Airlines, Airplanes and Airports - Compiled Threads [Archive] - Page 17

Crazy4Airplanes

August 6th, 2006, 01:25 AM

ive already posted this on the NAIA terminal 3 forums. but since it also concerns aviation, i will post it here also.

I just bought the current issue (July-August) issue of Business Traveller Asia-Pacific. There's an article about the new Bangkok International Airport. I'll just type the article here for everyone to read. Buti pa sila magbubukas na ang sobrang laking airport na ito after being delayed for only 1 year as compared to NAIA na sobrang liit lang e malapit nang mag 5 years delayed. Not to mention na ang Thailand, gumawa ng bagong airport. Ang Pinas, gumawa lang ng bagong terminal. At least may kapitbahay nanaman tayong may magandang airport. Makisaya nalang tayo sa kanila at mainggit. Haaayy.... Napagiwanan nanaman ang Pilipinas. Well, what else is new. In fairness, diba ang mga antiques class ang dating, baka akala ng Philippine Government ganun ang trato naten sa lecheng NAIA1. Kahit luma na, class a din. Holler, class bang matuturingan yon e ni ang flush ng banyo sira.

Oh, and by the way, im sure 5 days from its soft launch hindi guguho ang ceiling ng arrivals area nitong bagong Bangkok International Airport at walang National Carrier sa kanila na mag iinarte tungkol sa paglipat sa bagong airport.

FROM SWAMP TO AVIATION HUB
by Margie T Logarta
Business Traveller Asia Pacific, July-August 2006 issue

If all goes as planned, Suvarnabhumi Airport, also known as the new Bangkok International Airport, will soft open on September 28, after being delayed an entire year due to budget and technical problems.

The Thai government is eager to start operating the 155 billion baht (US$4 billion) state-of-the-art facility in order to establish the Kingdom as a hub to challenge the aviation supremacy of Singapore and Hongkong.

Five times the size of the well worn Don Muang Airport, Suvarnabhumi (pronounced soo-wa-na-poom) is projected to initially handle 45 million passengers annually as compared with the old facility's current capacity of 38 million passengers annually. Once fully operational, it is projected to handle 100 million passengers a year.

Designed by the prestigious Chicago-based firm of Murphy/Jahn, which was also responsible for the Sony Center in Berlin, Suvarnabhumi aims to set some world records by featuring the world's tallest control tower measuring 132m, the world's largest airport hotel with 600 rooms (managed by Accor's Novotel brand) and the world's largest hangar capable of containing three Airbus A380s.

The country's national carrier, THAI Airways International expectedly will use the airport to make its statement as a regional carrier to reckon with. Together with its Star Alliance partners, it will occupy the east side of Suvarnabhumi. With the motto: "Satisfaction beyond customer expectation" in mind. THAI is investing some 15.5 billion baht (US$390 million) in six major activities such as catering, aircraft maintenance, and customer service to ensure a seamless experience for its passengers, no matter which class.

For its premium clients, check-in facilities will come with innovative extras such as a lounge, a business centre, and for those who want to complete some last-minute negotiations with local partners, there will be small meeting rooms available (advance booking is required though).

The new airport tax will be higher than Don Muang's current levy of 500 baht (US$13).

The construction of the project was to have started in 1972 but was shelved due to political unrest until in 1996 when the New Bangkok International Airport Company was formed. Plans were delayed again by the 1997 financial crisis until 2002 when His Majesty, King Bhumibol Adulyadej laid the cornerstone signifying that civil works could finally begin. The monarch even renamed what was known as "Cobra Swamp" as "Golden Land" or Suvarnabhumi. It is 25km from Bangkok, about the same distance between the capital and Don Muang.

The past years have seen the marshlands being cleared of vegetation, reclaimed and reinforced through the latest technology. Even as the terminal prepares to open with two runways, measuring 3,700m and 4,000m respectively, preparation work on the third and fourth runways has commenced. Of the 51 piers, next to the passenger terminal, five are Airbus A380-capable. Another 69 piers are for remote parking.

Munich Airport officials have been asked to help the Airports of Thailand with the massive exercise of migration from Don Muang. The old airport will not be shut down but is expected to be utilised by low-cost carriers and military aircraft and continue to serve as maintenance and training facility.

Skyblade

August 6th, 2006, 04:07 AM

Was going to post this in the "PHILIPPINES DEFENCE" thread but was unable to find it.

20 pilots quit air force; 2 declared AWOL

By Nikko Dizon
Inquirer
Last updated 04:06am (Mla time) 08/05/2006

Published on page A2 of the August 5, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

SOME 20 pilots of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) have resigned from military service over the past few weeks to join local commercial airlines.

Inquirer sources from the Air Force said the bulk of those who tendered their resignations were combat pilots from the 15th Strike Wing based in Sangley Point, Cavite and the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing based in Mactan Air Base in Cebu.

The PAF confirmed the resignations but Air Force spokesperson Maj. Augusto de la Peña told the Inquirer the number of pilots was less than 20.

“Yes, there were pilots who have resigned but they wouldn’t number to 20.

I think they’re less than 20,” de la Peña said.

He also said that those who resigned were senior Captains and junior Majors.

“It’s still an offshoot of our pilots looking for greener pastures outside the military service,” de la Peña said.

De la Peña said he would have to confirm how many exactly resigned the previous weeks and from which services they came from.

The officers who resigned were graduates of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), PAF Flying School, and the Officer Training School.

They have all completed the mandatory eight-year military service, the sources added.

The 15th Strike Wing and the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing are the primary combatants of the PAF.

Their aircraft—from the MG 520 and OV-10 Broncos—are equipped with rockets and bombs, air assets that are mainly used in the government’s antiinsurgency campaign.

The sources added that at least two PAF captains have been declared absent without leave (AWOL) after they supposedly failed to report to their wing commanders while on terminal leave and continued to train with a local commercial airline.

The PAF has recalled the two pilots, one of whom is now under custody of his wing commander.

The pilots now await arraignment by the Judge Advocate General’s Office (JAGO) of the PAF, and a pre-trial investigation to determine if they should be court-martialed.

All military resignations must have the approval of the commander-in-chief.

Military pilots have found a better alternative in local commercial airlines such as Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Cebu Pacific which offer higher salaries and better benefits, as the PAF tries to make do with an ageing fleet of military aircraft.

De la Peña said that while there were pilots who have resigned, the Air Force continues to train other officers who would fill the slots that have been vacated.

But one of the sources pointed out that such resignations would still have a negative impact on the PAF.

“While the Air Force won’t run out of pilots, the PAF will have a shortage of experienced pilots,” the source noted, adding that the PAF has obviously become a training ground for future commercial pilots at the “expense of the government.”

