Cebu Pacific announces the arrival of the world's most crowded airplane.
By Geoffrey Thomas Tue Jun 18, 2019
Cebu Pacific announces the arrival of the world's most crowded airplane - the 460 seat A330neo.
There was shock at the media announcement at the Paris Air Show when the Philippine low-cost carrier announced it is going to install 460 seats in an all-economy configuration aboard the A330neo aircraft.
Airbus has been able to add the extra 24 seats by "rearranging the furniture" on the A330neo.
SEE our video tribute to Concorde.
Cebu Pacific signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for 31 Airbus aircraft, comprising 16 A330neo, 10 A321XLR and 5 A320neo.
The A330neo Family is the new generation A330, comprising two versions: the A330-800 and A330900 sharing 99 per cent commonality. It builds on the proven economics, versatility and reliability of the A330 Family, while reducing fuel consumption by about 25 per cent per seat versus previous generation competitors and increasing range by up to 1,500 nautical miles, compared to the majority of A330s in operation.
In September 2014 the airline commenced long haul flights between Manila and Sydney with a 436-seat A330.
That aircraft, like the new A330neo, is configured with nine abreast seating in a 3-3-3 configuration. That gives passengers just 16.5 inches (41.9cm) between armrests, which is a 3.75-5 centimetre reduction off the standard economy configurations found in economy cabins across Australia. The seat pitch at 30 inches is approximately 2 inches less than that offered by most airlines.
Cebu Pacific’s closest competition is the very successful AirAsia X which also operates a tightly configured A330-300 aircraft.
However, the aircraft has one – two inches more legroom compared to Cebu Pacific and it also features a small premium cabin with business class seating including lie-flat beds. Unlike Cebu Pacific’s tightly packed 436 seat aircraft, AirAsia X only carries 377 seats.
The A320neo and A321XLR are members of the A320 Family incorporating the very latest technologies, including new generation engines and Sharklets, which together deliver fuel savings of 20 per cent.
The A321XLR is the next evolutionary step from the A321LR which responds to market needs for even more range and payload, creating more value for the airlines. From 2023, it will deliver an unprecedented Xtra Long Range of up to 4,700nm – 15 per cent more than the A321LR and with 30 per cent lower fuel burn per seat compared with previous generation competitor aircraft.
That aircraft, like the new A330neo, is configured with nine abreast seating in a 3-3-3 configuration. That gives passengers just 16.5 inches (41.9cm) between armrests, which is a 3.75-5 centimetre reduction off the standard economy configurations found in economy cabins across Australia. The seat pitch at 30 inches is approximately 2 inches less than that offered by most airlines.
Cebu Pacific’s closest competition is the very successful AirAsia X which also operates a tightly configured A330-300 aircraft.
Have questions or want to share your thoughts?
