When I was studying and my parents paid for the air fare, they always booked me with PAL. Well, everyone in the family flies PAL. :)

Now I'm working and paying for the fare myself, I'm considering Cebu Pacific and then Air Philippines. In fact, when I flew to Davao from Cebu last year, since there was no direct PAL flight and all seats for Cebu Pacific were booked, I was forced to try Air Philippines. No complaints for that flight. I don't know about their other destinations though. :)

^i heard yari lang daw sila sa yero
Perhaps even worse than that. We took this Manila-Guangzhou flight and my gosh, ang pangit ng eroplano. It's so dark and the seats felt like it was used during WWII. Even the tables had kalawang and the things they use (utensils, cups, pillows, etc.) look as if they were hand-me-downs from PAL.

Air Phils only has 5 planes? I thought they had like 9 or 10 B732
They also took delivery of an ex-DL/Delta 732 three days ago and is expecting another one soon.

Sayang naman ang PAL. They should have signature uniforms like SQ

has anyone tried manila-hong kong via cebu pacific?....whats it like ...just curious...

they're using 320 for that route right?....are all they're dc-9 and b757 all gone?

does anyone have any pics inside they,re A320?...thanks guys

airphil will be joining PAL in terminal 2 starting next week(tuesday)....

diba airphilippines has the 2nd B737-200 that was manufactured ever. heheheh....kelan ba nag start sa service and B737-200? kung ang B737-300 and B737-400 ng PAL nalulumaan na tayo, pano pa kaya ang sa air phils. btw, how do the Air Philippines planes interior look like? Ive seen PALs interior as well as the DC-9 and A320 of CEB. yung meron pa post naman. hehehehe

airphil will be joining PAL in terminal 2 starting next week(tuesday)....

Really? E di lalong sisikip. How are they going to manage that?

^^ and how much is the mnl-hkg fare of cebu pacific compared to PAL?

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

that´s the reason why they are moving to T2. under mother´s skirt security is at hand.....

they once had a fleet of 10 732´s. thank god there are only half of these stinking and loud planes left.....

^^ i dont think airphils would be such a bother because of the size of their fleet... 5 lang naman yung fleet nla, then im sure hindi pa sabay sabay yung pagamit nila.. soo im quite sure na makaksikip yung air phils pero i dont think na magiging sardinas ang kalalabasan ng t-2

that´s the reason why they are moving to T2. under mother´s skirt security is at hand.....

they once had a fleet of 10 732´s. thank god there are only half of these stinking and loud planes left.....


so, what sorts of fleets do they carry right now or would be carrying in the future?

this may be a longshot, but i think that pal is consolidating all their domestic flights at the t2 in preparation for the transfer of their international operations to t3....

wala lang....just a wild guess...hehehehe :runaway:

^^ pano yun... ipagsasama yung domestic and international wings nun terminal 2? i think the whole terminal two is too spacious for pal and airphil's combined domestic operations. ndi ba pedeng terminal two na lang yung gawing domestic terminal if ever the international flights of pal is moved to terminal3?

I just came from terminal 2(we were in Cebu) and what I saw is that I think Air Phil. passengers won't be using any gate bridges. They would have to go in a gate wherein it goes outside and use buses to go to the plane or walk towards the plane...

it´s a low cost carrier, they do not use bridges. using bridges is more expensive.

ask mr. tan

^^ its so unfair for the airphil pasengers. dapat dun na lang sila sa old domestic terminal if ganun lang rin gagawin sa kanila sa t2.

i experienced to be hoisted to the plane once thru a bus when sira yung bridge sa t2 and it was inconvenient. from the waiting area, one must go down to get to the bus, tapus madilim yung driveway coz thats the same driveway used by cargo vehicles. it should not work that way... dahil expensive yung pag use ng bridgeway... nonsense ang paglipat ng airphil sa t2 if thatll be the case.

even though Air Philippines wont be using T2's bridges, it is still going to be a lot more convenient for the passengers since T2 is a bigger terminal.

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.


they still have the beuatiful FAs... try flying in their domestic network all the pretty FAs of PAL are there.

exactly right aUen. and there will be nice new views of mixed PAL and 2P fleets for spotters to shoot (and post) !

new topics open for discussion :
now that 2P has the convenience to T2, CEB should share equivalent treatment. they should be allowed to build their own terminal for all their intern. and domestic flights like they proposed some time ago. the terminal could be an annex of T2, built around the hotel in the green area north of T2. that would make sence, close to all other connection flights. not far away from T1. terminal 1 and 2 could be connected my mono rail, short distance, quick transfers......

or even better instead of monrail, connect both terminals then with the LRT system.

has anyone tried manila-hong kong via cebu pacific?....whats it like ...just curious...

they're using 320 for that route right?....are all they're dc-9 and b757 all gone?

does anyone have any pics inside they,re A320?...thanks guys


I've used it about 2 years back. It was a 757. Pretty standard stuff can't remember if they gave us food but for a 90 minute flight doesn't matter much. I've flown their A320's same ones' the fly to HK. Pretty standard A320. Nice and new of course but still same.

Ramvingar. if you do a book and buy (purchase really early but not internet) you can get a rate for as low as Php 8000 all in with taxes! very reasonable.

Phil they should allow (assuming they are not allowing) 5j to fly from T2, they can hub there too. I just don't know if PR and 5J are in T2 that would be too much for the capacity of the whole terminal.

new topics open for discussion :
now that 2P has the convenience to T2, CEB should share equivalent treatment. they should be allowed to build their own terminal for all their intern. and domestic flights like they proposed some time ago. the terminal could be an annex of T2, built around the hotel in the green area north of T2. that would make sence, close to all other connection flights. not far away from T1. terminal 1 and 2 could be connected my mono rail, short distance, quick transfers......

2P's move to T2 is surprising, actually, because Air Philippines and Cebu Pacific categorically refused to use the terminal, as the terminal fees are significantly higher. It is rumored that Philippine Airlines enjoys discounts for the use of T2, and from speculation's point of view, one could say that the alleged discount enjoyed by PAL is now enjoyed by tito Lucio's other airline.

Either way, T2 is way cramped. Maybe 2P's move there is a signal that T3 is going to open soon.

^^ pano yun... ipagsasama yung domestic and international wings nun terminal 2? i think the whole terminal two is too spacious for pal and airphil's combined domestic operations. ndi ba pedeng terminal two na lang yung gawing domestic terminal if ever the international flights of pal is moved to terminal3?

IF T3 ever opens, then I think that it is safe to say that the old Manila Domestic will close and Cebu Pacific, along with Asian Spirit and SEair will be moving to T2

^^ Or, a signal to expand terminal 2, IMHO....

^^ Or, a signal to expand terminal 2, IMHO....

One would think that fixing an air-conditioning system would be a prerequisite to expansion :D

^^ Amen! :rofl:

Well the latest GF-PR codeshare agreement has been signed:

Gulf Air and Philippine airlines sign agreement
Posted: 04-05-2006 , 08:43 GMT
Link to the original article (http://www.menareport.com/en/business,/197612)

Gulf AirGulf Air and Philippine Airlines (PAL) have entered into a historic partnership following the forming of a code-sharing arrangement on selected routes to the Middle East and other destinations.

The partnership was announced in a joint Press conference conducted by Gulf Air President and Chief Executive James Hogan and PAL President and Chief Operating Officer Jaime Bautista at the Shangri-La Hotel, Makati.

Under the code-sharing arrangement, PAL can sell tickets using the codes (i.e. flight designator or flight number) of Gulf Air to certain destinations in the Middle East where it does not fly to, but which are being currently served by Gulf Air.

As part of the agreement, Gulf Air will allocate certain number of seats in its flights for PAL passengers bound for Bahrain, Oman and other countries where PAL has no flights.

The new arrangement will help the two airlines operate more efficiently and reduce operation costs. “Code-sharing arrangements offer significant economic and consumer benefits. They give passengers price and service options,” says Hogan.

PAL passengers will now be able to experience Gulf Air’s world-class amenities and services, including its ‘sky nanny’ service and ‘five-star restaurant in the sky.’

The agreement enables Philippine Airlines 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.

Gulf Air already has code-sharing agreements with American Airlines, Thai Airways, BMI, Cyprus Airways, Egyptair, Garuda Indonesia, Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, KLM, Olympic Airlines, Oman Air, Qantas Airways, Royal Jordanian Airlines, and Middle East Airlines.

© 2006 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

Cebu Pacific could give the other airlines pretty tough competition especially now with their re-fleeting program. I flew Cebu Pacific to Kalibo and it was a pleasant trip.

^^Yeah PAL is more expensive but their planes are old. I think PAL's refleeting program has either been delayed or halted, right? Cebu Pacific, I think, has excellent service. Definitely better than PAL.

Well, the airline decided to delay the delivery of their two A319s due to the pilot shortage in the airline. Otherwise the refleeting plan is still ongoing with their decision for their widebody replacement this quarter (?).

widebody...meaning they'll be getting new A330, A340s, 777s, etc. or bigger planes like 747s or possibly the A380?

Pretty much, they're still deciding on which widebody to take up as the replacement for their current fleet.

ano ba ang seating configuration(or kung ano man ang tamang term para dito) ng A340-600? 2-4-2 ba gaya ng ibang A340 o 3-4-3 like the 777's?

all A330 and A340s have 2-4-2 seat config.

^^ aahhhh... how about the A380?... sana 777-300 nalang an orederin ng pal...

A380s have 3-4-3, same as the B747.

though PAL livery would look cool on B777s, A340s are natural long range airliners. B777-300 has shorter range, comparable to A330s.

PAL should order worldliners and use them for their North American routes :hilarious:

Either way, T2 is way cramped. Maybe 2P's move there is a signal that T3 is going to open soon.

I hope so since T2 is designed for domestic flights like what has been said in lasts posts here.

Imagine, if all domestic airline will occpy now the T2 terminal... what do you think PAL will get the northwing (few airbridges, i think 5 but larger space for planes) or southwing (more airbirdges; 7 i think, but many for smaller planes i think only two can park an A330/A340) area. Definitely PR and 2P wil share under one roof since they are "sisters".

A380s have 3-4-3, same as the B747.

though PAL livery would look cool on B777s, A340s are natural long range airliners. B777-300 has shorter range, comparable to A330s.

PAL should order worldliners and use them for their North American routes :hilarious:

not exactly, there is a long-range version of the T7, the B777-300ER which has range comparable to the A340-600.

^^ i know that... i was talking about the one thats not extended-range..

Nakita ko sa Bloomberg. Philippines Cebu Air eyes new Asian Routes as new 6 Airbus delivered...:D

^^I think we will be seeing CebPac reviving it's Seoul-Incheon flights. And they might as well expand to Malaysia, Indonesia.

^^I think we will be seeing CebPac reviving it's Seoul-Incheon flights. And they might as well expand to Malaysia, Indonesia.


Sana Europe or America nalang :D

^^Haha, pwede America pero mahirap kung Europe kasi maraming kumpitensya.

Europe is an extremely mature and saturated market with 400 million annual passengers and 300+ airline brands flying their skies.

The U.S. is still the most mature and saturated air traffic market though. They have more than 200 airline brands flying their skies there + nearly 700 million annual passengers.

Obviously, it is a better investment if Cebu Pacific would expand on Asian routes. :)

LOVE ASIA. BE PROUD OF ASIA. EXPAND IN ASIA. ;)

nobody so far has thought about WHY 2P has halved it´s fleet from 10 to 5 737´s. i presume 3 hypothesis :

no 1 : lack of demand due to CEB expanding rapidly with extremly cheap prices and very new aircraft, and therefore taking the majority share of LLC customers in the philippines,

No 2 : due to lack of pilots, PAL absorbs their available crew to fly all the new airbus orders and fill the growing demand for the first flag carrier (as sister company with taipan tan´s majority he has the power to do so),

no 3 : the recruiting of rapidly growing middle east and chinease airlines for pilots paying better salaries scrapped the airline off their pilots.

any comments from the professionals here ?

IF T3 ever opens, then I think that it is safe to say that the old Manila Domestic will close and Cebu Pacific, along with Asian Spirit and SEair will be moving to T2

which will mean that most of the air bridges will stay idle, just like at T 3. what a waste. maybe they could transfer them to other domestric airports like cebu expansion, zamboanga, laoag, dmia, laguidingan (spelling?), cotabato, etc.

one interesting hypothesis is this:

airasia is looking for a philippine partner for airasia phil. airphil is an lcc model which could work with airasia. it could directly compete in cost structure with 5j , leaving pr with it's widebody routes and some narrowbody for flexibility. but this would hurt 5j where it hurts most, a direct competitor in narrowbody routes. just a thought.

NAIA runway repair works to be completed soon

First posted 06:08pm (Mla time) May 14, 2006
By Nikko Dizon
Inquirer





REPAIR works on runway 13/31 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) may be completed sooner than the October 2006 deadline set by the airport authority.
The rehabilitation of the runway, which services the domestic flights out of Naia Centennial Terminal and the Manila Domestic Terminal, is now 34 percent complete, airport authority chief Alfonso Cusi said Sunday.

"I am happy to report that we might be opening runway 13/31 for commercial operations sooner than we expected," Cusi said in a statement released by the Manila International Airport Authority (Miaa).

An earlier re-opening of the domestic runway will ease the current congestion on the international runway 06/24.

The international runway accommodated the domestic flights, servicing as much as 45 flights an hour, from the regular 30 flights, during peak hour operations, the Miaa said.

The 2,010-meter-long domestic runway was closed last April 17 to pave the way for its complete rehabilitation.

it is not completely being rehabilitated, and it is only 34 percent finished yet. how can they say anything like that. wait and see, and then cry out loud !

one interesting hypothesis is this:

airasia is looking for a philippine partner for airasia phil. airphil is an lcc model which could work with airasia. it could directly compete in cost structure with 5j , leaving pr with it's widebody routes and some narrowbody for flexibility. but this would hurt 5j where it hurts most, a direct competitor in narrowbody routes. just a thought.

very interesting bustero, thank you for that hypothesis. hopefully we will see big changes continue taking place for the benifit of the riding public in the philippines.

Phil Should give you a reason to visit us sooner rather than later , if they PR gets their new widebodies adn flies to Europe again and spins of Air Phil to Air Asia to become Air Asia Phil. Just insert Asia in the middle and voila. :)

yes indeed, then that would be a great idea to fly back to the philippines ! just keep us posted on all the progress please. salamat.

one interesting hypothesis is this:

airasia is looking for a philippine partner for airasia phil. airphil is an lcc model which could work with airasia. it could directly compete in cost structure with 5j , leaving pr with it's widebody routes and some narrowbody for flexibility. but this would hurt 5j where it hurts most, a direct competitor in narrowbody routes. just a thought.

That is a possibility, although I'd have to think that one of the stipulations in such a sale would entail that 2P be banished to Clark. I don't think that Lucio Tan would like an Air Asia, even if it is partly owned by him, to provide extra fare competition from NAIA. Reducing competition from NAIA would give 5J less incentive to lower their fares, keeping fares high from NAIA, and saving PR's profits. Of course, that's just my speculation.

which will mean that most of the air bridges will stay idle, just like at T 3. what a waste. maybe they could transfer them to other domestric airports like cebu expansion, zamboanga, laoag, dmia, laguidingan (spelling?), cotabato, etc.

God no! Those bridges are beautiful! Its an aesthetic crime to strip T2 of them! :D

Seriously, though, it was designed to be a domestic airport, so those airbridges are specially designed to accomodate the 737 family and the A320 family. Cebu Pacific has a fair fleet of A320s/A319s, and Air Philippines has its share of 737s, and PAL is acquiring more narrowbodies. I wouldn't worry about airbridge utilization, especially since the terminal was designed with the future in mind. If the airbridges became saturated only ten years after the airport was built, then something's wrong.

sounds resonable solblanc. makes sence. this could be another boast for DMIA. and bring profits up for PAL and CEB flying out of NAIA. but then air asia phil would have to develope wide spread routing plans for south east asia (preferrably to destinations not approached so far in china, korea, japan = tourism feeders to the philippines).

nobody so far has thought about WHY 2P has halved it´s fleet from 10 to 5 737´s. i presume 3 hypothesis :

no 1 : lack of demand due to CEB expanding rapidly with extremly cheap prices and very new aircraft, and therefore taking the majority share of LLC customers in the philippines,

No 2 : due to lack of pilots, PAL absorbs their available crew to fly all the new airbus orders and fill the growing demand for the first flag carrier (as sister company with taipan tan´s majority he has the power to do so),

no 3 : the recruiting of rapidly growing middle east and chinease airlines for pilots paying better salaries scrapped the airline off their pilots.

any comments from the professionals here ?

It seems like all of your assumptions are true. I'm sure the lack of Pilots plays a big factor to it, then high maintenance of the aging aircraft, and then 5J is stealing 2P's customers because of a much cheaper airfare and better service.

[QUOTE=bustero]I've used it about 2 years back. It was a 757. Pretty standard stuff can't remember if they gave us food but for a 90 minute flight doesn't matter much. I've flown their A320's same ones' the fly to HK. Pretty standard A320. Nice and new of course but still same.

how about PAL A320s...is it a better experience than flying 5Js A320...are interiors very similar is PAL's superior?...5J's are newer though ive never seen interior for both

Solblanc I think it's likely since airasia always operates in the cheapest terminal , so unless they get a good deal in T2, look unlikely. My thinking was I was Tan that I would let 2p airasia be the price leader as airasia malaysia has shown they can make a bundle on very low fares. They truly enlarge the market. On the other hand PR diehards, people afraid of new airlines etc will fly PR are price inflexible up to a point so they can give up a lot of the poorer domestic flights, fill up only their premium flights at premium prices (e.g. buinessmen to cebu, davao, etc). And let 5j bleed to death fighting 20airasia with a price war. This way lower fares still for us all but Mr. Tan get's to keep his most profitable routes (us- Phil etc) specially since 2Pairasia will never fly widebodies.