Copyright 2006 Inquirer. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Solblanc

August 6th, 2006, 04:52 AM

IsaRic

August 6th, 2006, 04:52 AM

I heard about this too... pddf.sytes.net

there aint no planes to fly anyways :sleepy:

Taz08

August 6th, 2006, 08:02 AM

DOTC: Silay airport
operational July '07
BY GILBERT BAYORAN
MANILA - Despite the 15 percent work slippage in the construction of an airport of international standards in Silay City, Negros Occidental, its completion remains on schedule and will be operational July next year, Transportation and Communication Secretary Leandro Mendoza said.

Mendoza, who called it normal and a negligible problem, said it can be solved through overtime work by the contractor.

As of June, the completion of Silay airport has reached 54 percent, he said.

The work slippage was blamed by DOTC on the inability of the contractor to provide the scheduled manpower resources.

However, the same report said the contractor aims to produce a better output, and hopes to recover within the third and fourth quarters of the year with the expected start of work for architectural, electro-mechanical works and air navigation system.

Work undertaken so far covers clearing and grubbing work - 99 percent, topsoil stripping - 95 percent, embankment - 97 percent, cut and fill works - 42 percent, storm drainage system - 29 percent, cement stabilized subbase course - 73 percent, airport concrete pavement - 49 percent, passenger terminal building - 37.726 percent, control tower and operation building - 45.80 percent.

Mendoza, in an interview Tuesday at his office in Quezon City, said they are targeting the completion of the new Iloilo airport in Santa Barbara town in July this year.

The Department of Public Works and Highway is now making final arrangements and negotiations with landowners whose properties are covered by the 6-kilometer access road to be built from Brgy. Guinhalaran to the airport site in Brgy. Bagtic, Silay City. DOTC Assistant Secretary Ricardo Tan said the McKinley road in Silay will also be used as alternative route in going to the airport site.

He added that a technical group was organized to study what needs to be done with the existing airports of Bacolod and Iloilo.

Mendoza, on the other hand, said the international airports of Iloilo and Bacolod will pump-prime the economy of Western Visayas as it will encourage more investors to visit the region.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has increased the budget of DOTC by 70 percent this year, compared to 2005, which has an equivalent of P7.7 billion. Mendoza said he is optimistic that all airport infrastructures under the term of President Arroyo will be in place before 2010.*

MarkiiBoi

August 6th, 2006, 08:32 AM

Mendoza, in an interview Tuesday at his office in Quezon City, said they are targeting the completion of the new Iloilo airport in Santa Barbara town in July this year.

Parang hindi pa yata tapos eh August na.

chevy_boy

August 6th, 2006, 09:06 AM

Cebu Pacific to do more biz in GenSan

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (Mindaews/2 Aug) -- Cebu Pacific is eyeing more expansion in Region 12 (Southwestern Mindanao) after it opened its Cotabato City-Manila flight three weeks ago. Nathaniel Nazareno, local manager of the Air Transportation Office, said Cebu Pacific has officially included this city as among its destinations in the country even though the airline has yet to launch its inaugural flight. A Cebu Pacific source said that will likely happen in mid-September.
A Cebu Pacific official, Charlie Palpalatoc, said there is no definite schedule yet, but added that his company's check-in counter at the airport here is already being constructed. He said, too, that Cebu Pacific would build its own cargo terminal beside that of the Philippine Airlines.

Cebu Pacific's recently opened Cotabato City-Manila uses the 150-seater Airbus A-319 four times a week. This new airplane is supposedly fuel efficient, thus enabling the airline to charge low fares.

A travel agent here welcomed Cebu Pacific's planned GenSan flight, saying it would likely boost their income.

Francis Sablon, operations manager of Zion Travel and Tours that is now exclusively selling PAL tickets, said they have plans to open another travel agency that would sell Cebu Pacific tickets.

Currently, PAL and its sister company, Air Philippines, are making daily flights to and from this city.

Aside from the passengers, the GenSan airport is known for the heavy volume of tuna products it ships out daily. (MindaNews) :bash:

I was just at the airport this morning and no signs of any construction in the check-in or lobby area. An airport official even told me that cebu pacific had been PLANNING and SCHEDULING an innaugural flight to this city for almost a decade now....

That's why the cheapest PAL Roundtrip ticket between Manila and GenSan is 9,100 --> just a little cheaper compared to their HK fare when booking through the internet...

The GenSan airport looks very old, parang di na na-maintain... Walang tube (aerobridge) at mainit...

ianers_ianized

August 6th, 2006, 03:06 PM

Those flights of New Jersey and New York were "lugi" that's why they cancelled it according to PAL.
I don't think they won't be having a problem with staffing since other airlines like CX, JL and CI have flights on East Coast Flights using same crews. If there are few Filipinos in those states than in CA, they can still have a flight there maybe a twice or thrice a week flight is probably fine for PAL. If refueling and passenger market is a problem a twice or thrice a week sked id ok with them... still it depends on PAL's study and survey before they implement these flights.

There is no doubt that there are filipinos in those places you've mentioned but they are not as many as those filipinos in Cali and NY because if they do, even US airline companies would of served that market to MLA.

I am not sure why PAL's MNL -NJ as well as chicago's route were cancelled before. I'm suspecting PAL can' sustain those market because they will have to stop and refuel somewhere in eastcoast before they can continue onto it's final destination in eastcoast, namely NJ and JFK. PAL probably would be having problems with staffing that continuing flight from Eastcoat US or Canada. They would be needing ground workers, US based FA and pilots because like I said, it will take another 4 to 5 hours from west to east. They can't just use up these pilots and FAs to the max whom has been on the air flying the aircraft for 12 to 14 hours directly from Manila.

I think majority of Filipinos will give patronage with PAL despite with other airlines in competition since they woud like to have a direct flight to Manila or fly with Filipino crews. Direct flight, if they acquire the B773 or A346 aircraft. Even though there are still stopovers, Pinoys I think will choose PAL, but still depends on ticket fares offer.
While I would love to see PAL fly into JFK and/or IAD/BWI, PAL would face stiff competiton with Northwest, Korean, Cathay, China with their cutthroat pricing through consolidators. PAL's biggest selling point would hopefully be a non-stop flight from the US east coast. Is this even possible? I know Singapore does a JFK-SIN, Continental does a EWR-HKG non-stop and Korean flies IAD-ICN non-stop.

Skyblade

August 6th, 2006, 07:39 PM

I heard about this too... pddf.sytes.net

there aint no planes to fly anyways :sleepy:
A handful OV-10s and S.211s, 3 C-130s, and a bunch of UH-1s isn't much but there is something to fly. ;)

The correct link is http://www.pdff.sytes.net. I usually frequent there as much as SSC (which is not much nowadays).

