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Low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific recently took delivery of its second cargo freighter, a converted ATR 72-500 aircraft
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Both ATR freighters are equipped with a large cargo door, allowing for capacity to be as much as eight tons of palletized cargo
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One Airbus A330 aircraft has also been recently modified into an all-cargo configuration with seats removed so cargo can be carried in the main deck
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The pandemic seen to present an opportunity to recalibrate the business amid growing demand for cargo
Low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific recently took delivery of its second ATR cargo freighter to further strengthen its cargo operations to and from domestic airports with short runways.
The second ATR 72-500 aircraft was converted at the Sabena Technics DNR S.A.S. facility in Dinard, France. The first freighter, which arrived in August 2019, was likewise converted at the same facility.
READ: Cebu Pacific receives first of two dedicated air freighters
Both ATR freighters, operated by Cebu Pacific’s subsidiary Cebgo, are equipped with a large cargo door, allowing for capacity to be as much as eight tons of palletized cargo.
Apart from its two ATR freighters, Cebu Pacific also recently modified one of its Airbus A330 aircraft into an all-cargo configuration, removing seats so cargo can be carried in the main deck.
“We saw this pandemic as an opportunity to recalibrate our business and optimize operations to address the needs of our customers,” Cebgo president and chief executive officer Alex Reyes said in a statement.
He further noted a growing demand for cargo to and from the Philippines that its fleet of dedicated cargo aircraft can meet.
Cebu Pacific since last year has been operating all-cargo flights to support the transport of essential goods and equipment during the coronavirus disease pandemic.
For the first nine months of 2020, Cebu Pacific’s revenues from cargoes declined 17.7% to P3.56 billion from P4.31 billion, attributable to a 55.8% decrease in volume transported, partially offset by a higher yield from chartered cargo services.
Cebu Pacific said it anticipates its cargo business to “continue flourishing, and its investment in these dedicated cargo aircraft supports its commitment to continue providing affordable and accessible air travel services for everyJuan.”
