Alegiant airlines

Philippines budget carrier Cebu Pacific Air (CEB) is planning to sell its entire fleet of ten Airbus A319 aircraft to Allegiant Travel.

Cebu Pacific president and CEO Lance Gokongwei said the Airbus A319’s were the airline’s oldest and smallest jet aircraft.

"Between now until 2014, CEB will be taking delivery of 15 brand new Airbus A320 and 4 Airbus A330 aircraft," Gokongwei said.

"Cebu Pacific is likewise exploring options to advance the delivery of Airbus A320 orders scheduled for delivery between 2015 to 2016."

With the delivery of eight Airbus A330 aircraft, Cebu Pacific is planning to begin long haul services in the third quarter of 2013.

"CEB’s fleet expansion plan will accommodate the growing demand for air travel, while also ensuring greater operational efficiency," Gokongwei added.

"CEB’s fleet expansion plan will accommodate the growing demand for air travel, while also ensuring greater operational efficiency."

"With the delivery of bigger and newer aircraft over the next ten years, we will continue offering the lowest fares, fly to even more routes, and ultimately deliver a better flying experience for all our guests."

Cebu Pacific has an operational fleet of ten Airbus A319, 20 Airbus A320 and eight ATR-72 500 aircraft; it will receive 22 more Airbus A320 and 30 Airbus A321neo aircraft between 2012 and 2021.

Currently operating a fleet of 68 aircraft, Allegiant Air has also agreed to lease nine used Airbus A319 aircraft from GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) to support its fleet expansion and replacement plans.

The delivery of the aircraft is scheduled to begin in March 2013.

Powered by two engines from CFM International or Pratt & Whitney, the A319 aircraft offers a range of up to 3,740nm and shares the same fly-by-wire flight controls and cockpit as the other A320 aircraft.

Image: Allegiant will operate Airbus A319 aircraft. Photo: courtesy of Allegiant Travel Company.