Even though there are still stopovers, Pinoys I think will choose PAL, but still depends on ticket fares offer.
There's also easier connectivity with domestic flights for us whose destination isn't MNL. With PAL, the convenience of having both international and domestic ops under one roof is a plus for alot of Filipinos here. As much as I would love to diversify the airlines I fly and try out KE, BR, CI, CX, JL, etc. as well as accrue miles on their more flexible frequent flier mile programs, the idea of dragging those balikbayan boxes between terminals 1 and 2 isn't that much fun and in JL and NW's case, I would have to stay overnight in Manila as arriving flights come at night and depart in the morning. Unless you want to check out what's going on in MM, it's pretty much a turnoff for those that want to see families ASAP but with PAL, the trans-Pac flights are timed perfectly for morning domestic connections.

xDieselJockx

August 7th, 2006, 12:42 AM

Those flights of New Jersey and New York were "lugi" that's why they cancelled it according to PAL.
I don't think they won't be having a problem with staffing since other airlines like CX, JL and CI have flights on East Coast Flights using same crews. If there are few Filipinos in those states than in CA, they can still have a flight there maybe a twice or thrice a week flight is probably fine for PAL. If refueling and passenger market is a problem a twice or thrice a week sked id ok with them... still it depends on PAL's study and survey before they implement these flights.

I have experienced CX from HK to JFK airport on a business trip, we made a lay over in Vancouver and changed crews on our continuing flight to JFK from Vancouver. JL can fly directly to JFK from Japan since it's literally closer than MNL and HK so they don't need to change crews in the first place.

I believe that there are many airlines that serves NJ/NY from eastcoast US or from Vancouver Ca and PAL was having problems picking up passengers because of competition so there was a profit loss there, comparing to PAL continuing flight from Vancouver Ca to Las Vegas, first of, there are not many other airlines that serves directly to Las Vegas from Vancouver, they got lucky on this priveledge since it's one of the biggest tourist spot in the US, and that it would only take 2.5 hours only comparing to another 5 hours to east coast. So, it's not that there are very few filipinos around east coast particularly in NYC where one of the most concentration of filipino americans in the US.

Staffing crews does not only includes FA whom I think can take turns when serving and resting but most of the time they still change crews somehow. It's also the Pilot who will have to stay up, then you have to worry about the ground crews for PAL, like baggage handlers and such. Without enough profit, it will really be hard to sustain the service on these routes in east coast.

IsaRic

August 7th, 2006, 03:39 AM

hey, have u guys seen a rendering of the Duabi Airport? Its HUUUGEEE!!!

i wonder when theyll run out of oil... hmmm... what a lucky bunch ehh??

stephencua

August 7th, 2006, 03:40 AM

i read in the inquirer yesterday, they had this feature with John Gokongwei Jr., he said that cebu pacific would be launching flights to jakarta, kuala lumpur, bangkok by sept.. then to beijing and another chinese location by october.. :) cant wait for the official announcements!!!

Skyblade

August 7th, 2006, 05:33 AM

Staffing crews does not only includes FA whom I think can take turns when serving and resting but most of the time they still change crews somehow. It's also the Pilot who will have to stay up, then you have to worry about the ground crews for PAL, like baggage handlers and such. Without enough profit, it will really be hard to sustain the service on these routes in east coast.
Ground crew on international stations are usually left upon contractors such as Swissport (a former Swissair subsidary). On a similar note, a major killer for the EWR route was that it was operated with WO (World Airways) metal (MD-11) on a wet lease and pretty much brought down the economics of the route (not their own flight crew and aircraft).
there are not many other airlines that serves directly to Las Vegas from Vancouver, they got lucky on this priveledge since it's one of the biggest tourist spot in the US
Well, AC, WS (Westjet, seasonal), HQ (Harmony), AS (Alaska), YV (Mesa, on behalf of America West-US Airways) operate YVR-LAS which makes it a pretty decent market...but who'd wanna get stuck on a CRJ when a widebody A343 is avaliable for the same route. ;)

and that it would only take 2.5 hours only comparing to another 5 hours to east coast.
True, the quicker turnaround back to Vancouver was much easier for PR in terms of scheduling as at the time aircraft utilization was at it's highest.

i read in the inquirer yesterday, they had this feature with John Gokongwei Jr., he said that cebu pacific would be launching flights to jakarta, kuala lumpur, bangkok by sept.. then to beijing and another chinese location by october.. :) cant wait for the official announcements!!!
Great to hear some international expansion on 5J's behalf! Now if only Worldperks mileage accrual with them can also give me Elite Qualifying Miles...

xXx carlos xXx

August 7th, 2006, 06:03 AM

3 airlines seek fuel surcharge hike

By Riza T. Olchondra
Inquirer
Last updated 04:30am (Mla time) 08/07/2006

PHILIPPINE AIRLINES INC. (PAL), CEBU PAcific Air and China Airlines Ltd. have sought government permission to increase fuel surcharges that are included in their ticket prices.

In separate filings with the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), the airlines said that while any surcharge increase would be an added burden on passengers, they stressed that the adverse effect of higher oil prices on their operating costs has left them with no alternative but to seek a higher fuel surcharge.

In its letter, PAL asked that it be allowed to double its fuel surcharge for the Philippines-to-Guam route from $11 to $22.

China Airlines sought a $20 adjustment for two routes--Taipei-United States and Taipei-Canada. If its request is approved, the fuel surcharge of $34 for the two routes will increase to $54.

Only Cebu Pacific focused on fuel surcharges for domestic routes, its primary source of business. The budget carrier asked for adjustments in six route segments. It wanted an additional fuel surcharge of P140 for its Luzon-Mindanao flights (currently P850), P100 for Luzon-Visayas (currently P620), P100 for routes within Luzon (currently P450), P60 within Visayas (currently P400), P60 within Mindanao (currently P550), and P60 for Visayas-Mindanao (currently P550).

"Unlike other airlines that are able to increase the regional surcharges to the level that these can partially subsidize the domestic sector, Cebu Pacific’s regional operations only comprise a small part of its operations," Cebu Pacific said in its letter to the CAB.

"The wide array of low fares that are offered by the airline especially in the domestic sector, while stimulating more people to travel, does not leave the airline with a large buffer to accommodate increasingly high fuel prices," the carrier added.

The CAB has set separate hearings to give the three airlines a forum to justify their requests.

xXx carlos xXx

August 7th, 2006, 06:12 AM

i posted this in the tourism thread, and i thought that it's kinda related to aviation..

A tourism opportunity missed
DEMAND AND SUPPLY By Boo Chanco
The Philippine Star 08/07/2006

It is not surprising that when an opportunity fell on our laps, our tourism officials were caught napping. Last week, a total of 15 international flights bound for Hong Kong from various capitals all over the world were diverted to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) due to tropical storm "Henry," which closed down Hong Kong’s airport after ravaging our northern provinces.