Another theory could be that Jimmy Bautistat is consolidating all hardware into one common platform, A320's like 5j, they already have the macroAsia/Lfthansa facility to maintain it , so why bother with 737's. Another speculation.

Viva Macau plans flights to Davao starting August
Posted: 8:32 AM | May 16, 2006



DAVAO CITY -- Viva Macau Airlines is finalizing plans to mount direct flights to Davao City strating August, in time for the Kadayawan Festival, a peak period for tourism, said Councilor Peter Laviña, chairman of the city council's trade and industry committee.

Laviña said Viva Macau Airlines chief executive officer Andrew Payne had told him about the plan.

Payne and several other airline executives recently visited Davao City to discuss the flights.

"I believe this is Davao's biggest jackpot because this will be the first foreign airline to fly to the city since we opened the new airport three years ago," Laviña said. "If it is successful, I know that others will follow."

Laviña said airline officials also told him that they planned to make Davao a springboard for Viva Macau Airline to south Pacific destinations, including Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea.

Viva Macau plans flights to Davao starting August
Posted: 8:32 AM | May 16, 2006



DAVAO CITY -- Viva Macau Airlines is finalizing plans to mount direct flights to Davao City strating August, in time for the Kadayawan Festival, a peak period for tourism, said Councilor Peter Laviña, chairman of the city council's trade and industry committee.

Laviña said Viva Macau Airlines chief executive officer Andrew Payne had told him about the plan.

Payne and several other airline executives recently visited Davao City to discuss the flights.

"I believe this is Davao's biggest jackpot because this will be the first foreign airline to fly to the city since we opened the new airport three years ago," Laviña said. "If it is successful, I know that others will follow."

Laviña said airline officials also told him that they planned to make Davao a springboard for Viva Macau Airline to south Pacific destinations, including Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea.


This will be the first foreign Airlines to fly Davao??? I thought silkair is serving Davao- Singapore route via cebu? I know Merpati cancelled it's service to DVO.

^^ the first foreign Airline since the new terminal(The nice one) has opened three years ago..

^^^ yes, i know I saw that. I just thought silkair just started also after the new terminal building was opened. I didn't know they were there prior to that...

This will be the first foreign Airlines to fly Davao??? I thought silkair is serving Davao- Singapore route via cebu? I know Merpati cancelled it's service to DVO.


merpati is still servicing the manado davao manado route, but only twice a week. what konsehal meant was, it is going to be the first foreign airline to have a davao route since the opening of the new terminal.

merpati and silk has been there since the old terminal was operational.

id trust Cebu pacific more than PAL,... 5J is far moooooooooooooore cheaper. and always on time. and ive been a Summit Club member before, lots of freebies, perks and free flights!

Pal is always late. andi really hate it when i do rush travels.

had a bad experience with air phils before, my flight was delayed for almost 6 hours!

^^^ yes, i know I saw that. I just thought silkair just started also after the new terminal building was opened. I didn't know they were there prior to that...
i found this picture in airliners.net taken in 1995here (http://www.airliners.net/open.file?id=0507804&WxsIERv=Sbxxre%2070%20%28S-28-0070%29&Wm=0&WdsYXMg=FvyxNve&QtODMg=Qninb%20-%20Senapvfpb%20Onatbl%20Vagreangvbany%20%28QIB%20%2F%20ECZQ%29&ERDLTkt=Cuvyvccvarf&ktODMp=1995&BP=0&WNEb25u=Pneybf%20N.%20Zbevyyb%20Qbevn&xsIERvdWdsY=9I-FYX&MgTUQtODMgKE=Urnqvat%20sbe%20Ejl%2005%20naq%20Fvatncber.%20Abj%20CU-XMY%20jvgu%20XYZ%20Pvglubccre.&YXMgTUQtODMgKERD=915&NEb25uZWxs=2004-02-10%2000%3A00%3A00&ODJ9dvCE=&O89Dcjdg=11536&static=yes&width=1024&height=631&sok=JURER%20%20%28nveyvar%20YVXR%20%27FvyxNve%25%27%29%20NAQ%20%28cynpr%20%3D%20%27Qninb%20-%20Senapvfpb%20Onatbl%20Vagreangvbany%20%28QIB%20%2F%20ECZQ%29%27%29%20%20BEQRE%20OL%20cubgb_vq%20QRFP&photo_nr=2&prev_id=0584071&next_id=NEXTID)

Be nice to have a mini-travelogue report of some sort complete with pics on 5j if anybody happen to have one.

PALpak!

Even though CEB is advertising their GO Fare Promo, a travel agency agent told me that its easier to get a discounted PAL ticket than Cebu Pacific. Their Regular fare is just as expensive as PAL's fare..... Just book early to get a cheap PAL and CEB ticket....

A friend of mine from PAL told me that PAL will most likely buy airbus jets for their wide-body refleeting program - either A332, A346 or A345... PAL aims to operate an all airbus fleet - considering that they are now retiring all their aging B737s for brand new A319s and A320s.... Soon, bye bye B744, and hopefully hello A380...

Why don't Cebu Pacific start flying to other regional cities such as Macau, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur etc??? Or even fly to the US etc to compete with PAL... hehehe or just start flying to Europe....

Question time!!! Is it more expensive to purchase a one way ticket in the Philippines just like in the US or there is only a minimal difference? Either PAL or Ceb Pacf....

Even though CEB is advertising their GO Fare Promo, a travel agency agent told me that its easier to get a discounted PAL ticket than Cebu Pacific. Their Regular fare is just as expensive as PAL's fare..... Just book early to get a cheap PAL and CEB ticket....

A friend of mine from PAL told me that PAL will most likely buy airbus jets for their wide-body refleeting program - either A332, A346 or A345... PAL aims to operate an all airbus fleet - considering that they are now retiring all their aging B737s for brand new A319s and A320s.... Soon, bye bye B744, and hopefully hello A380...

Why don't Cebu Pacific start flying to other regional cities such as Macau, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur etc??? Or even fly to the US etc to compete with PAL... hehehe or just start flying to Europe....

Yes, PAL is definitely taking the all Airbus direction it seems. I admit I will be sad to see the B744 go though.

Question time!!! Is it more expensive to purchase a one way ticket in the Philippines just like in the US or there is only a minimal difference? Either PAL or Ceb Pacf....

if there were any difference, i didnt notice it. i think the cost is just the same

Whatever happens I do hope they decide on a 747-800 or a A380 for it's flagship , USA - Philippine Runs. I don't know if the financing will work out but they could use the capacity plus it's nice to see these really big planes rather than using A346's or Triple 777's.

if there were any difference, i didnt notice it. i think the cost is just the same


Thanks buddy!!!

@bustero, anything would work for PAL, as long as they are newer than the current ones and is very reliable. AND LOTS OF PTVs also just so the boys here would quit whinning...LOL :runaway:

PR is safer than 5J... just look at the records.

PR is alot better than before...pity they dont own they're A333s & A343s?? (ISNT IT??) Because i think its theyre seats that are outdated & offcourse PTYs etc... even in economy.They're Airbuses that they have are still on par w/ many major airlines...cathay,chinaair, singapore & Qantas & other still regularly uses regularly(but its the inside that makes the difference.just look at cathay or China air's A333 on the inside.

What about PAL's A320??..i heard its they're best asset..

Though i wanna go w/Cathay i would probably get PAL this yr as i dont wanna get off at T1...i prefer T2 overall its quick and clean...though much less shops...

as for 5J i havent tried them so i cannot say ...however they have the newer fleet...& they seem to be able to provide better package deals than PAL. I mean Manila hongkong 7 days for two can start at PHP 25k.....PAL has much higher prices.

Hmmm maybe i will actually try 5J's id love to try they're A320 if i get the chance to go to hongkong,I'd love to try PALs A320 too...

anyway since it seems more like PAL will go for Airbuss fleets i hope they do get A345's or 346...i think they look really cool...here in Sydney's Kingsford Smith Inrntl...i love when i always see the Virgin Atlantic A346 land.(not really a fan of A380)

Personally if i was in charge of PAL i'd rather get B777...(if were talking present time)
theyre should fix they're relationship w/boeing...

any schabak collectors here?

any schabak collectors here?

Me. Have two sets of Northwest, 1 of Pal and nothing else yet.

i once built a model of NAIA in shabak scale with 50 shabaks, mostly PAL planes. model was 3 meters long. had flood lights and landing lights illuminating the runway and tarmac. created my own extension of T1 when T2 was not even built yet. remodelled the whole T1 by setting up an additional floor on top and a beautifully designed roofing over the whole building. also had my own domestic terminal right next to T1 in the same style. there even was a pilgrimms terminal for the moslems from south of mindanao to Mecca and Medina ! how´s that for an answer ?

i have the following.. all not completed yet(when i gete time i'll hopefully finish)
..all scaled 1:200
B744 Northwest Airlines Converted to PAL
A320 Air France Converted to PAL
767 ER Hokiado (Air Do) converted to PAL (eventhough PAL dont use them)
767 Hawaiian Airliene (lol im trying to convert to PAL
777 ANA ...yesss being converted too....

its easy to buy other airline model kits here i can buy those other times but its harder to find a PAL one so that is why...


i should' have gotten the PAL A343 when i had a chance...its gone now

i once built a model of NAIA in shabak scale with 50 shabaks, mostly PAL planes. model was 3 meters long. had flood lights and landing lights illuminating the runway and tarmac. created my own extension of T1 when T2 was not even built yet. remodelled the whole T1 by setting up an additional floor on top and a beautifully designed roofing over the whole building. also had my own domestic terminal right next to T1 in the same style. there even was a pilgrimms terminal for the moslems from south of mindanao to Mecca and Medina ! how´s that for an answer ?

I am also dreaming of making a model of naia to put my schabak on display... which i also have a lot and mostly pal plane models... how did you do that model of NAIA i'm sure its a hard work... it is a diorama?
what PAL planes do you have? I have all the model except for A330 and A320. PAL A330 is still not yet in the market.
where did you but those?

i have the following.. all not completed yet(when i gete time i'll hopefully finish)
..all scaled 1:200
B744 Northwest Airlines Converted to PAL
A320 Air France Converted to PAL
767 ER Hokiado (Air Do) converted to PAL (eventhough PAL dont use them)
767 Hawaiian Airliene (lol im trying to convert to PAL
777 ANA ...yesss being converted too....

its easy to buy other airline model kits here i can buy those other times but its harder to find a PAL one so that is why...)

how do you convert it to PAL logos? I mostly buy my schabak collections in ?Toypia at Narita Int'l Airport. Do you live in Japan.

All my schabak collections were in 1:500 model
Here's the long lists:
PAL - 4 B744, 3 A340, 1 B742, 5 A300, 5 B737 and 1 Fokker 50

I but a lot of PAL planes coz I really dream of setting them up in an airport diorama of NAIA since this the homebase of PAL. Actually i have 5 sets of PAL planes... all bought in PAL's Fiesta Boutique - their Inflight duty free.
The rest were all one. Except for CI.
CI - 1 B744, 1 MD11 and 1 A300 - all in old livery.
NW - B744
TG - MD11
KE - B744
JL - 1 B744 ols livery, 1 B767 new livery
MH - A330
MS - B777
EK - B777
KU - A340
BR - B767
SQ - A340
PK - B742
SV - B744
CP - B744
AZ - B744
BA - B744
KL - B744
LH - B744
QF - B767
OZ - B773
AF - B744

I have 2 CX B777 but in Herpa models.. i don't know why up to now Schabak don't have CX model planes. I think many collects Schabak models than Herpa coz its expensive than Schabak... though Herpa is bigger, heavier and more detailed in plane design.

Actually I'm only collecting planes who flying here in Manila bec. I want to set up an airport model of NAIA to display all my collections... unfortunately some of them doesn't fly to manila anymore. But I want collect all plane models esp. those who have a beautiful livery.

Because i think its theyre seats that are outdated & offcourse PTYs etc... even in economy.They're Airbuses that they have are still on par w/ many major airlines...cathay,chinaair, singapore & Qantas & other still regularly uses regularly(but its the inside that makes the difference.just look at cathay or China air's A333 on the inside.

What about PAL's A320??..i heard its they're best asset..


What do you mean seats that are outdated? Seat designs are fine and probably one the seat best design patterns -- the petal lilac and purple color over a blueviolet cloth and their A330 and A340 are spacious along with their brand new A320... though it lacks ptv... the mabuhay class are equipped with it. Does 5J have it? I don't think they even have business class seat in their brand new... A320s. And PR's economy seats since 1997 to 98 when these planes have arrived are still the same - clean and well-maintained. I think PR is better today than in their tacky A300 and B742 days... Plus the inflight entertainment are good. And with their new business/first class method called "one by one" launced last March 2006, these makes them keeping up in maintaining their standard and competition at international level. I think you shd. try PR sometime.

I am also dreaming of making a model of naia to put my schabak on display... which i also have a lot and mostly pal plane models... how did you do that model of NAIA i'm sure its a hard work... it is a diorama?
what PAL planes do you have? I have all the model except for A330 and A320. PAL A330 is still not yet in the market.
where did you but those?



how do you convert it to PAL logos? I mostly buy my schabak collections in ?Toypia at Narita Int'l Airport. Do you live in Japan.

All my schabak collections were in 1:500 model
Here's the long lists:
PAL - 4 B744, 3 A340, 1 B742, 5 A300, 5 B737 and 1 Fokker 50

I but a lot of PAL planes coz I really dream of setting them up in an airport diorama of NAIA since this the homebase of PAL. Actually i have 5 sets of PAL planes... all bought in PAL's Fiesta Boutique - their Inflight duty free.
The rest were all one. Except for CI.
CI - 1 B744, 1 MD11 and 1 A300 - all in old livery.
NW - B744
TG - MD11
KE - B744
JL - 1 B744 ols livery, 1 B767 new livery
MH - A330
MS - B777
EK - B777
KU - A340
BR - B767
SQ - A340
PK - B742
SV - B744
CP - B744
AZ - B744
BA - B744
KL - B744
LH - B744
QF - B767
OZ - B773
AF - B744

I have 2 CX B777 but in Herpa models.. i don't know why up to now Schabak don't have CX model planes. I think many collects Schabak models than Herpa coz its expensive than Schabak... though Herpa is bigger, heavier and more detailed in plane design.

Actually I'm only collecting planes who flying here in Manila bec. I want to set up an airport model of NAIA to display all my collections... unfortunately some of them doesn't fly to manila anymore. But I want collect all plane models esp. those who have a beautiful livery.

since shabak is a german company, i called them here (i live in germany)and asked them to produce some extra PAL liverys. i then bought A 330ties, scraped them from their former liverys (other airlines) and slipped PAL liverys onto the naked aircraft. the diorama was built with stropur (T1, T2), the main board on which everything is set-up is a wooden board. the lights i bought from modell railroad lighting equitment and electronic suppliers of LED´s (for landing lights) everything was wired to a 12 V model-railroad-transformator. i also fixed some little trees and bushes around the terminal and between the runways and taxiways i also had artificial grass (available with model-railroad asseccoiries, here in germany a big business) you can get them made in USA too, brand name : silluette and silflor (spelling?). it was a very impressing set-up.

^^quite enterprising!

yeah ptv's all over diesel hehe

I only like to have the Philippines flagship one of these nice big machines. Of course as a flyer I'd be happy with 346 or 777 with individual ptv even in economy ( as long as the pitch is 40 hehe)

yes, too bad i just do not know how to post any pics here. as a photographer ofcorse i took pictures of the set-up on 8 x 10 inch slides.

since shabak is a german company, i called them here (i live in germany)and asked them to produce some extra PAL liverys. i then bought A 330ties, scraped them from their former liverys (other airlines) and slipped PAL liverys onto the naked aircraft. the diorama was built with stropur (T1, T2), the main board on which everything is set-up is a wooden board. the lights i bought from modell railroad lighting equitment and electronic suppliers of LED´s (for landing lights) everything was wired to a 12 V model-railroad-transformator. i also fixed some little trees and bushes around the terminal and between the runways and taxiways i also had artificial grass (available with model-railroad asseccoiries, here in germany a big business) you can get them made in USA too, brand name : silluette and silflor (spelling?). it was a very impressing set-up.

gee... its a long work to do...
how do you scrap other livery planes from other A330 to PAL ... do you fill them up up with PAL sticker liveries? Are those stickers are also being sell in Schabak in Germany. I think there's still no current production of an A330 in PAL colors. Do you know why?

you dip them in hot water. they then slip off easily. your new liveries you dip in hot water again, then dip the plane into the water and as soon as your livery slips off the paper just pull it onto the metal plane carefully. as long as you keep them under warm water, you can correct their position. just be very carefull while doing so, they tear very easily. when pulling them out of the water , do that very slowly, otherwise they might just slip off again. then let them dry in the air.

no, you usually cannot get liveries just like that. it was a special deal. but you could ask them if they have a surplus of PAL liveries on stock. just write them per email. i don´t know if they sell PAL A330´s. i have stopped collecting years ago. hope to have been of some help though.

ok, thank you very much for sharing this info...
i thought i'm the only one here collecting schabaks... I know that its homebase is in Germany.. is it true that there is a museum of schabak there, and own by the company?

you dip them in hot water. they then slip off easily. your new liveries you dip in hot water again, then dip the plane into the water and as soon as your livery slips off the paper just pull it onto the metal plane carefully. as long as you keep them under warm water, you can correct their position. just be very carefull while doing so, they tear very easily. when pulling them out of the water , do that very slowly, otherwise they might just slip off again. then let them dry in the air.

no, you usually cannot get liveries just like that. it was a special deal. but you could ask them if they have a surplus of PAL liveries on stock. just write them per email. i don´t know if they sell PAL A330´s. i have stopped collecting years ago. hope to have been of some help though.

