hehehe...I think we go through this in every Airlines, Airplanes thread:D Only one of them has PTVs in all seats. Skyblade knows the exact plane code.

magaganda din yung mga flight attendant ng cebu pacific, yung isa nga dun tinanong ko kung pwede ako na lang ang maging asawa pero sabi nya, magmamadre na lang daw sya.

hehehe...I think we go through this in every Airlines, Airplanes thread:D Only one of them has PTVs in all seats. Skyblade knows the exact plane code.

They should have said in the magazine "available on only one 744". Hehehe! :lol:

Im not sure also but I think I remember reading in Mabuhay Magazine that it is only in select 744's.
N754PR, I think.

I think this widebody talk is still very preliminary. I actually believe they will go for a couple of A380's maybe even up to 5, purely for LAX/SFO, this will be in the long though. A340-600's and A330's. Really depends if they plan to go back to Europe in a big way. There's definitely more than enough traffic at least in Italy and probably a Frankfurt/Paris/London hop. A340-600 would also do well for a New York run.

I think this widebody talk is still very preliminary. I actually believe they will go for a couple of A380's maybe even up to 5, purely for LAX/SFO, this will be in the long though. A340-600's and A330's. Really depends if they plan to go back to Europe in a big way. There's definitely more than enough traffic at least in Italy and probably a Frankfurt/Paris/London hop. A340-600 would also do well for a New York run.

ahhh, so someone does have a realistic approach to PAL´s airline aquirements.

An A380 and an A340-500 (or 600) would be interesting as long as they would put a TV in each seat in the economy class

But what I really hope for PAL is that they consider making a future purchase for a Boeing 787 plane.

Go Boeing 787:cheers1: !!! Nail the Airbus A350 down! :down:

I think PAL will try to make their fleet an all Airbus fleet. First because of their bitter relationship with Boeing in the past. Second, Lufthansa Tecnik/MacroAsia specializes in Airbuses (they can do C/D checks) and third, because its easier and cost effective to maintain same brand planes.

Although i'm a Boeing fan, what PAL is doing makes sense, so its the best option for them.

I will miss the B747 in PAL colors when it moves over to an all Airbus fleet. :cry:

^ I dont think they will replace their B747s any time soon.

I think this widebody talk is still very preliminary. I actually believe they will go for a couple of A380's maybe even up to 5, purely for LAX/SFO, this will be in the long though. A340-600's and A330's. Really depends if they plan to go back to Europe in a big way. There's definitely more than enough traffic at least in Italy and probably a Frankfurt/Paris/London hop. A340-600 would also do well for a New York run.

I'd be happy if they even just have one A380. But you are right, this is way in the future.

@Ryan - Yeah, an all airbus fleet might be more advantageous for PAL. But like Kimber, Id miss the 744.

their 744s are my all time favorite plane.... honestly i prefer 747 than the A380... in case pal will retire their 744, i would really miss their livery of the 744...

^ Same, the 744 and 777 are my all time favorites...Imo, the 744 is way better than the A380. They just need to update it with the latest technology. And to repeat the three of you, i'd miss it too.

Like bustero, i believe PAL will acquire the A380. The only question is when. The new A330s they plan to buy are most likely for more services within the region, new routes to India and a couple A340s for Europe. They might even increase their Manila-Vancouver-Las Vegas service with more A340s. And its also possible they reinstate their Manila-Vancouver-New York flights. But if this happens, it wont be for another several years.

This is so wild...

Jumbo architecture turns jet into dream home

Fri Apr 21, 2:39 AM ET
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=2628&ncid=2628&e=52&u=/afp/20060421/ts_alt_afp/usarchitectureaerospaceoffbeat

SANTA MONICA, United States (AFP) - A wealthy California woman is to turn a Boeing 747 jet into a house on some of the most exclusive real estate in the world.

Francie Rehwald wanted a house that was environmentally friendly and "feminine". Architect David Hertz, a specialist in using recycled materials, said she was stunned when he recommended an old 747, the biggest commercial aircraft in service.

The jumbo jet cost about 40,000 dollars from a cemetery for more than 1,500 scrap airliners in the California desert.

The jet is to be moved in parts to a 55-acre (22-hectare) site in the Malibu Hills near the Pacific Ocean and Rehwald admits the final cost will be several million dollars.

The wings will be the main house. The cockpit will become a meditation temple, the jet's trademark hump will become a loft and the remaining scrap will be used for more buildings.

"The whole idea stated very seriously, about a beautiful, sublime architectural piece. It's not just living in an airplane," said Hertz, who runs a design firm in Santa Monica, near Los Angeles.

"The client just asked me to create something that was curvy, linear and feminine," he added, noting the site had a beautiful view toward a mountain range.

"To build -- that would have been very expensive, so I started to think: 'Well, there is something that does that much better, that's a wing,' and then we started to superpose different aircraft wings on the site to find the best size and shape."

"When you look at them, they are very curvy, very soft, and very feminine and thin."

Finding an old version of the 230-foot-long (70-metre-) jet was easy in California because of the desert scrapyard.

Rehwald, whose family set up the first Mercedes-Benz concession in California, bought the 28th of the approximately 1,430 Boeing 747s built up to now. It was delivered in 1970 to TWA and finished its flying time with Tower Air 30 years later.

The architect needs permission from 17 government agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), for the project, which still needs final planning permission.

Hertz hopes construction will start in June.

The jet will be cut up and taken in parts by road to the Malibu Hills and then taken by helicopter to the site. "It is thrilling to imagine this wing becoming a roof," said Rehwald.

The roof, however, will have to be registered with the FAA and a red cross painted on it so that planes flying over do not mistake the house for a crashed jet.

The house will incorporate many state-of-the-art energy saving devices, including special air conditioning and a rain-collection system.

"This projects embodies a lot of a philosophies in architecture I've been interested in for many, many years," said Hertz.

"It deals with prefabrication, recycled content.

"Think about the airplane as a giant aluminium can. It's 100 percent recyclable product. It represents an abandoned infrastructure unutilized, billions of dollars of research and development that went into the plane, a 200-million dollar airplane, that you can buy for 40,000 dollars."

A computer rendering of the "747 Wing House" which architect David Hertz will construct from a recycled Boeing 747-200. Hertz's client, Francie Rehwald, requested a home with curvilinear/feminine shapes, leading Hertz to come up with the idea of using an airplane wing(AFP/HO)

Wow!!! That is wild! :eek2:

But she's going to take it apart after all. I thought that they were going to convert the jet itself. Hehe! That would have been even cooler!

^ I dont think they will replace their B747s any time soon.


Boeing will be introducing a "new generation" 747 by extending it by 32 or so seats more with more cargo tonage capacity and longer flying time to match the A380? So, that means they will not replace 747, they will just add more features and improve it.

^ I meant...i dont think PAL will be replacing their 747s any time soon.

http://www.realestatejournal.com/images/house_and_garden/20051111-frangos1.jpg
The salvaged wings and tail flaps of a Boeing 747
will serve as the roof for this multilevel country
home in California, as seen in an architect's
renderings from the front (above) and the side.

I saw a 737 being converted into a trailer home in AZ.

hmmmmm... question, bakit bawal tanggalin ung airbus logo??

^ Same, the 744 and 777 are my all time favorites...Imo, the 744 is way better than the A380. They just need to update it with the latest technology. And to repeat the three of you, i'd miss it too.

Like bustero, i believe PAL will acquire the A380. The only question is when. The new A330s they plan to buy are most likely for more services within the region, new routes to India and a couple A340s for Europe. They might even increase their Manila-Vancouver-Las Vegas service with more A340s. And its also possible they reinstate their Manila-Vancouver-New York flights. But if this happens, it wont be for another several years.

Yup. I prefer Boeing too. They are safer as is evidenced in the website on aviation disasters someone gave us the other week. B737's produced from 1987 (same year Airbus started production) had a very good record... especially those of 400 series upwards. The most recent crash of the Helios B737 was a maintenance failure on the part of the maintenance crew because they have not fixed it well enough. Besides, the plane wouldn't have crashed if it hadn't run out of fuel and if the crew used their oxygen masks. In contrast, a number of A319-321's crashed because of a problem with computer and pilot conflict on aborted landings as M. Lee pointed out earlier. So next time I fly domestic, I'll prefer PAL which still flies B737-400s at this point. There was only one late model B737 crash that happened due to mechanical failure.

For B747's, there had been two major accidents that were thought to be Boeing's fault. These were the JAL and CAL midair disintegration. The investigation later found out that both aircraft had a collision on the ground about a decade ago and that the repairs were not as extensive as Boeing required.

One other problem about the A380's... Insurance companies have a maximum ceiling per plane... which means that if all passengers were insured with the same company, it would automatically divide the compensation among all the passengers so that even if you have paid for a higher coverage, your family would end up with a lot less. Personally, I'd go for airlines which are still flying Boeings when PAL goes pure Airbus.

I really hate riding planes. Somehow the fact that i know we're up thousands of feet up in air and no where to park if the plane gets mechanical troubles uneases me.

I really hate riding planes. Somehow the fact that i know we're up thousands of feet up in air and no where to park if the plane gets mechanical troubles uneases me.

I remembered my first time to ride an airplane when I was only 9, and I like it sobra!!! :) It makes your heart feels so light, and it's like riding a rollercoaster!!! astig! tawa akong tawa nun, parang kinikilig... hahaha, Kids love airplanes, but some younger than 7 vommits..

and when I was 11 years old, we went to Cebu, after the 3 days swimming in beaches of Cebu and Bohol, we went back from Cebu to Manila, and nag-karoon ng terbulance ba yun? biglang bumaba, and ang sarap ng feeling!!!!! hahahaha!!!!!! and yung mga iba nag-sigawan and natawa kami pati yung mga ibang pinoy and foreigners, talagang comedy!!! sobra...

and then, nung 13 ako, sa airport ng bagong airport nila! astig! ang ganda! tapos kaming tatlo lang ng kapatid ko ang umuwi, and nung nakapasok na kami, takbuhan kami oh, akala namin late na kami para kaming tanga, and ang saya!!! sobra!!! para ka lang nag-taxi. ang kulet at maingay kaya kami sa airplane... :)

Masarap pag commercial planes, but if you guys have tried our cargo planes..... you will have the time of your life.

I can only recite up to 20 names of Saints..... :D

^^ funny

I really hate riding planes. Somehow the fact that i know we're up thousands of feet up in air and no where to park if the plane gets mechanical troubles uneases me.

hehe wala na tayong magagawa, in reality quite safe but fears are fears

I don't think the 744 is better than the A380, much newer tech in this one plus much lower Casm, if PR is interested in 747's perhaps the 747-800 is good for them.

i dont think all of their 744's have PTV's.... im not too sure..

they have 4 B744... one of them is has no PTV in economy, the 3 has PTVs. I've been there B744 in my flight to Tokyo/Narita and they use thire B744 with PTVs on economy. I don't know if their 5th B744 has PTVs.

Im not sure also but I think I remember reading in Mabuhay Magazine that it is only in select 744's.

I think the one you are talking about is their 4th B744... what about the previous 3 B744s. They used a B744 on their Tokyo/Narita route w/c has an all PTVs in their economy seat. I think these were also used in SFO, LAX and HKG.

^ I meant...i dont think PAL will be replacing their 747s any time soon.


I don't think that the will replace it too. Ias I've said their B744 has the best inflight entertainment feature, having PTVs including in economy seats. I think 3 of their 5 aircraft has PTVs in economy. Plus their seats are wider and cozy than their Airbus seats (for thpse who really want space), plus they have footrests too!

I don't think that the will replace it too. Ias I've said their B744 has the best inflight entertainment feature, having PTVs including in economy seats. I think 3 of their 5 aircraft has PTVs in economy. Plus their seats are wider and cozy than their Airbus seats (for thpse who really want space), plus they have footrests too!

only one of the 747s has ptv's in economy. the other four have them in business and first only, like in the widebody airbus fleet.

When an airline talks of ordering aircraft, that's still a long way off. At least 3 years for a new widebody unless it's a model about to be discontinued with no backlog. Narrowbodies are faster and you can buy slots if neccesary. The first 744's came in 92 that's 14 years ago their not exactly fresh, and while you can run them for a long time more to come, no on in the biz depreciates them past a 10 year sched.They surely must be more expensie on the MX. In other words at this time PR should really be looking for their replacement already, it's going to come probably within a 5 year time frame not longer than that.

I remembered my first time to ride an airplane when I was only 9, and I like it sobra!!! :) It makes your heart feels so light, and it's like riding a rollercoaster!!! astig! tawa akong tawa nun, parang kinikilig... hahaha, Kids love airplanes, but some younger than 7 vommits..

and when I was 11 years old, we went to Cebu, after the 3 days swimming in beaches of Cebu and Bohol, we went back from Cebu to Manila, and nag-karoon ng terbulance ba yun? biglang bumaba, and ang sarap ng feeling!!!!! hahahaha!!!!!! and yung mga iba nag-sigawan and natawa kami pati yung mga ibang pinoy and foreigners, talagang comedy!!! sobra...

and then, nung 13 ako, sa airport ng bagong airport nila! astig! ang ganda! tapos kaming tatlo lang ng kapatid ko ang umuwi, and nung nakapasok na kami, takbuhan kami oh, akala namin late na kami para kaming tanga, and ang saya!!! sobra!!! para ka lang nag-taxi. ang kulet at maingay kaya kami sa airplane... :)
ha ha reminds me of a flight we took fr manila to hongkong very heavy turbulence, as in up and down talaga plane na parang nahuhulog. I was scared sh*t and felt like vomitting pero mga pinoy na karamihang mga pasahero nagpaparty, tayuan ,palitan ng upuan at fiesta talaga ,ang kukulet until a flight attendant as instructed by the pilot to keep the noise down as he was getting nervous.

^^ funny



hehe wala na tayong magagawa, in reality quite safe but fears are fears

I don't think the 744 is better than the A380, much newer tech in this one plus much lower Casm, if PR is interested in 747's perhaps the 747-800 is good for them.


I don't trust any newly designed and produced aircrafts like A380. I would probably try it after 10 years if I can help it. Why? because by that time, any imperfections in building these aircrafts should have been perfected. Look at those Concordes, it's been like what? over 12 years and when it explode in midair, they found out that these aircrafts needs to be grounded permanently. Those Airbuses being used now like the A340 down to A319 should be okay since all the previous defects has been corrected already. So, if you were to ask me, I'm okay with 747s and the airbuses, they are all great aircrafts.

ha ha reminds me of a flight we took fr manila to hongkong very heavy turbulence, as in up and down talaga plane na parang nahuhulog. I was scared sh*t and felt like vomitting pero mga pinoy na karamihang mga pasahero nagpaparty, tayuan ,palitan ng upuan at fiesta talaga ,ang kukulet until a flight attendant as instructed by the pilot to keep the noise down as he was getting nervous.

hahahaha! I'm guilty there!, hahaha, pano pa kaya kung friends ang kasama mo or barkada! tawanan yun and ingayan!

I remember when we were going back from HK to Manila, me with my 2 older siblings, OMG! the view was awesome! you could see the Mt. Pinatubo! with the lahar, and I saw The Quezon Memorial Circle, and I was too noisy up there, and I said "Para na po... nandito na bahay namin sa QC" and my siblings were laughing and I was so makulet! I always say... "WOW, WOW!,,, look at Makati!!! look at greenhills, look at eastwood! and ortigas!!! megamall!" hahaha... grabe... 13 pa lang at ako nun, isip bata pa rin, ganda kasi ng view eh... :)

This is the supposed new uniform of PAL FAs that is due to use in 1997 under their campaign of "Asia's Sunniest"
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/ianers_ianized/Stewardess7.jpg


This uniforms were unveiled in June 1997 under their new campaign at that time - "Asia's Sunniest". PAL envisioned at that time as Asia's First Airline to Asia's Best by the turn of the millennium.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/ianers_ianized/Stewardess6.jpg

The reason why it was not used because of the Feng Shui reading of Lucio Tan said the color of the uniform will bring bad luck to his PAL business when used. I'm not sure if this is the real reason but this is what I've heard.