Among other flights, Cathay Pacific had 10 of its Hong Kong-bound flights coming from various places such as Beijing, China; Singapore; Jakarta; Alaska in the US; Penang, Malaysia; Melbourne, Australia; and London, England, diverted to NAIA. A Cebu Pacific flight to Hong Kong was also turned back. As reported by Philippine Star, the various airlines’s Manila station offices had to scramble for billeting for the more than 2,700 passengers who had to stay the night in Manila.

British Airways had their two Hong Kong-bound flights diverted to NAIA, and Swissair had one flight going to Hong Kong from Zurich and Northwest Airlines had one flight coming from Miami, among those diverted due to the 120 kilometer per hour winds battering Hong Kong. The sudden influx of wide-bodied jets that crowded the NAIA aircraft parking area had forced NAIA authorities to advise all international airlines that other flights could not be accommodated.

The thought that came to my mind was, why bring all those diverted flights to Manila, in the first place. A Pinoy expat based in New York also wrote to say that Cebu and Davao should have been automatically prioritized in such a system as emergency landing spots over Metro Manila. Both cities have more decent airport terminal buildings and better tourism environment. There would have been more chances of those accidental tourists coming back if their first peek of the country was Mactan or Davao than the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila and its adjoining squatter areas.

Given that typhoons happen at predictable times of the year in our region, we should have had a system in place to welcome and accommodate hundreds of passengers stranded by the weather. There is such a thing as typhoon tourism. The airports in Mactan and Davao should be expanded to accommodate a sudden surge in the number of planes wanting to land.

Our Pinoy expat reader suggests that such a system should have a central database of all hotels and resorts, three stars and upwards, so that alerts can immediately be sent to these hotels and resorts whenever there is a possibility that a known typhoon would force flights to land in the Philippines. These establishments can subsequently reply with information on how many rooms they have available within the next several hours so that airline officials won’t have to scramble for rooms.

The same alert system can also be applied to tourist bus companies to transport passengers to their accommodations. Such a system, which is an adaptation of "Just in Time" (JIT) that is used in manufacturing, may be worth implementing because, as pointed out earlier, typhoons are regular occurrences in this region.

The number of stranded passengers, at 2,700, is significant. It is almost equivalent to the number traveling on a large cruise ship. If each passenger were assigned a single room at a rate of $80 a night, the country could earn approximately $216,000 to $432,000 in hotel or resort bookings alone for a stay of up to two nights. Transportation and accommodation costs will be paid for by the affected airlines. Typhoon tourism is nothing to be sneezed at.

A layover in Plantation Bay or Mactan Shangri-La or the Pearl Farm will be more memorable than one in a Makati hotel. I realize that Cebu’s hotels are almost always fully booked. But maybe, during the typhoon season, they are not as busy and can accommodate emergencies like last week’s.

Typhoon tourism or not, the bottom line is as I have always said in this column, we need investments in tourism infrastructure like hotel rooms. Attracting those investments should be the first item in the agenda of the tourism secretary, not all that pa-pogi media events and foreign junkets he is so fond of.

Sou-jiro

August 7th, 2006, 10:54 AM

i was on PAL PR210 on saturday.....despite lots of boeing fans here i must say i love myflight very smooth ...PAL pilots as so skillful...what a smooth landing .......the A333....are really quite a smooth flyer...& much quieter than most boeing....i was disappointed they're herpa diecast was out of stock so i have to wait again...i didnt get pics bnut i took quite a few videos while onboard & also at Sydney Airport....the Sydney airport was busy that morning & our flight was delayed (only 30mins ) as it arrived Airport was late from Melbourne on a very rainy morning...Arriving in NAIA, i was was happy to see a busy terminal 1 & 2 ....the was emirates, CX & a fed ex md11 behind our A333...

chevy_boy

August 7th, 2006, 10:58 AM

I hope that CEB will launch flights to Bangkok by September 28, in time for the opening of the new Bangkok International Airport...

ianers_ianized

August 7th, 2006, 11:04 AM

I agree w/ you, there so many testimonial about PAL that they like this regarding the easy connections from US morning arrival to domestic flights like DVO and CEB. PAL evening and afternoon flights bound for US and Canada are also suitable schedule for morning incoming domestic flights to Manila then connection to US/Canada flights. I think those are the points where PAL beats other airlines in transpacific flights, no stopovers and easy domestic connections.

There's also easier connectivity with domestic flights for us whose destination isn't MNL. With PAL, the convenience of having both international and domestic ops under one roof is a plus for alot of Filipinos here. As much as I would love to diversify the airlines I fly and try out KE, BR, CI, CX, JL, etc. as well as accrue miles on their more flexible frequent flier mile programs, the idea of dragging those balikbayan boxes between terminals 1 and 2 isn't that much fun and in JL and NW's case, I would have to stay overnight in Manila as arriving flights come at night and depart in the morning. Unless you want to check out what's going on in MM, it's pretty much a turnoff for those that want to see families ASAP but with PAL, the trans-Pac flights are timed perfectly for morning domestic connections.

PAL's pilots are really skilled, that's what I like in PAL's pilots they smoothly fly an enormous plane. And A330 and A340 are really quite flyers, flies smoothly and quiter just like my flights to Ho Chi Minh and Seoul
i was on PAL PR210 on saturday.....despite lots of boeing fans here i must say i love myflight very smooth ...PAL pilots as so skillful...what a smooth landing .......the A333....are really quite a smooth flyer...& much quieter than most boeing....i was disappointed they're herpa diecast was out of stock so i have to wait again...i didnt get pics bnut i took quite a few videos while onboard & also at Sydney Airport....the Sydney airport was busy that morning & our flight was delayed (only 30mins ) as it arrived Airport was late from Melbourne on a very rainy morning...Arriving in NAIA, i was was happy to see a busy terminal 1 & 2 ....the was emirates, CX & a fed ex md11 behind our A333...

ergit222

August 7th, 2006, 11:57 AM

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h319/ergit222/philippineairlines.jpg :eek2:

oz.fil

August 7th, 2006, 01:05 PM

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h319/ergit222/philippineairlines.jpg :eek2:
heheh! wow what a great deal! :]

richard fischer

August 7th, 2006, 03:38 PM

just read this in the Bullitin.... :

.....According to Romeo Serra, chairman of the Mindanao Business Council and the BIMP-EAGA Business Council, Mosphil Aero Inc., an RP-Russian company will start flights to the Zamboanga-Sandakan route by October while another flight connecting Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei will begin in April next year.

