Cebu Pacific recognised for inclusion and sustainability at the ESGBusiness Awards 2025
The Philippines’ leading carrier strengthens its role as an inclusive employer and sustainable airline with two major wins.
Cebu Pacific has earned international recognition after winning the Inclusion and Diversity Award - Philippines and the Sustainable Transportation Award - Philippines at the ESGBusiness Awards 2025.
The airline was recognised for its initiatives in building an inclusive workplace and for its long-term strategy to decarbonise its operations.
Cebu Pacific institutionalised a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Policy that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression. This policy is implemented through non-discriminatory hiring, expanded benefits for same-sex and common-law partners, and support groups tailored for women and LGBTQIA+ members.
In 2023, the airline mounted its first Pride Flight, with crew and staff composed entirely of LGBTQIA+ members and allies. Representation across its operations continues to grow, with women accounting for 7.7% of pilots in 2024—above the global average of 4.7%. As of June 2025, women also hold half of executive leadership positions.
To further support inclusivity, Cebu Pacific expanded its employee benefits programme in 2024 to recognise same-sex and common-law partners, granting them access to healthcare and travel privileges. Over 300 employees enrolled their partners shortly after the launch. The airline also introduced employee groups such as Rainbow Routes for LGBTQIA+ members and allies, and EmpowHER for women in aviation, providing platforms to share experiences and champion inclusive policies.
Alongside these achievements, Cebu Pacific continues to advance its sustainability agenda. Through its 5F Decarbonization Strategy. The airline was ranked 18th amongst global airlines in the Cirium Flight Emissions Review, recording 62.4 grams of CO2 per available seat kilometre (ASK) in 2024 – amongst the lowest in the global aviation industry. This progress was driven by fleet modernisation and fuel-efficiency measures.
With one of the youngest fleets in the region, 52% of which are fuel-efficient New Engine Option (NEO) aircraft, Cebu Pacific saved 49.7 million kg of fuel and avoided 157,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2024. It was also the first low-cost carrier (LCC) in Southeast Asia to secure a sustainability-linked loan, tying financial terms to its emission-reduction targets.
Beyond its fleet operations, the airline has also implemented measures across ground operations, including the use of electric ground support equipment (GSE) and renewable energy (RE) in its facilities.
These recognitions highlight Cebu Pacific’s commitment to its people and to sustainable aviation. By fostering inclusion in the workplace and advancing decarbonisation across its operations, the airline continues to demonstrate that affordable travel and responsible growth can be achieved together.
The ESGBusiness Awards celebrate companies that are leading the way in building a sustainable future. The awards programme honours businesses that demonstrate outstanding commitment and achievement in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices.
The ESGBusiness Awards is presented by ESGBusiness. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2026 awards programme and be acclaimed for your company's outstanding commitment and achievement in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, please contact Julie Anne Nuñez-Difuntorum at [email protected].