PR's still the best airline here in the country...Though CEB may have new airplanes, PAL also has its own set of brand new planes...

PR is alot better than before...pity they dont own they're A333s & A343s?? (ISNT IT??) Because i think its theyre seats that are outdated & offcourse PTYs etc... even in economy.They're Airbuses that they have are still on par w/ many major airlines...cathay,chinaair, singapore & Qantas & other still regularly uses regularly(but its the inside that makes the difference.just look at cathay or China air's A333 on the inside.

What about PAL's A320??..i heard its they're best asset..

Though i wanna go w/Cathay i would probably get PAL this yr as i dont wanna get off at T1...i prefer T2 overall its quick and clean...though much less shops...

as for 5J i havent tried them so i cannot say ...however they have the newer fleet...& they seem to be able to provide better package deals than PAL. I mean Manila hongkong 7 days for two can start at PHP 25k.....PAL has much higher prices.

Hmmm maybe i will actually try 5J's id love to try they're A320 if i get the chance to go to hongkong,I'd love to try PALs A320 too...

anyway since it seems more like PAL will go for Airbuss fleets i hope they do get A345's or 346...i think they look really cool...here in Sydney's Kingsford Smith Inrntl...i love when i always see the Virgin Atlantic A346 land.(not really a fan of A380)

Personally if i was in charge of PAL i'd rather get B777...(if were talking present time)
theyre should fix they're relationship w/boeing...


I love the VS A340s as well!! I see them almost everyday here, as my uni is near the flightpath to LHR!!

look what i just found !
www.clarkairport.com
a new website (though still under construction)....

Philippine Airlines - by Joel Pacis

24 May 2006

Mabuhay Class between San Francisco and Kalibo (Boracay Island) via Manila. Airbus A340-300 outbound to Manila and 747-400 inbound to San Francisco. Making travel reservations on PAL via the 1-800 toll number can be taxing due to their inability to accept Credit Card information over the phone. Check in at SFO was a breeze, not the chaotic zoo I had expected with two PR flights to Manila within a span of an hour. Mabuhay Lounge in SFO is roomy with lots of snacks and drinks. Catering on the lounge is Western (not expecting Clam Chowder from an Asian carrier). Boarding was orderly, with F, C and MabuhayMiles Elite members going first and on separate airbridges. Was greeted nicely by the Inflight Purser. Cabin was clean. Seats old style F class seats with limited recline - wide and bulky but the recline was too limiting. Flight attendants were professional, friendly - alert and efficient and made countless beverage service throughout the ten hour stretch to Guam and then the three onto Manila. Food was average, served on square china that looked suspiciously like the same served in coach but in porcelain form. IFE lacking. Flight departed and arrived on time in both directions. Mabuhay Class is not the most luxurious Business Class out there but worth the price.



Philippine Airlines - by Anthony Gerard

24 May 2006

MNL to SIN in Economy Class using Airbus A330. Nice and clean cabins, good food and spacious legroom. FAs are very hospitable and friendly - warm greetings, and they serve you with a smile. This airline is cheaper compare to other airlines yet you'll experience great service.

are PR & 5J prices higher on JUL-AUG period?...

Well, this is what being "strictly" taught to PAL FAs in PAL Learning Center - to smile and give total service in warm Filipino hospitality. I'm glad my former bosses in ojt were not failed in teaching this their students.

Philippine Airlines - by Joel Pacis

24 May 2006

Was greeted nicely by the Inflight Purser. Cabin was clean. Flight attendants were professional, friendly - alert and efficient and made countless beverage service throughout the ten hour stretch to Guam and then the three onto Manila.


Philippine Airlines - by Anthony Gerard
24 May 2006

MNL to SIN in Economy Class using Airbus A330. Nice and clean cabins, good food and spacious legroom. FAs are very hospitable and friendly - warm greetings, and they serve you with a smile. This airline is cheaper compare to other airlines yet you'll experience great service.

PR's still the best airline here in the country...Though CEB may have new airplanes, PAL also has its own set of brand new planes...

not to mention their entertainment program... just don't compare it to other international airline's inflight entertainment let's just keep our boundaries around RP Airlines... PR has the best... i like their "Flights of Fancy" entertainment program. Plus their radio program... I like their music selection with Pinoy movies on screen and Donita Rose dj in one radio channel of "Hitline" makes you still feel at home while 30,000 feet up in the air.

From TravelDailyNews.Com

PAL nears full implementation of e-ticketing in domestic network
Monday, May 22, 2006

Philippine Airlines has added four more domestic points to its network of routes where electronic ticketing is available, taking the flag carrier closer to full implementation of the service in its domestic operations.

PAL`s Kalibo, Roxas, Dipolog and Tagbilaran stations are now capable of issuing electronic tickets, joining 11 other domestic points in offering the customer-friendly technology that was pioneered by PAL on 01 May 2004.

With the new additions, 82% of PAL routes and 94% of flights in the domestic sector now feature e-ticketing.

The airline is scheduled to complete the enabling of its entire domestic network to e-ticketing next month. Set for cutover are the last three stations: Cotabato on 27 May, Butuan on 03 June and Naga on 24 June 2006.

PAL has also been active in integrating its international flights to the e-ticketing network. The service is now available on flights to nine overseas points: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Honolulu, Guam, Vancouver, Hong Kong, Seoul and Busan.

In addition, PAL has separate interline e-ticketing arrangements with American Airlines and Continental Airlines, in which either carrier can issue e-tickets on the other`s flights.

Vicky Karantzavelou - Monday, May 22, 2006

ok, thank you very much for sharing this info...
i thought i'm the only one here collecting schabaks... I know that its homebase is in Germany.. is it true that there is a museum of schabak there, and own by the company?

as far as i am informed it´s HERPA, another german dye-cast airplane manufacturer based in germany that has that museum ianer. their scale is larger 1:500.

Guys, check this out! Talk about having a 'goldmember'
(Private aircraft of the Sultan of Brunei)

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e103/asbusinos/10.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e103/asbusinos/9.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e103/asbusinos/8.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e103/asbusinos/7.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e103/asbusinos/6.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e103/asbusinos/5.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e103/asbusinos/4.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e103/asbusinos/3.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e103/asbusinos/2.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e103/asbusinos/1.jpg

I WANT TO BE ADOPTED!!! :)

are PR & 5J prices higher on JUL-AUG period?...
I dunno, I haven't been monitoring much lately. I can speak for Northwest/NW World Business Class during the period as last year, I noticed that they were selling roundtrip fares at around 2000 USD. Have to admit, it was cheap in terms of what other premium fares were going at, not to mention I would be routed through DTW which means more EQMs. :D This would've been something for a premium class mileage run if I only took it up...:(

look what i just found !
www.clarkairport.com
a new website (though still under construction)....
Definitely a site to keep an eye on!

Thanks Skyblade....

herpa was on sale today...still can find PAL die cast though....(actually there was a dc8 old livery 1:400 ($40bucks)..i think or 1:500....i wait for PAL airbuses...there were so many of the other airline theres even VA 777 was there on a 1:500 scale...btw does anyone know the scale of the cebupac A320 diecast that they sell on board?...does PAL sell it too....i know PAL FA's...have merchandise perfumes...

like this one
http://www.hobbyco.com.au/images/stock/gjpal193.jpg

http://www.hobbyco.com.au/images/stock/hp513159.jpg


any hobby shops in Manila which sells die cast planes?...particully 5J &PAL ofcourse??....

i did see a 5J 757-200 here quite expansive though

Indeed Flights of Fancy is a well compiled IFE program...just can't imagine what magic they can do once they get their hands on AVOD.

it seems pals planes have a little more legroom than nw planes.

it seems pals planes have a little more legroom than nw planes.


Are you sure about this? I find PAL A330/340's seats alot more comfortable and longer leg room than NWA's 744. I don't know if there are any difference with the PAL international services, I wouldn't think there is any from the domestics since they use pretty much the same A330/3340 aircrafts. Now, the last time I was flying out of Cebu, PAL used a 747-200 to replace the A330 aircraft to Manila because of some technical problems, that 742 aircraft was really old and the seats are similar to NWA's 744 as far as leg rooms and seat pitch. I've been flying with NWA and boy, the seats in the economy are just too crampy for me.

^^ yah... thats one reason na ayaw kong lumipad with nwa to/from manila... pero wala akong choice... i rode pal's A330's and A340's sa domestic flights to/from cebu and im impressed kasi maluwag ang legrooms nila... their some of A320's are very impressive kasi di masyadong crampy and the plane/seats are new... tapos meron pa silang "smoky" effect before pushback and during taxi...

^^ Aw man, I never touched diecast aircraft in ages. A few years ago, I was into Herpa and Starjets 1:500 scale jets.

Anyhow, I highly recommend checking out the FILDAC Forum (http://www.philskies.net/forum/index.php?c=4&sid=9e08e4a757f355994a57e9011e107567) in the Philippine Skies/Philippine Flight Simmers Group Forums. I haven't checked that specific forum in ages (again, I'm usually in the PFSG side) but there might be something on how Filipino diecast collectors obtain their models.

i was visiting pex and i found this link from a forumer...asian airports including naia 1 and 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MdqA4f9leU)

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



By Alena Mae S. Flores

Cebu Pacific Air, the budget airline unit of JG Summit Holdings Inc. of taipan John Gokongwei, plans to borrow $300 million from export credit agencies this year to partly finance its refleeting program.

Cebu Pacific president Lance Gokongwei told reporters during the 10th anniversary celebration of the company that the borrowing would finance the acquisition of six Airbus A319s scheduled for delivery between June and September this year.

Cebu Pacific’s refleeting program, which will be completed by 2007, is estimated to cost about $670 million. The airline plans to list its shares in the stock market after completing the refleeting program.

Gokongwei said initial orders for two Airbus A319s were converted to A320s in response to growing demand. Airbus A320s have a capacity of 179 passenger seats, while Airbus A319s have 150 seats.

Gokongwei said the P10 fare promotion launched last week by Cebu Pacific has sold out 154,000 seats for the period June 20 to Oct. 18, 2006.

“Hopefully, our load factor will increase to 69 percent from the usual 60 percent,” Gokongwei said.

Cebu Air began offering the one-way tickets for domestic flights between June and October as part of its 10th anniversary celebration. The P10 fare excludes taxes and surcharges. The tickets are available on a first come, first served basis.

Cebu Air’s lowest fare prior to the promotional offer was P688.

In September 2004, Cebu Pacific entered into a purchase agreement with Airbus SAS of France for the acquisition of 12 A319s and the lease of two Airbus A320s to totally replace its existing fleet of DC-9 and B757 aircraft.

Airbus, with headquarters in Toulouse, France, is an aircraft manufacturer with design and manufacturing facilities in France, Germany, the UK and Spain, as well as subsidiaries in the US, China and Japan.

Cebu Pacific has also entered into a $5 million joint venture arrangement with SIA Engineering Co. Ltd. (SIAEC), a unit of Singapore Airlines, to set up a company that will provide line maintenance on Cebu Pacific’s fleet.

The joint venture firm will initially handle the maintenance of Cebu Pacific planes and eventually be offered to other airlines.

Services include line maintenance, technical ramp handling services and light maintenance checks

^^ The difference in seat pitch (distance between the front of one seat to another) is just 1 inch with Northwest at 31" and Philippine Airlines (usually) at 32". Before PAL used to be at 33" but that changed a few years ago when the airline was seeking more capacity in their aircraft. It's amazing what one inch of difference can do to the amount of seats in the aircraft...as well as the amount of space you get for legroom!

http://www.geocities.com/mitgc2004/May_2006_1.jpg

PAL's Fleet Plan (2006 to 2011)

Long Range Wide Body: 09 (2006), to 15 (2011)
Mid-Range Wide Body: 8 (2006), to 10 (2011)
Narrow Body: 15(2006), to 18 (2011)

Total: 32 (2006), 43(2011)
Highlights of Fleet Plan:
**Narrow-body fleet will be replaced by A320-200 and A319
**All B737s will be phased out by Octobaer 2007
**All brand-new A320s will be delivered by 2008.

***CANDIDATE AIRCRAFT FOR WIDE-BODY FLEETS Include:

-Airbus 330-300
-Airbus 340-600
-Airbus 380
-Airbus 350/370

-Boeing 777-300ER
-Boeing 747-8
-Boeing 787
----------------
I pick A340-600, B777-300ER and B747-8.

A380 has smaller cargo load than B747-8, mahirap pa punuin sa trans-pac routes, and talo kasi mahirap gamitin as alternatives sa domestic routes, unlike B747 or A340, na sometimes nadedeploy sa Cebu. Davao and General Santos City.

Advantage din sa PAL to acquire 2 more A330-300 for Mid-range wide body. The more uniform yung fleet, the better.

bale... pal are planning toacquire/lease 8 widebodies or maybe more...watchathink??

Are you sure about this? I find PAL A330/340's seats alot more comfortable and longer leg room than NWA's 744. I don't know if there are any difference with the PAL international services, I wouldn't think there is any from the domestics since they use pretty much the same A330/3340 aircrafts. Now, the last time I was flying out of Cebu, PAL used a 747-200 to replace the A330 aircraft to Manila because of some technical problems, that 742 aircraft was really old and the seats are similar to NWA's 744 as far as leg rooms and seat pitch. I've been flying with NWA and boy, the seats in the economy are just too crampy for me.
Isnt that what i said :lol:

Isnt that what i said :lol:


Yeah, I guess I misread it. I thought I saw NWA before PAL, duh. Sowwy! :))

It'd be great if the new generation A350/787 were chosen/amongst the chosen as it would bring PAL to a higher step in a modern fleet though I would love to see a A346, 777, or, better yet IMO, a 748. :D Of course, as mentioned earlier, it also depends if PAL is patient enough to wait a few more years...

as much as gusto kong mag acquire ng A380 ang pal... parang di practical dahil, mas practical ung B777,A360, B748 and other smaller "long-haul" jets kasi magagamit nila ito sa domestic routes nila like cebu, davao, gen san etc... thats just my opinion..

^^ Aw man, I never touched diecast aircraft in ages. A few years ago, I was into Herpa and Starjets 1:500 scale jets.

Anyhow, I highly recommend checking out the FILDAC Forum (http://www.philskies.net/forum/index.php?c=4&sid=9e08e4a757f355994a57e9011e107567) in the Philippine Skies/Philippine Flight Simmers Group Forums. I haven't checked that specific forum in ages (again, I'm usually in the PFSG side) but there might be something on how Filipino diecast collectors obtain their models.

Hey! I'm a member of the said group! Same user name. :-)

Just had my first CEB flight yesterday and the flight was delayed for 20mins... But the experience was great onboard their new A319 bounds for Cebu... I also had my second CEB flight this early morning (The first flight) departed Cebu at 0315, the flight was on schedule onboard their A320. I still prefer the A320 of PAL, more comfortable and more legroom... In terms of service, I go for CEB......

BTW, CEB plans to fly to GenSan by July....

I have a feeling that the A346 will be added to the PAL fleet. Its the most flexible aircraft for them in terms of commonality (They have loads of A330/340s), maintenance (Lufthansa Technik), size (not too big, not too small), range (can reach New York, so it could eliminate stops between Manila and many points in the Continental US), and prayer (please, please, please let them order the A346... I love that plane!!!) :D

^^ Aw man, I never touched diecast aircraft in ages. A few years ago, I was into Herpa and Starjets 1:500 scale jets.

Anyhow, I highly recommend checking out the FILDAC Forum (http://www.philskies.net/forum/index.php?c=4&sid=9e08e4a757f355994a57e9011e107567) in the Philippine Skies/Philippine Flight Simmers Group Forums. I haven't checked that specific forum in ages (again, I'm usually in the PFSG side) but there might be something on how Filipino diecast collectors obtain their models.


thanks man i checked it out ,lots of nice info's there...

im just wondering how if there are any of these kinds of shops in Manila...there's plenty here in Sydney but its hard to find PAL

any picture of the B747-8 (no fakeplane please, thanks) ????

^^no such thing as a real picture as it's nota real plane yet. it's still in design or redesign to be more accurate. here is something from the boeing website. As can be seen it's still the same old plane in terms of looks. I think the body is the same (extended though). What should be new will be the avionics, electronics, engine and wing parts. They should be moving from hydraulics to fly by wire if I'm not mistaken.

Here's the pix.

http://boeing.com/commercial/747family/images/747-8_topshot_375.jpg

Pix courtesy of boeing website. http://boeing.com/commercial/747family/747-8_background.html

As this is a proposed redesign you will probably get more info in trade mags like flight international flightglobal.com etc. There's agood diagram comparing a A380 and A 747-800.

Cebu Pacific may resume flights to Singapore


SINGAPORE - Cebu Pacific Air is in exploratory talks with Singapore airport authorities to use its budget terminal, paving the way for the carrier to fly to the city-state again, an aviation official said Monday.