Other proposed air routes include Davao-Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia-Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei via Royal Brunei Airlines; Kota Kinabalu-Puerto Princesa via Air Asia and SouthEast Asian Airlines; Davao-Kota Kinabalu via Frontier Aviation; and Pontianak, Indonesia-Kuching, Malaysia-Brunei.

richard fischer

August 7th, 2006, 03:46 PM

just read this in Manila Times.... :

.....STATE-OWNED Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) is mulling the establishment of a rail system linking major airports in Metro Manila for faster travel and to ease traffic congestion.

Mel Robles, LRTA general manager, told reporters that LRTA and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) are completing the project concept.

“It is very feasible, and in fact, based on our plan it could connect all our airports—the Ninoy Aquino International Airport [NAIA] Terminals 1, 2 and even Terminal 3,” he said.

After completing the project concept, proponents could proceed with a prefeasibility study, he said. “What is good is that in the concept stage, it looks very encouraging. You could even use only a single track.”

The project could cost about $60 million, excluding the NAIA Terminal 3 connection. Without the third terminal node, the project would cost $60 million.

The NAIA 3 will require an underground tunnel, Robles said, adding that the proponents have sought foreign assistance for the conceptua°©lization phase.

As for the potential builder, the LRTA official said it could involve “either [the] private sector, the MIAA or the LRTA.”

“At this time what is important [is that] there is a desire, you have the concept, then you move to prefeasibility, feasibility, and then you go to the commercial [phase],” he said, adding that no timetable has been set for the project.

He added that the new rail system may be operated by the LRTA or a private operator. If completed, travel time from Monumento to the airport could only take about 30 to 45 minutes.

Skyblade

August 7th, 2006, 08:19 PM

PAL's pilots are really skilled, that's what I like in PAL's pilots they smoothly fly an enormous plane. And A330 and A340 are really quite flyers, flies smoothly and quiter just like my flights to Ho Chi Minh and Seoul
Though they get some of the lower pay compared to neighboring airlines, their skill doesn't seem to be as low as what they earn. :D

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h319/ergit222/philippineairlines.jpg :eek2:
I remember seeing that in PFSG. Eat your heart out, 787 and A350. ;)

ianers_ianized

August 8th, 2006, 06:52 AM

wow, this is a good news, 'hope they implement this soon, so that it would be easy for traveling for commuters like me as well as for tourist who wants to get around the city anytime. The Incheon Rail System that will link Seoul and Incheon is under construction right now, it will be now easy for those who commute from to Seoul to Incheon Airport. Hopefully our LRT system hurries in implementing this for easy access of commuters and convenience in transportation system.

.....STATE-OWNED Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) is mulling the establishment of a rail system linking major airports in Metro Manila for faster travel and to ease traffic congestion.

Mel Robles, LRTA general manager, told reporters that LRTA and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) are completing the project concept.

“It is very feasible, and in fact, based on our plan it could connect all our airports—the Ninoy Aquino International Airport [NAIA] Terminals 1, 2 and even Terminal 3,” he said.

I think the reason why these pilots as well as crews were staying in PAL is mainly bec. of motivation of nationalism of serving our national airline. And I think money is not enough to motivate them to go to other airlines, maybe it just come second, but I think they are highly motivated by the rewards they get from serving the Filipinos. The spirit of nationalism to serve PAL is driving them to work, coz serving PAL is like representing our country, it gives them a sense of pride and nationalism of course.

Though they get some of the lower pay compared to neighboring airlines, their skill doesn't seem to be as low as what they earn.

oz.fil

August 8th, 2006, 12:49 PM

my friend was talking to a retired singapore airlines pilot and she said that the pilot earned one million dollars per year! no wonder he retired, needs the rest of his life to spend his earnings!

bitoy

August 10th, 2006, 05:53 PM

my friend was talking to a retired singapore airlines pilot and she said that the pilot earned one million dollars per year! no wonder he retired, needs the rest of his life to spend his earnings!

Wow! I know they get paid well and the benefits are very good compared to other airlines, but is that in Singapore $Dollars? Even in S$, it is really too high.

Here's the Singapore Air - Pilot Salaries : PILOT SALARIES (http://www.singaporeair.com/saa/en_UK/content/company_info/careers/tech_crew.jsp#Header4)

In the US, According to the Air Line Pilots Association, their average major* airline member Captain is 50 years old, with 18 years seniority and makes $182,000 a year. A non-major airline Captain is 41 years old with 10 years of seniority and makes $70,000 a year.

ianers_ianized

August 11th, 2006, 06:32 AM

aUen

August 11th, 2006, 06:58 AM

So how strict is the security in NAIA?

UK is very serious about this that they won't allow passengers on any flights in the UK to take any carry on luggage, except for "the barest essentials - including passports and wallets" which "will be allowed to be carried on board in transparent plastic bags".

I checked San Francisco Airport's website this afternoon and read this notice.
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a114/auen00/ssc/ea2e12c7.jpg

huistenmark

August 11th, 2006, 12:21 PM

oz.fil

August 11th, 2006, 12:28 PM

huistenmark

August 11th, 2006, 12:40 PM

Alot of airlines cancelled their flights to london. BA and BMI cancelled all domestic and european flights from LHR until about 1, i think. Some long haul flights were allowed, and since there was a build up of planes at LHR, flights originating from Europe were't allowed in, except for those who had already airborne. Heck, KLM even sent a 747 later to accomodate pax for their earlier cancelled flights. Good thing Vrigin trains accepted plane tix to Manchester and Birmingham, so they were able to trafel. Tix for Eurostar are now hard to come by.. I hope the situation eases up a bit today, although unlikely, as those who missed their flight yesterday would be fighting for a place today..

We had about 25 miss-connected pax yesterday, a tour group who arrived about 10 mins too late from FRA. They begged to be let on the flight, but we didn't want to be delayed so we told them they can fly today.. So, more pax today then.. tsk tsk..

habagatcentral1

August 11th, 2006, 02:04 PM

terrapinoy

August 11th, 2006, 03:00 PM

http://www.inq7.net/archive/2006/aug/11/zoom1.jpg

xDieselJockx

August 11th, 2006, 04:50 PM

^^ Americans and Europeans are into paranoia with regards to the security. No Liquid, cream or gel is allowed, not even hair gel or toothpaste!

This is the first afternoon that we've got a lot of cancellations of trips (particularly with LHR) from our customers because of this.

