Cebu Pacific passenger volume down 0.4% in August

Cebu Pacific (CEB) flew 2.103 million passengers in August, a 0.4% decrease compared to the same period last year, attributed to a typical lean travel season.

Despite the passenger dip, the airline's overall seat load factor improved to 83.7% from 81.3% in the previous year.

Domestic passengers fell by 4.4% to 1.562 million, though the domestic seat load factor significantly increased to 87.6%.

International traffic saw robust growth with a 13.3% surge, although its seat load factor decreased to 74.2%.

CEB CEO Mike Szucs stated the decline is an expected, temporary dip, with a rebound anticipated in the fourth quarter due to the onset of the peak travel season and improved aircraft availability.

The airline adjusted domestic capacity in August due to unscheduled engine removals, a wet-lease arrangement, and planned maintenance to optimize operations for the busy holiday season.