The carrier is one of many that are considering using the purpose-built terminal for low-cost airlines, a spokeswoman from the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) said.

"CAAS has spoken to a number of airlines including Cebu Pacific Airways who may have an interest to operate from the budget terminal," the spokeswoman said, adding no official confirmation had been received as yet.

Cebu Pacific Air, the second largest domestic carrier in the Philippines controlled by the family of tycoon John Gokongwei, suspended its loss-making route to Singapore in 2003 barely three months after its launch.

The Straits Times newspaper quoted unnamed sources as saying the carrier will start its Singapore route as early as July.

Cebu Pacific flies to 16 destinations in the Philippines and has only two international points, Hong Kong and Seoul.

Singapore-based Tiger Airways is the only budget carrier operating at the dedicated low-cost terminal which opened in March. The airline can handle 2.7 million passengers a year.

^^That's nice...and terminal tax will be cheaper.

It would be really cool if Cebu Pacific routed the Singapore flights out of Cebu instead of Manila. They could put a huge dent on Silkair's operations there.

magkaiba ba yung Cebu pacific airways pati cebu pacific air? :D

any hobby shops in Manila which sells die cast planes?...particully 5J &PAL ofcourse??....


Special Toys Center, they have a branch in Greenhills and SM North Edsa. Theyre selling Dragon Wings models. Theres another one on Park Square in Makati, I forgot the name of the store. I think Herpa's mga andun.

on bworldonline.com there is an article about new asia-pacific routes eyed by cebu pacific.

i have no access to the article, as i am not a member. anyone please post that article here for all forumers convenience. salamat.

^^no such thing as a real picture as it's nota real plane yet. it's still in design or redesign to be more accurate. here is something from the boeing website. As can be seen it's still the same old plane in terms of looks. I think the body is the same (extended though). What should be new will be the avionics, electronics, engine and wing parts. They should be moving from hydraulics to fly by wire if I'm not mistaken.

Here's the pix.

http://boeing.com/commercial/747family/images/747-8_topshot_375.jpg

Pix courtesy of boeing website. http://boeing.com/commercial/747family/747-8_background.html

As this is a proposed redesign you will probably get more info in trade mags like flight international flightglobal.com etc. There's agood diagram comparing a A380 and A 747-800.


:) THANK YOU VERY MUCH :)

on bworldonline.com there is an article about new asia-pacific routes eyed by cebu pacific.

i have no access to the article, as i am not a member. anyone please post that article here for all forumers convenience. salamat.

Try waiting for a few more hours, and the article will open itself up... I think. It's just a theory, though.

magkaiba ba yung Cebu pacific airways pati cebu pacific air? :D


they're one and the same... wow it's great news kung magkakaflight ang cebu pacific to singapore.. I guess they'll have a manila-singapore route.. since I frequent Singapore and member sya ng Worldperks.. makakaipon ako ng miles. :D

as far as i am informed it´s HERPA, another german dye-cast airplane manufacturer based in germany that has that museum ianer. their scale is larger 1:500.

yeah... herpa are bigger in scale and much more detail but they are really expensive so I just prefer to collect schabaks... smaller but the of fleets and airline model availability is fine.

they're one and the same... wow it's great news kung magkakaflight ang cebu pacific to singapore.. I guess they'll have a manila-singapore route.. since I frequent Singapore and member sya ng Worldperks.. makakaipon ako ng miles. :D

If Garuda Indonesia has flights from Manila to Singapore, you could take that to earn miles on your worldperks.

any hobby shops in Manila which sells die cast planes?...particully 5J &PAL ofcourse??....
i did see a 5J 757-200 here quite expansive though


I saw a shop in ayala makati actually in park square but adjacent/near ayala... can't remember the name of the store. they mostly sell herpa models which was very expensive! better buy on duty-free shops of other airports like Narita. I buy mine schabaks there art Toypia. There are also in Sydney, Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh... expensive too but less than here in this Makati store that I saw.

I agree... B777er and A346 and the much-anticipated na B748... i don't like A380 masyadong malaki hindi mganda ang logo ng PAL dun... mukha kc syang butete na A320 na something experimental.

as much as gusto kong mag acquire ng A380 ang pal... parang di practical dahil, mas practical ung B777,A360, B748 and other smaller "long-haul" jets kasi magagamit nila ito sa domestic routes nila like cebu, davao, gen san etc... thats just my opinion..

yes yes yes... hopefully PAL will acquire A346. I'm w/ you in prayers that PAL will have the A346! I love that plane too...longer, higher and safer.
"the flying pencil" will be good in PAL colors. PAL will buy it! FINGERS CROSSED :D

I have a feeling that the A346 will be added to the PAL fleet. Its the most flexible aircraft for them in terms of commonality (They have loads of A330/340s), maintenance (Lufthansa Technik), size (not too big, not too small), range (can reach New York, so it could eliminate stops between Manila and many points in the Continental US), and prayer (please, please, please let them order the A346... I love that plane!!!) :D

The shop that I'm talking about sells PAL in B744 and A340 fleet. Hope you find it in Makati - Park Sqaure

thanks man i checked it out ,lots of nice info's there...

im just wondering how if there are any of these kinds of shops in Manila...there's plenty here in Sydney but its hard to find PAL

Special Toys Center, they have a branch in Greenhills and SM North Edsa. Theyre selling Dragon Wings models. Theres another one on Park Square in Makati, I forgot the name of the store. I think Herpa's mga andun.

San yan sa greenhills at sm north edsa... meron bang schabak mas mura kasi yun. Meron ding schabak dun sa Park Square kso mga lumang models na. Thanks 4 the info.

Anyone... is B747-800 has a larger passenger capacity than A380?

I agree PR A330 and A340 are more spacious than B744. I attest to that when we went to Ho Chi minch City last April. And A320 it also very spacious same as A330/A340. As in you can strect out wide in economy.

Are you sure about this? I find PAL A330/340's seats alot more comfortable and longer leg room than NWA's 744. I don't know if there are any difference with the PAL international services, I wouldn't think there is any from the domestics since they use pretty much the same A330/3340 aircrafts. Now, the last time I was flying out of Cebu, PAL used a 747-200 to replace the A330 aircraft to Manila because of some technical problems, that 742 aircraft was really old and the seats are similar to NWA's 744 as far as leg rooms and seat pitch. I've been flying with NWA and boy, the seats in the economy are just too crampy for me.

I agree... I like the smoky effect (kala ko kung ano yun- aircon?)... at ang "linis" ng aircraft! I was excited to ride their A320 when we departed in Ho Chi Minh City as I never been in A320. And ayun ang ganda ng A320 ng PAL... properly maintained at talagang spacious.

i rode pal's A330's and A340's sa domestic flights to/from cebu and im impressed kasi maluwag ang legrooms nila... their some of A320's are very impressive kasi di masyadong crampy and the plane/seats are new... tapos meron pa silang "smoky" effect before pushback and during taxi...

Anyone... is B747-800 has a larger passenger capacity than A380?
No it's still is a smaller plane by far

Cebu Pacific may resume flights to Singapore





Is Cebu Pacific a Star Alliance partner? :)

No, and so is PAL.

If Garuda Indonesia has flights from Manila to Singapore, you could take that to earn miles on your worldperks.

Garuda Indonesia codeshares the route with PAL. The PAL flight that stops over Singapore and continues on to Jakarta has a Garuda code on it, I think.


Oh, Ian, you contribute a lot of useful stuff to the discussion, but could you consolidate your posts into one big post next time? Its a little hard on the eyes, and the more posts a thread has, the faster it becomes archived. Thanks :)

Special Toys Center, they have a branch in Greenhills and SM North Edsa. Theyre selling Dragon Wings models. Theres another one on Park Square in Makati, I forgot the name of the store. I think Herpa's mga andun.


Thanks Bondurtant I'll check it out..

The shop that I'm talking about sells PAL in B744 and A340 fleet. Hope you find it in Makati - Park Sqaure


Thanks man..must be lil's hobby shop?...they have a shop in Megamall building A.. too but the people are grumpy and they dont know theyre product i was told they're store in makati is more customer friendly and has more product....



actually there's so many shops here in sydney...i dont even need to go to the airport...reasonably priced too....herpa is well stocked so is dragonwings...shabacks (i have not seen before) but dragon wing are also very detailed (mostly 1:400) whereas herpa(1:500) what i really need to find are PAL ones..

average price for a herpa is AUD$20 to AUD$30.....last one i fot was a 747-400 lufthansa star alliance liveary...its easy to collet many other asian carriers except PAL...hard to find here im hoping i can find it in Manila this yr...do they sell it in inflight w/PAL?... (5J does i think)

i next time i will get air new zealand 744 & 767 w/lord of the rings liveary.

i also wanna get all carriers that fly to manila and do a replica of NAIA.

what they're average price in PHILS its probably i bit cheaper here..


this one is courtesy of Jao

its awesome...amazing
http://image24.webshots.com/25/8/27/99/31182799cPNjkHdnuN_ph.jpg

http://image24.webshots.com/24/8/26/72/31182672oFoQthDySo_ph.jpg

http://image24.webshots.com/25/2/10/66/35321066VEcqjM_ph.jpg

http://image07.webshots.com/7/0/77/43/100307743KexKGw_ph.jpg

http://image04.webshots.com/4/0/79/74/100307974CwogUL_ph.jpg

http://image05.webshots.com/5/5/19/55/62551955PdtVLb_ph.jpg

i believe these are 1:400...if i read Jao's post correctly...

I agree... I like the smoky effect (kala ko kung ano yun- aircon?)... at ang "linis" ng aircraft! I was excited to ride their A320 when we departed in Ho Chi Minh City as I never been in A320. And ayun ang ganda ng A320 ng PAL... properly maintained at talagang spacious.

i'd like to try PAL & 5js A320....i've never been on an A320...


only ones ive tried are A330, 744, and 767...also 737..4 (yata cant remember na) long time ago

yes yes yes... hopefully PAL will acquire A346. I'm w/ you in prayers that PAL will have the A346! I love that plane too...longer, higher and safer.
"the flying pencil" will be good in PAL colors. PAL will buy it! FINGERS CROSSED :D


yeh me too A346 is my overall favorite plane...then b777 i hope PAL gets both though i know its more likely to be an Airbus

Virgin Atlantic has one of the best looking A346 around. While Malaysia's B772 dream liner paint scheme is my fave B777 ...they're regular visitors in Sydney...
i hope virgin atlantic flies to manila in future

Is Cebu Pacific a Star Alliance partner? :)

Cebu Pacific is a worldperks partner

^^
...a Worldperks (Northwest's Frequent Flier Mile program) partner in which my flight miles with them won't go into elite qualification. :bash:

I saw a shop in ayala makati actually in park square but adjacent/near ayala... can't remember the name of the store. they mostly sell herpa models which was very expensive! better buy on duty-free shops of other airports like Narita. I buy mine schabaks there art Toypia. There are also in Sydney, Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh... expensive too but less than here in this Makati store that I saw.
What exactly is the price range of the Herpas?

If Garuda Indonesia has flights from Manila to Singapore, you could take that to earn miles on your worldperks.


Garuda Indonesia is a world perks member? I didn't know that, I may have to check on what other airlines are included in world perks miles, maybe they added more lately.

It would be really cool if Cebu Pacific routed the Singapore flights out of Cebu instead of Manila. They could put a huge dent on Silkair's operations there.

Why would you want to hurt Silkairs operartion in the Philippines, the more the merrier. It will encourage more tourist in the Philippines.

^^Perhaps our friend solblanc is into S/M and he means hurt it a little bit so they will get a buzz and provide better service for tiny or no fares but not die and get out of the market :jk:

Garuda Indonesia is a world perks member? I didn't know that, I may have to check on what other airlines are included in world perks miles, maybe they added more lately.
Lately there's been no new partnerships in terms of Asian airlines. Malaysia Airlines is also a Worldperks parner and both GA and MH's miles also do not count towards elite qualification. :bash: One of the MAJOR reasons why I chose Worldperks over other programs of North American airlines was that I could use my Worldperks miles w/ MH and try out their new first class. I'm still debating if I want to maintain earning Worldperks nowadays since Continental's OnePass program is partners w/ Emirates/EK (which means that I could try and save up for a first class trip on their A340-500 :D)...

Why would you want to hurt Silkairs operartion in the Philippines, the more the merrier. It will encourage more tourist in the Philippines.
Solblanc doesn't mean harm for Silkair's ops in the Philippines, he was just merely pointing out how much of an impact Cebu Pacific's flights to CEB would do to Silkair. Variety is good for the traveller and if 5J does commit to a CEB-SIN route, then he/she will have a choice of two (three?) airlines: Silkair, Cebu Pacific, and I'm not so sure but Qatar Airways as well (CEB-SIN-DOH, though I'm not sure if they have 5th freedom rights on the route).

I'm glad that I've rode all PR's fleet... B744, A330, A340 and B733/4 even their old fleets of B742, MD11, DC-10 and A300 naabutan ko pa yun yung F50 nila hindi na.
And the latest nga yung A320 nila... you shd try it... spacious talaga that's how I can really describe. Riding it really worth the money you spend for ticket. But I think the Mabuhay Class of PR's A320 is more spacious... the seats is comparable to their Mabuhay Class of A330/A340.

i'd like to try PAL & 5js A320....i've never been on an A320...

only ones ive tried are A330, 744, and 767...also 737..4 (yata cant remember na) long time ago

Oh, Ian, you contribute a lot of useful stuff to the discussion, but could you consolidate your posts into one big post next time? Its a little hard on the eyes, and the more posts a thread has, the faster it becomes archived. Thanks :)

Oh, sorry... but that was what I really need to know how... I'll try, ok.

For me, I'll choose Philippine Airlines...

Any updates of the refleeting programs of the RP airlines???

Thanks man..must be lil's hobby shop?...they have a shop in Megamall building A.. too but the people are grumpy and they dont know theyre product i was told they're store in makati is more customer friendly and has more product....

actually there's so many shops here in sydney...i dont even need to go to the airport...reasonably priced too....herpa is well stocked so is dragonwings...shabacks (i have not seen before) but dragon wing are also very detailed (mostly 1:400) whereas herpa(1:500) what i really need to find are PAL ones..

average price for a herpa is AUD$20 to AUD$30.....last one i fot was a 747-400 lufthansa star alliance liveary...its easy to collet many other asian carriers except PAL...hard to find here im hoping i can find it in Manila this yr...do they sell it in inflight w/PAL?... (5J does i think)

i next time i will get air new zealand 744 & 767 w/lord of the rings liveary.

i also wanna get all carriers that fly to manila and do a replica of NAIA.

what they're average price in PHILS its probably i bit cheaper here..

i believe these are 1:400...if i read Jao's post correctly...

I think the makati store has Schabak stock too. I'm not sure but I think the Herpa models in PR's Fiesta Boutique is 24USD @. I just collect Schabaks coz they are more cheaper than Herpa (w/c is too expensive for me) How 'bout you? You just collect Herpa?
You know we have the same dream, I'm dreaming planning up a diorama of NAIA complex. That's why I'm collecting only liveries that flies to Manila of the same fleet that they serve in Manila route. That's why I felt sad when some of the airplane models I've already collected were not flying anymore in Manila like CP, PK, MS, BA, etc...
The shop also in Makati sells a maniature airport building set perfect for diorama... it has complete airbridges and small cars like for cargo, catering... 7 to 8,000 pesos I think the whole set. I think a 2 set can make a whole T3 of NAIA.

What exactly is the price range of the Herpas?
I'm not sure but 2,000 to 3,000 pesos.

I never tried riding other airlines, only Philippine Airlines. My mom though, has shared her experiences with Cebu Pacific. She said that their in flight meal was a junkfood (Chippy to be specific). :lol:

Ive been planning to make a model airport for my 5 Dragon wings model planes for the longest time. The only problem is space. Hehehehe. It almost went through 2 years ago for a scale model on my airport thesis but due to time constraints, I decided for perspectives instead. Sayang. Sino meron dito available space? Gawa tayo as group hehehe

^^ Tell me about it... I've had the same problem too w/ my Starjets/Herpa airport as well as my HO scale train set...

Anyhow, thanks ianers. :)

I'm not sure but 2,000 to 3,000 pesos.


