Cebu Pacific's long-haul low cost 2014 expansion to Australia, Saudi Arabia, with Middle East focus

Cebu Pacific is planning to launch several new long-haul destinations, up to five in the Middle East and one in Australia, in 2014 as it expands its A330-300 fleet. The carrier currently operates two A330-300s and is taking three additional A330s in 2014, with deliveries in Feb-2014, early 2Q2014 and late 3Q2014, according to CAPA's Fleet Database.

The carrier's new long-haul low-cost operation, which now consists of just one route with Manila-Dubai, has experienced a challenging start. There are plenty of options to expand the long-haul network but each potential destination has its own challenges.

There will be stiff competition to overcome in Cebu Pacific's next two long-haul markets - Australia and Saudi Arabia - as well as in most of its other planned new markets in the Middle East - Kuwait, Oman and Qatar. All are expected to be launched by the end of 2014, starting with two cities in Saudi Arabia and one in Australia.