Looks like some people needs to be educated when it comes to tactics a terrorists can do. FYI, liquid bombs has been there for ages. The comon household or kitchen items, when mixed together can be lethal and be used to create a bomb. The way a panathic muslim usually do is to recruit Islamic religion curious non-muslims and promise them the whole world, to be holier than though if they offer their lives for the costs and in the name of allah, this is how they reruit suicide bombers. Caucasian and British born Reed and an American John Walker are a good example of a muslim convert turned hard core. Whomever sheltered them under their wings brainwashed vulnerable person and turned them into a terrorists. You can call it paranoia, because the acts like these really triggers paranoia. What happened yesterday wasn't just paranoia, it was infiltrated by informants who tipped the authorities. So, it's not a paranoia per se with no basis, it's the reality that needs to be addressed. You've gotta think that these muslim terrorists has been testing ways to create a havoc if not a major disaster. Take for instance PAL 747 that was bomb in the early 90's, It originated in Cebu and bound for Tokyo Japan. The result, one fatality, the victim? A Japanese national. Those cells are all interconneted and is being funded by the same group or organizations.

oz.fil

August 11th, 2006, 04:56 PM

xDieselJockx

August 11th, 2006, 04:57 PM

Anyone, have heard the hightened alert at Heathrow yesterday due to terrorist threat on planes from UK bound for US. NAIA was also in heigthened alert after that.

I also remembered about Beirut Int'l Airport. I feel sad that their airport was bomb, now destroyed by Israel due to to their Hezbollah conflict. I think all flights to Beirut are cancelled or will resume when their airport is built again.

I don't think the airport terminal in Beirut was targetted, it was the taxiways and runways that were damaged, basically, it was just a tactic to prevent any take off and landings from beirut as the airport might be used by Hezbollah militants to launch counter attack aircrafts against Israeli airstrikes.

habagatcentral1

August 11th, 2006, 05:07 PM

Looks like some people needs to be educated when it comes to tactics a terrorists can do. FYI, liquid bombs has been there for ages. The comon household or kitchen items, when mixed together can be lethal and be used to create a bomb. The way a panathic muslim usually do is to recruit Islamic religion curious non-muslims and promise them the whole world, to be holier than though if they offer their lives for the costs and in the name of allah, this is how they reruit suicide bombers. Caucasian and British born Reed and an American John Walker are a good example of a muslim convert turned hard core. Whomever sheltered them under their wings brainwashed vulnerable person and turned them into a terrorists. You can call it paranoia, because the acts like these really triggers paranoia. What happened yesterday wasn't just paranoia, it was infiltrated by informants who tipped the authorities. So, it's not a paranoia per se with no basis, it's the reality that needs to be addressed. You've gotta think that these muslim terrorists has been testing ways to create a havoc if not a major disaster. Take for instance PAL 747 that was bomb in the early 90's, It originated in Cebu and bound for Tokyo Japan. The result, one fatality, the victim? A Japanese national. Those cells are all interconneted and is being funded by the same group or organizations.

^^ I remembered that in a National Geographic Show of PAL434 MNL-CEB-NRT alias "Armani Foliani" was one of the top "terrorists" in the FBI list. in one contact lens canister was the bomb planted --> The result was "Project Bojinka". But I was impressed how the pilots managed to land safely the crippled plane in Naha, Okinawa.

@ OzFil. Got a point there. Anyway, its better to be safe than sorry.

Skyblade

August 11th, 2006, 07:49 PM

It was a nightmare working at Heathrow yesterday, although not as bad as the media pointed it out to be, at least not at T3. There was a very long queue at the security checkpoint, and travellers were only allowed to the bare minimum (Wallet, passport, tix, tissues have to be checked before). We have had passengers putting on contct lenses infront of us, because contact lense solutions are not allowed. Transfer desks were all closed, every baggage has to be picked up by ALL passengers, tagged thru or not, and no cabin baggage at all. All in all, everything went well, and our flight arrived and left on time (one of the only few airlines in LHR yesterday to have done so!!!). But man, were we all really tired and stressed out!
Sounds like you had a handful there, huistenmark! Well kudos in doing what you can in assessing the chaos. ;)

I don't think the airport terminal in Beirut was targetted, it was the taxiways and runways that were damaged, basically, it was just a tactic to prevent any take off and landings from beirut as the airport might be used by Hezbollah militants to launch counter attack aircrafts against Israeli airstrikes.
Indeed the terminal is still intact but with some minor damage.

^^ I remembered that in a National Geographic Show of PAL434 MNL-CEB-NRT alias "Armani Foliani" was one of the top "terrorists" in the FBI list. in one contact lens canister was the bomb planted --> The result was "Project Bojinka". But I was impressed how the pilots managed to land safely the crippled plane in Naha, Okinawa.
PR434 was the first thing that came to mind when I heard that the TSA wasn't allowing gels, toothpaste, beverage containers, etc. onboard. This flight does show that it really is possible to wreak some havoc from these small containers. Looks like I'm going to have some fun in my mileage run (LAX-SFO-IAD-SFO-LAX-JFK-LAX) which is coming up... :bash:

huistenmark

August 12th, 2006, 02:15 AM

Thanks Skyblade!

Today was even worse! We were really stretched to the limit, and airlines are fighting for check-in counters as normal precedures wasn't possible. Everybody is taking a bloody long time, and since almost everyone was flying, there was literally no empty space at LHR. We were still able to be on schedule, and for that, we received a several boxes of nice french sweets from our CEO!! I was really tired, what with being a security officer/porter/check-in agent/Lobby assistant at the same time, but the fact that our CEO appreciated our efforts raised everyone's spirit!!

bitoy

August 12th, 2006, 03:41 AM

Secured Airports, Airplane and Passengers equate for peace of mind for everyone.
Discipline needs to take effect on everyone, no need to complain or argue on the state of alertness, it's for everyone's safety.
I feel sorry for those people whose features are Arabic, Pakistanis or Indians they get the backlash of this event.

ergit222

August 12th, 2006, 06:39 AM

^^you can't do anything if the suspected extremists and alleged terrorists are with arab-sounding names.

jef7

August 12th, 2006, 09:16 AM

Anyone, have heard the hightened alert at Heathrow yesterday due to terrorist threat on planes from UK bound for US. NAIA was also in heigthened alert after that.

The resulting changes due to these thwarted terrorist plots are just enormous, almost unimaginable (atleast to frequent flyers). The thought of flying through London's Heathrow was enough for me to cancel my scheduled trip to Europe in the next few weeks.

I'm heading to Singapore, then Manila instead. I know the threat is definitely everywhere, but home is always better anyways :okay:

jef7

August 12th, 2006, 09:18 AM

Looks like I'm going to have some fun in my mileage run (LAX-SFO-IAD-SFO-LAX-JFK-LAX) which is coming up... :bash:

Nice to hear you're doing MRs too :)

I'm hoping the insanity will subside as soon as possible (perhaps wishful thingking) because I refuse to check any luggages when traveling :ohno:

ianers_ianized

August 12th, 2006, 02:16 PM

Good luck on your trip!

Manila is really strict even there's no hightened alert. Imagine, 2 x-rays and customs ans security inspections in airport before entering and going to the gates, plus if it is a US flight a third security inspection is made prior going to waiting area near the boarding gate.

