aircraft will offer seats with a 32" pitch - the equivalent of average standard economy in a regular carrier like Philippine Airlines and even budget carrier Air Asia X. In addition, the service will be completely a-la-carte based with passengers being required to pay extra for everything from luggage to meals and in-flight entertainment. Ultimately, Cebu Pacific may have succeeded in creating what will be the world’s first flying bus.


If the business model is successful and comfort is bearable, Cebu Pacific could become a game changer in the airline industry if it manages to capture cost conscious leisure travellers travelling between Europe and Asia as the opportunity will be present to convert its base at Manila airport into a transit hub enabling tourists from Europe to connect to Cebu Pacific’s extensive Asian network and to destinations like Australia. But the question remains if Cebu Pacific will be able to make the economics work and if the seat configuration will appeal or even be bearable to the mass market of European travellers in order to sway them from traditional carriers. Otherwise, Cebu Pacific may be limiting its market to a narrow segment. Either way, if they can make the economics work, they will have accomplished a challenge in the global airline industry that few can make claim to. But there is no doubt that others won’t be far behind and Air Asia X will be closely monitoring the progress of this new long haul division.   

Cebu Pacific has a total of eight A330-300’s on the way with the first scheduled to arrive next month in June 2013 and a second to follow in September. While the first long-haul flight service is scheduled for Dubai, it is expected that Melbourne, Australia will be second as Avalon Airport has confirmed it will be hosting a Philippine carrier in the near future.
cebu pacific airline seating
Geven High Density Seating

Although Cebu Pacific has not disclosed who will be manufacturing the seats on board its new aircraft, it was rumoured that Italian manufacturer Geven’s high density seating was one of the contenders. Cebu Pacific indicates on its website that it will be offering a 30-inch seat pitch to its passengers booked in "Standard" seats compared to 32 inches offered by Air Asia X in its budget economy product. But perhaps one amenity that may compensate travellers for the cramped quarters will be Cebu Pacific’s intention to offer an in-flight WiFi product on board the A330 aircraft. Meanwhile, Lance Gokongwei, CEO of Cebu Pacific believes that the carrier will be offering the lowest fares possible on point to point flights for the nearly 11 million Filipino overseas foreign workers. That equates to roughly one out of every ten members of the population. Gokongwei stated in an interview with apex blog that when considering long-haul routes, the cost differential to passengers must be 30% better than competing carriers in order for Cebu Pacific to pursue the service.

If a 30% discount is the formula Gokongwei believes is the secret to attracting people to sacrifice comfort and switch from traditional carriers, he may just be the visionary the budget travel market has been waiting for. While the world’s aviation watchdogs anticipate the launch of this revolutionary service, existing budget long-haul carriers Scoot and Air Asia X remain cautiously optimistic. Management of both airlines do not believe that Europe is a particularly attractive proposition for their airlines. But if Gokongwei can make the Middle East, and Australia work, there is no doubt that Europe won’t be far behind. Cebu Pacific might just end up going down in the aviation industry as “the little airline that could.”



58 comments:

  1. Wow...that's going to be a very uncomfortable flight for 8 hours.

    ReplyDelete
  2. The article give the wrong impression that all seats have the same cramp conditions. To be fair to 5J, there are 24 standard plus seats with 32 inch pitch and at least 27 (probably more) premium seats located on the bulk head and exit rows that have very generous legroom. Typical Filipino frame will find the standard seat adequet, while taller westerners/Filipinos may avail of the premium/plus seats at extra cost. The seat width will remain 16.5 inch. The APEX article incorrectly quoted 31 inch pitch, the actual pitch for the standard seat is 30 inch (from 5J website). For comparison, 5J A319/A320 have a pitch of 28-29 inch.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The article indicated "very little choice" rather than "no choice" at all. We have made revisions to include the new information. But frankly speaking, it is still a single-class configuration and while they may be offering 2 inches of additional legroom in "standard plus" - that is merely the equivalent of a standard economy seat on most A330 aircraft. Many already find that difficult to bear on long-haul flights. As for bulk head and exit rows, that is nothing unique or special but standard on all aircraft. They come with advantages but disadvantages as well. Air Asia X at least has a true business class product complete with lie-flat seats for the price of regular economy on most major carriers. The same point remains true - very little choice compared to what is already available in the market for comfort.