Wow they cost alot in PHILS...i thought i could save buying in Manila...here in Sydney I can get Herpa's & Dragon wings 1:500 & 1:400 for AUD18 to $33...which is basically averaging Php1100 (thats how much my 747's cost)...Gemini Jets Costing more...i though i could save more if i buy in Manila..all im after is PAL 1:500 it doesnt have to be herpa though i prefer it..you i can find them in Manila....i have alot of the Asian carriers already & i've started Making my PAL Hangar & Terminal 2 too....it wont look very much alike but i have to make with the space i have available,.


i've just added a Thai Airways MD11 to my small collection
Hehe Bondurant & Skyblade why dont you start makeing them?....hopefully you find time :)

When i get time hopefully i will take all these off and re-design work on my terminal 2 for PAL and the hangar....i know it wont be accurate due to space and i have to make do w/available materials

think of this as Asian Spirit
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/justsomeguy02/Image147.jpg

this A321 was a freebie :)
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/justsomeguy02/Image144.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/justsomeguy02/Image145.jpg

Eva Air 767 w/ JAL 744 & JAL Airbuss on the back
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/justsomeguy02/Image142.jpg

another freebie
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/justsomeguy02/Image141.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/justsomeguy02/Image138.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/justsomeguy02/Image137.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/justsomeguy02/Image134.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/justsomeguy02/Image133.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/justsomeguy02/Image132.jpg

see you Qantas ...Welcome Lufthansa
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/justsomeguy02/Image129.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/justsomeguy02/Image128.jpg

BA is back... :nocrook:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/justsomeguy02/Image130.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/justsomeguy02/Image127.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/justsomeguy02/Image135.jpg

a special visitor...one of the best color schemes
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/justsomeguy02/Image139.jpg

I'm glad that I've rode all PR's fleet... B744, A330, A340 and B733/4 even their old fleets of B742, MD11, DC-10 and A300 naabutan ko pa yun yung F50 nila hindi na.
And the latest nga yung A320 nila... you shd try it... spacious talaga that's how I can really describe. Riding it really worth the money you spend for ticket. But I think the Mabuhay Class of PR's A320 is more spacious... the seats is comparable to their Mabuhay Class of A330/A340.


yeh i have been on PAL's A333 & 744 several times...not A320 though..the 767 & 737 was a Qantas ...i havae also been on PAL's DC10...wayyy backk

I never tried riding other airlines, only Philippine Airlines. My mom though, has shared her experiences with Cebu Pacific. She said that
their in flight meal was a junkfood (Chippy to be specific). :lol:


hehe...but if they start to fly more longer intrnational routes...they will give PAL a run for their money...good...to have more local competition amongst our carriers

wow, you have alot. how much did that all cost you?

Nice collection Sky!

Someone was looking for this. courtesy of flight international

Boeing's 747-8 vs A380: A titanic tussle

What is the better option – the Airbus A380 or the Boeing 747-8? We consider the two giants’ pros and cons as the airframers square up at Asian Aerospace

Airbus A380 Boeing 747-8 tussle W445
© Flight International
http://www.flightglobal.com/assets/getAsset.aspx?ItemID=11482
The Boeing 747-8 (back) and the Airbus A380 (front). Which is the better option for airlines?

With Asia set to be a key driver of ultra-large-aircraft demand, Airbus and Boeing will be using next week’s Asian Aerospace as the ideal showcase for their offerings. Until the emergence of Boeing’s 747-8 as a firm programme last year, Airbus had the 400-plus-seat market all to itself with its 550-seat A380, but now faces a serious challenge in both the passenger and freighter sectors from the 450-seat 747-8, so expect the two sides to exchange blows as they explain why their offering is the right solution for the world’s congested passenger and freight routes.

The 747-8 family was launched in November as a major derivative of the 747-400, on the back of 34 orders from cargo carriers Cargolux and Nippon Cargo Airlines. Powered by a bleed-enabled version of the 787’s General Electric GEnx, the new family incorporates a slight stretch, increased weights, revised wing with raked wingtips and upgrades to the cabin and flightdeck. Compared with the 747-400, the changes provide the 747-8 Intercontinental passenger model with 34 more seats in a three-class layout (to 450 seats), increased range – to 14,800km (8,000nm) – and improved efficiency, with a 16% lower fuel burn per seat and 8% lower operating cost per seat. The -8 Freighter provides 16% more revenue volume than the 747-400ERF, while revenue payload increases by almost 20% to 133.9t (294,900lb).

Cargo leads

Although all orders so far have been for the cargo model, Boeing is confident it will also garner sales for the 747-8I passenger version, which plugs the “200-seat gap” between the A380 and large widebodies like the A340-600, 777-300ER and 747-400. Boeing believes this gap is wide enough to enable it to penetrate the existing A380 customer base with the new 747, and lists 39 “candidate customers” (including passenger and freight divisions of airlines). Almost all these carriers are existing 747 operators, and 12 are airlines or cargo carriers that have already ordered the A380. The list of potential customers include 21 Asian carriers/cargo airlines (see table), and Boeing is convinced it has a good chance of picking off some A380 customers.

Candidate Asian 747-8 customers table
http://www.flightglobal.com/assets/getAsset.aspx?ItemID=11497

Airbus appears undisturbed by the arrival of competition from Seattle, dismissing it as nothing more than a warmed-over 747. “Boeing is stretching a 40-year-old design to the limit,” says director of product marketing A380, Richard Carcaillet.

“The new model enters service 40 years after the 747-100, and has the same old wing, same old cockpit as the -400, and same old cabin – there is no improvement from the 1960s comfort standard,” says Carcaillet. “There is no development potential, and no engine choice,” he adds.

Comparison A380-800 Boeing 747-8 W445
http://www.flightglobal.com/assets/getAsset.aspx?ItemID=11483


A380 and 747-8 how they compare W445http://www.flightglobal.com/assets/getAsset.aspx?ItemID=11500

Boeing obviously has a slightly different take on the 747 legacy. Randy Baseler, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice-president, marketing, believes the connections to the 747 give the new model an important commonality advantage with the in-service fleet. He also says that the derivative design has not compromised the 747-8’s efficiency. “If you look at the efficiency measures of aircraft design, we’ve an advantage over the A380 despite being a derivative,” he says, pointing to the later generation engines and claimed lower empty weight per seat of the 747-8 compared to its Airbus rival. These factors mean that the 747-8I burns 13% less fuel per seat than the A380, he says (see table).http://www.flightglobal.com/assets/getAsset.aspx?ItemID=11499

Boeing view of 747-8 efficiency W445


While acknowledging that the A380’s all-new wing – versus a modified version of the 747-400’s on the -8 – gives it an aerodynamic advantage, Baseler says that in other measures it is advantage Boeing.

“The A380 is between 10% and 16% per seat heavier than the 747-8. The 747-8’s OEW [operating empty weight] per seat is 453kg [998lb] compared with 498kg per seat [using Airbus’s brochure weight numbers] for the A380,” says Baseler. He says Boeing calculates the A380 is over 20% heavier per seat than the 747-400, and to match its structural efficiency “the A380 needs to be stretched to over 650 seats”.

The net result of these efficiencies is that the 747-8I’s operating costs are 22% lower than the A380’s per trip and 6% lower per seat, says Baseler.

A380 vs 747-8 manuf claims W445http://www.flightglobal.com/assets/getAsset.aspx?ItemID=11498


However, Carcaillet claims that the 747-8 will be faster on approach – 160kt (296km/h) vs 138kt for the A380 – and despite a 20% higher thrust-to-weight ratio it will be a poor climber, as unlike the A380 it will require a one-step climb to FL330 (33,000ft/10,100m). He says that the new Boeing can only be made to “look good by bending the facts” with the claims based on “a gross exaggeration of the A380’s weight and fuel burn. The reality is that the A380’s fuel burn per seat is 2% lower than the 747-8’s. The 747-8’s cost per trip is just 12% lower than the A380’s, while the cost per seat is 9% higher – the A380 is still the most fuel-efficient large widebody ever.”

Wherever the truth lies within these operating cost claims, few would dispute Airbus’s view that the all-new A380 design with its double widebody-deck configuration will provide airlines with “game-changing” opportunities. “The A380 has 35% more capacity than the 747-400, and a 21st century seat width [18.5in/47cm],” says Carcaillet (see graphic). “The 747-8I provides just an 8% increase in capacity – this is less than two years’ growth – has 40% less floor space than the A380 and a seat width from the 1970s [17.2in].”

But Baseler expects the relatively small size increase of the 747-8 will play to Boeing’s advantage. “The 747-8 is the only airliner in the 400- to 500-seat category, and here our operating cost advantage offers a significant improvement over the A380,” he says. “But if you really need a 550-seater, then you’ll need the A380 as the revenue from the additional passengers outweighs the seat-mile cost advantage of the 747-8. That’s why we forecast a market for 300 aircraft in that [500-seat plus] category over the next 20 years.”

Boeing says the fact that the -8 is smaller than the A380 and has commonality with the current 747 fleet makes it a “significantly lower market risk” as it can use “existing infrastructure and ground equipment at more than 210 airports worldwide”, but Airbus believes 747-8 operators could find things otherwise. “With its 68.5m wingspan, the 747-8 is a Code F aircraft [airport handling classification] like the A380,” says Carcaillet, adding that the span limit for Code E (the 747-400’s class), is 65m.

Taking the lead

“This means the 747-8 has to meet the same requirements as the A380,” he says, “more perhaps as it has the same number of wheels as the 747-400, but increased weight, so it will have a very high ACN,” (Aircraft Classification Number, which measures the load footprint on a runway).

But arguments about the pros and cons of the 747-8I and the A380-800 are academic at the moment, as Boeing has yet to sell a passenger model. This is a point Airbus chief operating officer customers John Leahy is quick to make, and he is unconvinced that his rival will manage to break out from the freight market. “Our competitor sold a few 747-8 freighters. This’ll be the first time in the history of aviation that anyone has made a successful programme out of just freighters,” he says.
http://www.flightglobal.com/assets/getAsset.aspx?ItemID=11484

AIRBUS A380 AND 747 CABIN W445

Airbus's view of the A380 and 747 comparison
But Baseler says that, while Boeing has the “option to do the -8 programme as a freighter only”, he is confident the first orders for the 747-8I passenger model are close. “We expect we will have some orders for the -8I this year,” he says.

Boeing points out that, despite the lack of success so far with the 747-8 passenger model, the freighter outsold its Airbus rival handsomely last year. The manufacturer claims that, although it gives away around 18t in payload to its rival and has less cargo volume, the 747-8F has a 15% lower operating cost per tonne over the A380, and a 20% lower trip cost.

An important carry-over from the existing 747Fs, which has appeal to the general cargo operators, is the upward hinging nose cargo door that allows outsize loads to be carried. Boeing also highlights the fact that the new 747 can slot into existing 747-400F schedules, as it uses existing 747 cargo-handling equipment, whereas the A380 requires a unique high-loader to access its upper deck, which will make it difficult to operate “off route”.

Airbus’s Carcaillet says the huge cost advantages Boeing claims for the 747-8F are again due to “gross exaggeration” of the A380’s fuel burn and weight – the latter to the tune of 13t. “The reality is that the A380F’s cost per tonne is comparable to that of the 747-8 on short ranges,” he says, adding that “comparisons at short range ignore the unique non-stop range of the A380F”. He says that on long-range flights with maximum structural payload, the A380F’s cost per tonne is 15% lower.

Airbus has conceded that, while it does not see the 747-8I as a threat, the freighter could dilute the A380’s sales in the cargo sector, but believes an airliner programme cannot have a solid business case built purely around cargo demand. “Of course the 747 is a good a freighter – all they’re selling are freighters,” says Leahy. “But you can’t make an aircraft programme around an aircraft that is just a freighter. If you want a balanced aircraft programme like we have with the A380 you will sell probably about three-quarters of your models as passenger aircraft and the rest as freighters.”

Package popularity

Express package carriers have ordered the bulk of the A380Fs to date, while the 747-8F was launched by two general cargo airlines, which Boeing says indicates the Airbus freighter’s configuration is suited to carrying the heavier, higher-density loads normally associated with general freight carriage. But Carcaillet disputes this: “The A380F will fly 150t non-stop, whatever the density,” he says. “At a similar range, according to Boeing, the 747-8F will carry 113t only, which is less than today’s 747-400ERF with a stop.”

Given Boeing’s long-standing pessimism about the size of the ultra-large-aircraft market, Airbus could be forgiven for mocking the fact that its rival has now apparently “seen the light”. Shortly after the 747-8 programme was launched last year, Airbus chief executive Gustav Humbert congratulated his rival “for following the Airbus market view on large-aircraft demand”.

The fact is that Boeing has consistently in recent years been pessimistic about the market for aircraft in the 500-seat-plus category – the A380’s bracket – where its 20-year forecast is currently put at 300 passenger aircraft. In comparison, Airbus has continued to be firm in the belief that 20-year demand for ultra-large aircraft (450-seats plus) is in excess of 1,000 aircraft – its latest forecast putting demand at 1,250 aircraft (excluding freighters).

However, Boeing’s long-term forecast for overall demand in the “747 and larger” sector (400-seat-plus passenger aircraft and large freighters) has varied dramatically over the last decade from a high of 1,600 in 1996, when it was poised to launch a 550-seat 747 stretch family, to a low of 790 in 2004. Significantly, last year Boeing bucked the recent trend by increasing its forecast (by 15%) to 907 units as it prepared the ground for the 747-8 launch, having consistently reduced its outlook each year in the period 2001-4.

“Airbus’s ultra-large-aircraft forecast is consistent, Boeing’s follows every twist and turn,” says Carcaillet.

Boeing’s decision to finally join its rival in the ultra-large-aircraft sector has livened up the proceedings, after Airbus had things its own way for five years. It will be another five years at least until it becomes clear who has got it right, but one thing is for certain – the airlines at last have what they always wanted and that is a choice of supplier at the top end of the size spectrum.

^^ Wow Bustero! Thanks thanks for that! Let me print it out. Hehe

Wow Someguy! You have a lot! When did you start collecting?

WOW what a nice read bustero!....cant wait till they're both on operation...meanwhile i'd like to see PAL in A346 or B777

Thanks ram...yeh i started collecting not long ago....i sometimes drop by at the hobby shop after work if they have a special i buy it...they are well stocked but i wish they had PAL models...its a popular hobby here

oz.fil....Hi...herpa cost between AUD18 to $30 where i get them.....
so your in Melbourne pala?....must be getting cold there...im in Sydney naman..

taken from the bulletin :

Cebu Pacific cuts fares further by 43%

Cebu Pacific (CEB), the country’s low fare pioneer, has reduced its lowest ‘Go’ fares by as much as 43 percent starting yesterday, June 2.

The lowest ‘Go’ fare to any Visayas destination is now P568 one-way, while the lowest ‘Go’ fare to any Mindanao destination is P868 one-way.

CEB ‘Go’ fares are permanent — not promotional — low fares available for travel and booking all year-round and exclusive of regular surcharges and government tax.

"It’s all about making travel more affordable so that more Filipinos can fly. We are taking delivery of our 7th and 8th brand new Airbus aircraft this week and we are more than halfway through with our re-fleeting program. By August, CEB will have an all Airbus fleet and the youngest fleet in the Philippines. We will have increased our capacity by more than 40 percent. This means that we will have more seats to offer at even lower fares," said Lance Gokongwei, CEB president and CEO.

CEB now operates 2 brand new Airbus A320 and 4 A319 aircraft. This week the airline expects delivery of 2 more A319 while 4 more Airbus A319 will arrive in the next 4 months. The last 2 A320 aircraft will be delivered in early 2007 when CEB shall have completed its re-fleeting program.

"These reduced ‘Go’ fares will be available year-round but we advise people to book early for best availability. Manila to Cebu or to any other Visayas destination is now only P568 one-way, reduced from P888 or by 36 percent, Manila to Davao or to any Mindanao destination is only P868 one-way, reduced from P1,250 or by more than 30 percent. Cebu to Davao or any inter-island sector is now only P568 one-way, reduced from P998 or by 43 percent. With fares this low, it’s time everyone flies," he added.

Gokongwei also emphasized that the easiest way to grab the lowest ‘Go’ fare is through their website www.cebupacificair.com and since the ‘Go’ fares are available year round, it is always advisable to book early in order to pay less.

Now on its 11th year, CEB pioneered low fares in the country in March 1996. It also introduced travellers to on-time service, e-ticketing, and on-line booking, setting the standards for airline innovation in the local aviation industry.

this will probably kill air philippines for good, only operating 5 instead of formerly 10 aircraft. but that´s not too bad, more pilots for PAL !

another story i read about CEB in german AERO magazine. mr. mojica stated in this interview that CEB will have 25 (!) aircraft in 2007. that means almost doubling their fleet-capacity within 2 years. i can hardly believe that ! anyone heard of these news ?

^^sounds unlikely as they need to digest the intake of new A320. They would need to do some substantial ramping up of management to be able to operate all that, they would need a substantial number of new international routes!

WOW what a nice read bustero!....cant wait till they're both on operation...meanwhile i'd like to see PAL in A346 or B777

Thanks ram...yeh i started collecting not long ago....i sometimes drop by at the hobby shop after work if they have a special i buy it...they are well stocked but i wish they had PAL models...its a popular hobby here

oz.fil....Hi...herpa cost between AUD18 to $30 where i get them.....
so your in Melbourne pala?....must be getting cold there...im in Sydney naman..

It seems to be a very worthwhile hobby. I just checked out some Herpa websites. Hopefully I can start this hobby soon once my financial burden eases up.

I'm glad that I've rode all PR's fleet... B744, A330, A340 and B733/4 even their old fleets of B742, MD11, DC-10 and A300 naabutan ko pa yun yung F50 nila hindi na.
And the latest nga yung A320 nila... you shd try it... spacious talaga that's how I can really describe. Riding it really worth the money you spend for ticket. But I think the Mabuhay Class of PR's A320 is more spacious... the seats is comparable to their Mabuhay Class of A330/A340.

I agree with you about Mabuhay class.. very good.. way better than NW's worldBusinessClass... I hate NW..

President Arroyo rushes Panglao airport construction


President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Monday ordered officials in Bohol to fast-track the construction of an international airport on Panglao Island worth P2.5 billion as an alternative to the Mactan Cebu International Airport.

Arroyo made the announcement in a speech at the Lila Sports Complex after inaugurating Phase 2 of the 142-kilometer circumferential road that connects the capital city of Tagbilaran to the towns of Lila and Candijay.

The President said she wanted the Panglao International Airport completed before her term ends in 2010.

