
LOW-COST carrier Cebu Pacific (CEB) has taken delivery of its 16th aircraft this year—a brand-new Airbus A330neo—further strengthening its capacity to meet growing travel demand and support its expanding route network. The 459-seater aircraft arrived in Manila on Dec. 19, 2024, increasing the airline’s A330neo fleet to 10. The A330neo’s efficiency and capacity are expected to play a key role in CEB’s strategy to serve high-traffic routes and long-haul destinations. “The A330neo’s versatility and efficiency are key to our goal of providing affordable and reliable travel options for every Juan. This aircraft enables us to serve high-traffic routes and long-haul destinations more effectively while optimizing seat capacity to accommodate increasing demand,” said Xander Lao, CEB president and chief commercial officer, in a statement. The Airbus NEO series features cutting-edge technology that delivers 15 percent lower fuel consumption and reduced noise levels, leading to significant carbon emission reductions. CEB’s fleet expansion aligns with its record-breaking order signed in October 2024 for up to 152 Airbus A321neo aircraft, equipped with Pratt & Whitney GTFTM engines. Valued at US$24 billion (P1.4 trillion) at list prices, the deal marks the largest aircraft acquisition in Philippine aviation history. Currently operating one of the youngest fleets globally, CEB’s diverse portfolio includes 10 Airbus A330s, 40 Airbus A320s, 25 Airbus A321s and 15 ATR turboprop aircraft, making it the carrier with the widest network coverage in the Philippines. / KOC
JERUSALEM — Hezbollah fired into a disputed border zone held by Israel on Monday after multiple Israeli strikes inside Lebanon since a ceasefire took hold last week. The militant group said the volley, its first during the truce, was a warning shot in response to what it called repeated Israeli violations. Israeli leaders threatened to retaliate and within hours, Israel’s military carried out a string of strikes in southern Lebanon, including five hits in the al-Tuffah region, Lebanese state media reported. There was no immediate word on casualties or what was struck. Lebanon’s parliament speaker, Nabih Berri, accused Israel of violating the truce more than 50 times in recent days, with strikes, demolition of homes near the border and overflight of drones. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump demanded the immediate release of Israeli hostages still being held in Gaza, saying on social media that if they are not freed before he is sworn into office for a second term there will be “HELL TO PAY.” It was not immediately clear whether Trump was threatening to directly involve the U.S. military in Israel’s campaign in Gaza. Get local news delivered to your inbox!Bharat’s eCourts Mission: Transforming Judiciary through Digital Innovation
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NASSAU, The Bahamas — Chucky Hepburn had 16 points, 10 assists and seven steals, Noah Waterman also had 16 points and Louisville beat No. 14 Indiana 89-61 on Wednesday in the opening game of the Battle 4 Atlantis. Louisville (4-1) beat a ranked team for the first time since topping Virginia Tech 73-71 on Jan. 6, 2021. Kasean Pryor scored 10 of his 14 points in the second half and Reyne Smith added 12 points for Louisville. Malik Reneau scored 21 points and Oumar Ballo added 11 for Indiana (4-1). Reneau reached 20-plus points for the eighth time in his career. The Cardinals led 37-29 at the break after making 7 of 17 from 3-point range and shooting 57% overall. Indiana missed six straight shots on two occasions in the first half, sandwiched around a string of seven missed field goals, as the Cardinals shot 9 of 29 (31%). Louisville exploded for 52 second-half points by shooting 66.7% from the field. Pryor missed only one of his six shots in the second half. Louisville quickly built a commanding lead in the second half after starting on an 11-2 run, highlighted by Pryor's fast-break dunk . The lead reached 30 on freshman Khani Rooths' alley-oop dunk that came during the Cardinals’ 16-0 run for a 78-40 lead. Louisville entered the week ranked sixth in the country in 3-point attempts per game at 34. The Cardinals attempted 27 against Indiana and made 10 of them — with four apiece from Waterman and Smith. Louisville also came into the game averaging 19 forced turnovers per game. The Cardinals scored 30 points off 23 Indiana turnovers. Louisville, which played its first road game of the season, faces West Virginia on Thursday. Indiana plays No. 3 Gonzaga in the consolation bracket. LOUISVILLE (4-1) Pryor 7-13 0-0 14, Waterman 6-12 0-0 16, Hadley 4-5 0-1 8, Hepburn 7-10 0-0 16, Edwards 3-6 2-2 8, Smith 4-9 0-0 12, Scott 4-4 0-0 8, Rooths 2-3 0-0 4, Anselem-Ibe 0-2 0-0 0, Antonelli 0-0 3-4 3, Sherman 0-0 0-0 0, Legg 0-1 0-0 0, McCool 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 37-65 5-7 89. INDIANA (4-1) Mgbako 2-7 2-2 8, Reneau 7-12 5-6 21, Ballo 5-8 1-3 11, Carlyle 0-2 0-2 0, Rice 1-11 0-0 3, Galloway 0-2 0-0 0, Tucker 2-9 0-0 4, Goode 2-6 2-2 7, Cupps 0-3 0-0 0, Hatton 0-1 2-2 2, Leal 2-2 0-0 5. Totals 21-63 12-17 61. Halftime: Louisville 37-29. 3-Point Goals: Louisville 10-27 (Waterman 4-8, Smith 4-9, Hepburn 2-4, Edwards 0-3, Pryor 0-3), Indiana 7-20 (Reneau 2-3, Mgbako 2-4, Leal 1-1, Rice 1-2, Goode 1-5, Tucker 0-1, Carlyle 0-2, Cupps 0-2). Rebounds: Louisville 29 (Hadley 8), Indiana 29 (Reneau 7). Assists: Louisville 23 (Hepburn 10), Indiana 12 (Reneau 4). Total Fouls: Louisville 17, Indiana 15. Attendance: 1,594 (500).Hermon High ready for first state championship football game appearance