Airbus delivers the highest-density A330 ever built

Cebu Pacific has accepted its first of 16 Airbus A330-900s, RP-C3900 (c/n 2001), which it will use to modernise and expand its widebody fleet.

The Rolls-Royce Trent 7000-powered aircraft has been fitted out with an all-economy class cabin seating 459 passengers, with seating in a 3-3-3 configuration. The jet is to be deployed on trunk routes within the Philippines and to destinations in Asia, Australia and the Middle East.

Cebu Pacific Airbus A330-900
The jet is the first of 16 ordered by the Manila-based airline. Airbus

The Manila/Ninoy Aquino-based airline currently boasts six Airbus A330-300s, which are also in a one-class configuration, seating 436 in a one-class cabin. This was previously one of the highest density layouts in the sky, only surpassed by Lion Air, which has set up a trio of A330-300s and a pair of A330-900s to accommodate 440 passengers.

Cebu Pacific’s half-dozen A330ceos are to be replaced by the incoming widebodies, with the 16-strong order offering plenty of opportunities for the low-cost carrier to increase its medium and long-haul network, as well as boosting capacity on shorter links.

Cebu Pacific Airbus A330-900
The 16-strong widebody order was placed at the 2019 Paris Air Show, with the airliners being leased from Avolon. Airbus

Presently, the airline has a further 15 A330neos on order, along with 16 A320neos and 22 A321neos. These jets will enable the carrier to operate an all-NEO (new engine option) fleet, bolstering its existing five A320neos and nine A321neos, while replacing its 19 A320ceos and seven A321ceos.

Altogether Cebu Pacific has ordered 16 A330neo, and also has 16 A320neo and 22 A321neo outstanding to be delivered. The low-cost carrier currently operates 50 Airbus aircraft, comprising 43 A320 Family and 7 A330ceo.

Alongside 47 Airbus jets, the carrier also flies 15 ATR 72 turboprops.