Just to make a note.. I think PAL only adopted half of the uniform. because ive seen some pictures of the f/as wearing that blue vest with the old cream skirts. Or it could just F/As that got the new uniform but were only authorized to use that part of it.. i have no idea

Sana Magkaroon ng Mga Kakaibang Perks sa NAIA III

Like Free Internet Hours,5 Hours Nap Time,Food Tickets

Just wondering why PR has not considered joining any major air alliances? Right now, its FF program isn't very attractive particularly if you are not based in Manila. So One World covers MNL with Cathay, SkyTeam with NW/KLM, and Star Alliance with Singapore/Thai/Asiana, but still, only PR offers non-stop flight from North America.

Cebu Pacific flights to Laoag start June 15
By Aleli Aggasid-Batara 04/20/2006

LAOAG CITY (April 20) -- Cebu Pacific executives are set to meet with Mayor Michael Fariñas and Governor Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively, to discuss the final details on the operation of the said airline company at the Laoag International Airport (LIA).

Milagros Gonzales, provincial tourism officer, announced on Wednesday that Edgardo Cruz, director for sales, and party, are expected to pay their courtesy call to the two chief executives early next week as the Gokongwei-owned carrier will take its maiden flight on June 15.

She reported that the airline’s human resources managers were in the city previously to recruit ground handling staff and scout locations for their ticketing office.

The airline management is also keen on doing business here because the city serves as an entry point to other northern provinces like Vigan and Cagayan, Gonzales said.

Rescue flights were fielded by the airline for a day after the sudden pull-out of PAL in February, while the city was in the thick of fiesta celebrations. Thereafter, Asian Spirit began servicing passengers of the Manila-Laoag-Manila route.

The provincial tourism officer relayed that there was a notable decrease of tourist arrivals after the country’s flag carrier cancelled its flight because of smaller aircrafts deployed by Asian Spirit.

She however assured the safety and comfort of the traveling public, saying that, Asian Spirit is currently using the newest and most modern 83-seater jet aircraft.

Relative to this, Gonzales has suggested that Asian Spirit deploy its airbuses so that they can capture a bigger market. “International flights coming from the United States usually arrive at around 3:00 o’clock in the afternoon in Manila, so it is best that they arrange their flight schedules based on this,” she said.

The Fariñases must have really pissed Tan or the PAL people that they still have not resumed their services to Laoag. I hope that will serve as a lesson to these abusive politicians in the Philippines and I hope PAL will someday learn to forgive and forget so they can return that PAL MNL- Laoag service.

Sana Magkaroon ng Mga Kakaibang Perks sa NAIA III

Like Free Internet Hours,5 Hours Nap Time,Food Tickets
he he yung bubong nga hindi maayos ayos eh..

Any new developments about the new airports being built in Sta. Barbara-Cabatuan, Bacolod, Languindingan and Panglao?

what is that airport in st. barbara ? never heard that a new one is being built there. what about iloilo ?

I am not sure if this had been posted already, but for the benefit of the others, here are some info regarding the santa-barbara - cabatuan airport, also known as New Iloilo Airport:

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h151/soulmaker27/Nipd_2.jpg

The New Iloilo Airport, located 19 kilometers north of Iloilo City, will be a trunkline airport of international standards located at the Sta. Barbara-Cabatuan site and will replace the existing Mandurriao domestic airport. Its development project will cover the acquisition of 200 hectares of land.

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h151/soulmaker27/airport011.jpg

The scope of work includes the 2,500 m x 45 meters runway, 48,000 sq. meters apron, 3,000 m x 30 meters access road, passenger terminal which is about 12,000 square meters, cargo terminal building, administration building, 35 meters high tower and operation building, central plant building, maintenance building and equipment, crash-fire-rescue station and equipment, and many others.

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h151/soulmaker27/airport3.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h151/soulmaker27/airport2.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h151/soulmaker27/airport02.jpg

And the recent development regarding this project:

Please read article below

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h151/soulmaker27/airport5B15D.jpg

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

THE Japanese contractor of the new Iloilo airport development project is working overtime to beat the December 2006 deadline of the multibillion project.

Engr. Hiroshi Yushekawa of the Taisei Shimizu Joint Venture (TSJV), contractor of the P6-billion project, said they are working three shifts a day to arrest the 26-percent slippage of the project.

Yushekawa is confident that their catch-up program will be enough to make up for lost time.

After the construction is completed December this year, the TSJV will test and commission the equipment needed for the operation of the airport.

Engr. Vivian Ruste of the Department of Transportation and Communication-Project Management Office said the airport might be operational by June 2007 after the TSJV has turned over the project to the government.

“We have to make sure that everything is in place when the government takes over the facility,” Ruste said.

Governor Niel Tupas Sr. and Provincial Administrator Mejorada toured the Iloilo media to the airport site yesterday to disprove allegations of corruption in the project resulting to its delay.

“The Japanese contractor proved that they can finish the project on time. And it is to their advantage if they complete it within the timetable,” Tupas said.

Data from the Japan Airport Consultants (JAC) show that as of March 2006, TSJV has accomplished 52 percent of the civil works which includes the runway, sewage system, access road and embankment.

The airport utilities which includes the water and electrical works and the sewage treatment plant is now 44 percent complete.

The building works composed of the passenger terminal building, control tower and operation building, administration building, maintenance building, fire rescue station, central plant-mechanical Station, central plant-electrical station and cargo terminal building is 48 percent accomplished.

The air navigation system has a 24 percent accomplishment, the JAC report said.

Sources: Iloilo Thread (SSC Forum); http://iloiloonline.blogspot.com/2006/01/iloilo-airport-of-international.html and
http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/

^^ That's good news. They are already developing it!

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h266/MDcarmen/NORTHMETRObACOLODfinal3b.jpg

The new Metro Bacolod Airport located in Silay will be primarily serving the cities of Talisay, Silay, Bacolod, Bago, Victorias, nearby towns. It is already quite visible in recent Satellite pictures from Google Earth. Ther has been some delay with the project recently but I am sure it will be finished before 2008. The Bacolod-Silay Airport will be slightly smaller than the Iloilo airport.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h266/MDcarmen/airportbc.jpg

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h266/MDcarmen/airport2.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a94/avenidalasalle/Bacolod%20Pics/0silayairport01.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a94/avenidalasalle/Bacolod%20Pics/0silayairport03.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a94/avenidalasalle/Bacolod%20Pics/0silayairport04.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a94/avenidalasalle/Bacolod%20Pics/0silayairport05.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a94/avenidalasalle/Bacolod%20Pics/0silayairport06.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a94/avenidalasalle/Bacolod%20Pics/0silayairport07.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a94/avenidalasalle/Bacolod%20Pics/0silayairport08.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a94/avenidalasalle/Bacolod%20Pics/0silayairport09.jpg

http://www.schemakonsult.com/project%27s%20large%20images/New-Bacolod.jpg

(Pictures from Sugarboy and Jimbu)

Saturday, January 28, 2006
New Bacolod Airport 20% complete
By Erwin Ambo S. Delilan

THIRTEEN months from now, the New Bacolod Airport being constructed in Barangay Bagtic, Silay City is expected to be complete.

Transportation and Communications Assistant Secretary Ricardo "Cano" Tan disclosed Thursday that as of last month, about 21.904 percent of the construction works have already been accomplished.

Tan admitted though that the airport contractor, Japan-based Takenaka-Itochu Joint Venture, has also encountered a delay equivalent to about 0.877 percent or 15 days.

Constant raining in the previous months affected the construction, said Tan.

Tan, however, said they would be able to catch up with the delay and hopes to beat the 30-month target in the completion of the airport construction with the Revised Catch Up Program duly implemented by the contractor.

"By the first quarter of 2007, the airport will finally be completed. On the second quarter, it should already be operational," added Tan.

The construction of the P4.3-billion airport in Silay started in August 2004 on a 187.2-hectare land area.

The project is being funded by the 24th Yen Loan Package of the Japan Bank of International Cooperation with another Japan-based Hanjin Construction serving as TIJV sub-contractor.

Meanwhile, in an on-site ocular inspection Thursday, the Department of Transportation and Communications engineers presented to local media the soon-to-be completed two-kilometer runway and its apron.

Likewise presented were the on-going construction of a passenger terminal building, control tower, terminal building, embarkment and parking facilities among others.

Tan said the new airport would be patterned on the latest modern standards of the Civil Aviation Organization.

Its control tower would be equipped with the most modern aviation facilities.

The new airport's terminal lies on 6,187-square-meter area with a parking space that could accommodate up to 350 cars.

The P68-million diversion road, Tan said, is also almost finished.

Another proposal, which is to use the McKinley road as an access route leading to the airport or to utilize Barangay Guinhalaran as an alternate route, is now being considered.

As to the plan for the old Bacolod airport at Singcang area in the City, Tan said, this would depend on the Airport Disposal Committee that the President would be creating.

Tan, however, clarified that Bacolod has nothing to lose if the new airport in Silay becomes operational because the City collects nothing from the airport except on fighting cocks that are being transported to Manila or Cebu.

The old Bacolod airport has an area of about 40 hectares and the National Government owns 50 percent of the property while the other half belongs to the Philippine Airlines.

sana nman meron A380 na magcater sa Pinas... alam kong hindi kasya yun sa airport, pero diba pwede naman gumamit nung parang stairs..
or gawa sila ng airport para lang sa A380... astig un...

Thanks very much for the very informative update Soulmaker27 and Dinho. It's a good thing these projects are moving forward.

Nice to see airports of international standards popping up in other places. Just imagine, Bacolod's, Iloilo's and Cebu's domestic airports will be better than the Manila Domestic Airport.

Since there have been discussions on the A380, I found this story intriguing. Posted an article from CNN.com and here's another link from Aero News Network (http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=bcb0566e-2984-4277-978b-d895a80bd44a&Dynamic=1).


Airbus denies standing room 'seats'
Airbus disputes report it is in discussion with Asian airlines to offer padded backboards to have flyers stand in effort to increase capacity.
April 25, 2006: 8:43 AM EDT

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) - Airlines and aircraft makers are always looking to get the most passengers possible onto planes, but Airbus is denying a report that it is in discussions with carriers about having a standing room "seat" to fit even more passengers on its jets.

The New York Times reports that Airbus has quietly pitched the standing-room-only option to Asian carriers, though none have agreed to it yet. But a spokeswoman for Airbus flatly denied the report Tuesday.

"Our passengers and customers want more and more comfort," said Barbara Kracht a spokeswoman for the European aircraft maker. "We're going in the direction of more comfort, not in that direction,"

The paper, quoting experts who it said had seen a proposal, reports that if the standing room option is used, passengers would be propped against a padded backboard, held in place with a harness.

"To call it a seat would be misleading," Volker Mellert, a physics professor at Oldenburg University in Germany, told the paper. Mellert has done research on airline seat comfort and has seen the design, the paper reported. Mellert could not be reached for comment by CNNMoney.com Tuesday.

The paper reports that the use of standing room would allow the new A380 double-decker jet that Airbus is in the process of introducing to hold up to 853 passengers, compared to about 500 passengers if they were given traditional seats.

But Airbus' Kracht said that the A380 has been approved to hold 853 passengers and a crew of 20 all fully seated, albeit all in coach class seating. The lower capacity is if the plane is divided into traditional three-class service with first and business class seating.

^^ :wtf: That's crap! Who would want to stand for the duration of a three or four or five hour flight?

^^ I thought that article was a joke or a hoax at first!!!

^^^^^ Atleast you won't feel bad waking up the sleeping person next to you when you want to stand up. LOL

Wow, can you imagine standing during takeoff... so much for legroom. Saw the diagrams from NY Times article.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/dayart/20060425/airline-seating.gif

this must be precisely why Philippine Airlines has yet to consider returning to Laoag.

Solon fires gun in air
Inquirer | April 25, 2006 | Cristina Arzadon

Disagreement on where to park plane

LAOAG CITY—A disagreement over an area where a chartered plane should park led Ilocos Norte Rep. Roque Ablan Jr. to fire his rifle in the air, causing a stir among personnel of the Laoag International Airport.

Witnesses, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Ablan was allegedly furious that the plane was not allowed to park in front of the terminal building where it would be convenient for passengers to get off.

Reached by phone, Ablan admitted he was at the airport on Saturday to welcome his guests on board a chartered flight.

He said the guests, who included a Russian ambassador and a civil aviation executive, came from Metro Manila and were in Laoag purportedly to attend Ablan’s birthday celebration.

“Yes, I fired a shot in the air but only to get the attention of the pilot who was maneuvering the plane toward an area which was not designated to be the parking site,” he said.

According to Ablan, an airport ground marshal started to signal that the plane was supposed to park in front of the airport’s terminal building.

But the pilot apparently missed the signal and instead went to an area farther from the terminal building, he said.

“I had to signal the pilot by firing a gun because he was already parking in another area. I wanted him to park near the terminal building so that the passengers would not have to walk far. It was nearly noon and the sun’s heat was punishing,” he said.

“I did not fire at the aircraft. I fired in the air and toward the sea. I did not intend to cause a commotion except that I wanted the pilot to park in an area where he was supposed to park.”

Ablan said he did not intend to cause an incident at the airport, referring to previous events that prompted the Philippine Airlines to cancel its flights to Laoag.

“I am the least person to be making incidents like these. I merely wanted to get the pilot’s attention,” he said.

Ablan, through his congressional budget, has facilitated the upgrading of the Laoag airport by providing funds for the construction of a terminal building annex and expansion of the airport’s runway, among others.

PAL abandoned the Laoag-Manila-Laoag route in February and blamed the supposed harassment that PAL personnel experienced on a supposed argument with former Laoag Mayor Roger Fariñas over a boarding pass.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
grabe... ibang klase ata ang mga politico ng Laoag. sobrang abusado! what in the world are they thinking??! as if that's any way to impress his Russian ambassador-guest.

anyway, looking a page or two back... the new airports in Iloilo and in Bacolod both look impressive! looks like they'll be up in the ranks right alongside the still fairly new Davao Int'l Airport - which I would also agree is currently the country's best aiport, seeing as NAIA-3 is still closed. I read in a recent article though that cracks and other defects have been identified in the new runway at Silay? or is that just made up to make Takenaka look bad to benefit the government in the NAIA-3 controversy...?

just wanted to get the pilots attention? kung d ka b naman tanga e.. tsk tsk

PGMA announces completion of Instrument Landing Facility by October


KALIBO, Aklan – President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Tuesday announced the completion of the P55-million instrument landing facility system by October this year that would make the Kalibo airport of world-class caliber.

During the 50th anniversary celebration of the province of Aklan held at the ABL Sports Complex here, the President said the local government of the province is working on for the completion of the instrument landing facility by October so that chartered flights will be accommodated.

“Imagine how many flights will be coming here when we have the instrument landing system,” she added.

The export players say that the Kalibo airport was sufficient to keep up the volume of tourists in Boracay, consistent with sustainable development.

However, President Arroyo said some private sector investors expressed their interest to invest more in the development of the Caticlan airport.