      Delete
  3. Wow, excellent post. I'd like to draft like this too - taking time and real hard work to make a great article. This post has encouraged me to write some posts that I am going to write soon. stadstaxirotterdam.nl

    ReplyDelete
  4. I was surfing the Internet for information and came across your blog. I am impressed by the information you have on this blog. It shows how well you understand this subject. power harrow

    ReplyDelete
  5. All the contents you mentioned in post is too good and can be very useful. I will keep it in mind, thanks for sharing the information keep updating, looking forward for more posts.Thanks disinfectant fogger uk

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wonderful blog! I found it while surfing around on Yahoo News. Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Appreciate it. 안전놀이터

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi there! Nice stuff, do keep me posted when you post again something like this! 메이저사이트

    ReplyDelete
  8. Succeed! It could be one of the most useful blogs we have ever come across on the subject. Excellent info! I’m also an expert in this topic so I can understand your effort very well. Thanks for the huge help. 무료릴게임

    ReplyDelete
  9. What a fantabulous post this has been. Never seen this kind of useful post. I am grateful to you and expect more number of posts like these. Thank you very much.풀싸롱

    ReplyDelete
  10. Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Any way I'll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon. Big thanks for the useful info. 안전놀이터

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thankyou for this wondrous post, I am glad I observed this website on yahoo. buy youtube views high retention

    ReplyDelete
  12. Wonderful blog! I found it while surfing around on Yahoo News. Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Appreciate it. pii-email

    ReplyDelete
  13. Cool stuff you have got and you keep update all of us. 먹튀검증

    ReplyDelete
  14. Good website! I truly love how it is easy on my eyes it is. I am wondering how I might be notified whenever a new post has been made. I have subscribed to your RSS which may do the trick? Have a great day! 토토커뮤니티

    ReplyDelete
  15. I think this is one of the most significant information for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But should remark on some general things, The web site style is perfect, the articles is really great : D. Good job, cheers PGSLOT AUTO

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hello I am so delighted I located your blog, I really located you by mistake, while I was watching on google for something else, Anyways I am here now and could just like to say thank for a tremendous post and a all round entertaining website. Please do keep up the great work. เกมเอกโอ"

    ReplyDelete
  17. It is the kind of information I have been trying to find. Thank you for writing this information. It has proved utmost beneficial for me. 88카

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi there! Nice post! Please tell us when I will see a follow up! 토토사이트

    ReplyDelete
  19. This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. 안전놀이터

    ReplyDelete
  20. This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing blog that understand the value. Im glad to have found this post as its such an interesting one! I am always on the lookout for quality posts and articles so i suppose im lucky to have found this! I hope you will be adding more in the future... 대전건마

    ReplyDelete
  21. Great job for publishing such a beneficial web site. Your web log isn’t only useful but it is additionally really creative too. ฉีดฟิลเลอร์คาง อันตรายไหม

    ReplyDelete
  22. I wrote about a similar issue, I give you the link to my site. visualaidscentre

    ReplyDelete
  23. This is consistently flooring substance! I have totally respected taking a gander at your obsessions and have shown at the target that you are huge concerning monster levels of them. You are obliterating. https://zetamatic.com/downloads/woocommerce-mailchimp-newsletter-discount/

    ReplyDelete
  24. So it is interesting and very good written and see what they think about other people. https://codicipromo.info/is-lasik-surgery-permanent/

    ReplyDelete
  25. An interesting dialogue is price comment. I feel that it is best to write more on this matter, it may not be a taboo topic however usually individuals are not enough to talk on such topics. To the next. Cheers. 토토커뮤니티

    ReplyDelete
  26. Thanks so much for this information. I have to let you know I concur on several of the points you make here and others may require some further review, but I can see your viewpoint. 대전1인샵

    ReplyDelete
  27. I have read your blog it is very helpful for me. I want to say thanks to you. I have bookmark your site for future updates. 꽁머니 3만

    ReplyDelete
  28. Thanks for picking out the time to discuss this, I feel great about it and love studying more on this topic. It is extremely helpful for me. Thanks for such a valuable help again. 먹튀검증

    ReplyDelete
  29. I really loved reading your blog. It was very well authored and easy to undertand. Unlike additional blogs I have read which are really not tht good. I also found your posts very interesting. In fact after reading, I had to go show it to my friend and he ejoyed it as well! 꽁머니사이트

    ReplyDelete
  30. Nice to be visiting your blog again, it has been months for me. Well this article that i've been waited for so long. I need this article to complete my assignment in the college, and it has same topic with your article. Thanks, great share. 토토사이트

