There was a fair bit of feedback last time when I mentioned that Cebu Pacific was edging closer to beginning long haul operations.
Well it seems those plans are now well apace with Cebu Pacific agreeing an operating least deal with CIT Aerospace for four new Airbus A330-300’s.
On current schedule, the aircraft will be delivered between 2013 and 2014 and be powered with Rolls-Royce’s Trent 772B engines according to the airline. This is roughly half of what Cebu Pacific need as they initially want to operate eight of these birds.
Cebu Pacific still have not confirmed any routes, but have suggested they could offer non-stop services to Australia, India, the Middle East and parts of Europe and the US.
Betcha can’t wait? 
Problem is Cebu pacific cannot fly to Europe or USA due to the Philippines Air Transport office having an IASA rating of 2. You can read more about it on my blog that I wrote yesterday here: http://www.whendoublewidesfly.com/2012/02/cebu-pacific-is-getting-serious.html
Why is PAL able to fly to the US then?
The EU ban doesn’t cover all of Europe however! Don’t forget Russia’s there, and has a tendency to play by its own rules and guidelines…