“We will not stop them, they can go ahead as long as they don’t require any government guarantees. Imagine if you have two airports here – one in the government and one in the private sector,” she said.

“There is really a tremendous demand coming up for the province of Aklan,” she added.

Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez earlier said that in 2005, the province has earned more than P20 million in revenues due to huge volume of arrivals of tourists going to Boracay.

From January to April this year, Marquez said, a total of P10 million in revenues were already recorded for the province.

President Arroyo urged the people of Aklan to work together to make the province “richer and richer because the richer Aklan becomes, the richer the Philippines becomes.”

“That is why, Aklan is our golden province… you are the goose that lays the golden egg and we want that goose to be more and more prosperous for the good of the rest of our country,” she said.

The President also inaugurated the P139 million expanded, rehabilitated and upgraded Dr. Rafael S. Tumbukon Memorial Hospital (DRSTMH).

Marquez said the project will be a major development in the health services programs of the province and will benefit mainly the poor.

He said the project involved the construction of a three-storey building for additional 86 beds and the procurement of hospital equipment and furnishings financed under the Municipal Development Fund Office-Local Government Finance and Development Project (MDFO-LOGOFIND).

With the hospital's expansion and installation of modern equipments now, its hallways will no longer serve as ward extensions for patients in need of confinement, he said.

Aklan became a separate province on April 25, 1956 when then President Ramon Magsaysay signed Republic Act No. 1414 --a law separating Aklan from Capiz, which was authored by then Rep. Godofredo P. Ramos, hailed as the "Father of Aklan".

Other activities lined up for the golden anniversary celebration include the Goodwill Match between Aklan and Capiz on Chess and Boxing, Inter-municipal sportsfest, 1st Governor Carlito S. Marquez Cup (shooting competition), Food Festival, Aklan Pina and Fiber Festival and Agro-Industrial Trade Fair, among others.

The celebration will be capped by the "Aninag: Crafts, Culture and Folkways Fashion Show" to be held at the ABL Sports Complex.

Wow, just look at all the airports (Sta. Barbara, Bacolod, Daraga, Kalibo, etc.). The government is really doing a lot to improve air transportation in the archipelago.

just wanted to get the pilots attention? kung d ka b naman tanga e.. tsk tsk

There are solutions other than firing a gunn to pay pilot's attention.

1. Go to the Laoag Tower then radio the pilot that they already missed the position, and say "RP-Cxxxx, where the f***ing ramp are you going!"

2. Get the marshalling vehicle (pick-up or van) and drive towards the plane.

There are solutions other than firing a gunn to pay pilot's attention.

1. Go to the Laoag Tower then radio the pilot that they already missed the position, and say "RP-Cxxxx, where the f***ing ramp are you going!"

2. Get the marshalling vehicle (pick-up or van) and drive towards the plane.

of course, if you fire a gun, a plane is most certainly going to taxi in your direction... :|

Wow, can you imagine standing during takeoff... so much for legroom. Saw the diagrams from NY Times article.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/dayart/20060425/airline-seating.gif


This is exaclty what we need hahaha

Well between farinas, ablan, singson you have a very interesting problematic feudal mix of characters there. Am not sure how they are as managers of their province but they are full of themselves with power. Imagine why people are supposed to have guns in the airport anyway.

standing "seat"? well, HONESTLY!

hey guys anyone know a reputable travel agent in manila...also can someone give me an idea on hongkong/seoul or even tokyo packages in say for about 4days from manila...just curious........

he he yung bubong nga hindi maayos ayos eh..

Yun ang Problema.:lol:

Here's some interesting news.... (from two weeks ago)

Airbus should redesign A350: SIA chief

10 Apr 06

SIA expects to fly super-jumbo A380 by Christmas on Sydney route

(ZURICH) European aircraft maker Airbus may need to redesign its long-range widebody A350 jet to match sales of Boeing's new 787, Singapore Airlines chief Chew Choon Seng said.

Singapore Airlines has become the second key Airbus customer to say that the European company has not done enough to make its planned A350 plane competitive with Boeing Co's 787 Dreamliner.

Mr Chew also disclosed that SIA expects to fly the world's biggest commercial aircraft, the Airbus 380, by Christmas. SIA, which will be the first airline in the world to fly the A380 jumbo, expects the first delivery to be in November, as much as a month before Airbus has publicly said it plans to deliver the plane.

'Airbus has not committed to a date yet, but they've indicated they're confident they can deliver by November, and the first flight would be by Christmas,' he said, adding the first route will be Singapore to Sydney.

On the A350, Mr Chew said Airbus should have countered Boeing's proposed new fuel-efficient aircraft with an all-new aircraft of its own. 'They might as well go the whole way and design a whole new fuselage as well instead of using something old,' Mr Chew said in Zurich, where Star Alliance CEOs met for their annual summit and welcomed Swiss International Air Lines as the group's 17th member.

'It's not so much price, but it's a question of the economics, and what each manufacturer would stand by and guarantee in terms of delivery.'

If Airbus does redesign the A350, he said, that might put the aircraft price 'in a whole new ballpark, so it's a bit sticky.' The 787 has a catalogue price of between US$142 million and US$150 million, depending on the model.

SIA's Mr Chew also said that Airbus is at a disadvantage in selling its four-engine A340 widebody models against Boeing's two-engine 777s because the A340s consume more fuel. 'The A340 now is in a position where it's disadvantaged by high oil prices,' he said. 'Four engines take more fuel than two.'

On March 30, Emirates, the biggest Arab airline, disclosed that it has deferred by several years a US$4.2 billion order for 20 A340s to give Airbus more time to develop a better version of the jet.

'The A350 in operating economy is clearly behind the 787, so Airbus needs to do something,' said Vagn Soerensen, chief executive of Austrian Airlines, which plans to decide between the two models for an order next year.

'They need to compensate for that with new materials, but a lot could also be compensated for with price.' Greater use of composite materials, which are lighter than traditional aluminium, increases fuel-efficiency.

Airbus needed four attempts to design a competitor to Boeing's 787 Dreamliner, which uses 50 per cent composite materials to make it lighter and more-fuel efficient. The A350 is based on Airbus's existing A330. The company added a new tail, is using more composites and 90 per cent new parts and adapted the jet to use the same new engines as used on the 787.

Orders for the A350, with a price tag of US$170 million to US$190 million, trail those for the cheaper B787 this year. International Lease Finance Corp CEO Steven Udvar-Hazy said last month that Toulouse, France-based Airbus should spend US$8 billion to US$10 billion more to redesign the A350.

'This removes any possible doubt that Airbus needs a new plane,' said Richard Aboulafia, vice-president of the Teal Group, a Fairfax, Virginia-based consulting company. 'When the most prestigious airline in the world and the biggest leasing company in the world both send you the same message, you need to listen.'

Airbus has said it will cost 4.3 billion euros (S$8.4 billion) for its current version of the A350 based on the A330. Chicago-based Boeing as at March 30 had won 298 orders for its 787, while Airbus had won 100 firm orders and 92 commitments.

Mr Udvar-Hazy also urged Airbus to use an all-new fuselage, as well as a new wing to make the plane bigger and faster.

International Finance, a unit of American International Group Inc, is the world's largest aircraft lessor as measured by the value of its plane portfolio. It has orders for both the A350 and the 787.

Deutsche Lufthansa, the world's third-biggest airline by market value, is also considering both planes, CEO Wolfgang Mayrhuber said.

Airbus parent European Aeronautic, Defence and Space Co (EADS) is now under 'serious financial pressure since it also needs to come up with cash to purchase BAE Systems' minority stake in Airbus. BAE said it will start negotiations to sell that stake to EADS.

-------------------------------------------------------

If ever, I do hope that PAL would choose the Boeing 787 Dreamliner over the conventional bleed-air A350 of Airbus for next-gen aircraft in the coming years.

^^ Hmmm...very interesting news indeed. What is the size of te 787 in relation to the 777? Bigger or smaller? How about the A350 compared to the A340?

B777 is basically a B747 without the upper deck hehe.. i read somewhere that the B787 is a mid-size aircraft capable of handling up to 300+ passengers. it's definitely a new aircraft while the A350 is just like another A330/A340 with different engines and some other new features..

i'd go with boeing..

Boeing 787 Dreamliner

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/3/3b/NW_Boeing_787.jpg/250px-NW_Boeing_787.jpg

Wiki Entry: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_787

what kind of security is this ? who may enter the airport tarmac with a gun or rifle anyway ? laoag airport should confiscate all weapons like in all other airports too. strange habits in the philippines......sounds like wild west to me !

Won't PAL buy/lease one? Looks nice and it can replace the A320s.

great news and thanks for the grand pictures, renderings and maps ! very informative.

that map of bacolod is fantastic, are there any more like that of the philippines ?

forgot to mention i was talking about the new iloilo and bacolod airport constructions.....

EDIT

Won't PAL buy/lease one? Looks nice and it can replace the A320s.

The 787 is way bigger than the A320. As it is, the A320 is arguably the best aircraft in its class, although the economics are pretty similar to the 737NG. PAL would do well with 787s, but who knows? Perhaps the A350 will be just as good, or perhaps the 787 will fall short of its promises. Until both planes are up in the air with actual data, its anyone's game, although Airbus is pretty disadvantaged.

great news and thanks for the grand pictures, renderings and maps ! very informative.

that map of bacolod is fantastic, are there any more like that of the philippines ?

You are most welcome Richard! I made the map myself based on an existing Map and Google Earths Satellite images. There is nothing else like it yet. The new Bacolod Silay Airport will be serving Metro Bacolod only since a new airport is planned for both Kabankalan and San Carlos cities. Both are a little over an hour away from Bacolod.

B777 is basically a B747 without the upper deck hehe.. i read somewhere that the B787 is a mid-size aircraft capable of handling up to 300+ passengers. it's definitely a new aircraft while the A350 is just like another A330/A340 with different engines and some other new features..

i'd go with boeing..

Go Boeing!!! Just don't use too much composite materials. Remember the post 911 crash in NYC? That was an Airbus that had a structural failure caused by undetectable damage on the tail fin that was connected with composite materials.

Go Boeing!!! Just don't use too much composite materials. Remember the post 911 crash in NYC? That was an Airbus that had a structural failure caused by undetectable damage on the tail fin that was connected with composite materials.

uhm, the Boeing 787 is a revolutionary all-composite plane...

well, not ALL all composite, but the majority of it is.

Sana Mag Dagdag Ng Priviledges ang NAIA Terminal III

My Suggestions:

Free Internet Hours
Food Tickets
Duty Free Discounts
5 Hours Possible Nap Time

Nakalimuta Ko Na Yung Ibang Natanggap ko sa Incheon Airport......

Pero Sana Nga Magkaroon....

Saka Wag Na Nilang Dagdagan Pa ng mga Perks katulad ng "Free Falling Kisame":lol:

The 787 is way bigger than the A320. As it is, the A320 is arguably the best aircraft in its class, although the economics are pretty similar to the 737NG. PAL would do well with 787s, but who knows? Perhaps the A350 will be just as good, or perhaps the 787 will fall short of its promises. Until both planes are up in the air with actual data, its anyone's game, although Airbus is pretty disadvantaged.

the 787 and 350 will be the best replacement for pal's 330, but pal is going for an all aircbus product so they might go for the 350s, the problem is they will not be flying till 2010 while the slots for the 787 which will be commercially avail by 2008 or 09 are already being filled too quickly because of the enormous orders from airlines, hope pal will act quickly and decide for their wide body replacements to remain competitive

photo by: adlaw


http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/1870/1255552821552305b2bb8tv.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

zamboanga airport

wow, that's a nice looking terminal!

wow.. zamboangas airport looks nice.. i hope the interiors as well..

delete

photo by: adlaw


http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/1870/1255552821552305b2bb8tv.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

zamboanga airport

thats what they call architecture... mindanao/malay-inspired. similar to our asean neighbors. thanks marvs!

photo by: adlaw


http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/1870/1255552821552305b2bb8tv.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

zamboanga airport

Is That an International Airport?

Never knew there are a lot of pics here : http://www.pinoyexchange.com/forums/showthread.php?t=221424

PAL to acquire additional aircraft


Flag carrier Philippine Airline (PAL) will acquire more wide-bodied aircraft for its long-hauled flights.

"We are finalizing for additional four wide-bodied airplanes to be used for long-hauled, within this quarter," Jaime Bautista, PAL president said.

He said the new aircraft will be used for its flights to the US and Vancouver, Canada. "The new aircraft can be dry leased or owned," he told reporters last Friday.

Last December PAL signed an agreement with Airbus to buy 18 A320s from 2006 to 2012 to improve efficiency and reduce maintenance cost.

The company has ordered nine brand-new A320 jets with an option to buy five more. The deal is valued at about $840 million based on listed price.

PAL flies to 31 international and 20 domestic points using nine A320s on its domestic network, eight A330s on regional services across Asia and four A340-300s on long-range routes to the US.

The airline carried 6.8 million passengers from April 2005 to March 31, 2006, higher by 240,000 than the number in the same period a year earlier. "It’s the highest [number of passenger] in 65 years," Bautista said, adding that in terms of available seats, PAL also posted the highest this year.

The company’s fiscal year starts April.

Bautista said that PAL’s load factor has risen to more than 80 percent with increased flights to the United States—to 10 flights in Los Angeles from 9 and 9 flights in San Francisco from 8 a week during the peak season. Darwin G. Amojelar

wow.... ano kaya ang plano nilang i-order?? airbus kaya o boeing??? nagbigay ba ang pal nung nag order sila nung 744's during the 90's? if yes, nasaan na ung pera??

a380 sana.. hahahaha... asa pa!

PAL, Gulf Air code-share pact to boost tourism

The Philippine Star 05/02/2006

The code-sharing agreement between Philippine Airline’s (PAL) and Gulf Air will aid in increasing tourist arrivals in the country as the two airline companies will help servicing passengers, PAL chief executive officer Jaime Bautista said recently.

Speaking before reporters of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel, Bautista said the new agreement will definitely help boost the country’s tourism industry.

"They (Gulf Air) will sell seats using our resources. They have offices all over the world," Bautista said, adding the code sharing agreement will enable both airlines to expand destinations.

"So this is a win-win solution for both airline companies," he said.

While Middle East countries do not belong to the top 10 suppliers of tourists in the Philippines, Bautista said the code-share agreement could help sell the country to their nations.

Based on the latest record of tourists arrivals in the Philippines, the top 10 list include Korea, the US, Japan, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Australia, Canada, Singapore and the United Kingdom.

Bautista also noted that the code-share agreement will benefit overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), majority of whom are in Middle East countries.

The PAL top official also said Gulf Air has flights in other destinations of the world where there are Filipino communities.

"So this will be an opportunity to our countrymen to avail themselves of other choices of airline services," he added.

Gulf Air recently signed an agreement to code share with PAL to strengthen passenger traffic between Manila and Bahrain, as well as flights from Manila to Muscat.

The agreement was signed at Gulf Air’s headquarters in Manama, Bahrain by Gulf Air vice president Network Fareed Al Alawi and PAL senior assistant vice president external affairs Ma. Socorro Gonzaga.

The agreement enables PAL to code share on Gulf Air’s Bahrain-Manila-Bahrain and Muscat-Manila-Muscat sectors with Gulf Air operating six flights a week between Bahrain and Manila and one flight per week between Bahrain-Muscat-Manila. – Sandy Araneta

PAL to acquire additional aircraft


Flag carrier Philippine Airline (PAL) will acquire more wide-bodied aircraft for its long-hauled flights.

"We are finalizing for additional four wide-bodied airplanes to be used for long-hauled, within this quarter," Jaime Bautista, PAL president said.