The resulting changes due to these thwarted terrorist plots are just enormous, almost unimaginable (atleast to frequent flyers). The thought of flying through London's Heathrow was enough for me to cancel my scheduled trip to Europe in the next few weeks.

I'm heading to Singapore, then Manila instead. I know the threat is definitely everywhere, but home is always better anyways :okay:

Skyblade

August 12th, 2006, 09:25 PM

Thanks ianers. :)

Nice to hear you're doing MRs too :)

I'm hoping the insanity will subside as soon as possible (perhaps wishful thingking) because I refuse to check any luggages when traveling :ohno:
Thanks, it's great to see a fellow MRer around SSC as well. :) I took advantage of that 130+ trans-con fare that was in UA's website a few weeks back. I was able to bag a Y+ seat in one of their PS aircraft, talk about a bargain. :D But yeah, when it comes to runs, I live off my carry-on and more especially my laptop. So much for bringing toothpaste, mouthwash, and ointment...:(

Manila is really strict even there's no hightened alert. Imagine, 2 x-rays and customs ans security inspections in airport before entering and going to the gates, plus if it is a US flight a third security inspection is made prior going to waiting area near the boarding gate.
The three lines of defense known as security checkpoints in NAIA definitely has seasoned me up for what's coming. Talk about a thorough inspection!

jef7

August 12th, 2006, 09:25 PM

Good luck on your trip!

Manila is really strict even there's no hightened alert. Imagine, 2 x-rays and customs ans security inspections in airport before entering and going to the gates, plus if it is a US flight a third security inspection is made prior going to waiting area near the boarding gate.

Thank you. I was there last June and security was indeed tight. With these recent advisories, I won't be surprised if a third security inspection becomes the norm for all outbound flights.

Still, MNL isn't LHR. There is no way I'll be forced to check-in my laptop, camera, or cell.

richard fischer

August 12th, 2006, 11:57 PM

in business world :
aisian spirit to fly to taiwan !
can someone who has access post that article here please ?

habagatcentral1

August 13th, 2006, 08:08 AM

jef7

August 13th, 2006, 10:45 AM

Question:

With regards with the current situation, does electronic devices (cellphones, ipod, walkman, digicam) are allowed to be inside the aircraft?

I'll be flying on Wednesday and I'll be bringing a few gadgets but no liquid.

It depends on where you are flying to and from.

If you are a passenger starting journey at a UK or United States of America airport and to those transferring between flights at a UK airport, then ALL electrical or battery powered items including laptops, mobile phones, portable music players, remote controls etc cannot be carried in the cabin and must be checked in as hold baggage.

source: British Airways (https://lfn.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/lfn.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=2355&p_sid=sLcHmYei&p_lva=2350&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPSZwX3NvcnRfYnk9JnBfZ3JpZHNvcnQ9JnBfcm93X2NudD0xMiZwX3Byb2RzPSZwX2NhdHM9JnBfcHY9JnBfY3Y9JnBfc2VhcmNoX3R5cGU9YW5zd2Vycy5zZWFyY2hfbmwmcF9wYWdlPTE%2A&p_li=#)

For US domestic only travelers, carry on luggages are allowed given the following prohibitions:

* All liquids and gels of any kind may not be placed in carry on baggage, carried through the security checkpoint or carried onboard aircraft. Those items are allowed in checked baggage.
* Prohibited items include all beverages, shampoo, sun tan lotion, creams, tooth paste, hair gel and other items of similar consistency. Exceptions include baby formula and breast milk if a baby or small child is traveling, and prescription medicines with a label matching the name of the ticketed passenger.

These (liquid etc) prohibitions apply as well for aircrafts bound to US from the Philippines, and other countries other than UK.

richard fischer

August 13th, 2006, 11:47 AM

ianers_ianized

August 13th, 2006, 02:39 PM

In addition to that Passports and tickets is being check 5 times, before entering the departure hall, before entering the 1st security inspection, after paying airport tax, after the second security customs plus one if it is a US flight.

Thanks ianers. :)

The three lines of defense known as security checkpoints in NAIA definitely has seasoned me up for what's coming. Talk about a thorough inspection!

**On other news**

PAL completes the Domestic Phase of its ET Project

PAL decided to go into electronic ticketing (ET) a year prior to IATA's mandate and introduce electronic ticketing a month before the IATA Annual General Meeting.

ET was implemented on the 1st of May 2004, Manila and Cebu being the pilot stations. Since then, all PAL's domestic routes have been ET- enabled. Recent cutover to full ET implementation includes Butuan, Cotabato and Naga - a total of of 19 Et-eligible domestic stations. ET has also been implemented to some of PAL's internatina routes like Pusan, Guam, Hong Kong, Honolulu, Incheon/Seoul, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Vancouver.

PAL is currently working to expand their e-ticketing service to more cities abroad. Melbourne and Sydney in Australia by September, Tokyo, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Osaka and Okinawa by October and Bangkok, Singapore and Jakarta by December.

PAL also expects completion of its interline electronic ticketing project with its major airline partners by the end of 2007 like American Airlines and Continental Airlines.

habagatcentral1

August 13th, 2006, 02:44 PM

hi everyone,
now that cebu pacific has an all new fleet it would be nice to see a line up with lots of their new aircraft on the tarmac. anyone travelling throughout the country please take your cameras, shoot how modern this airline now is and post it here please !
salamat po

^^ Yup. They've got a new fleet. I like it! Hopefully they've got a new airport too.
Domestic Terminal 1 really needs a total overhaul. Imagine, tourists bound for Bora and Palawan and 5J passengers would have to go an old airport.

papable

August 13th, 2006, 03:34 PM

^^ Yup. They've got a new fleet. I like it! Hopefully they've got a new airport too.
Domestic Terminal 1 really needs a total overhaul. Imagine, tourists bound for Bora and Palawan and 5J passengers would have to go an old airport.

