Cebu Pacific flies 14.4 million passengers in 2013

Posts 8.3% passenger traffic growth
The Philippines' leading carrier, Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB) flew 14.4 million passengers in 2013, an increase of 8.3% over 13.3 million passengers flown in 2012.

CEB posted a 10.7% passenger traffic growth on its international routes, with 3.3M international passengers flown. The airline also recorded a 7.6% growth on its domestic routes, with 11M domestic passengers flown in 2013. On average, CEB flights for this period were about 82% full.

CEB achieved notable passenger growth in several international tourism and trade markets, such as Cambodia, Indonesia, Brunei, China, and Thailand, contributing to foreign tourist arrivals in the country. CEB attributed its passenger growth to increased presence in key markets, strategic seat sales and network expansion.

The airline recently announced that it has entered into a strategic alliance with Tigerair, the largest budget carrier, based in Singapore. Subject to regulatory approvals, the strategic alliance will allow both airlines to collaborate commercially and operationally on international and domestic air routes to and from the Philippines, thereby creating the biggest network of flights to the region.

 CEB is also set to launch its maiden flights between Manila and two additional cities in Japan --- Tokyo and Nagoya, on March 30, 2014. CEB currently operates daily flights between Manila and Osaka.

CEB currently operates a fleet of 48 aircraft comprised of 10 Airbus A319, 28 Airbus A320, 2 Airbus A330 and 8 ATR-72 500 aircraft. Between 2014 and 2021, Cebu Pacific will take delivery of 14 more Airbus A320, 30 Airbus A321neo, and 4 Airbus A330 aircraft.