He said the new aircraft will be used for its flights to the US and Vancouver, Canada. "The new aircraft can be dry leased or owned," he told reporters last Friday.

Last December PAL signed an agreement with Airbus to buy 18 A320s from 2006 to 2012 to improve efficiency and reduce maintenance cost.

The company has ordered nine brand-new A320 jets with an option to buy five more. The deal is valued at about $840 million based on listed price.

PAL flies to 31 international and 20 domestic points using nine A320s on its domestic network, eight A330s on regional services across Asia and four A340-300s on long-range routes to the US.

The airline carried 6.8 million passengers from April 2005 to March 31, 2006, higher by 240,000 than the number in the same period a year earlier. "It’s the highest [number of passenger] in 65 years," Bautista said, adding that in terms of available seats, PAL also posted the highest this year.

The company’s fiscal year starts April.

Bautista said that PAL’s load factor has risen to more than 80 percent with increased flights to the United States—to 10 flights in Los Angeles from 9 and 9 flights in San Francisco from 8 a week during the peak season. Darwin G. Amojelar

great news for PAL. at last we have some figures. almost 7 million passengers, and that at the highest ever before level. great news for philippine airline business. now let´s see how many pax. CEB and 2P have made with their new aircraft and lowered prices.

another riddle to solve : what widebody aircraft will PAL aquire, 340-, 330ies or 777-, 747´s ?

found while googling......

PAL eyeing wide-bodied Airbus for refleeting program

Philippine Airlines (PAL) plans to acquire a wide-bodied aircraft for its regional and international flight expansion, an executive of Airbus said.

In a briefing, Anthony Philips, regional communications manager of the European aircraft maker, said PAL is looking for an aircraft for its longer-range flights. "We continue talking, but there is no final arrangement yet," he said.

He said Airbus plans to sell PAL an A330 or A340 for its refleeting program.

Jaime Bautista, PAL president, earlier said the company plans to order two additional wide-bodied aircraft for its United States and regional flights.

Bautista said the airline would fund the purchase through a combination of export credit agency financing and commercial financing, adding that it is likely to tap Coface, a European export credit agency.

At present, PAL operates nine A320s for its domestic flights, eight A330s on regional services across Asia and four A340-300s on long-range routes to the United States.

In December, PAL signed an agreement with Airbus to purchase 18 A320 from 2006 to 2012 to improve efficiency and reduce maintenance cost.

The company has ordered nine brand-new A320 jets with options to buy five more units.

The deal is valued at about $840 million based on list prices.

PAL will also lease two brand-new A320s and two A319s from GE Commercial Aviation Services.

Deliveries of firm orders and leased units will start in the second half of this year .

Darwin G. Amojelar

PAL to seek relief from excessive insurance coverage
Present-day terrorist threats have prompted flag carrier, Philippine Airlines (PAL), to seek relief from excessive cost of insurance coverage via the imposition of insurance surcharge to its domestic and international passengers.

PAL President Jaime J. Bautista said in a phone interview that PAL annual payments to insurance companies have scaled from $5 million before 2004 to about $30 million after two terrorist-piloted planes crashed into the World Trade Center in New York on Sept. 11, 2001.

Mr. Bautista said that PAL opted to impose insurance surcharge to avert outright increase in local and international fares and thus improve volume and profits.

He said that PAL collects insurance surcharge of P300 for flights within Luzon; P400 within Visayas; P600 within Mindanao; and about $6 for international flights.

Insurance surcharge is a temporary fee that airlines around the world have decided to pass on to passengers to pay for the high premiums that insurance companies have demanded from them since the 9-11 attacks.

PERMANENT

Insurance surcharge is not a permanent collection and thus can be adjusted downward or upward or deleted if the need for its imposition has dissipated.

Other surcharge that PAL and other airlines around the world collect from passengers is the fuel surcharge, which is meant to cushion the impact of volatile aviation fuel prices on airlines’ operating expenses.

Last week, PAL was placed in the spotlight after a lawmaker from Negros Oriental Rep. Herminio G. Teves questioned the legality of the insurance surcharge. Mr. Teves said that government loses substantial premium tax when airlines collect insurance surcharge without proper regulation from the government.

The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), the lead regulatory agency of all airlines with operations in the Philippines, however, said that insurance surcharge is a "universal fee" that airlines have the option to collect from passengers provided that payment of premiums could result in severe losses for them.

Carmelo L. Arcilla, acting executive director of CAB, said over the phone that the agency has approved the application of PAL and other airlines for insurance surcharge to help them carry the burden of high insurance costs.

Mr. Arcilla noted that PAL and other local airlines pay for passenger insurance, aircraft insurance, and insurance for possible damages to the grounds -- all of which are incorporated into airlines’ operational expenses.

Other airlines like Cebu Pacific and Air Philippines were sought for comments on insurance surcharge but their executives could not be reached as of press time.

"Insurance surcharge is universal, by which I mean it is charged by all other airlines anywhere in the world. Airlines, when there was sudden instability in the market opted to charge this instead of increasing their fares, believing that safety and security will soon stabilize. But insurance surcharge has become a going-on rate because of persistent threats to safety anywhere in the world," Mr. Arcilla said.

A report from the 2005 United States on terrorism show that absence of machine-readable travel documents has impeded anti-terrorism drive in the Philippines. In effect, the country suffered the most number of terrorist activities, having lost citizens and tourists to bombings. The US has also registered 11,000 terrorist attacks worldwide in 2005.

"Any airports, here or overseas, require that airlines have full insurance coverage before they can land so it has become necessary for the airlines to collect insurance surcharge to help them raise insurance payment and therefore land in airports," Mr. Arcilla added.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

...as it mulls more aircraft acquisitions
Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is mulling the acquisition of wide-body aircraft to service long haul flights.

PAL President and chief executive officer Jaime Bautista told reporters Friday that the company will decide on the acquisition within the quarter.

"We are in the process of finalizing this. We’re looking at four planes. This will be for long haul [flights]," he said.

Among the considerations that need to be finalized, Mr. Bautista said, is the mode of acquiring the aircraft.

"It can be dry leased, it can be owned. There are many ways of acquiring an airplane. You can lease it under an operating lease arrangement. You can buy it using your own money," he said.

A wide-body aircraft has a fuselage diameter of 5 to 6 meters and twin aisles, with passengers are seated seven to 10 abreast. In contrast, a narrow-body aircraft has a diameter of 3 to 4 meters (10 to 13 ft), a single aisle, and seats arranged 2 to 6 abreast. Typical wide-body aircraft can accommodate between 200 and 600 passengers, while the largest narrow-bodies carry about 280. Freight or cargo wide-bodies also exist.

The acquisition will be separate from the three aircraft that PAL is expecting to acquire from October to December this year.

The three planes, Mr. Bautista said, will be under a lease arrangement.

He noted that PAL’s flights to the United States are now 80% full, and are occasionally fully booked. PAL’s flights to the United States account for half of the company’s sales for international flights, which, in turn account for 70% of the airline’s total sales.

The company increased its flights to Los Angeles to 10 times weekly from nine previously. It also increased the frequency of its flights to San Francisco by one more flight weekly to nine.

PAL currently has a fleet of 32 airplanes that ply the domestic and international routes. -- Jennee Grace U. Rubrico




yeah, it looks like PAL is looking to expand capacity. My guess is that its gonna be another 3 or 4 used 747s, as their leasing rates are pretty low. If its brand-new, then the A346HGW would be the cheapest choice for PAL, not to mention that Lufthansa Technik's presence as an A330/340 specialist would help that decision. New-build A343s are probably out of the question with the A350 coming in, and there are virtually no available used A343s in the market. And as for the triple seven, there are no early delivery slots, and none on the used market. If they decide on the A380, they're going to have to figure out how to fit it in NAIA first.

So it generally looks like more 747s or A346s. That, of course, is assuming that PAL has money to buy planes and the pilots to fly them.

ARE WE TALKING ABOUT 7 WIDE BODY AIRCRAFTS 3 LEASE AND 4 ACQUIRED BRAND NEW???

ARE WE TALKING ABOUT 7 WIDE BODY AIRCRAFTS 3 LEASE AND 4 ACQUIRED BRAND NEW???

Well, according to the article, it mentions three leased narrow-bodied aircraft, and the acquisition of four wide-bodies, although the method of acquisition is not yet final for the wide-bodies. They don't even mention what plane it is.

yeah, it looks like PAL is looking to expand capacity. My guess is that its gonna be another 3 or 4 used 747s, as their leasing rates are pretty low. If its brand-new, then the A346HGW would be the cheapest choice for PAL, not to mention that Lufthansa Technik's presence as an A330/340 specialist would help that decision. New-build A343s are probably out of the question with the A350 coming in, and there are virtually no available used A343s in the market. And as for the triple seven, there are no early delivery slots, and none on the used market. If they decide on the A380, they're going to have to figure out how to fit it in NAIA first.

So it generally looks like more 747s or A346s. That, of course, is assuming that PAL has money to buy planes and the pilots to fly them.


I Hope they'll go for Brand new B747's instead.

I'd love to see more factory fresh 747s (better yet, the 748 :D) join the fleet but I have a feeling Airbus might win this...

Off topic but still pertaining to aviation: I GOT INTO EMBRY-RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIVERSITY!!! :D

I'd love to see more factory fresh 747s (better yet, the 748 :D) join the fleet but I have a feeling Airbus might win this...

Off topic but still pertaining to aviation: I GOT INTO EMBRY-RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIVERSITY!!! :D

CONGRATULATIONS!! That is just too cool!

As for factory fresh 744s, that would be cool, but doesn't the A346 have better economics or something? Used 744s would probably be easier (and cheaper) to get.

A346 would probably have a better chance. I've heard alot of good things about A346, it's more energy efficient and is fitted with long haul routes/flights to North America. PAL would save more money on these when we talk about maintenance and training crews. It's a nice modern aircraft much bigger than a 343s. Ofcourse it's always nice to have 747s especially if it can be the new 748 model. I'm kind of leaning towards 343/346 because I've noticed the difference in comfort of their seats as compared to 747 economy class, I'm not sure about the newer 747s if there is any difference. I've been in a nicer NWA 747 with PTVs on each seat before and it's not as comfy as the ones in PAL a343s.

Congratulations Skyblade!!!

Thanks Solblanc and xDieselJockx! :)

Anyhow, my only concern on the A346 is that it's an Rolls Royce-only aircraft while PR today is more of a GE/CFM engine airline. Of course, I'm not that familiar on the economics of having a single/less engine makes in your fleet and engine commonality so maybe there is other advantages of having the A346 that overrides having RR engines. Otherwise, I'm all for PAL getting this aircraft and it's (from what I hear) lower CASM than the 744. :D

Seatwise, it depends on the airline and the seat manufacturer (B/E Aerospace (http://www.beaerospace.com/home.nsf/home.html?OpenPage), Contour (http://www.e-update.uk.com/contour/), etc.), not the aircraft manufacturer.

BTW xDieselJockx, were you in World Business Class on that NWA flight?

and again....lots of riddles, no clear statements. as usual......

^^ They just love keeping us at suspense, eh? ;)

Beautiful 744 getting ready for Tokyo
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/jef7/Manila2006210.jpg

Salmon and Ham Appetizer
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/jef7/Manila2006216.jpg

Oriental Chicken
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/jef7/Manila2006218.jpg

Belgian Chocolate Cheesecake
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/jef7/Manila2006219.jpg

Passing by the TG Lounge at NAIA
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/jef7/Manila2006315.jpg

Transit Lounge
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/jef7/Manila2006312.jpg

Not flying SQ this time (taxiing for departure)
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/jef7/Manila2006313.jpg

Lobby level NAIA Gate 14
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/jef7/Manila2006318.jpg

Waiting for boarding
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/jef7/Manila2006320.jpg

JALways 747 (MNL-NRT)
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/jef7/Manila2006319.jpg

On board (Seat 36K EXIT)
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/jef7/8373ba0e.jpg

Inflight Menu
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/jef7/Manila2006328.jpg

Lunch of Pork and Rice
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/jef7/734bd8eb.jpg

Great shots! Once again, thanks for sharing, jef7! :)

Great shots! Once again, thanks for sharing, jef7! :)

My pleasure and congrats to you. That really is impressive.

Good luck :okay:

:applause: Congrats, Skyblade!! Good job.

Lovely pics, jeff. the airline food looks pretty good.

Thanks Solblanc and xDieselJockx! :)

Anyhow, my only concern on the A346 is that it's an Rolls Royce-only aircraft while PR today is more of a GE/CFM engine airline. Of course, I'm not that familiar on the economics of having a single/less engine makes in your fleet and engine commonality so maybe there is other advantages of having the A346 that overrides having RR engines. Otherwise, I'm all for PAL getting this aircraft and it's (from what I hear) lower CASM than the 744. :D

Seatwise, it depends on the airline and the seat manufacturer (B/E Aerospace (http://www.beaerospace.com/home.nsf/home.html?OpenPage), Contour (http://www.e-update.uk.com/contour/), etc.), not the aircraft manufacturer.

BTW xDieselJockx, were you in World Business Class on that NWA flight?

Not on my last trip to the Philippines. On my 1st one I was in a business class.
Thanks for the info about the seating comfortability on each airlines and the manufacturer.

What's the advantage/disadvantages of having a RR engine from having a GE/CFM? Is it a more expensive. I forgot all about the RR engines in A346 aircraft.

@ dieseljock.... when you are a silver elite sa nwa, automatic na bang mauupgrade? i am a new member sa silver elite and im just 17 yrs old... my trip going here sa states, i was upgraded into world-business class... sa tingin mo, mauupgrade dn kaya ako pag balik ko this may30th?

picture time.... nakita ko lang to sa myaviation.net... interior ng pal

A320... with tv per five rows(not sure about the number of rows)
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c101/carlosalmacen/MyAviationNetPhotoID00348863.jpg

B744
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c101/carlosalmacen/MyAviationNetPhotoID00352208.jpg

jef7, thanks for posting UA pictures.

Here are my pics from the back of the plane. Flight was good, but meals were definitely lacking.

UA ORD-HKG

Main Meal
This actually got me sick.

http://www.wam.umd.edu/~jbaino/ua1.jpg

Snack - Actually Meal #2

This was much better than meal #1.

http://www.wam.umd.edu/~jbaino/ua2.jpg

UA at the HKG gate

http://www.wam.umd.edu/~jbaino/ua3.jpg

Off topic but still pertaining to aviation: I GOT INTO EMBRY-RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIVERSITY!!! :D

Congratulations on getting into ERAU. Which campus will you be studying Arizona or Daytona? ERAU has great instructors and staffers.

congrats skyblade...

congrats skyblade...

ALERT - There is someone trying to control all the international airports in the country via a mysterious Executive Order. Read more. (http://funchain.com/~peterlavina) :bash:

@ dieseljock.... when you are a silver elite sa nwa, automatic na bang mauupgrade? i am a new member sa silver elite and im just 17 yrs old... my trip going here sa states, i was upgraded into world-business class... sa tingin mo, mauupgrade dn kaya ako pag balik ko this may30th?

I really am not in a position to answer your questions. Up to now, I still can't understand the criterias they use in upgrading worldperks membership. Heck, my 3 y/o son have a better membership class than me. I still have to call NWA but I'm thinking of a good way to talk to them without jeopardizing my little boy's membership. I do have a lot of question in mind for them myself.