Bohol Governor Erico Aumentado said this would be the only airport project started and finished during the term of Arroyo.

“This project is under the Philippine Development Program approved by the NEDA (National Economic and Development Authority) and the Cabinet,” Aumentado said.

But he said the project cost was expected to increase to P3.2 billion from P2.4 billion. He did not say why.

“Within this year, we will finish the land acquisition,” said Aumentado, while bidding will start early next year.

The project will be implemented by Ninoy Aquino International Airport manager Al Cusi as chairperson of the Panglao Island Tourism Estate Task Force.

Arroyo and some Cabinet officials flew to Bohol on Monday to witness the renewal of the wedding vows of Aumentado and his wife Peregrina at the Tagbilaran City Cathedral at 10 a.m.

After attending the lunch reception, the President went to Lila town to inaugurate Phase 2 of the Bohol Circumferential Project, a P1.756-billion project that connects Tagbilaran to the towns of Lila and Candijay.

Phase 2 is the Tagbilaran-Lila segment of the road project, which has a span of 32 kilometers.

Governor Aumentado said the inauguration of the 75-kilometer Lila-Candijay segment was set in October.

This is pretty sad!



Airport official shot dead by aviation cop at NAIA

First posted 05:26am (Mla time) June 07, 2006
By Nikko Dizon
Inquirer



Editor's Note: Published on page A2 of the June 7, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

AN AIRPORT official was allegedly gunned down by an aviation police major late Monday night at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

The violent death of Eduardo Tiotioen, an airport action officer, highlighted the struggle to curb unlawful activities at the airport, particularly the illegal facilitation of passengers’ arrivals and departures.

“This is painful to me. Ed believed in what we are doing. This is what you get for doing what’s right,” Alfonso Cusi, airport chief, told the Inquirer.

A crestfallen Cusi sat in a corner at the NAIA 1 departure curbside, away from the crowd and investigators who had gathered around his friend who lay lifeless on the ground.

Tiotioen, who was in his mid-40s, was shot at close range at around 11:40 p.m. in front of horrified security guards, airport employees and a handful of late night flight passengers.

Cusi acknowledged that Tiotioen was a trusted staffer he had brought along from the Philippine Ports Authority.(PPA) following his appointment by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as general manager of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) in 2004.

As police examined the crime scene, the suspected gunman, Chief Inspector Cenon Tenorio, surrendered to his superiors at the Aviation Security Group (ASG), the Philippine National Police (PNP) unit tasked to protect the airport complex.

“He (Tenorio) called me up and said, ‘I’m very sorry, sir. Nangyari ito. Nahihiya ako, pero nangyari (It happened. I am ashamed but it happened),’” said Senior Superintendent Pablo Francisco Balagtas, commander of the 1st Police Center for Aviation Security (PCAS).

In a phone interview, Balagtas said that as head of operations, Tenorio was fourth in command at the 1st PCAS, which has jurisdiction over NAIA 1 and the Centennial Terminal.

To ensure an impartial investigation, Cusi said he had requested the National Bureau of Investigation, instead of the ASG, to look into the killing.

Initial investigation showed that shortly before the incident, Tiotioen saw Tenorio assisting an unidentified passenger at the NAIA 1 arrival area.

The action officer, suspecting an illegal facilitation, purportedly called Tenorio’s attention, and radioed the CCTV unit, which he heads, to focus the camera on the police officer.

Later, Tenorio allegedly waited for Tiotioen, who was ending his shift and would have proceeded to his vehicle parked at the departure curbside.

NBI investigator Angelito Magno said that based on witnesses’ accounts, Tenorio grabbed Tiotioen and tried to force him into a vehicle.

A commotion ensued, followed by three gunshots.

Tiotioen fell to the ground and Tenorio fled with his pistol.

The ASG had turned over Tenorio and his firearm to Magno early yesterday morning.

The suspect would be facing murder charges.

The store in Park Aquare Makati is Lils Futaba.

WOW what a nice read bustero!....cant wait till they're both on operation...meanwhile i'd like to see PAL in A346 or B777

Thanks ram...yeh i started collecting not long ago....i sometimes drop by at the hobby shop after work if they have a special i buy it...they are well stocked but i wish they had PAL models...its a popular hobby here

oz.fil....Hi...herpa cost between AUD18 to $30 where i get them.....
so your in Melbourne pala?....must be getting cold there...im in Sydney naman..

Detroit International Airport...


http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c101/carlosalmacen/100_0726.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c101/carlosalmacen/100_0727.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c101/carlosalmacen/100_0728.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c101/carlosalmacen/100_0729.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c101/carlosalmacen/100_0731.jpg

Naia terminal 2

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c101/carlosalmacen/100_0733.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c101/carlosalmacen/100_0735.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c101/carlosalmacen/100_0736.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c101/carlosalmacen/100_0739.jpg

Pal 747-400

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c101/carlosalmacen/100_0740.jpg

PAL A340 and A330

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c101/carlosalmacen/100_0741.jpg

PAL A340 and CEB A319/320

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c101/carlosalmacen/100_0743.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c101/carlosalmacen/100_0744.jpg

Imagine if PR's economy class are spacious what more are their Mabuhay Class... I saw its seats are double seats of spacious economy class... so it means more spacious and comfort... plus PTVs whee! :D

I agree with you about Mabuhay class.. very good.. way better than NW's worldBusinessClass... I hate NW..

wow... love those fountains..

“He (Tenorio) called me up and said, ‘I’m very sorry, sir. Nangyari ito. Nahihiya ako, pero nangyari (It happened. I am ashamed but it happened),’” said Senior Superintendent Pablo Francisco Balagtas, commander of the 1st Police Center for Aviation Security (PCAS).

That's it? Just like that? I hope he spend his life in prison.

I think that guys is surely going to prison. He's not denying he shot the guy, at the very least he'll get manslaughter. Looks very much like a crime of passion. He's probably pissed at the other guy and lost his cool and bam...no more future for the both of them. Oh well. Too bad things like this happen, seems like the airport initiatives of Cusi are quite aggresive to make things work. Anyway I find the whole thing tragic.

Anyway welcome back Carlos, looks like you flew from Detroit to Manila. Is Detroit airport new, how does it compare? they even have their people mover in the concourse, it must be quiet.

Anybody taken the Asian Spirit Bae Jets? Would you trust them? :)

japanese travel bookings surge.....

"Manila and cebu are performing even better as a result of our marketing efforts (phil. tourism), prompting Philippine Airlines to make tentative plans to increase the flight frequency between Nagoya and Manila, reopen Osaka-Cebu, and possibly open Nagoya-Cebu," Durano added, quoting PAL’s incoming Japan country manager Danilo Lim.

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


Anyone that can get me to my desination in one piece! :lol:

^^ good news.

does anyone have pics of mabuhay class? i cant really see the seats from the pics in airliners and jetphotos

^^aUen, here's some pics I took of the Mabuhay and First Class cabins on the A340 on PR107 (LAS-YVR, sorry for the blurriness):
Mabuhay
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/Skyblade04/BCA023.jpg

First
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/Skyblade04/BCA047.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/Skyblade04/BCA021.jpg

(Martin Nievera signing an autograph for an F/A...it was just me, him, and a old lady in First...just made me wish I countinued on to MNL!)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/Skyblade04/BCA046.jpg
Speaking of which, my high school senior class in Japan flew PR 433 recently, I really have to ask them how was the load factors on the flight... Anyhow a KIX-CEB and NGO-CEB? Would love to see such a sight soon! If only Cebu Pacific began that Osaka route last year, travelling to the Philippines from Japan would've been easier for me.

I think that guys is surely going to prison. He's not denying he shot the guy, at the very least he'll get manslaughter. Looks very much like a crime of passion. He's probably pissed at the other guy and lost his cool and bam...no more future for the both of them. Oh well. Too bad things like this happen, seems like the airport initiatives of Cusi are quite aggresive to make things work. Anyway I find the whole thing tragic.

Indeed...at least Mr. Tenorio surrendered peacefully and admitted his crime.

Thanks for posting those pics, Carlos! I really do miss the Northwest World Gateway in Detroit...IMO one of the finer terminals in North America and definitely better than that antiquated dump they call Smith! Seriously can't wait until they finish the construction of the new North Terminal!

I trust both PAL and CP, but due to cost Cebu Pacific na. I paid Php1,600 (with return ticket) MNL-TAC flight. Goin' home this June...

I agree with you about Mabuhay class.. very good.. way better than NW's worldBusinessClass... I hate NW..
I definitely agree with you in terms of service and catering! Seatwise, I LOVE NW's new seat installed in their 744s and A330s. I really can't wait for PAL to roll out with a new premium class product...

(NW72, MNL-NGO)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/Skyblade04/Philippine%20TR/MNLNRT035.jpg

Personally, I'm overall not much of a fan of NW either. Domestically they're pretty lame but they get the job done. The only reasons why I continue flying this airline is because Northwest has a more flexible frequent flier mile program and is partnered with other airlines, esp. Skyteam members, in accruing and redeeming those miles, and the fact that they still fly those DC-9 rustbuckets, NW's World Gateway at Detroit.

If there is anything I really have to gripe about with PAL, it's the Mabuhay Miles program. Though they are pretty generous (I mean 175% miles earned if you fly First Class trans-Pacific compared to 150% in other airlines?), it's the fact that their air and land-based mileage partners is rather small (I was like a madman in SM Delgado in Iloilo when I found out that I could exchange those SM points into Mabuhay Miles m)) ). As a mileage-runner, my opportunities to gain miles on the ground or in the air for this program from the US is pretty limited. Nevertheless, I would still love to aim on becoming a 1,000,000 miler in that program (lifetime Premier Elite statues baby! :D) If PAL's Mabuhay Miles program partners with a major American airline, I would seriously go to PAL HQ and hug any employee in sight, whether it be a CSA, accountant, or if I'm lucky, Lucio Tan himself. :D

Boeing 787-Dreamliner
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c3/abercromb24/PAL-B787conceptlivery02.jpg

Boeing 777-200LR
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c3/abercromb24/PAL-B777LRconceptlivery01.jpg

ENJOY!! :okay:

^^ Thanks for sharing! Man I really would love to see the 777 in PR colors. The best I'll ever get is just FS and renderings...

Anyhow for our Southern Californian members, I'm trying to do a Philippine Flight Simmers Group I2I this Saturday @ the LAX Airline Memorabilia Show (http://www.jetpsa.com/LAX/index.html) and would appreciate it if I could try and get some SSCP Forum airline addicts around to come and join in on the fun. :D

Hi Joe! So are you back in the Los Angeles area? Would have loved to attend the Memorabilia show except that I have to prepare for an event of my own that day.

By the way, in case you are already in the area, we're planning a California meet on the weekend of Aug 12. Send me a PM if you are interested in joining. :) Lili and Kimber will be here among others.

awesome pics carlos and joe! :okay:

the PAL colors look good on any plane :)

consider this please :

if durano keeps right, we will have 3 million tourists comming in this year. that will be 400.000 more than last year. 400.000 in, 400.000 out = 800.000 more pax. who is going to transport all of them on domestic flights ? that must mean a lot of new aircraft coming in besides CEB´s new airbusses. PAL aircraft are already full to 80 % capacity in 2005, and they just got rid of another 737-400 (website/fleet). AirPhil has reduced thei fleet by half, this will surely make available flights somewhat tight right ? what about SEAir and Asian Spirit, new planes comming in too ?

wow!!! :eek2: the t7 and dreamliner look awesome in the pal color scheme!!! pal should really consider buying B777-300ER's and B787dreamliner's when theyre refleeting their wide bodies!!! i totally love the T7!

consider this please :

if durano keeps right, we will have 3 million tourists comming in this year. that will be 400.000 more than last year. 400.000 in, 400.000 out = 800.000 more pax. who is going to transport all of them on domestic flights ? that must mean a lot of new aircraft coming in besides CEB´s new airbusses. PAL aircraft are already full to 80 % capacity in 2005, and they just got rid of another 737-400 (website/fleet). AirPhil has reduced thei fleet by half, this will surely make available flights somewhat tight right ? what about SEAir and Asian Spirit, new planes comming in too ?

people travel by road and by boat, too :) While air travel is the most convenient, it's also the most expensive. The nautical highway and the ro-ro system has been pretty effective in providing cheap domestic travel, and there are several ferry companies that have suites that are more luxurious than what PAL can offer.

PAL's First and Business are almost the same. I saw already their business class. But not their First class. They almost the same. What is their difference Skyblade? One, I think is the seat design... first class is not floral petals design anymore... :D
^^aUen, here's some pics I took of the Mabuhay and First Class cabins on the A340 on PR107 (LAS-YVR, sorry for the blurriness):
Mabuhay
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/Skyblade04/BCA023.jpg

First
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/Skyblade04/BCA046.jpg

I'll be flying to Seoul tommorrow let's see.. I'll evaluate PR's A330 aircraft.

I'll be flying to Seoul tommorrow let's see.. I'll evaluate PR's A330 aircraft.


how long is Manila Seoul flight?...


the last PR A330 i was in was atleast 2 yrs ago Sydnet Manila via Mel,....its they're A330 w/purpish coloured seating (if i remembered correctly....yeah its spacious for an econommy class.clean and smell is fresh unlike some western carrier's

Anybody taken the Asian Spirit Bae Jets? Would you trust them? :)

it's okay flying with Asian Spirit's BAE jet. I took it some time last month Davao-Manila-Davao. Wala namang problema, pero summer pa nga noon. I don't know now, maulan na eh! Pero, those aircrafts are flying to Palau naman... :)

how long is Manila Seoul flight?...


the last PR A330 i was in was atleast 2 yrs ago Sydnet Manila via Mel,....its they're A330 w/purpish coloured seating (if i remembered correctly....yeah its spacious for an econommy class.clean and smell is fresh unlike some western carrier's

PAL's Manila-Seoul: Departure-14:25 Arrival19:15 Flight No.-PR 468
Seoul-Manila: Dep-20:20 Arr-23:20 Flight-PR 469

The difference between the First and Mabuhay Class seat is the recline: the First Class seat can go completely 180 degrees and recline into a bed-like position and supposedly has electronically controlled lumbar support (never tried that one out in my trip.) There is also a difference in seat-width with the C class seat @ close to 20 inches while the F seat is slightly better with more than 20. It would be nice if there was a privacy canopy for the F seats as what other airlines did.

Here's a comparison of PAL's seat vs. other seats of this generation.

Japan Airlines:
http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0815653/M/

Thai:
http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0679434/M/

Korean:
http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0622147/M/

Air France:
http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0620777/M/

Asiana:
http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0042305/M/

It's amazing how fast premium class seating can evolve. Most of the above airlines are now coming out with even more modern and luxurious seats and race to install it on their aircraft in order to maintain that edge while other airlines unfortunately can't upgrade and see their product diminish. PAL is known for cheap F/C class fares across the Pacific but you get what you pay for...but you might as get the better product for what it's worth and try to get on an A340 flight with more modern seats and IFE compared to the 747s.

(For those curious, the A340 flights out of North America are PR112/113 out of LAX, PR114/115 out of SFO, and PR106/107 out of YVR and LAS)

it's okay flying with Asian Spirit's BAE jet. I took it some time last month Davao-Manila-Davao. Wala namang problema, pero summer pa nga noon. I don't know now, maulan na eh! Pero, those aircrafts are flying to Palau naman... :)

OT
Are you into scuba diving?
Would love to try it. Is the cost prohibitive?

Yeah! Y101 Your rhythm of the city! One of my favorite FM station in Cebu. (15 years ago hehehe)

I definitely agree with you in terms of service and catering! Seatwise, I LOVE NW's new seat installed in their 744s and A330s. I really can't wait for PAL to roll out with a new premium class product...

(NW72, MNL-NGO)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/Skyblade04/Philippine%20TR/MNLNRT035.jpg

Personally, I'm overall not much of a fan of NW either. Domestically they're pretty lame but they get the job done. The only reasons why I continue flying this airline is because Northwest has a more flexible frequent flier mile program and is partnered with other airlines, esp. Skyteam members, in accruing and redeeming those miles, and the fact that they still fly those DC-9 rustbuckets, NW's World Gateway at Detroit.

If there is anything I really have to gripe about with PAL, it's the Mabuhay Miles program. Though they are pretty generous (I mean 175% miles earned if you fly First Class trans-Pacific compared to 150% in other airlines?), it's the fact that their air and land-based mileage partners is rather small (I was like a madman in SM Delgado in Iloilo when I found out that I could exchange those SM points into Mabuhay Miles m)) ). As a mileage-runner, my opportunities to gain miles on the ground or in the air for this program from the US is pretty limited. Nevertheless, I would still love to aim on becoming a 1,000,000 miler in that program (lifetime Premier Elite statues baby! :D) If PAL's Mabuhay Miles program partners with a major American airline, I would seriously go to PAL HQ and hug any employee in sight, whether it be a CSA, accountant, or if I'm lucky, Lucio Tan himself. :D



HAHAHAHA... Like you, I only fly NW for the miles.. Im a member of a partner airlines' FF, so no choice (aside from enrolling to different programs, which i think is a hassle). I've only flown PAL's Mabuhay class, and it was superb.. the seat may not be the best, but the service was amazing.. and besides, it doesn't really make that much difference on a short flight (NGO-MNL). I flew NW on the same segment on their WorldBusiness Class, and I was dissapointed... oh well, NW for you...

