Cebu Pacific set to favor Airbus in deal for as many as 150 jets

Airbus is closing in on a large single-aisle jet order from Cebu Pacific Air, with the carrier planning to sign up for as many as 150 A320neo aircraft that would more than double the Asian airline’s fleet size. A deal would include about 50 optional purchases, according to people familiar with the negotiations. Philippines-based Cebu and Airbus may announce the accord at the Farnborough Air Show later next month, said one of the people, who asked not to be identified because the discussions are confidential. Cebu Pacific — controlled by tycoon Lance Gokongwei and his family’s conglomerate JG Summit Holdings Inc. — has previously said it’s in the market for about 100 single-aisle planes and options for a further 50 as part of a major expansion. CEO Mike Szucs said earlier this year that Boeing Co. “had a reasonable chance” of also being considered for the purchase, given that Airbus’s popular single-aisle family is sold out until the end of the decade. Representatives for Cebu, Airbus and Boeing declined to comment. The people cautioned that no deal has been formally signed, and that details of an agreement and the timing could still change. <br/>