Filipino-Swiss strips down to shorts at NAIA

First posted 08:58am (Mla time) May 03, 2006
By Nikko Dizon
Inquirer



A STOMACH ache can send wrong signals to the brain. So explained a Filipino-Swiss national who stripped down to his underpants when all he was asked to do during a pre-departure security check at the airport was to take off his shoes.
Records at the Philippine National Police’s Aviation Security Group showed that Silvio Ronga, 34, of Goteberg, Switzerland, was bound for Singapore late last week when, at the final security check, he was asked to take off his shoes.

Ronga took off his shoes all right, but to screener Alma Soriano’s surprise, he stepped out of his short pants as well, “retaining only his cycling shorts and his shirt,” according to a report by a unit of the Aviation Security Group.

An officer immediately invited Ronga for questioning, and it was then that an apologetic Ronga explained he had “misunderstood” Soriano’s instruction because his stomach was painful and he was “upset during that time.”

He showed a medical certificate for his illness, but the report did not specify what it was.

After apologizing orally for his actions, Ronga executed a written apology.

Ronga was allowed to board his Singapore Airlines flight “upon being released in good physical and mental condition” to an airline officer, the report said.

It was the second incident at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) this year in which a passenger stripped to his underpants after being asked to remove his shoes.

I really am not in a position to answer your questions. Up to now, I still can't understand the criterias they use in upgrading worldperks membership. Heck, my 3 y/o son have a better membership class than me. I still have to call NWA but I'm thinking of a good way to talk to them without jeopardizing my little boy's membership. I do have a lot of question in mind for them myself.
i was upgraded during my seat to world business class from MNL-NGO-DTW and first class from DTW-IAH... their reason for upgrading me is because of being a silver elite member... thats what they said...i hope ma upgrade pa din ako this june... lol

i was upgraded during my flight from MNL-NGO-DTW-IAH... their reason for upgrading me is because of being a silver elite member... thats what they said...i hope ma upgrade pa din ako this june... lol


Who knows? You might get it. My son received a worldclass status without doing anything. I wonder if they even know they gave it to a todler. It was his 1st trip in the Philippines last year, although, we took him with us in our Canada and UK trips a year prior to that, he earned alot of mileage from it, that's the one thing I have in mind that earned him a higher membership with Worldperks. Just wait and see, it won't hurt a thing for sure.

Thanks jef7, terrapin, xXx carlos xXx, and greyX! :) I've been accepted to the Arizona campus which is much closer to home.

Anyhow, to become a Silver Elite you need 25,000 Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) or 30 Elite Qualifying Segments. I've been dying for elite status on any airline but never really travelled enough to reap the rewards. :( Hopefully that would change esp. since I've been going to school in Japan...18,123 miles/28 segments to go! :hammer:

Thanks jef7, terrapin, xXx carlos xXx, and greyX! :) I've been accepted to the Arizona campus which is much closer to home.

Anyhow, to become a Silver Elite you need 25,000 Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) or 30 Elite Qualifying Segments. I've been dying for elite status on any airline but never really travelled enough to reap the rewards. :( Hopefully that would change esp. since I've been going to school in Japan...18,123 miles/28 segments to go! :hammer:


Just to add one thing, you would earn mileage with worldperks when you rent a car, checking in hotels all over the world recognizable by worldperks and that also goes with dining. They use to recognize mileage when you call long distance or overseas with MCI but they stopped doing that lately.

skyblade.... ako naman i earned my silver-elite status by flying twice to the phils. last year... last september and december... ako din dieseljock, im wondering if they know they're giving a silver-elite to a 17-year-old boi!

I know that PAL will never be able to own an A380 due to the fact that our runway isn't long enough nor do we have the money to buy one A380.

So why not acquire the B787 Dreamliner or the A350-800 or A350-900. They're fuel efficient plus they're built for long-haul flights. Boeing and Airbus use new materials that add to the beauty and efficiency of these planes.

i think the runway in naia is long enuf to handle an a380.... i think hindi kaya nung gates tsaka mahihirapan mag taxi dahil sa wingspan ng a380...

Just to add one thing, you would earn mileage with worldperks when you rent a car, checking in hotels all over the world recognizable by worldperks and that also goes with dining. They use to recognize mileage when you call long distance or overseas with MCI but they stopped doing that lately.
You do earn miles through such activities and through their credit card but they usually don't account as EQMs but rather just regular FFMs...believe me I would die to earn EQMs while in the ground... :bash:

skyblade.... ako naman i earned my silver-elite status by flying twice to the phils. last year... last september and december... ako din dieseljock, im wondering if they know they're giving a silver-elite to a 17-year-old boi!
Yeah two trips to the RP will definitely qualify you to their first tier in the elite program...man and at 17 too...you're seriously lucky to get that privilege! :D



So why not acquire the B787 Dreamliner or the A350-800 or A350-900. They're fuel efficient plus they're built for long-haul flights. Boeing and Airbus use new materials that add to the beauty and efficiency of these planes.

Why buy when you can lease? Until recently, it practically describe's PAL's entire fleet: virtually all leased (though I've heard that they own 1 737, I never got a confirmation on that one though...). As for the possibility of new generation widebodies...unfortunately both won't be avaliable immediately in time for additional expansion and/or PAL's refleeting and the backlog of orders won't make these aircraft avaliable until after 2010+ (well at least with the 787 unless they do construct that second assembly line, dunno on the A350.) Maybe they could hold out for a few more years but I'm just another aviation enthusiast and seriously don't know what's on the minds of PAL management these days...

That's true Skyblade. Oh well. By the way, just to let you know, I was a one-time flight steward for PAL domestic. Lasted a year. Hehehehehe! I was part of batch 00-02.

^^ Really? Boy, do I have questions for you.... :devil:

So how was it like? Did you go through the PAL Learning Center? If so, what was studying there like?

Hahahaha! Well, training was fun. My trainers were Sydney Fortun, Anna Zuñiga and Ferdie Legaspi. I was first honorable mention in my class. We were 24. You'll be training to be a pilot right? I saw a lot of young military-like pilots there. Seems the training for pilots was more intense (naturally) than that of the FA's. I have friends who are training at PLC now. But they're much younger than me. Just drop me a line if you have other queries. I would be more than happy to help. :)

Thanks man! :) I'm still undecided on my major if I do go to Embry-Riddle but I am thinking strongly on getting a PPL/Private Pilots License and then my CPL/Commercial Pilots License through there...depending if I do decide to take that route. Anyhow thanks, I'll definitely PM you any question I have in mind! :)

Congratulations! Shower your financial blessings of your new career with your fellow SSC friends. Hehehehehehehe!!! :jk: :)

I've been reading this site with interest, great thread!

Last week I had a very worrying experience on SEAair flying from Manila to Caticlan and was interested to see if I am alone, or if anyone else has had any similar experiences flying with them?

Don't feel scared. It's really like that in small planes. Plus, they fly at a lower level than that of jets that's why there is more turbulence.

Infact, I've been flying SEAir to Caticlan for the past 4 years and I can't ask for a better and more convenient airline. I guess Asian Spirit is very good as well. I only flew A.S. twice.

Another Airbus plane crash!

Yahoo News, 03 May 2006

The airline said that 26 Russians, one Ukrainian and one Georgian were among the passengers and the rest were Armenian citizens. But Interfax cited Armenian civil aviation spokesman Gayane Davtian as saying no Georgians or Ukrainians were aboard.

The plane with 105 passengers and eight crew members disappeared from radar at about 2:15 a.m. local time, Beltsov said. He said the plane went down while trying to make a repeat attempt at an emergency landing, but the Interfax news agency quoted the Russian air control agency as saying that the plane's crew had not declared an emergency.

Andrei Agadzhanov, Armavia's deputy commercial director, said the crew had communicated with Sochi ground controllers while the plane was flying over the Georgian capital, Tbilisi. The ground controllers reported stormy weather but told the crew the plane could still land, he said.

Just before the landing, however, the ground controllers told the plane's pilots to circle again before approaching the airport. Then the plane crashed.

^^ thats baaad.... really baaad....

how about the blowing tires of cebu pacific? i heard that another incident happend today at zamboanga airport. it seems like such incident is becoming common to cebu pacific. freaky.

I miss NAIA Terminal 1... Great pics jef7!

how about the blowing tires of cebu pacific? i heard that another incident happend today at zamboanga airport. it seems like such incident is becoming common to cebu pacific. freaky.

I've flown with Cebu Pacific only at one time between Bacolod and Cebu. I thought it might be okay since it was only a mere 15 minute flight. My seat kept reclining by itself. Whew!!! But I have been on DC9's before on Northwest and they were equally as scary due to the alarm that kept buzzing at the back. I wonder what that was. But after CP's CDO disaster, I'd think twice about flying with them anywhere near a mountain range. As for Air Philippines, I still would not fly with them. Now that CP/5J has new planes, I might consider flying with them, except that the night before a flight to Iloilo burst its tire prior to take off, I had a dream of a tragic Cebu Pacific plane crash in the Visayas area just prior to touch down. It was not clear which plane it was on my dream but Cebu Pacific's insignia was quite clear. I also had a dream of a B737 exploding just a week before the Air Phil crash in Davao. I was flying to Manila the day after and told everyone that I was afraid of flying because of the dream, but since I had to be there on that day, I had no choice... I was relieved to arrive safely in Manila. I chose to take the ferry back but also had to change my mind due to time constraints... Again I was scared ______ the entire flight since the plane exploded on approach in my dream... I sure had an agonizing flight... Again, I was relieved to arrive safely. Two days later my classmate called me to inform me that there was a B737 crash in Davao.

I would still trust PAL since I cannot recall any major plane crash yet. One that would have been fatal was tha crash in Bacolod, which the pilot handled really well. In fact that crash is know to be the only none fatal Airbus crash of its kind. I still prefer flying on Boeing's anytime. Fly-by-wire Airbus aircraft are just not good enough during emergencies. It has been repeatedly proven that those computers tend to over-ride the pilots actions on aborted landings and the plane always ends up plowing onto the neighboring areas. Another problem with older Airbus aircraft is that it is harder to detect problems with the composite materials they use as has been the case with the American Airliner which crashed into a neighborhood in New York area. The recent B737 disasters just last year could be attributed to bad maintenance by disreputable African and Eastern European airline companies. I hope that Lucio Tan will go for more Boeing Aircraft instead of Airbus Aircraft.

Happened again? I don't think I'd fly with them again even if the airfare is much cheaper - you never know what they were scrimping on until after the disaster! And they have A320/319's at that!

I know that PAL will never be able to own an A380 due to the fact that our runway isn't long enough nor do we have the money to buy one A380.

So why not acquire the B787 Dreamliner or the A350-800 or A350-900. They're fuel efficient plus they're built for long-haul flights. Boeing and Airbus use new materials that add to the beauty and efficiency of these planes.


I think I've posted the runway specs required for a fully loaded A380 in cebu's MCIAA thread or it could be in Davao's. NAIA's runway isn't long and wide enough. width wise, I think the current runway is about 40 when A380 requires 60, and then you will have to worry about the taxiways, terminal bridges and passenger lounges for smooth embarkation and disembarkation of the all passengers. I'll have to find that post for a380's runway requirements.

Another Airbus plane crash!

Yahoo News, 03 May 2006

The airline said that 26 Russians, one Ukrainian and one Georgian were among the passengers and the rest were Armenian citizens. But Interfax cited Armenian civil aviation spokesman Gayane Davtian as saying no Georgians or Ukrainians were aboard.

The plane with 105 passengers and eight crew members disappeared from radar at about 2:15 a.m. local time, Beltsov said. He said the plane went down while trying to make a repeat attempt at an emergency landing, but the Interfax news agency quoted the Russian air control agency as saying that the plane's crew had not declared an emergency.

Andrei Agadzhanov, Armavia's deputy commercial director, said the crew had communicated with Sochi ground controllers while the plane was flying over the Georgian capital, Tbilisi. The ground controllers reported stormy weather but told the crew the plane could still land, he said.

Just before the landing, however, the ground controllers told the plane's pilots to circle again before approaching the airport. Then the plane crashed.
this is why i hate flying. Our plane dropped four times when we were landing due to a weather disturbance and i really felt we were going to crash. If the plane doesn't kill me a heart attack probably will. Well i know if it's your time to go it's your time, but it's not really my preffered mode of exit.
so i try to take boats as much as i can but it takes so much time. hu hu :cry:

^^ I kinda enjoy turbulence. Hehe! Lulls me to sleep sometimes. :) Except this one time when we were landing in Baltimore, Maryland during a heavy thunderstorm. I thought we were going to crash too. :)

^^ i love flying and i enjoy a little turbulance... although too much turbulance may cause me a heart attack... so far i havent thought about the plane im riding is about to crash(god forbid)...

Go Eagles! I currently go to ERAU - DAB campus and absolutely love it. It's a great school. Im aernautical science and doing all of my flight training here. But flight isnt my entire life, I am studying a minor in Bussiness Administration-Airline Management. If you have any questions, hit me up.

^^ no problem but i sense this thread should
:lock: :lock: :lock: :lock: :lock: :lock: :lock: :lock: :lock: :lock:

Oh yeahhh... we already surpassed the 500-post limit.

Time to start a new thread. :-)

PAL didn't suspend its Manila-KL route right? I believe they still fly there.

^^ i love flying and i enjoy a little turbulance... although too much turbulance may cause me a heart attack... so far i havent thought about the plane im riding is about to crash(god forbid)...

well if there is turbulence but flight attendants are still walking around and smiling then its ok but if the pilots instructs them to stop walking and seat then i know were moving in to som heavy turbulence, but turbulence usually is very rare and dont last long as pilots usually tries to avoid them during flights, yes i agree light turbulence can actually help you douse to sleep parang "duyan"

I found a great A380 picture that can be easily edited from Airliners.net. I decided to do PAL and Cebu Pacific's livery :)

Philippine Airlines
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c3/abercromb24/pal01a380.jpg

Cebu Pacific - medyo di maganda gawa. Had a hard time doing it especially yung sa body. :)

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c3/abercromb24/cebupacific01a380.jpg

ENJOY! :okay:

May new thread na pala. I posted some pics i edited sa previous thread hehehehe

I'll post it here anyway.

Airbus A380 Philippine Airlines Livery

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c3/abercromb24/pal01a380.jpg

Airbus A380 Cebu Pacific Livery - medyo di lang maganda pagkakagawa ko :)

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c3/abercromb24/cebupacific01a380.jpg

ENJOY!! :okay:

I'm back!

After a couple weeks of absence in this forum... I'm back! I recently had a vacation trip to Vietnam... particularly to Ho Chi Minh City where we stay. It was acutally my first visit to Vietnam. It was great. And there are things that I like to share with you concerning the topic we've always loved - aviation - everything about aviation . I'll just bulleted it.

*It is not true as I've read in previous post that T2 cannot handle two B747-400 in one airbridges. As i've seen 2 PAL B744 parked sided by side in T2, gate N03 and N04. i think those two were from the US flights - SFO and LAX.


*Our flight was 7am flight - 7:35am to be exact and PAL's A340 was used (as I've expected). I think they are not saturated contrary to others who said it was. It still maintained clean and fine for passengers. Though there was a foortrest in economy class, PTVs are absent. I've noticed that PAL's Ho Chi Minh flights were not special as compared to NRT and SEL. There are no VI (Vietnamese Interpreter) in their flight attendants unlike in NRT & SEL they have KIs and JIs. The entertainment was quite lame. But it was ok when I went back home with an A320.

*PAL's A320, I think one of their most competitive aircraft. It was true that their is a TV screen per designated rows of the plane. (Actually, enjoy their inflight entertainment even short features were just showned). It was spacious, and like their A340, it was cleaned and well maintained. I think the A320 used was one of their newest plane. I had a configuration of 12 Mabuhay Class seats seperated from economy w/c is more spacious than the economy. I think there are PTVs per seat. I think so.