    ReplyDelete
  31. Took me time to read all the comments, but I really enjoyed the article. It proved to be Very helpful to me and I am sure to all the commenters here! It’s always nice when you can not only be informed, but also entertained! บริการ SEO

    ReplyDelete
  32. You make so many great points here that I read your article a couple of times. Your views are in accordance with my own for the most part. This is great content for your readers. 먹튀사이트

    ReplyDelete
  33. All your hard work is much appreciated. Nobody can stop to admire you. Lots of appreciation. g2g

    ReplyDelete
  34. Most of the time I don’t make comments on websites, but I'd like to say that this article really forced me to do so. Really nice post! เว็บตรง

    ReplyDelete
  35. Superbly written article, if only all bloggers offered the same content as you, the internet would be a far better place.. boda8

    ReplyDelete
  36. Great things you’ve always shared with us. Just keep writing this kind of posts.The time which was wasted in traveling for tuition now it can be used for studies.Thanks vrbet

    ReplyDelete
  37. I definitely enjoying every little bit of it. It is a great website and nice share. I want to thank you. Good job! You guys do a great blog, and have some great contents. Keep up the good work. 먹튀폴리스

    ReplyDelete
  38. Cool you make, the information is genuinely salubrious further confounding, I'll give you an interface with my scene. dark0de market link

    ReplyDelete
  39. I went onto your blog while focusing just sensibly submits. Stunning improvement for rapidly, I will be bookmarking rapidly manage your full scale risings... dark0de market url

    ReplyDelete
  40. Inside this site page, you'll see the page, you need to see the value in this data. dark0de market link

    ReplyDelete
  41. Wow i can say that this is another great article as expected of this blog.Bookmarked this site.. สล็อต เว็บตรงไม่ผ่านเอเย่นต์

    ReplyDelete
  42. I found your this post while searching for some related information on blog search...Its a good post..keep posting and update the information. ยูฟ่าเบท

    ReplyDelete
  43. I found your this post while searching for some related information on blog search...Its a good post..keep posting and update the information. SEO เว็บพนัน

    ReplyDelete
  44. Hey what a brilliant post I have come across and believe me I have been searching out for this similar kind of post for past a week and hardly came across this. Thank you very much and will look for more postings from you. 토토사이트

    ReplyDelete
  45. Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting? I'm pleased I discovered it though, ill be checking back soon to find out what additional posts you include. 토토사이트

    ReplyDelete
  46. I found that site very usefull and this survey is very cirious, I ' ve never seen a blog that demand a survey for this actions, very curious... https://scalar.usc.edu/works/hotmail-login-mail/hotmail-login.html

    ReplyDelete
  47. I think your website has a lot of useful knowledge. I'm so thankful for this website.
    I hope that you continue to share a lot of knowledge.
    This is my website.
    힌게임머니상

    ReplyDelete
  48. Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting? I'm pleased I discovered it though, ill be checking back soon to find out what additional posts you include. 메이저놀이터

    ReplyDelete
  49. You have performed a great job on this article. It’s very precise and highly qualitative. You have even managed to make it readable and easy to read. You have some real writing talent. 먹튀폴리스

    ReplyDelete
  50. ค่ายสล็อตออนไลน์ที่ดีที่สุด slotxo มีเกมสล็อตยอดนิยม เกมฮิตเยอะที่สุด slotxo เว็บตรงจากจ่างประเทศ ไม่ผ่านเอเย่นต์ รับประกันความปลอดภัย เกมเเท้ ลิขสิทธิ์เเท้ 100% ดาวน์โหลด slotxo เเล้วเล่นผ่านเว็บได้ทันที มีเกมให้เลือกเล่นอย่างหนำใจมากกว่า 100 เกม มาพร้อมเครดิตฟรีไม่อั้น โปรเยอะมาก รับเองไม่ต้องเเชร์ ล่าสุด ฝากถอนไม่มีขั้นต่ำ โอนไว สะดวกสบาย เดิมพันกับ ambbet ไม่มีผิดหวัง.

    ReplyDelete
  51. i do don't tity of your outstanding weblool stuff you've got and also you preserve overhaul each one of us 카지노

    ReplyDelete
  52. I can preserve touring this blog very frequently. 모두의토토검증업체

    ReplyDelete

Powered by Blogger.