CEBU Air Inc., which operates the Cebu Pacific budget airline, is on track to reach its 12-million passenger target for the year after it reported yesterday that it transported over 3.1 million passengers in the second quarter—exceeding its own passenger records and load factors in the same period a year ago.

The airline flew a total of 3.111 million passengers from April to June this year, up 15 percent from 2.7 million passengers in the same period last year. Of this number, 683,000 were international passengers, up by 21 percent, and 2.428 million were domestic passengers, up by 13 percent.

It also achieved a record 89-percent load factor, surpassing the load factors in the 1st quarter of 2011 or 87 percent and second quarter of 2010 recorded at 88 percent.

“Cebu Pacific posted strong growth figures in the second quarter of 2011, given its trademark lowest fares, extensive route network and innovative travel services. April and May are seasonally the strongest in domestic travel, and we will remain consistent in growing the market so every Juan gets the chance to fly,” said vice president for marketing and distribution Candice Iyog.

“We will continue to expand internationally, consistent with our goal to bring more tourists to and from the Philippines. Cebu Pacific’s international passengers increased in the second quarter, owing to our increased flight frequencies and direct flights from international destinations to Manila, Cebu and Clark,” added Iyog.

Passengers to and from Singapore increased by 22 percent year-on-year. Passengers flying to and from North Asia grew by 13 percent, led by Taiwan (up by 66 percent), South Korea (up by 42 percent) and China (up by 38 percent).

“As we accept delivery of more brand-new aircraft orders in the last week of September and October, we will continue offering the lowest fares to all the destinations we serve. Cebu Pacific is slated to begin its Tawi-Tawi to Zamboanga flights, as well as its Cagayan de Oro-Iloilo service on October 14, further expanding CebuPacific’s network in the Philippines,” Iyog  added.

The airline currently has 10 Airbus A319, 15 Airbus A320 and eight ATR-72 500 aircraft. By the end of 2011, it will be operating a fleet of 37 aircraft with an average age of less than 3.5 years. Between 2012 and 2021, Cebu Pacific will take delivery of 23 Airbus A320 and 30 Airbus A321neo aircraft orders, and two Airbus A320 aircraft on operating lease agreements.