*What also I like about that flight was the smooth landing and departure of our plane. PAL's pilot must have really trained well, everything was smooth from departure to landing. I like to commend them for a good job. Except in Ho Chi Mihn there are few "kalog" konti inside the place maybe because of their runway floors w/c are made of conrete and not asphalt like in Manila.

*The new Tan Soh Nat Int'l Airport was being contructed (as i've seen in the Vietnam Forum). I don't know if that airport will be a joining part of the existing terminal but it is located near the terminal and looks like they are likely to be adjoined as the new one is like an extension from its structure. Does anyone know more about this?

I thought Vietnan's airport will like walking down the plane from a stair but the existing airport already has airbridges, 4 to be exact. Their airport was fine, although small compare to T2, even the new terminal being built is not big and I think incomparable to T3. Its like a DVO airport but already old. What I don't like about their airport was their are no fountains in near their restrooms w/c is needed when someone is thirsty. But they beat T2 in terms of Duty Free Shops and Restos... they have a lot of it in their existing terminal.

*Finally, why did I call Vietnam, A Red Country? Because the first time I saw the land of Vietnam from the air... It was colored red. They really deserved a new and bigger airport as the tourism is booming in Vietnam. They were many tourist visiting Ho Chi Minh City.


Wait lang... why do I have the same Avatar pics with other forumers her. PAL loyalists or Proud of PAL? :D

All forumers, proceed to another thread: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=346327

^^cebu pacific is better, imo... :D

hmm kelan kaya magkatotoo ang mga yan? :dunno:

How many A380s did PAL and Cebu Pacific recently bought? And when will it be delivered? I've heard that PAL might use this for new international flights or for the existing domestic or international routes that are very saturated.


http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c3/abercromb24/cebupacific01a380.jpg

They didn't buy A380s

akala ko tuloy totoo, wow! pero na-iimagine ko na na dapat may ganyan tayo... salamat bondurant!

Another one :)

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c3/abercromb24/pal02a380.jpg

wow! sana magkatotoo yan! feel ko, mga 2 years from now, mayrun na yan... (sana) :)

How many A380s did PAL and Cebu Pacific recently bought? And when will it be delivered? I've heard that PAL might use this for new international flights or for the existing domestic or international routes that are very saturated.


PAL and 5J didn't buy ny A380. Atleast not yet. 5J bought and leased A319s and A320s. PAL is talking about acquiring more A320 to replace their old 757 or 737s I think. Recently, there was an article in the news which is posted in thread VI tht PAL will be acquiring more new wide bodied aircrafts but they did not especify if it's a boeing or Airbus aircrafts.

Just reposting this comment which I believe is helpful :

I'm back!

After a couple weeks of absence in this forum... I'm back! I recently had a vacation trip to Vietnam... particularly to Ho Chi Minh City where we stay. It was acutally my first visit to Vietnam. It was great. And there are things that I like to share with you concerning the topic we've always loved - aviation - everything about aviation . I'll just bulleted it.

*It is not true as I've read in previous post that T2 cannot handle two B747-400 in one airbridges. As i've seen 2 PAL B744 parked sided by side in T2, gate N03 and N04. i think those two were from the US flights - SFO and LAX.


*Our flight was 7am flight - 7:35am to be exact and PAL's A340 was used (as I've expected). I think they are not saturated contrary to others who said it was. It still maintained clean and fine for passengers. Though there was a foortrest in economy class, PTVs are absent. I've noticed that PAL's Ho Chi Minh flights were not special as compared to NRT and SEL. There are no VI (Vietnamese Interpreter) in their flight attendants unlike in NRT & SEL they have KIs and JIs. The entertainment was quite lame. But it was ok when I went back home with an A320.

*PAL's A320, I think one of their most competitive aircraft. It was true that their is a TV screen per designated rows of the plane. (Actually, enjoy their inflight entertainment even short features were just showned). It was spacious, and like their A340, it was cleaned and well maintained. I think the A320 used was one of their newest plane. I had a configuration of 12 Mabuhay Class seats seperated from economy w/c is more spacious than the economy. I think there are PTVs per seat. I think so.

*What also I like about that flight was the smooth landing and departure of our plane. PAL's pilot must have really trained well, everything was smooth from departure to landing. I like to commend them for a good job. Except in Ho Chi Mihn there are few "kalog" konti inside the place maybe because of their runway floors w/c are made of conrete and not asphalt like in Manila.

*The new Tan Soh Nat Int'l Airport was being contructed (as i've seen in the Vietnam Forum). I don't know if that airport will be a joining part of the existing terminal but it is located near the terminal and looks like they are likely to be adjoined as the new one is like an extension from its structure. Does anyone know more about this?

I thought Vietnan's airport will like walking down the plane from a stair but the existing airport already has airbridges, 4 to be exact. Their airport was fine, although small compare to T2, even the new terminal being built is not big and I think incomparable to T3. Its like a DVO airport but already old. What I don't like about their airport was their are no fountains in near their restrooms w/c is needed when someone is thirsty. But they beat T2 in terms of Duty Free Shops and Restos... they have a lot of it in their existing terminal.

*Finally, why did I call Vietnam, A Red Country? Because the first time I saw the land of Vietnam from the air... It was colored red. They really deserved a new and bigger airport as the tourism is booming in Vietnam. They were many tourist visiting Ho Chi Minh City.


Wait lang... why do I have the same Avatar pics with other forumers her. PAL loyalists or Proud of PAL? :D

PAL and 5J didn't buy ny A380. Atleast not yet. 5J bought and leased A319s and A320s. PAL is talking about acquiring more A320 to replace their old 757 or 737s I think. Recently, there was an article in the news which is posted in thread VI tht PAL will be acquiring more new wide bodied aircrafts but they did not especify if it's a boeing or Airbus aircrafts.

i think mas nga maganda for local airlines to buy midsized planes... mas less ung maintenance at very efficient... through these smaller aircrafts they could get a larger market share sa mga asian flights...

i think mas nga maganda for local airlines to buy midsized planes... mas less ung maintenance at very efficient... through these smaller aircrafts they could get a larger market share sa mga asian flights...


A319s and A320s are all midsized aircraft, they are just wider than their boing counterparts.

A319s and A320s are all midsized aircraft, they are just wider than their boing counterparts.

ooohh... di kase ako expert diyan eh... i just thought smaller planes are better for local airlines... :)

PAL didn't suspend its Manila-KL route right? I believe they still fly there.

The KUL route has been suspended a few days/weeks before the RUH route was also suspended. Stiff competition from other carriers and loss of profits was the cause.

I'm back!

After a couple weeks of absence in this forum... I'm back! I recently had a vacation trip to Vietnam... particularly to Ho Chi Minh City where we stay. It was acutally my first visit to Vietnam. It was great. And there are things that I like to share with you concerning the topic we've always loved - aviation - everything about aviation . I'll just bulleted it.

*It is not true as I've read in previous post that T2 cannot handle two B747-400 in one airbridges. As i've seen 2 PAL B744 parked sided by side in T2, gate N03 and N04. i think those two were from the US flights - SFO and LAX.


*Our flight was 7am flight - 7:35am to be exact and PAL's A340 was used (as I've expected). I think they are not saturated contrary to others who said it was. It still maintained clean and fine for passengers. Though there was a foortrest in economy class, PTVs are absent. I've noticed that PAL's Ho Chi Minh flights were not special as compared to NRT and SEL. There are no VI (Vietnamese Interpreter) in their flight attendants unlike in NRT & SEL they have KIs and JIs. The entertainment was quite lame. But it was ok when I went back home with an A320.

*PAL's A320, I think one of their most competitive aircraft. It was true that their is a TV screen per designated rows of the plane. (Actually, enjoy their inflight entertainment even short features were just showned). It was spacious, and like their A340, it was cleaned and well maintained. I think the A320 used was one of their newest plane. It has a configuration of 12 Mabuhay Class seats seperated from economy w/c is more spacious than the economy. I think there are PTVs per seat. I think so.

*What also I like about that flight was the smooth landing and departure of our plane. PAL's pilot must have really trained well, everything was smooth from departure to landing. I like to commend them for a good job. Except in Ho Chi Mihn there are few "kalog" konti inside the place maybe because of their runway floors w/c are made of conrete and not asphalt like in Manila.

*The new Tan Soh Nat Int'l Airport was being contructed (as i've seen in the Vietnam Forum). I don't know if that airport will be a joining part of the existing terminal but it is located near the terminal and looks like they are likely to be adjoined as the new one is like an extension from its structure. Does anyone know more about this?

I thought Vietnan's airport will like walking down the plane from a stair but the existing airport already has airbridges, 4 to be exact. Their airport was fine, although small compare to T2, even the new terminal being built is not big and I think incomparable to T3. Its like a DVO airport but already old. What I don't like about their airport was their are no fountains in near their restrooms w/c is needed when someone is thirsty. But they beat T2 in terms of Duty Free Shops and Restos... they have a lot of it in their existing terminal.

*Finally, why did I call Vietnam, A Red Country? Because the first time I saw the land of Vietnam from the air... It was colored red. They really deserved a new and bigger airport as tourism is booming in Vietnam. They were many tourist visiting Ho Chi Minh City.


Wait lang... why do I have the same Avatar pics with other forumers her. PAL loyalists or Proud of PAL? :D

Someone didn't like Rolls Royce enginese.(in a previous post) We actually have a repair center in the country. Very hush hush in clark actually. They're not even supposed to be listed publicly though if you ask as a service provider or CDC they'll release the info.

I'm surprised they're (PR) making teh widebody decision this quarter, how exciting. 3 Leased for delivery this year then a possible purchase of 4 , the question of when the delivery will be will give the answer as to what is possible. I'm not sure if the 744 line is still taking orders and the 748 is still a 2010 delivery (am I mistaken). The need the planes now.

On the other hand EK has given up slots for the A340 for A380s I heard, this means instant deliveries. Airbus may be a bit hot in disposing of those slots and my give PR a great deal. Triple sevens still beat 340's in sales (due to cheaper CASM and MX) and are popular and expensive and Am not sure you can get a quick 777 either. Be nice to have these though. I heard a rumour Chariman tan is not into ETOPS and prefers a 4-holer contrary to most mainline widebody strategy nowadays.

For the lease a 744 is quite possible though I would think they would go for Airbuses even for the lease , just for crew commonality in widebodies (as in narrowbodies). Very interesting indeed.

I wouldn't take the A380 out at this point. It's not moving and Airbus would be quite happy to get a mainline flagship carrier accross the Pacific with them. IF PR can buy 346's they can buy 380's it's all financing anyway. I'm assuming they'll get out of the rehab early as one of the kfw/euroexport finace conditions, but they can do it right now as their cash flow is quite good. PR thinks this is a great fit for them. And the taxiway and airbridege issues are not that a big a deal , easy to remedy without much expense. Remains to be see. ( I must say though I'm not a fan of the way it looks!)

BTW took another flight from DMIA (my third in 6 weeks!) and have it now down pat. TR501 to SIN. Good flight in their planes (new A320's) with 180 seat config. Typical even if the pithc must be around 30', comfortable for a 100$ flight to SIN anyway (you get what you pay for :)). Anyway this is my 2nd trip with TR (in my first FR I talked about the Macau terminal)and am happy to report no problems (in fact we came in early bothtimes!). SIN Budget terminal was pretty nice. (ok maybe they didn't have stone finishes and yes you walk in the heat but everything works with Singapore style efficiency anyway). Anyway reinforces my belief that DMIA at least can go this way till 10 mill pax and be a low cost hub! With my AK flight so far all I've had was good expriences (some minor parking glitches and my first departure was hot!), overall can't wait for them to serve other parts of the country if they continue with DIA and MCIA going open skies, and for DMIA getting developed.

did anyone watch the Air Crash Investigation documentary over at the National Geographic Channel about the Philippine Airlines B747-200 incident back in 1994 where a bomb exploded from one of the seats killing a Japanese National. The route was CEB-NRT. Its a shame that i missed that episode. was looking forward on how both the Japanese and the Philippine governments investigated the case.

^^ i heard the plane didnt crash.... im not sure, i think nagexplode lang ung seat due to a some sort of terrorist and the rest of the passengers were safe.... im hjust not sure about this

^^you're right, it did not crash, actually showed how the pilots did really well in controlling the crippled bird, quite a testament to our pilots who have a good rep worldwide.

I've seen the episode several times, it even puts the Philippine Police in a good light in that they caught aterrorist and gave info to the US about potential airline to building attach (9/11) which the fbi eventually acknowledged after 9/11.

Welcome back ianers! :) I hope you enjoyed your trip to Vietnam!

Wait lang... why do I have the same Avatar pics with other forumers her. PAL loyalists or Proud of PAL? :D
Well, I kinda needed to change my LAX Terminal 2 pic so I decided to have my new avatar along the lines of my passion. :D
Someone didn't like Rolls Royce enginese.(in a previous post) We actually have a repair center in the country. Very hush hush in clark actually. They're not even supposed to be listed publicly though if you ask as a service provider or CDC they'll release the info.

Are you serious, they actually have a facility in the Philippines!? Anyhow, I really do like Rolls Royce engines (gimme RB.211s and Trents anyday! :D), it's just I was a bit concerned in terms of engine make commonality esp. since PR has been more of a GE/CFM airline these days. Again, I'm not familiar with the economics of having a single engine manufacturer in the fleet.


I'm surprised they're (PR) making teh widebody decision this quarter, how exciting. 3 Leased for delivery this year then a possible purchase of 4 , the question of when the delivery will be will give the answer as to what is possible. I'm not sure if the 744 line is still taking orders and the 748 is still a 2010 delivery (am I mistaken). The need the planes now.

I'm surprised as well. PAL seems to be filled with surprises these past few months. :D I think you still can order the 744 and I believe Boeing would appreciate it as it would keep the 747 line busy until the 748 rolls in. I just noticed that the first 748 (a Freighter to Cargolux) is due to be delivered in 2009 (I thought it was 2010 as well). But indeed, they do need those planes soon...an aging fleet and expansion can't wait long.

did anyone watch the Air Crash Investigation documentary over at the National Geographic Channel about the Philippine Airlines B747-200 incident back in 1994 where a bomb exploded from one of the seats killing a Japanese National. The route was CEB-NRT. Its a shame that i missed that episode. was looking forward on how both the Japanese and the Philippine governments investigated the case.
Unfortunately I missed it but I do remember the incident. The aircraft involved was EI-BWF which previously served with Aerolineas Argentinas before being handed down to PAL. Indeed, it is interesting to look at more on this as this incident was supposed to be a test run for "Oplan Bojinka" which was supposed to be a terrorist masterplan of bombing 11 US-bound airliners and a pope assassination plot.

great all you fellow forumers are using PAL tail logo for your avatar. it is very beautiful isn´t´it. in my opinion, one of the best logo´s in the airline business !

Welcome back ianers! :) I hope you enjoyed your trip to Vietnam!
Well, I kinda needed to change my LAX Terminal 2 pic so I decided to have my new avatar along the lines of my passion. :D


I'm surprised as well. PAL seems to be filled with surprises these past few months. :D I think you still can order the 744 and I believe Boeing would appreciate it as it would keep the 747 line busy until the 748 rolls in. I just noticed that the first 748 (a Freighter to Cargolux) is due to be delivered in 2009 (I thought it was 2010 as well). But indeed, they do need those planes soon...an aging fleet and expansion can't wait long.


