Budget carrier Cebu Pacific has added a new turboprop aircraft to its fleet, allowing it to boost inter-island connectivity.
Cebu Pacific CEO Michael Szucs said the carrier has taken delivery of a new ATR 72-600 aircraft, marking its sixth aircraft acquisition of the year.
The brand-new turboprop aircraft is set to augment Cebu Pacific’s capacity to connect the Philippines’ numerous islands. The ATR 72-600 is a twin-engine turboprop airliner that can operate on short, narrow, and unpaved runways, as well as manage steep approaches and high-altitude landings and takeoffs.
With a seating capacity of 78 passengers and a maximum range of 1,300 kilometers, it is ideally suited for the country’s diverse geography, Szucs said.
“This aircraft delivery brings our turboprop fleet to 15, and we will be receiving our sixteenth ATR turboprop in October. With this, Cebu Pacific will be operating the largest turboprop fleet in the Philippines, enabling us to serve more passengers across the country,” he added.
Cebu Pacific’s growing turboprop fleet currently services 25 domestic destinations, facilitating travel for almost 2.5 million passengers annually.
Key destinations accessible primarily by turboprop and smaller aircraft include Camiguin, Calbayog, Siargao, Masbate, Surigao, Busuanga, and Naga. These routes are critical in connecting remote areas to the rest of the country.
The ATR 72-600 is produced by Avions de Transport Regional (ATR) in France and Italy.
In addition to its turboprop fleet, Cebu Pacific operates a diversified commercial fleet that includes eight Airbus 330s, 39 Airbus 320s, and 21 Airbus 321s.
