Cebu Pacific has placed an order for seven more Airbus A320s, taking its order backlog to 22 aircraft.

The new aircraft, to be powered by CFM International CFM56 engines, are scheduled to be delivered between the last quarter of 2010 and 2014, says Airbus.

"The A320 family offers the right combination of low operating costs, fast turnaround times and high levels of passenger comfort," says Cebu Pacific president and CEO Lance Gokongwei.

"These features have enabled us to offer a high-quality, value-based product to our passengers, which we will bring to more destinations and more markets across the region as our fleet continues to grow."

Cebu Pacific has a fleet of 21 A320-family aircraft that it operates to 33 domestic destinations and 14 Asian cities.

Airbus chief operating officer John Leahy says: "With the latest order, the carrier will be well positioned to continue its expansion, operating the most modern and efficient single aisle aircraft available today."

Cebu Pacific plans to launch an initial public offering later this year to raise 12 billion pesos ($269 million) to fund the acquisition of new aircraft.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news