Thanks... I'm just surprised, I think there are 3 of us with the same avatar but its ok. We're PALers... right?

I hope PR would buy brand-new planes of Airbus and Boing. A340-600 is the best for Airbus, the longest and its one of the most beautiful birds in thew sky today... most beautiful commercial today... they were dubbed as "flying pencils". For Boing a B777-300 is a good choice and a good change. B744 is also ok. I think its going to be fantastic a B777 in PR colors.

I don't like A380 maybe bec. of its shape... its like a "trying hard" to become a jumbo like B744. Like an experimental plane that when the results are in voila... an A340 and B747 in one. Its a huge plane esp. the body but still looks small esp the part were the logo is painted. I still prefer B744.

But whatever PAL would buy I hope that planes would have PTVs per seat in econoy section. That is the competition today. PAL must upgrade its ecomnomy service through PTVs like JL, CX and SQ.

great all you fellow forumers are using PAL tail logo for your avatar. it is very beautiful isn´t´it. in my opinion, one of the best logo´s in the airline business !

yep, PR is one best logo in the airline industry. :)

Thanks... I'm just surprised, I think there are 3 of us with the same avatar but its ok. We're PALers... right?

I hope PR would buy brand-new planes of Airbus and Boing. A340-600 is the best for Airbus, the longest and its one of the most beautiful birds in thew sky today... most beautiful commercial today... they were dubbed as "flying pencils". For Boing a B777-300 is a good choice and a good change. B744 is also ok. I think its going to be fantastic a B777 in PR colors.

I don't like A380 maybe bec. of its shape... its like a "trying hard" to become a jumbo like B744. Like an experimental plane that when the results are in voila... an A340 and B747 in one. Its a huge plane esp. the body but still looks small esp the part were the logo is painted. I still prefer B744.

But whatever PAL would buy I hope that planes would have PTVs per seat in econoy section. That is the competition today. PAL must upgrade its ecomnomy service through PTVs like JL, CX and SQ.

IMO, A380 looks like an A320, only way way bigger hahaha.

IMO, A380 looks like an A320, only way way bigger hahaha.

oo nga... I haven't notice it. But is really does resembles A320

The A380 has a big forehead. Thats all i can say. lol

^^I think most people will agree the A380 does not have the most elegant of profiles. My hunch is if that they're making the decision within this quarter then that it's quite likely that it will be the 340-600's. From the scuttlebutt the delayed orders of ek have been offered to SriLankan as well. That's around 14 I think and Airbus will want that filled up as delivary was suppposed to take place next year! To my knowledge the A346 has better CASM than 744's so you won't see them order it. I know cargo operators still order the 744 which is a great freighter workhorse but to my knowledge nobody is doing passenger orders anymore. I may be wrong. I agree that PTV's seems to be the standard now and if these were supposed to go t EK then the A346's should have them. PR will need them for long haul to be competitive. I remember once flying business class with them and the projector was broken! Can you believe that, long haul too, 12 hours of looking at nothing, oh well. Anyway whatever plane they order I'm really excited to see them have new widebodies.

Thanks... I'm just surprised, I think there are 3 of us with the same avatar but its ok. We're PALers... right?

I hope PR would buy brand-new planes of Airbus and Boing. A340-600 is the best for Airbus, the longest and its one of the most beautiful birds in thew sky today... most beautiful commercial today... they were dubbed as "flying pencils". For Boing a B777-300 is a good choice and a good change. B744 is also ok. I think its going to be fantastic a B777 in PR colors.

I don't like A380 maybe bec. of its shape... its like a "trying hard" to become a jumbo like B744. Like an experimental plane that when the results are in voila... an A340 and B747 in one. Its a huge plane esp. the body but still looks small esp the part were the logo is painted. I still prefer B744.

But whatever PAL would buy I hope that planes would have PTVs per seat in econoy section. That is the competition today. PAL must upgrade its ecomnomy service through PTVs like JL, CX and SQ.

I'd prefer they go all Boeing! Late model B737's have a much better record than Airbus' A320. B777's should be used for long range flights and we really don't need super jumbos just for the sake of PAL's image.

well whatever they order, anything to keep their record of profit high and load facotrs (80%) up and competitive. PAL is doing a great job now. just compare with US airlines.....lots of old aircraft and all major airlines are "chapter 11" airlines making billions of $ loss year after year......

I'd prefer they go all Boeing! Late model B737's have a much better record than Airbus' A320. B777's should be used for long range flights and we really don't need super jumbos just for the sake of PAL's image.

A320s of PAL are smooth flyer and more spacious than their ageing 737-300... plus it has PTVs but PAL could buy the B737-900 w/c is more bigger but PR is routing for airbus in its orders. Well B777 would be great in PR colors. PR livery is much better in B744 jumbos than in trying hard biggie A380... it look likes a tadpole.

A320s of PAL are smooth flyer and more spacious than their ageing 737-300... plus it has PTVs but PAL could buy the B737-900 w/c is more bigger but PR is routing for airbus in its orders. Well B777 would be great in PR colors. PR livery is much better in B744 jumbos than in trying hard biggie A380... it look likes a tadpole.

PAL has been using B737-400's for quite some time now.

PAL has been using B737-400's for quite some time now.

Which is why they're being replaced by newer A320s. Air Philippines should also refleet and get rid of their rickety 732s. If the 717 was still in production, that would've been a cool replacement, but I'm betting that if ever Air Philippines refleets, with the direction its going as complementary to PAL, it'll probably be E-jets for them.

PAL mentioned that they are gonna have PTVs on all of their seats with Audio Video on Demand for all of their new A320s and A319s ryt? I think the reason why they cannot put those on their existing widebodies is because most of them if not all are leased. so why would they spend in changing the interior of these "rented" planes if they are looking forward to buying their own in the near future. Do you guys think that the PAL episode will re-air in Natl. Geo? I sure hope so.....Were there filipino passengers interviewed. i wish i had seen it. would give anything and everything to see hw the pilots landed the plane.

I'd prefer they go all Boeing! Late model B737's have a much better record than Airbus' A320. B777's should be used for long range flights and we really don't need super jumbos just for the sake of PAL's image.

Airbus have corrected all the "imperfections" in the past that's why it's now competing head on with boeing. For instance, the Airbus' A340 doesn't have any record of crashes fatal or non-fatal, except one, last year, in Toronto Pearson International airport with Air France as the involved party, up to now there is no clear report or evidence on what might have caused the crash but the weather plays a big factor as earlier suspected. Never-the-less, all it's passenger survived with just minor scratches. So, whatever PAL chose to get, whether it maybe Boeing or Airbus, it's for their own benefit, although, maintenance and training crew wise, airbus have the edge because they are easier to maintain and the pilots can fly just about any of the airbus' models unlike boeing, every models have an especific way of handling so a 737 pilots can't fly a 757, 747 and others, the same with all other models. The only possible model the airbus aircraft that might need to have training of the airlines crew would be A380s and the upcoming A350s which is the airbus' match for boeing dreamliner 7E7/aka 787 which from what I've heard A350 is a no competition.

Airbus have corrected all the "imperfections" in the past that's why it's now competing head on with boeing. For instance, the Airbus' A340 doesn't have any record of crashes fatal or non-fatal, except one, last year, in Toronto Pearson International airport with Air France as the involved party, up to now there is no clear report or evidence on what might have caused the crash but the weather plays a big factor as earlier suspected. Never-the-less, all it's passenger survived with just minor scratches. So, whatever PAL chose to get, whether it maybe Boeing or Airbus, it's for their own benefit, although, maintenance and training crew wise, airbus have the edge because they are easier to maintain and the pilots can fly just about any of the airbus' models unlike boeing, every models have an especific way of handling so a 737 pilots can't fly a 757, 747 and others, the same with all other models. The only possible model the airbus aircraft that might need to have training of the airlines crew would be A380s and the upcoming A350s which is the airbus' match for boeing dreamliner 7E7/aka 787 which from what I've heard A350 is a no competition.

A funny thing about Air France is that they've managed to have a quasi-major incident with virtually every aircraft they have in service from the A300 to the B777ER

Which is why they're being replaced by newer A320s. Air Philippines should also refleet and get rid of their rickety 732s. If the 717 was still in production, that would've been a cool replacement, but I'm betting that if ever Air Philippines refleets, with the direction its going as complementary to PAL, it'll probably be E-jets for them.

For your information,PAL's A320's were there before the B737-400's came into the picture. Most, if not all, of PAL's B737-300's have been transferred to Air Philippines on their busier routes to the major cities.

A funny thing about Air France is that they've managed to have a quasi-major incident with virtually every aircraft they have in service from the A300 to the B777ER

I think they were just embarrassed by the fact that their Airbus aircraft have suffered near accidents that they had to stage a similar incident for its Boeing aircraft. Just a conspiracy theory... heheh! But so far the B777's have a really good record right?

I think they were just embarrassed by the fact that their Airbus aircraft have suffered near accidents that they had to stage a similar incident for its Boeing aircraft. Just a conspiracy theory... heheh! But so far the B777's have a really good record right?
I'd love to look at the safety record right now but considering that I'm in a 772 right now and going into Airdisaster.com would raise a few eyebrows, esp for my seatmate, I'll not even dare attempt...<<;; But so far I haven't heard (or recall) any major accident with the 777...but then again aircraft disasters aren't exactly my cup of tea...

I SERIOUSLY LOVE CONNEXION BY BOEING!!! :D I'm currently on a Korean Air/KE 777-200 (KE016) bound for Seoul. At first I was disappointed to get on this flight since the one that left one hour before us (KE012) has the new interior (AVOD PTVs, power ports, and of course, Connexion) but I was surprised they had the internet service in this flight as it is not normally scheduled for such a service! Unfortunately there's no power ports so my time online is limited...:(

A funny thing about Air France is that they've managed to have a quasi-major incident with virtually every aircraft they have in service from the A300 to the B777ER


Really? I guess I missed out on that one...

I think they were just embarrassed by the fact that their Airbus aircraft have suffered near accidents that they had to stage a similar incident for its Boeing aircraft. Just a conspiracy theory... heheh! But so far the B777's have a really good record right?


Yep, B777 still is earning a very good reputation. Infact, they hold the current record for longest haul in flying, I forgot which airline it was but it was just recent. The newer B777 can fly to North America in 16 hours straight with no stops for refueling. Normally a B747 would need to refuel after 12 flying hours, maybe up to 14 but not beyond that, it is why most US airlines usually have layovers in Japan or Korea and then onto all other major cities in asia.

i miss concorde..

Airlines


- Air Philippines
- Asian Spirit
- Cebu Pacific
- Interisland Airlines
- Laoag International Airlines
- Philippine Airlines
- South East Asian Airlines (Seair)

Cebu Pacific

i always fly with cebu pacific

none :(

air philippines

Pal... undeniably
byt i am for cebu pac and asian spirit when it comes to time and their help for the industry... less politics less anomalies...

i always fly with pal...

Sinjin, why not do a poll?

As for me, I always fly with Cebu Pacific.

I prefer PAL knowing that they have a young fleet and the best pilots. I would also go for any airline that will fly Boeing aircraft that are less than 10 years old.

Yeah sinjin why not do a poll?

As for me, I prefer Cebu Pacific. I really like their transition into some sort of a budget airline, and they have new aircrafts too.

Flying with PAL especially on domestic routes.....is quite impractical for me, so expensive. Unless they bring back their inflight meals. :hahaha:

manila-based flights, pal offers better terminal

There is a laoag international airlines? Is this something new? Where do they fly?

^^

There is. Their aircrafts are similar to SEA Air's..

^^

There is. Their aircrafts are similar to SEA Air's..
Thnk you. What are their local and international destintions then?

As much as I love PAL, I really don't trust it when it comes to on-time flights... I have never tried any other carrier yet so I dunno but looking at it's performance, I'd go with Cebu Pacific.

PR ok with safety
5j ok with on time performance
the others in god we trust

I think they were just embarrassed by the fact that their Airbus aircraft have suffered near accidents that they had to stage a similar incident for its Boeing aircraft. Just a conspiracy theory... heheh! But so far the B777's have a really good record right?

Uhm, for any airline to compromise its safety standards on purpose is downright idiotic. Boeing planes are just as subject to mismanagement and accidents as Airbus aircraft, unless you consider the possibility of the spirit world casting bad luck spells on all things airbus.


@Skyblade: Damn, you're on Connexion? Does the entire KE fleet have it? How much does it cost? For me, the USD30 they were charging before seemed a bit exorbitant, and I don't miss my email or SSC all that much (sorry guys :tongue3: )

Cebu Pacific. More competition, the better. PAL is not bad, but I've flown with Cebu Pacific since 1998 and have always liked them better. Even their web site is better, IMHO. I'm hoping that they'll fly to the mainland US soon and offer direct flights to Manila or Cebu.

@Skyblade - Thanks for the heads up on Connexion on Korean flights. Just checked, and my upcoming JFK-ICN flight will have Connexion. :colgate: I will definitely use it for the 17 hour flight!

@solblanc - Looks like not all flights will have this yet, but check the KE site and they have good info listed. Price is $26.95 for 24 hour period (enough for JFK-ICN-MNL) or for one hour - $9.95, for two hours - $14.95, for three hours - $17.95.

Yep, B777 still is earning a very good reputation. Infact, they hold the current record for longest haul in flying, I forgot which airline it was but it was just recent. The newer B777 can fly to North America in 16 hours straight with no stops for refueling. Normally a B747 would need to refuel after 12 flying hours, maybe up to 14 but not beyond that, it is why most US airlines usually have layovers in Japan or Korea and then onto all other major cities in asia.

Boeing 777-200LR holds the record for the longest range longest range. It flew the longest flight from Hong Kong to London (11,664 NM), going east. Pakistan Int'l Airlines is the launch customer.

The current longest scheduled flight, however, is the SIN-LAX route by Singapore Airlines. It is operated by an A340-500 aircraft, and it lasts 18:30 hours eastward(or westward, im a bit confused).

Uhm, for any airline to compromise its safety standards on purpose is downright idiotic. Boeing planes are just as subject to mismanagement and accidents as Airbus aircraft, unless you consider the possibility of the spirit world casting bad luck spells on all things airbus.



and to add to that, the A340 family hasn't had any FATAL accident yet (fingers crossed). The Toronto crash invistigation is still ongoing, but reports implied that it may be due to weather and misjudgement on the part of the pilot. A330 had one fatal accident, but it was due to Pilot error during a test flight.

laoag and interisland : nothing i would consider flying, like russian-routelle. PAL : established, good and experienced, but unpunctual. CEB : innovative, good for changes within the whole business, modern ideas, modern fleet. 2P a big lie if you check their website : very old aircraft they proclaim as 3. category, do not trust.... asian spirit : seems interesting alternative, especially with avro jets and new routes. i like the idea of a cooperative for all employees, keeps everyone involved in their own company. SEA don´t´know enough of them to judge objectively.....

@Skyblade: Damn, you're on Connexion? Does the entire KE fleet have it? How much does it cost? For me, the USD30 they were charging before seemed a bit exorbitant, and I don't miss my email or SSC all that much (sorry guys :tongue3: )


singapore airline used to have it on promotion on all thier B747, if you are travelling with laptop they gave you this card for 30 mins free internet on board. i was lucky to used it twice.

The current longest scheduled flight, however, is the SIN-LAX route by Singapore Airlines. It is operated by an A340-500 aircraft, and it lasts 18:30 hours eastward(or westward, im a bit confused).


