House grants fresh 50-year franchise to Cebu Pacific as airline gets another A330 Neo

MANILA (UPDATED) — The House of Representatives has approved a bill granting Cebu Pacific a fresh 50-year franchise.

During House plenary session on Monday, 289 House members voted in favor of approving House Bill 11536 on third and final reading. No member voted against it or abstained.

The lower chamber, voting 288-0-2, also approved on third and final reading House Bill 11535, renewing for another 50 years the franchise granted to Cebgo Inc.

The franchise approval comes as the Gokongwei-led airline announced that it has taken delivery of its 15th Airbus A330neo aircraft as it continues to modernize its fleet.

The widebody aircraft arrived in Manila on October 10 from Airbus’ facility in Toulouse, France, marking the airline’s fourth aircraft delivery and first widebody delivery of 2026.

“The delivery of our 15th A330neo aircraft is an important milestone for Cebu Pacific as we continue to build a more modern fleet,” said Xander Lao, Cebu Pacific President and Chief Commercial Officer. 

“The A330neo offers significant fuel saving compared to previous-generation aircraft and gives us the flexibility to serve different markets across and beyond the Philippines.”

With the latest delivery, newer-generation (NEO) aircraft now account for 78 percent of the budget carrier’s jet fleet, bringing the Philippine carrier closer to its goal of operating an all-NEO fleet by 2030. Compared to older models, NEO aircraft burn 15 to 20 percent less fuel per flight and generate significantly less noise.

The airline expects to receive seven NEO aircraft in 2026. Its current fleet comprises 15 Airbus A330s, 27 Airbus A321s, 38 Airbus A320s, and 20 ATR turboprop aircraft.