Cebu Pacific borrows Bulgaria Air jets

Budget carrier Cebu Pacific signed a damp lease agreement with Bulgaria Air, allowing the use of the latter’s fleet for the anticipated passenger hike amid peak travel season.

On Oct. 30, Cebu Pacific announced the partnership with the international airline, which will cover the lending of two Airbus 320 CEO aircraft from Bulgaria Air. The wide-bodied jets have a 180-seating capacity.

They will fly four domestic routes from Manila—going to Cebu, Davao, Iloilo and Cagayan de Oro—during the Christmas and New Year holiday season.

Under the terms of the lease agreement, Bulgaria Air will provide aircraft, pilots, maintenance and insurance. Meanwhile, Cebu Pacific is mandated to deploy its own cabin crew.

“We are continuously exploring ways to expand our fleet and ensure operational resilience,” said Cebu Pacific president and chief commercial officer Xander Lao.

Lao added, “Our damp lease agreement with Bulgaria Air will allow us to meet strong travel demand from December 2025 to January 2026.”

“This collaboration is yet another testament to the high level of trust and professionalism that our team delivers in the implementation of international leasing projects,” said Hristo Todorov, Bulgarian Airways Group chair of the management board.

Bulgaria Air flies short- and medium-haul aircraft to destinations in Europe and the Middle East.