I hope PAL upgrades its products pretty soon. I work with a guy who worked for the company that handled PAL at LHR before, and his comments weren't very positive. I know that that was a (very) long time ago, but PAL hasn't actually changed its products.. has it? OH well, hopefully the aviation industry in the Phils as a whole keep on groeing!!

Happy INDEPENDENCE day to all!!

PS. Skyblade-san, Ima Nihon ni oru?

I also only fly NW for the miles otherwise I would fly with Pal. I've said it before i've had very bad experiences with NW customer service. THeir flight attendants are testy and snooty. The only very accomodating ones are the FIlipino flight attendants on the Japan -Manila portion. My personal opinion is that they're racists and discriminatory . The desk people are not any better they act like they're god behind the desk.

it's okay flying with Asian Spirit's BAE jet. I took it some time last month Davao-Manila-Davao. Wala namang problema, pero summer pa nga noon. I don't know now, maulan na eh! Pero, those aircrafts are flying to Palau naman... :)
Thank you. Perhaps one of these days I will be brave enough to try them!

I also only fly NW for the miles otherwise I would fly with Pal. I've said it before i've had very bad experiences with NW customer service. THeir flight attendants are testy and snooty. The only very accomodating ones are the FIlipino flight attendants on the Japan -Manila portion. My personal opinion is that they're racists and discriminatory . The desk people are not any better they act like they're god behind the desk.



wow i hear alot of negative about NW....maybe United should fly back to Manila instead of NW.....which is better of the two if we compare toe to toe overall?

they reap what they sow. United is way better. ANd I've never had problems with all those other ASian carriers either like Eva, Korean AIr, Pal they were all very good. Just recently Mark JImenez filed a class lawsuit againts NW for mistreating an entire group of FIlipinos aboard one of their flights.

yeh i heard about that....its so insulting to filipinos...i hope United givess them a run for they're money and fly back to manila...


i dont know much about NW as they dont fly here in Sydney but United does... once a day...

Hows Eva btw?,....

What kind of service can you expect from PAL on shorter flights such as Manila-Hongkong run?...i mean its a quick flight,... so do you just get snack (no meal) just curious.....how about manila-narita??....a 3 hour flight(i think)?? or does it depend on the Aircraft used?...

i know if its PR300 mnl-hk that its PAL's 747-4...what flight do they use the A340's? to HK...i'd like to try PAL's A340....PAL usually sends A330 here in Sydney...but certain times Boeing 747-4....i was told though that there isnt that much of a difference between PAL's A330 & A340.

does PAL have any of they're 5 744 w/ptv on all class?....

i now this is not the case for their airbusses

HAHAHAHA... Like you, I only fly NW for the miles.. Im a member of a partner airlines' FF, so no choice (aside from enrolling to different programs, which i think is a hassle). I've only flown PAL's Mabuhay class, and it was superb.. the seat may not be the best, but the service was amazing.. and besides, it doesn't really make that much difference on a short flight (NGO-MNL). I flew NW on the same segment on their WorldBusiness Class, and I was dissapointed... oh well, NW for you...
Indeed it is rather short esp to take advantage of it but I found out from one of my friends that it's just 20,000 miles for a Y ticket to Manila and just 10k more for WBC. Since I always wanted to try it out, I took up the offer. It's definitely a grab esp. since redeeming miles on US domestic flights are harder.



I hope PAL upgrades its products pretty soon. I work with a guy who worked for the company that handled PAL at LHR before, and his comments weren't very positive. I know that that was a (very) long time ago, but PAL hasn't actually changed its products.. has it? OH well, hopefully the aviation industry in the Phils as a whole keep on groeing!!

I hope to see what PAL would have in store for it's in-flight product hopefully soon as well. Makes me think things like if First Class is still practical for the airline or would they go for a souped up Business Class cabin (i.e. EVA, Northwest, Continental, Virgin Atlantic, Air New Zealand, et al.).


PS. Skyblade-san, Ima Nihon ni oru?Gomenasai, my Japanese is pretty "chotto". I just came back to America after spending 7 months in Sapporo. Its been a couple weeks and I already miss the place (and the ramen) badly!

I also only fly NW for the miles otherwise I would fly with Pal. I've said it before i've had very bad experiences with NW customer service. THeir flight attendants are testy and snooty. The only very accomodating ones are the FIlipino flight attendants on the Japan -Manila portion.
Indeed they can be pretty snooty. I had some pretty interesting F/As in my NGO-NRT flight on NW (it's a international connection flight- you can't buy a ticket if you're just flying between these cities, it has to connect to another int't flight) which were a definite contrast to the Filipina F/A I had that NW flight to NGO from MNL (not to mention she had to be one of the most beautiful Filipina F/As I've seen in my life!) as well as the Japanese F/As that I flew with in ANA in the following flight.

Just recently Mark JImenez filed a class lawsuit againts NW for mistreating an entire group of FIlipinos aboard one of their flights.I remember hearing that as well and unfortunately airlines do have sour elements, and it's even more unfortunate that it's more rampant on some.

yeh i heard about that....its so insulting to filipinos...i hope United givess them a run for they're money and fly back to manila..
I would love to see United back again! Before I began flying PAL on trans-Pacific runs, my family was loyal to United. Unfortunately they axed Manila and we were forced to look elsewhere. UA is practically the airline that helped spark my love for aviation but I've been drifting farther from them as I begin taking more airlines and concentrating on other alliances. If they do return, I'm definitely going to fly them again back to the RP! The only problem is that it's been hard for American carriers to fly to Manila as there are Asian airlines (JAL, EVA, Korean, Asiana, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, etc.) also grabbing that market.

Another problem is that there aren't that many fare-paying premium class passengers that fly in this market. In both my Northwest flights in and out of the Philippines, I was surprised to see the low amount of passengers in WBC and usually they were upgrades with a handful of full-fare businessmen. Usually, it's these guys that the airlines go for. If you take a comparsion with other Asian cities, Manila is pretty cheap in terms of premium class fares from the US and of course, the competition with other airlines can be stifling.



Hows Eva btw?,....
EVA is a pretty good airline IMO. I flew them on my final trip back from Japan which was Sapporo-Taipei-Los Angeles; the CTS-TPE sector in their new Premium Laurel Class and the TPE-LAX sector in their old Economy cabin. The flight attendants were pretty attentive in both sectors and the food is prety good (comparing CTS-TPE and Northwest's NRT-MNL flight in WBC, of which both are of the same duration, EVA offered a three course meal compared to Northwest in which the F/A's were just serving a single course from the cart).

Another thing to look out for is their new 777-300ER which has the new Premium Laurel Class cabin and AVOD IFE in Economy. They're not in any major alliance but with American carriers, they are partnered with Continental Airlines and American Airlines in their frequent flier mile program.

One thing I recommend when flying them is that if you are flying on a 747-400 or 777-300ER, try to upgrade to their Evergreen Deluxe or Elite Class cabin. It's pretty nice and I wish I took advantage of it in the TPE-LAX run at just 170USD!!! but unfortunately I already spent the majority of the money in my pocket paying for the excess luggage I had. :(

yeah Nw really has goodlooking filipino flight crew girls and boys. :colgate:
That also shows NWs racists attitude because they pick the realy white looking and japanese looking filipinos. But unfortunately their fare prices are very competitive hence many filipinos still patronize their service.

What kind of service can you expect from PAL on shorter flights such as Manila-Hongkong run?...i mean its a quick flight,... so do you just get snack (no meal) just curious.....how about manila-narita??....a 3 hour flight(i think)?? or does it depend on the Aircraft used?...

There have been pictures in Airlinemeals.net of meals being served in Economy so I presume that they still do serve meals. Same goes with the Japan flights.


i know if its PR300 mnl-hk that its PAL's 747-4...what flight do they use the A340's? to HK...i'd like to try PAL's A340....PAL usually sends A330 here in Sydney...but certain times Boeing 747-4....i was told though that there isnt that much of a difference between PAL's A330 & A340.


If you want to get onboard an A340, you might get a chance on PR 310/311 but it's more of a gamble since this flight is also operated by an A330 on certain days. A higher risk is PR 306/307 which is listed as "EQV" which means Equipment Varies so for all we know, it could be an A320 one day and a 744 in another. The difference between the A330 and A340 is that the A340 has a First Class cabin while the A330 has a Mabuhay Class cabin in which you get more legroom, but otherwise has more seats compared to it's four-engined, long range counterpart. Outside of it's missions, there really isn't much of a difference between the two.




does PAL have any of they're 5 744 w/ptv on all class?....

N754PR (ex. Kuwait Airways) is the only aircraft in the entire fleet that has PTVs in all classes.

N754PR (ex. Kuwait Airways) is the only aircraft in the entire fleet that has PTVs in all classes.


thanks Sky!..

cool...what route is that used?...North American routes i suppose?

btw....its seems even PAL's A330 is more spacious than they're 747's


do they sell PAl diecast on they're fiesta boutique?..(cant remember)..how much

^^^^^ Are you sure about these?? I've seen dark skinned filipinas in a NW flight before, they were beautiful also. I've never seen caucasian looking filipino FA before. Majority of them were polite, there was just this one filipina FA that caught my attention, whenever, we were getting ready for a departure or in final approach for landing, instead of asking the passengers to put the seat back in an upright position, she would just grab and pull it without saying a word, kind of annoying. Although, you are right, NWA isn't the best service there is but you do get a flexible mileage you can claim. I've received 3 free airfares from them so far, same with my girl.

There is a catch with claiming the miles with NWA, you can only use it during their off season, you have to book it many months in advance. Maybe it was just easier for me to claim the miles because each time I would book using the earned miles, I normally buy one or two other tickets at the same time.

^^ Indeed not NW F/As aren't all racist. The ones I experienced were pretty sour but not racist. Anyhow I haven't had much problems with NW on redeeming Worldperks miles but then again I was going out of Japan where the American FFM base is pretty small. For me, it's redeeming from America that can be tortorus...

^^ The A330/A340 fleet is pretty much more spacious compared to the 747. Anyhow supposedly N754PR is deployed on North American routes but I keep on seeing pictures of it in Hong Kong as well.

^^^ yeah, on the US counterparts, I've enountered those ones whom are too strict in enforcing FAA rules, they do get in your nerves sometimes. Same with other commercial airliners, you can't really please everybody, there would be one or two customers who wouldn't be satisfied with the service but as far as being racist in hiring employees is concerned?, I think I will have a serious doubt about it since, you would see viet, filipina, latin FA in the US regional flights, not just in a TransAtlantic/ transPacific routes.

yeah not all but they have some. I'm only speaking from my experience ALOT of them have attitude problems as I've said I never experienced this with any other airlines and I"m not the fuzzy type it only seems like it in the virtual world but in reality i'm not. Except with Malaysian air THey had this really bitchy flight stewardess who had a look of contempt in her eyes.

SORRY KINDA OFF TOPIC

I just feel like posting this...so happy Australian socceroos won last night 3-1 againts Japan after 32 years world cup absence...

noW i hope they beat croatia (hard but not imposible....brazil imposible)

i hope they come 2nd in the group...Goodluck too Japan also....but both cnt beat Brazil...its imposible
(thats being realistic)

http://photos.airliners.net/photos/photos/8/1/3/1046318.jpg
Why did they use a 767er...why not a 747....


will be realese by July only 500 to be made 1:400 by Gemini Jets....im gonna get one at hobbyco
http://www.hobbyco.com.au/images/stock/gjqfa472.jpg

this is Japans one....much more grand....i love this...i hope a miracle happens and they beat Brazil.... :) lol

http://photos.airliners.net/photos/photos/4/2/1/1059124.jpg


with the world cup on is there any other Airline w/worldcup livery.....i think emirates too

My favorite (Top 10) first class seats are:
1. Emirates
2. Etihad
3. Singapore Airlines
4. Cathay Pacific
5. Thai Airways
6. British Airways
7. Japan Airlines
8. Swiss
9. South African
10. Malaysia

You should check out their websites. The First Class lounges of British, Cathay and Lufthansa are said to be the best in the world. Followed by the new lounge of Thai and Singapore.

Sadly, the Concorde lounge of BA no longer exists. I presume they consolidated the furniture with the First Class Terrace Lounge.

Airline of the Year 2006

Rank, Airline (2005 position)

01) British Airways (5th)
02) Qantas Airways (2nd)
03) Cathay Pacific (1st)
04) Thai Airways (7th)
05) Emirates (3rd)
06) Qatar Airways (8th)
07) Singapore Airlines (4th)
08) A.N.A (10th)
09) Malaysia Airlines (6th)
10) China Airlines (16th)


BA Airline of the year this time......

people here tell me BA's economy is no good though....

but in terms of safety BA & Qantas delivers... im surprize to see Qatar airways emerging...also ANA beating JAL...






BEST INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

Emirates maintain their global leadership for Best Airline Inflight Entertainment, again securing 1st place in this ever more competitive category - Singapore Airlines 2nd, and Virgin Atlantic 3rd. Full results




BEST CABIN STAFF

Thai Airways scored another major success, named Worlds Best Cabin Staff for 2006 - with Qatar Airways moving from 5th last year to take 2nd place in the 2006 Awards, and Malaysia Airlines taking 3rd position. Full results




BEST ONBOARD CATERING


Gulf Air maintain their leadership across the Best Airline Catering sections of the World Airline Awards, ranking 1st, 2nd and 5th in the respective awards for First Class, Business Class and Economy Class. Full results




BEST BUSINESS CLASS

British Airways long haul, Club World Business class proves a winner, taking the award as Best Business Class for the second consecutive year - ahead of South African Airways (2nd) and Virgin Atlantic in 3rd. Full results

Airline of the Year 2006

Rank, Airline (2005 position)

01) British Airways (5th)
02) Qantas Airways (2nd)
03) Cathay Pacific (1st)
04) Thai Airways (7th)
05) Emirates (3rd)
06) Qatar Airways (8th)
07) Singapore Airlines (4th)
08) A.N.A (10th)
09) Malaysia Airlines (6th)
10) China Airlines (16th)


BA Airline of the year this time......

people here tell me BA's economy is no good though....

but in terms of safety BA & Qantas delivers... im surprize to see Qatar airways emerging...also ANA beating JAL...


Full results

ANA's products is superior to that of JAL's. JAL might be a bigger carrier, internationally, but in JAPAN, ANA has always been the dominant domestic airlines. Before the merger of JAL and JAS, ANA has about 40% of the market. JAL became bigger because of the merger, but this year, ANA has regained the lead!! ANA's International services also posted a big jump in profit, so now there are rumors that they will re-instate NRT-ORD. Meanwhile, JAL is having a hard time financially and their reputation is quite low at the moment because of several safety lapses. International organisations like skytrax has always rank ANA higher than JAL.

yeah not all but they have some. I'm only speaking from my experience ALOT of them have attitude problems as I've said I never experienced this with any other airlines and I"m not the fuzzy type it only seems like it in the virtual world but in reality i'm not. Except with Malaysian air THey had this really bitchy flight stewardess who had a look of contempt in her eyes.

HAHAHA... Down with NW!! lol... a lot of people complain about them, but i guess when buying tickets, you choose the cheapest one. I've never been on their A330s, so i can't really say if the service is the same.

Is it common among Skyteam alliance airlines to be snooty and sour? AirFrance has some of the bitchiest cabin crew around.. Even if you fly business class, they just like ignoring your requests because they're busy talking about celebrities (atleast the ones that were on my flight).. lol
I hope Malaysian Airlines don't change the way they treat customers...

Anyway, back to the topic at hand......


How are the loads on the F class of PAL?? If they are doing good, then I think they should keep it, otherwise a two-class(C and Y) would suit them better.

PS. Skyblade: what were you doing in sapporo? i used to live in mie-ken, south of nagoya.

BA's economy class is similar to NWA, not the best there is, just okay so far..... BA's business class is very expensive, they've better offer a world class service otherwise, piss on them! pardon my french...

^^^^ Yeah, really... Can't complain with NWA since they always offer the cheapest airfare......

^^ Club World can be expensive, though it's just hard to beat a Business Class seat that is actually 180 degrees flat (other airlines such as Singapore Airlines, EVA, Cathay Pacific, JAL, ANA, Korean, etc. have lie-flat seats taht are angled, take a look at that NW WBC seat picture I took.) Airline of the Year 2006

Rank, Airline (2005 position)

01) British Airways (5th)
02) Qantas Airways (2nd)
03) Cathay Pacific (1st)
04) Thai Airways (7th)
05) Emirates (3rd)
06) Qatar Airways (8th)
07) Singapore Airlines (4th)
08) A.N.A (10th)
09) Malaysia Airlines (6th)
10) China Airlines (16th)


BA Airline of the year this time......

people here tell me BA's economy is no good though....

but in terms of safety BA & Qantas delivers... im surprize to see Qatar airways emerging...also ANA beating JAL...






BEST INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

Emirates maintain their global leadership for Best Airline Inflight Entertainment, again securing 1st place in this ever more competitive category - Singapore Airlines 2nd, and Virgin Atlantic 3rd. Full results




BEST CABIN STAFF

Thai Airways scored another major success, named Worlds Best Cabin Staff for 2006 - with Qatar Airways moving from 5th last year to take 2nd place in the 2006 Awards, and Malaysia Airlines taking 3rd position. Full results




BEST ONBOARD CATERING


Gulf Air maintain their leadership across the Best Airline Catering sections of the World Airline Awards, ranking 1st, 2nd and 5th in the respective awards for First Class, Business Class and Economy Class. Full results




BEST BUSINESS CLASS

British Airways long haul, Club World Business class proves a winner, taking the award as Best Business Class for the second consecutive year - ahead of South African Airways (2nd) and Virgin Atlantic in 3rd. Full results

Skytrax's 2005 results threw me off indefinitely. I would've NEVER have thought that BA and QF was to be in the top 10...and this year, they took up the top 2. SQ's lag is good and bad...bad that the airline has dropped in ranking yet good because airlines continue to evolve in providing better customer service, in-flight amenities and catering, IFE, etc. which, of course, benefits the traveller. What amazes me the most is that Cathay Pacific's continiuous reign as airline of the year has ended! :eek:

Anyhow, from my experience in Japan, it does seem ANA is edging out JAL. One major perk with flying NH through Tokyo Narita/NRT is the fact that ANA gets to use the new South Wing of Terminal 1.