The longest scheduled flight used to be the SIN-LAX (approx 17 hrs) and the LAX-SIN (approx 19 hours) by Singapore Airlines until they beat their own record with their SIN-EWR (approx 19 hours) and EWR-SIN (approx 21 hours). Both routes are served using their A340-500 aircraft. Im proud to say that i have been on their A340-500 at the Executive Economy Class for the SIN-LAX-SIN route back in 2004 and was truly pleased with the service and the comfort they give their passengers. for a glorified economy class seat, the Executive Economy of SQ beats the Mabuhay Class of PAL. SQ has like hundreds of movies, tv shows, music cds, nintendo gameboy games, and loads more to choose from as compared to PALs 12 movie channels on their A330-300 and A340-300 aircrafts. PALs B744s arent even equipped with PTVS in business class. only one of PALs B744 has it. the one with screens on all classes. (only advantage of Mabuhay Class is the seat pitch and of course, the posh presentation of business class food).

i miss concorde
eh pano si miss philippines?

id go with PAL and cebu pacific.. but i much prefer cebu pacific lately.. cheaper yet more on time..

The longest scheduled flight used to be the SIN-LAX (approx 17 hrs) and the LAX-SIN (approx 19 hours) by Singapore Airlines until they beat their own record with their SIN-EWR (approx 19 hours) and EWR-SIN (approx 21 hours). Both routes are served using their A340-500 aircraft. Im proud to say that i have been on their A340-500 at the Executive Economy Class for the SIN-LAX-SIN route back in 2004 and was truly pleased with the service and the comfort they give their passengers. for a glorified economy class seat, the Executive Economy of SQ beats the Mabuhay Class of PAL. SQ has like hundreds of movies, tv shows, music cds, nintendo gameboy games, and loads more to choose from as compared to PALs 12 movie channels on their A330-300 and A340-300 aircrafts. PALs B744s arent even equipped with PTVS in business class. only one of PALs B744 has it. the one with screens on all classes. (only advantage of Mabuhay Class is the seat pitch and of course, the posh presentation of business class food).

This might be different though.. i read somewere on philskies forums that one of the B747s was reconfigured into the A340 interior besides N754PR
.

^^hehe ibang klase ka talaga tigs, baka nagsama na sila ni mississippi ( ayan malapit na miss iyan sa iyo)

I've not had the experience of taking those super long haul flights 18 hours whew nonstop. I think I would go crazy, it does not sound pleasant. Of course some people would prefer this to layin gover in Seattle or Narita or somewhere but still, the feeling of being cooped up for so long, too bad they can't knockyou out alah wrigley in "Aliens".

In general I think the newer planes be it the 345/6 or the 777ER are prety good. Most accidents have more to do with MX anyway and pilot error than plane design.

For your information,PAL's A320's were there before the B737-400's came into the picture. Most, if not all, of PAL's B737-300's have been transferred to Air Philippines on their busier routes to the major cities.
Some of the A320's are newer than the 737's for sure. They just took some leases a couple years back. I don't know when the 734's came but they only have two of them.

Boeing 777-200LR holds the record for the longest range longest range. It flew the longest flight from Hong Kong to London (11,664 NM), going east. Pakistan Int'l Airlines is the launch customer.

The current longest scheduled flight, however, is the SIN-LAX route by Singapore Airlines. It is operated by an A340-500 aircraft, and it lasts 18:30 hours eastward(or westward, im a bit confused).


Oh wow, I didn't know that there is anA340-500 too, i only knew about 340-600, but it makes sense.

I think it was Singapore Airlines is what I had in mind.

If A340-500/600 can fly 18 hours, I wonder how much a B747-800 can fly in the future, 24 hours? whewwww, they should offer better economy class service with a sleeper on these new planes coming out in the market, like A380 and 747-800.

worst comes to worst, i would ride any airline company. i have always believed that if its my time to go, i would go.

but if i had a choice, i would go for pal. its because of the terminal. nothing more.

yes, true the terminal really is an argument.

I was born a PAL flier, I'll die a PAL flier. Apart from 1 lengthly delay (1998; MNL-YVR, forced to stay overnight at the Century Park, pre-strike BTW), I really have a high regard for PAL. Yes the planes are tired and they should invest in a much better inflight entertainment system, and service wasn't like in the 1990s (Skybeds!), but you got to give credit to the food, the FAs (it doesn't hurt to hire younger FAs, but I do get the motherly touch!), the pilots, and the maintenance crew. Looking forward for PAL to renew their long-haul fleet. Finally, you rarely hear airlines going back to business after shutting down and actually making a profit...

i trust PAL than any other filipino airline...but cebu pacific is cheaper

Always with Cebu Pacific. :)

For your information,PAL's A320's were there before the B737-400's came into the picture. Most, if not all, of PAL's B737-300's have been transferred to Air Philippines on their busier routes to the major cities.

Before bankruptcy, PAL had placed an order for 12 A320s. 8 were delivered, but after bankruptcy, they only kept 4 and leased B73Xs instead from Ryanair, as they were cheaper during the time, as A320s were the hot thing to have (the next-generation 737 was barely in production, leaving the A320 as the most modern narrowbody out there). One A320 crashed, so that leaves three of the original order. However, the leases on the 737 fleet are slowly expiring, and PAL decided to replace them with more A320s, as there are more in the market available. Each one of those 737s that were leased in the interim were older than any A320 that PAL has acquired.

And the 733s were only temporarily leased to Air Philippines during PAL's recovery from bankruptcy. They were returned to PAL, as PAL needed a relatively small narrowbody that could land in airports like Tagbilaran (734s and A320s were too big), these were airports where it was important that they were serviced by PAL and not Air Philippines, because of better connectivity at the Centennial Terminal 2.

End result: PAL's 733s and 734s are just waiting for their leases to expire before the A320 family comes in (Lufthansa Technik is also preparing themselves to be able to do D-checks on A320 aircraft in its NAIA facility. If PAL had chosen Boeing for their narrowbody order, they would've done it otherwise, but considering that A320s are dominant in so many carriers in the region, save MAS and Garuda, I guess that its a wise investment for LT)

Damn, I know too much useless information :D

is this a trick question? :D

Which of the Philippine air carriers service the MNL-Caticlan(boracay) route? I'm just curious. Is it Seair only or there are other alternatives like 5js? Thanks.

@solblanc - That wasn't useless information at all. Very informative. Thanks for it and keep it up. :)

I've only ever ridden with PAL but I'm willing to give Cebu Pacific a try.

in the current issue of AERO (german aerial magazine) there is an essay about cebu pacific with big very nice double spread photos of cebu pacific at mactan airport. furthermore in AIRLINERS (US magazine) is another essay on Mactan Cebu airport too. unfortunately i cannot scan and post them. maybe someone has the possibility to show the articles here ?

Cebu Pacific ;)
They actually have PTVs...

cebu pacific may palaro pa :D

I've heard from many of my family members who've flown with PAL many times and they've all told me that PAL not only means Philippine Air Lines, but also means Plane Always Late! hehe Sorry if I offend any PAL diehards :runaway:

Anyone else here experience delays with PAL?

I've flown on 5 flights with Cebu Pacific and have no complaints. Everything was top notch, always on time and and the in-flight games/giveways the Stewards play with flyers are fun - they have my trust.

I've flown on Asian Spirit and Seair twice and each experiences were good as well.

One thing to pick at, which isn't really the airline's fault, is the size of the Check-In terminals in some of the airports (Iloilo & Caticlan) - but I won't get say more so that this thread won't get O/T.

they used to have that problem and snooty stewardesses not anymore.
. EVen though it's onwed by luciofer tan I try to fly with them to help out the economy because it employs millions of pinoys and I assume he' s paying his due taxes.

This might be different though.. i read somewere on philskies forums that one of the B747s was reconfigured into the A340 interior besides N754PR
.
Are you serious? :eek: Could it be RP-C8168?

@Skyblade - Thanks for the heads up on Connexion on Korean flights. Just checked, and my upcoming JFK-ICN flight will have Connexion. :colgate: I will definitely use it for the 17 hour flight!

Just make sure your flights are KE81/82 as these are scheduled for such service. Not only will you be able to get wireless internet but you also get the new seats with personal televisions and AVOD. Personally, I could live with just the internet. :D There are some flights that do have it that are unscheduled...KE016 was my flight from LAX and supposedly was not scheduled to have Connexion but our 772 was equipped with it. Better yet, KE765 on ICN-CTS also had the service as well! Talk about luck! :D


Does the entire KE fleet have it?
Well my last two flights made it surely feel like it! My flights back to America didn't have it (KE012 on the days the service was not avaliable was seriously a drag...thankfully I had a nice novel to read) They're currently installing it in the medium-long haul fleet (to say at the least, I didn't know the A333s were fitted until my flight to Sapporo).

They were returned to PAL, as PAL needed a relatively small narrowbody that could land in airports like Tagbilaran (734s and A320s were too big), these were airports where it was important that they were serviced by PAL and not Air Philippines, because of better connectivity at the Centennial Terminal 2.

It also explains one of the reasons why PAL decided to order the A319 as well as the airline did not want to axe this route once the 737 departs the fleet.
in the current issue of AERO (german aerial magazine) there is an essay about cebu pacific with big very nice double spread photos of cebu pacific at mactan airport. furthermore in AIRLINERS (US magazine) is another essay on Mactan Cebu airport too. unfortunately i cannot scan and post them. maybe someone has the possibility to show the articles here ?
They had something in Airliners? Man now I wish I bought the latest edition before I left back for Japan...:(

btw, is there any games/giveaways when you're going to hong kong using CP?

So, whatever PAL chose to get, whether it maybe Boeing or Airbus, it's for their own benefit, although, maintenance and training crew wise, airbus have the edge because they are easier to maintain and the pilots can fly just about any of the airbus' models unlike boeing, every models have an especific way of handling so a 737 pilots can't fly a 757, 747 and others, the same with all other models. The only possible model the airbus aircraft that might need to have training of the airlines crew would be A380s and the upcoming A350s which is the airbus' match for boeing dreamliner 7E7/aka 787 which from what I've heard A350 is a no competition.

With your statement, do you have a theory that PR will get Airbus planes on it announcement that it will acquire new planes. For me, I think so.... plus the Lufthansa Technik factor.

Are PR's A330 and A340 are also leased planes?

A350 looks like an A330 almost similar but what the difference aside from physical simiarities... I saw in a ad of Airbus that this wil fly longer routes, less fuel burn.

I've heard from many of my family members who've flown with PAL many times and they've all told me that PAL not only means Philippine Air Lines, but also means Plane Always Late! hehe Sorry if I offend any PAL diehards :runaway:

Anyone else here experience delays with PAL?


Yeah, there maybe real delays but those were occasional and the delays I encounter has reasonable explanations

LAX-MNL - due to mechanical trouble... its ok to be delayed than to fly and become a ghost in mid -air.

SGN-MML - 1 hour delay bec. the plane that we suppose to fly from HKG returned to HKG due to a bad weather.

But for as long safety I trust PAL and least at 5J.
They have the most smooth departure and landings... truly an experienced pilots. Esp. in my recent travel to SGN, PAL got the smooth departure and arrival of the plane... I was really amazed on how the pilot handled that flight... it was like gliding in the air smoothly.

and we know PAL had a good record... they truly live with their current campaign of "It's about experience"

I want to share this former FA uniforms of PAL....

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/ianers_ianized/Stewardess5.jpg
1974. Pierre Cardin Manille gave PAL this A-line mini-skirt topped with a waist-length blouse and two-tone patching from the front seams to the extended colar. A plain sleeveless camisoe was worn under the blouse, covered by a scarf in red, white and blue. There was a round patch pocket on the left chest and another on the right side of the skirt.


http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/ianers_ianized/a21bc97f.jpg
1978. Christian Espiritu, one of Manila's leading designer, created this ensemble donned by PAL for 6 years - the longest any uniform lasted. Though the hip-length padded blazer were cosmopolitan in cut, the T'boli-inspired ethnic prints were unmistakably Filipino.


^This is my favorite PAL FA uniform.

i almost always take pal. their terminal and their planes are the best in the industry. yung nga lang, from terminal two pauwi, hassle kasi kelangang pang umakyat sa departure area to get a non-airport taxi.

i've tried cebu pac twice, and late sya umalis sa dalawang beses na yun. the domestic terminal sucks. daming tao at sobrang sikip. luma na yung plane. my dusts pa yung window. and im not a fun of the games. i prefer reading newspaper na lang(which they do in pal and airphil-- though very limited and inquirer! minsan wala pa..)

airphil...i freaked out kasi may bagyo nun.. nakakatakot yung plane. you could here some noises na almost drove me crazy.. i swore na ndi na ako mag airphil pag may bagyo. PAL's planes are a lot more comfortable and wala yung unnecessary sounds na kakabahan ka kung ano na yun.

SEA air... para ka lang nasa bus.

I'll definitely go with PAL.

yes, the cebu pacific flight going to HK has also some palaro....

^^Yup, the one we took from HKG to MNL last year had a Bring Me game on board. For me, PAL and CebPac. Ayoko Air Philippines kasi nakakatakot...puro luma ang eroplano.

With your statement, do you have a theory that PR will get Airbus planes on it announcement that it will acquire new planes. For me, I think so.... plus the Lufthansa Technik factor.

Are PR's A330 and A340 are also leased planes?

A350 looks like an A330 almost similar but what the difference aside from physical simiarities... I saw in a ad of Airbus that this wil fly longer routes, less fuel burn.


I don't usually predict anything without any real factual basis but somehow on this one, I feel like PR is going for another airbus.

I am not sure if their A330/340s are all lease, it seems like it from the previous post or articles posted here before.

I think all airbus looks pretty much the same with the exception of A380. A330 is pretty much the same with A340 except that an A340 have four engines and longer while an A330 has only two and just a tad shorter.

Air Philippines to use NAIA 2





By ANJO PEREZ and LOUIE PEREZ



Beginning Tuesday, May 16, Air Philippines will operate from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2.

National flag-carrier Philippine Airlines had exclusively used the NAIA 2.

This was disclosed by NAIA Terminal Operations Officer-in-Charge Dante Basante who said that the transfer aims to decongest the old Manila Domestic Airport and maximize the capacity of NAIA 2.

According to Basanta, it will result into added convenience for passengers with the use of aerobridges.

"Air Philippines passengers will no longer be exposed to the weather as the T2 aerobridges can connect to all of their airplanes," Basanta said.

Air Philippines has a fleet of five Boeing 737-200 series jets that can carry 118 passengers.

It services major routes, including Bacolod, Cagayan, Cebu, Davao, Dumaguete, General Santos, Iloilo, Legaspi, Puerto Princesa, Tuguegarao, and Zamboanga.

http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN2006051163696.html

^i heard yari lang daw sila sa yero

^ that's good... PR might influence in pursuing the transfer of 2P in T2... since they are sister company of PAL.

Air Phils only has 5 planes? I thought they had like 9 or 10 B732

2P must enter in a refleeting program or else they'll be left behind by their competitors.

The A340-500/600 and the B777 are great choices. But judging from PAL, they would choose the former. They can get an A380 if they want to

However, I still hope though that they won't get the A350 and choose the 787 Dreamliner instead for their next-gen fleet. At the moment, the 787 is the better choice since it's cheaper and its use of a bleed-less system would make it much better than the A350.

Aside from that, the A350 is just nearly the same as the A330. As with further comments (including that of Singapore Airlines), the A350 would need a newer and better fuselage among other parts/components that need major improvement.

Check the Boeing vs. Airbus thread of SSC. :)

pal uniform is so boring . they need to make it more original . Their flight attendants have gotten pretty ordinary looking too. I remember they used to have beautiful flight attendants boys and girls.