MANILA — Cebu Pacific (CEB) marks its 30th year with a clear message: every flight carries more than passengers—it carries dreams, reunions, and futures.
From a modest fleet of 10 aircraft in 2007, Cebu Pacific has grown tenfold to 100 today, serving 37 domestic and 26 international destinations. In 2025, the airline flew 27 million passengers, the highest in its history and in Philippine aviation.
“They once thought it was out of reach. In short, it was belief in a dream,” said Xander Lao, president and COO. “Growth is never simple—it is a collective effort, seeded by our founder Mr. John Gokongwei Jr., who taught us to take calculated chances.”
That entrepreneurial spirit defined Cebu Pacific’s low-cost model. Lao recalled: “Our head of commercial threw out a thick route study and said low fares will create demand. We launched routes, created awareness, and stimulated travel. We saw this in Cebu to Cagayan de Oro, Manila to Tuguegarao, and Cebu to Siargao.”
Partnerships with government also shaped expansion. “When we started in Japan, we were limited to three flights a week. Today, we are the largest carrier between the Philippines and Japan,” Lao said.
Behind the growth are fuel-efficient aircraft, lighter seats, and thousands of professionals—pilots, cabin crew, engineers, and ground staff. “These are the people who help dreams leave the ground every single day,” enthused Lao.
The pandemic tested resilience. “It grounded plans and delayed dreams. But clarity of purpose carried us through. When the world was ready to move again, we were ready to help dreams fly once more,” he said.
Candice Iyog, chief marketing and customer experience officer, emphasized gratitude: “Behind these 30 years is not just growth, but a belief—that travel enables commerce, communities, and connection. And behind that belief are people. Our Cebu Pacific family, our partners, and our friends in the media who tell the stories that matter.”
As Cebu Pacific enters its fourth decade, it looks ahead with confidence. “We honor the journey, thank those who brought us here, and look forward to the many stories still waiting to be told,” Iyog said.
To 30 years of Cebu Pacific. To journeys that shaped us. And to many more ahead.