Airline of the Year 2006

Rank, Airline (2005 position)

01) British Airways (5th)
02) Qantas Airways (2nd)
03) Cathay Pacific (1st)
04) Thai Airways (7th)
05) Emirates (3rd)
06) Qatar Airways (8th)
07) Singapore Airlines (4th)
08) A.N.A (10th)
09) Malaysia Airlines (6th)
10) China Airlines (16th)
11) ePAL Airlines (9TH)

Wow nice list

How are the loads on the F class of PAL?? If they are doing good, then I think they should keep it, otherwise a two-class(C and Y) would suit them better.

PS. Skyblade: what were you doing in sapporo? i used to live in mie-ken, south of nagoya.
I guess F loads depend on the route. I'm not really familiar myself on premium class load factors with PR since I don't know that many insiders compared with other airlines that post the latest gossip in Airliners.net.

I would love to see PR continue First Class but the problem is maintaining the product. As said, these seats have been evolving and airlines have to either adapt by introducing more modern seats and keeping it's product at the edge or bite the dust and see their product become a dinosoaur by the day in which they would have to charge cheaper fares in order to compensate (PAL's case). It also depends on the traveller demand: can First Class be supported on certain routes where people are willing to pay a premium over Business Class for an even more luxurious and spacious seat? Judging by the a large portion of Filipino travellers abroad, premium class fares are not in their interests due to price (why pay 3,000+USD for a 16 hour flight when I could use that money to bring more pasalubong to my family in the RP?)....unless they do a FFM upgrade ,*really* do have cash to burn, etc. If PAL were to maintain a First Class cabin, IMO I believe it would just be out of prestige. Unless someone can bring me a viable reason, I believe a C/Y+ maybe/Y configuration would suit PAL though as much as I would drool to see PAL roll out with a product that is worthy of competing with Malaysia/MH, Thai/TG, Singapore/SQ (esp. with their new 773ER/A380 F product) Cathay/CX, etc.

Speaking of which, I just got this book at the Los Angeles Airline Memorabilia Show called Jetliner Cabins and PAL's Skybeds were featured. I'll try to scan a picture of it when I get my scanner working. It's amazing that PAL actually had something unconventional in their product back in the day...

Anyhow I spent my senior year of high school in an international school at Sapporo. How about you? What brought you down to the Nagoya area?

^^ lol nice adjustment there, tigs. :lol:

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.

It featured in Canada's Discovery Channel and theyve always re-run the episode once in a while.

I Agree Sky............yeh many Filipinos's do think that way...Why pay 3 times more if you can use the money for pasalubong.....if i had money to burn though i would occasionally go business w/PAL


i just rang my travel agent. Sydney - Manila return...PAL Economy AUS$1100 Business AUD $2500...thats more than twice the price using A340...

i would go w/PAL...since its almost guaranteed they send A330/340 here...i havent seen 744 in nearly 6 months here

if i go Qantas they will use 767er...which is a punishment for an 8 hour flight..i dont know why A330 isnt used anymore on this route QF19


has anyone flown w/Vietnam Airlines on their Boeing 777?...any good?

When PAL discontinued their Riyadh route, it freed an A340, enabling them to add extra frequencies to their LAX/SFO operations. These frequencies lasted for a month, and now they're gone. The extra A340 doesn't seem to be utilized at the moment. What happened? D-check?

Another thing, they have a new configuration for their A320s with only 143 passengers, http://www.philippineairlines.com/files/A320%203225%20bi-class.pdf

The config is strange, and it would suggest combi business class seats (if that's the case, then that's a LOT of pitch 33" or 34" in Y?) Even the monoclass version of that plane ( http://www.philippineairlines.com/files/A320%20RPC3225_150seats_MonoClass_Biclass_Apr06.pdf )has 150 seats, when standard 32in pitch monoclass would be at around 156-162 seats or so.

So, PAL's A320s are now configured in so many ways:

RP-C3221/3/4 - 150/156 convertible
RP-C3225 - 143/150 seats
RP-C3227/8 - 177 monoclass
RP-C3229/30/31 - 156 bi-class

I'm very bored.

Wow nice list

Thanks...hehe nice avatar you got there Tigs

When PAL discontinued their Riyadh route, it freed an A340, enabling them to add extra frequencies to their LAX/SFO operations. These frequencies lasted for a month, and now they're gone. The extra A340 doesn't seem to be utilized at the moment. What happened? D-check?

I was curious myself when I noticed that PR112/113 was reduced back to 2x a week again. Indeed it could be an opportunity for a C or D-check or some other form of heavy maintenence that requires down time (...or maybe they're getting retrofitted with a new interior!?!?! :D...meh one would wish...) esp. since the longhaul fleet has been hard pressed these past few years. If it's still in MNL, did anyone sight this thing sitting in the LH Technik hangar?

When PAL discontinued their Riyadh route, it freed an A340, enabling them to add extra frequencies to their LAX/SFO operations. These frequencies lasted for a month, and now they're gone. The extra A340 doesn't seem to be utilized at the moment. What happened? D-check?

Another thing, they have a new configuration for their A320s with only 143 passengers, http://www.philippineairlines.com/files/A320%203225%20bi-class.pdf

The config is strange, and it would suggest combi business class seats (if that's the case, then that's a LOT of pitch 33" or 34" in Y?) Even the monoclass version of that plane ( http://www.philippineairlines.com/files/A320%20RPC3225_150seats_MonoClass_Biclass_Apr06.pdf )has 150 seats, when standard 32in pitch monoclass would be at around 156-162 seats or so.

So, PAL's A320s are now configured in so many ways:

RP-C3221/3/4 - 150/156 convertible
RP-C3225 - 143/150 seats
RP-C3227/8 - 177 monoclass
RP-C3229/30/31 - 156 bi-class

I'm very bored.Talk about diversity. In one Airliners.net shot, I saw convertible A320 Mabuhay Class seats which made it look similar to those used for business class in Europe. Basically it was just a Y seat with the middle seat blocked and with a tray table over it. When I first flew in PAL's A320 back last March, the Mabuhay Class cabin on the one I was flew on was similar to the A330/A340 fleet (sans PTVs) with what seemed like overkill legroom (at least for an A320! Maybe dedicated to longer regional routes?). Presuming that the ones with a tad larger pitch is deployed to the longer routes while the higher density ones would cover domestic flights but then again PAL has been pressing it's fleet so who knows what you could get on per se S or KIX route (and I would hate to get those convertible Mabuhay Class seats on those flights!).



I'm very bored.
Welcome to the world of airline addicts. :lol:

It featured in Canada's Discovery Channel and theyve always re-run the episode once in a while.
anong time slot para mapanood

I was curious myself when I noticed that PR112/113 was reduced back to 2x a week again. Indeed it could be an opportunity for a C or D-check or some other form of heavy maintenence that requires down time (...or maybe they're getting retrofitted with a new interior!?!?! :D...meh one would wish...) esp. since the longhaul fleet has been hard pressed these past few years. If it's still in MNL, did anyone sight this thing sitting in the LH Technik hangar?

Well, there was some press a while back regarding the delivery of the A319s/A320s. It mentioned that the new A320x that were going to be delivered were to feature PAL's new interiors. So, perhaps we'll see a change of color scheme, at least.



Talk about diversity. In one Airliners.net shot, I saw convertible A320 Mabuhay Class seats which made it look similar to those used for business class in Europe. Basically it was just a Y seat with the middle seat blocked and with a tray table over it. When I first flew in PAL's A320 back last March, the Mabuhay Class cabin on the one I was flew on was similar to the A330/A340 fleet (sans PTVs) with what seemed like overkill legroom (at least for an A320! Maybe dedicated to longer regional routes?). Presuming that the ones with a tad larger pitch is deployed to the longer routes while the higher density ones would cover domestic flights but then again PAL has been pressing it's fleet so who knows what you could get on per se S or KIX route (and I would hate to get those convertible Mabuhay Class seats on those flights!).

Ah, the KIX route... I remember flying in it in the 90's, and I felt like the langoliers were coming :D Seriously, we flew on an A300, and it was practically deserted. The NRT route, however, was busier, and Mabuhay class featured a nice PTV to boot (however, I had just travelled LGW-MNL on Emirates earlier that year, and I found it sad that Emirates offered far more PTV choices in Y than PR on C). In retrospect, I find it weird that A300s (and PAL's A300s were all AB4s and not even AB6s, right?) were retrofitted with PTVs. Oh well.



Welcome to the world of airline addicts. :lol:

:D You'll also never hear me speculate like that around anyone else

Well, there was some press a while back regarding the delivery of the A319s/A320s. It mentioned that the new A320x that were going to be delivered were to feature PAL's new interiors. So, perhaps we'll see a change of color scheme, at least.

Yeah PR's release said that the A320s that are to be delievered will have new seats and AVOD PTVs (talk about a treat on a narrowbody. :D)


Ah, the KIX route... I remember flying in it in the 90's, and I felt like the langoliers were coming Seriously, we flew on an A300, and it was practically deserted. The NRT route, however, was busier, and Mabuhay class featured a nice PTV to boot (however, I had just travelled LGW-MNL on Emirates earlier that year, and I found it sad that Emirates offered far more PTV choices in Y than PR on C). In retrospect, I find it weird that A300s (and PAL's A300s were all AB4s and not even AB6s, right?) were retrofitted with PTVs. Oh well.
Say wha? PAL's A300s had PTVs in C...in the early 90s?! :eek: Whoa I never knew PAL had 'em that early... But yeah, PAL's A300s were -B4s.

3hrs and 10mins. PR's A330 continues to maintain its clean and fresh cabin which i think its is really properly maintained since its introduction in 1996/7... its still the same sice its introduction. Like PR A320.. A330 is same spacious as it is in its 2-4-2 layout. The space really helps you to really strecht out so I hope PAL would continue to maintain the cleanliness of the aircraft bec. many Koreans patronize their products and of course Fiipinos as well.

how long is Manila Seoul flight?...

the last PR A330 i was in was atleast 2 yrs ago Sydnet Manila via Mel,....its they're A330 w/purpish coloured seating (if i remembered correctly....yeah its spacious for an econommy class.clean and smell is fresh unlike some western carrier's

The difference between the First and Mabuhay Class seat is the recline: the First Class seat can go completely 180 degrees and recline into a bed-like position and supposedly has electronically controlled lumbar support (never tried that one out in my trip.) There is also a difference in seat-width with the C class seat @ close to 20 inches while the F seat is slightly better with more than 20. It would be nice if there was a privacy canopy for the F seats as what other airlines did.

thanks sky... i thought they're almost the same... but is the seat design also different or same floral petals design?
Well, a canopy would be a great idea to have more privacy to passengers... esp. for nap time.
So the First class seat can recline in full 180 degrees like a bed... so it means "SKYbeds" of PAL did not lost as many have perceived.


Talk about diversity. In one Airliners.net shot, I saw convertible A320 Mabuhay Class seats which made it look similar to those used for business class in Europe. Basically it was just a Y seat with the middle seat blocked and with a tray table over it. When I first flew in PAL's A320 back last March, the Mabuhay Class cabin on the one I was flew on was similar to the A330/A340 fleet (sans PTVs) with what seemed like overkill legroom (at least for an A320! Maybe dedicated to longer regional routes?). Presuming that the ones with a tad larger pitch is deployed to the longer routes while the higher density ones would cover domestic flights but then again PAL has been pressing it's fleet so who knows what you could get on per se S or KIX route (and I would hate to get those convertible Mabuhay Class seats on those flights!). I'm comfused what is the A320 convertible? Yeah, PR's A320s are confusing some were monoclass and some were bi-class but I think the newly delivered A320s were all bi-class.
So you've flown PR's A320 Mabuhay class what was it? Much like A330/A340 of PR? What "overkill legroom" was it tacky... i've never been in Mbuhay class
of their A320.


What kind of service can you expect from PAL on shorter flights such as Manila-Hongkong run?...i mean its a quick flight,... so do you just get snack (no meal) just curious.....how about manila-narita??....a 3 hour flight(i think)?? or does it depend on the Aircraft used?...

i know if its PR300 mnl-hk that its PAL's 747-4...what flight do they use the A340's? to HK...i'd like to try PAL's A340....PAL usually sends A330 here in Sydney...but certain times Boeing 747-4....i was told though that there isnt that much of a difference between PAL's A330 & A340.
My flight to Ho Chih Minh was also short like 2:10 they serve one complete meal only and HKG would likely be the same bec. its almost 2hr flight too. Plus there are short TV features in its main screens or PTV in F & C class.
Manila to Narita is a 4:25 flight... they usually serve one meal then complimentary drinks after. I think an hour after meal they serve peanuts and drinks.

There isn't really no difference between. A330 and A340 of PAL. PR also serve A340 on HKG but depends on sked. If you want to try their A340 in Asian flights try Ho Chi Minh on T,TH,S and to Okinawa, Fukuoka... they use their A340 their aside from US and Canada flights

I'm comfused what is the A320 convertible? Yeah, PR's A320s are confusing some were monoclass and some were bi-class but I think the newly delivered A320s were all bi-class.
So you've flown PR's A320 Mabuhay class what was it? Much like A330/A340 of PR? What "overkill legroom" was it tacky... i've never been in Mbuhay class of their A320.
ive been to PR's business class seat on an A320 on my way to tacloban...though i only paid the economy price i was only assigned on the business class cabin but was given the same service as economy.... and i must say, i am impressed with their legroom.... very very spacious...

Yeah PR's release said that the A320s that are to be delievered will have new seats and AVOD PTVs (talk about a treat on a narrowbody. :D)

If only I flew narrowbodies :p

Seriously, my first and last experience on a narrowbody was on ryanair... never again!!! :D My trip on an Asian Spirit Dash-7 doesn't count, as its a turboprop.





thanks sky... i thought they're almost the same... but is the seat design also different or same floral petals design?
Well, a canopy would be a great idea to have more privacy to passengers... esp. for nap time.
So the First class seat can recline in full 180 degrees like a bed... so it means "SKYbeds" of PAL did not lost as many have perceived.

If only these "skybeds" were available on the 744 fleet *sigh*


I'm comfused what is the A320 convertible? Yeah, PR's A320s are confusing some were monoclass and some were bi-class but I think the newly delivered A320s were all bi-class.

Euro-style convertible seats means that they turn the middle seat into an armrest and sell the adjacent seats as business. When they want to change it up, they just remove the thingamajigs, and they become economy seats. I honestly don't know how its good for yield management, as they offer a subpar business class when its business, and there aren't the optimum number of seats when its monoclass, but it seems to work in Europe somehow. An example can be seen here: http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0953554/M/

is there a chart that shows the actual mabuhay miles points required for their destinations?...cant see on the site?

hey does anyone know when pal flies into melbourne? like day and time? i always see all the other south east asian carriers fly over melbourne like cx, mh, tg, vn... but i never see pal? i tried their website but its kind of confusing... can anyone help? thanks :)

for Davao Manila route i'd go for PAL for these two shallow yet valid reasongs:

1. PAL flies A330/B747 bet DVO and MNL, 5J only flies A320

2. I get to use the "tube" at DIA and at NAIA2, (what is this "tube" called again? :D )

There isn't really no difference between. A330 and A340 of PAL. PR also serve A340 on HKG but depends on sked. If you want to try their A340 in Asian flights try Ho Chi Minh on T,TH,S and to Okinawa, Fukuoka... they use their A340 their aside from US and Canada flights

i ws just on airliners.net before and pal used an a340 and b744 on a bankok flight. does anyone know if pal sends b744 on their manila-melbourne via sydney runs? i searched some pics on airliners.net but found pics of pal b744's in sydney from four years ago. any know if they still send them ? i know that they send the a330 but itll be better if they send their b744's especially during peak season, last year i couldnt book pal and had to use qantas which was awful! btw can anyone post rhe times pal flies in and out of melbourne? thanks :)

i ws just on airliners.net before and pal used an a340 and b744 on a bankok flight. does anyone know if pal sends b744 on their manila-melbourne via sydney runs? i searched some pics on airliners.net but found pics of pal b744's in sydney from four years ago. any know if they still send them ? i know that they send the a330 but itll be better if they send their b744's especially during peak season, last year i couldnt book pal and had to use qantas which was awful! btw can anyone post rhe times pal flies in and out of melbourne? thanks :)



PAL uses A330 here in Australia...almost 90% of the time....they still send 744 but very rare now adays ....actually if your just on fiesta class its better ...PALs A330 is more spacious than their 744

if you book qantas on MNL -SYD return (QF19-20) your most likely gonna be on they're 767er or A330-200 or 300.....as they too have not used 747 on thiy're MNL route

btw the cheapest fare tro manila is royal brunei b767...hehe at certain times up to $500 cheaper than PAL & Qantas.....but i wouldn't fly w/them.....