The operation of the present domestic terminal was supposed to be temporary pending the opening of NAIA 3. If that had happened, the domestic routes would transfer to Centennial Terminal (NAIA 2), while all international routes would transfer to terminal 3. Then there would be no need to renovate or "overhaul" that really horrible terminal. Maybe it would just be converted into a general aviation area. You know of course that NAIA 3 is in a state of limbo. So everything is hanging.

habagatcentral1

August 13th, 2006, 03:37 PM

^^ Hope that Terminal 3 opens as soon as possibe. Pulitika talaga sa Pilipinas! Haynakupow!

terrapinoy

August 13th, 2006, 05:29 PM

Landing in Kalibo
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e289/sikatuna/IMG_0635.jpg

Deplaning in Mactan
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e289/sikatuna/IMG_0573-1.jpg

Refueling in Mactan
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e289/sikatuna/IMG_0570.jpg

From a 5J Fan

sandrin

August 13th, 2006, 08:59 PM

worst airport: madami ang magnanakaw sa naia 1

http://www.philstar.com/philstar/NEWS200608146303.htm

chevy_boy

August 13th, 2006, 11:08 PM

FYI: PAL also offers Php 3,238 RT tickets between Manila and Cebu same with Cebu Pacific's lowest fare... Hindi ba mawalan pasahero Cebu Pacific niyan to Cebu kasi same fares lang tapos mas maganda naman planes ng PAL (Though CEB has a new and modern fleet) e PAL may brand new A320s din tapos A330, A343 and B744 nila e medyo bago pa naman at maayos ang Cabin...

papable

August 13th, 2006, 11:24 PM

richard fischer

August 14th, 2006, 12:11 AM

Solblanc

August 14th, 2006, 05:07 AM

^^ Marami talagang loyal customers ang pal, because of its safety record (relatively) and good service, kahit na palaging late. Brand loyalty is very important to Filipinos. Alam ng Cebu Pacific yan, so it has to work hard (and do a lot of gimmicks) to catch up. Low fares are one, and now the complete refleeting. I hope the airline can live up to its ad claim that they are 95% on time. Kasi I have noticed that they are slowly slipping into the same habit as PAL. Or is this really part of the Filipino culture? That we are never on time? Just asking.

Delays can happen to any airline. PAL is trying to minimize their delays, but Cebu Pacific is better at it.

One reason why people perceive that delays are going on all the time is that people complain to the high heavens when they get delayed, and the vocal minority can color the perception of a whole population. The saddest bit is, when the flight is good, people rarely make compliments, but when shit happens, it never goes unnoticed.

That being said, I take delays in stride. In my flights for the past two years, at least one leg was either cancelled or delayed by at least 12 hours. I'm not talking about PAL or Cebu Pacific here. I'm talking about Emirates (cancelled leg), Cathay Pacific (longass delay, and it didn't help that I had an exam to go to, not to mention that I suffered their long delays not once but twice), and British Airways (my quick trip to London became my quicker trip to London thanks to a cancelled flight). If these supposedly reputable airlines can screw up my life, my vacations, and my schedule like that, then I don't really mind flying on PAL or 5J (although I haven't flown PAL since I was 11)

Æsahættr

August 14th, 2006, 05:17 AM

Does 5j still have those awesome PTVs?

ianers_ianized

August 14th, 2006, 05:34 AM

^ I think no, only overhead TV screens, though i didn't flown 5J yet, bec. it was features in the movie "D Luck Ones" where the opening scene was the TV screen inside the cabin of 5J A319 aircraft where Sandara and Pokwang were watching in the overhead TV screen.

Æsahættr

August 14th, 2006, 07:39 AM

Well, last time I flied it 11 years ago, they had BOTH ptv's and overhead screens. So it could be that, or it could be that their new airbus fleet no longer has ptv's :( :( :(
I miss their md-93's (or whatever they used before)

aUen

August 14th, 2006, 09:45 AM

Are you sure it was Cebu Pacific? Because they only started flying in 1996 and I don't think they could afford such IFE system, yet.

oz.fil

August 14th, 2006, 10:23 AM

qantas doesnt have ptvs on their B763s... and to think they were a 4 star airline -.-"

ianers_ianized

August 14th, 2006, 11:20 AM

PAL decided to go into electronic ticketing (ET) a year prior to IATA's mandate and introduce electronic ticketing a month before the IATA Annual General Meeting.

ET was implemented on the 1st of May 2004, Manila and Cebu being the pilot stations. Since then, all PAL's domestic routes have been ET- enabled. Recent cutover to full ET implementation includes Butuan, Cotabato and Naga - a total of of 19 Et-eligible domestic stations. ET has also been implemented to some of PAL's internatina routes like Pusan, Guam, Hong Kong, Honolulu, Incheon/Seoul, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Vancouver.

PAL is currently working to expand their e-ticketing service to more cities abroad. Melbourne and Sydney in Australia by September, Tokyo, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Osaka and Okinawa by October and Bangkok, Singapore and Jakarta by December.

PAL also expects completion of its interline electronic ticketing project with its major airline partners by the end of 2007 like American Airlines and Continental Airlines.

aUen

August 14th, 2006, 12:45 PM

American Airlines and PAL? Partners? How?
Codesharing? To where? :sly:

xDieselJockx

August 14th, 2006, 01:04 PM

American Airlines and PAL? Partners? How?
Codesharing? To where? :sly:

Probably MNL -SFO/LAX route . Once you arrive in SFO/LAX if you have a connecting flights on your final destintion, it would be with AAirlines. I think it used to be Delta Airlines but then Delta is a partner with Skyteam together with KLM/NWA NOW! I know these because I earn mileage with WorldPerks through delta airlines.

aUen

August 14th, 2006, 04:09 PM

Continental is a Skyteam member as well but American Airlines is a OneWorld member. Cebu Pacific is a WorldPerks partner, isn't it?

If PAL joins an airline alliance, what would the advantages be?

Solblanc

August 14th, 2006, 05:02 PM

American Airlines and PAL? Partners? How?
Codesharing? To where? :sly:

They're interline partners. There is no codeshare. The interline agreement just allows either airline to issue a single ticket for a complex routing that goes through two airlines. It's not as comprehensive as a codeshare or even interlining through an alliance, but it works. PAL hasn't been losing money on its west coast flights, after all.

federal

August 14th, 2006, 08:13 PM

guys, heard about this NAIA1 departure xray machine being moved to the post-immigration area. Does this mean wala na xray machines sa east and west wing entrances or meron pa din? Ill be taking a CX flight next to LAX and am concerned about this security issue.. hehe. PLus another xray at the big tube connecting two sattelite areas to the departure hall?

chevy_boy

August 14th, 2006, 09:10 PM

Wala na, after immigration na ang X-ray sa NAIA - right after immigration and before duty free...

I have noticed nowadays na mas madalas at grabe mag delay ng flight ang 5J compared to PR... Been with PAL many times pero mga once or twice lang ako naka ranas ng delay, 8 times nako naka sakay ng Cebu Pacific, 1 flight lang ang on time at yung 1 flights naman mga 10 mins delay, yung 6 flights more than 1 hour delayed na....

Cathay naka try ako delay once pero dahil sa weather naman sa kai tak pa nun, Thai never pa ako naka ranas ng delay....

Cebu PAcific talaga ang sobra sa delay....

terrapinoy

August 14th, 2006, 09:29 PM

How much of the delays that Cebu Pacific is experiencing can be blamed on the runway repairs at NAIA? It seems to me that the airlines using the Domestic terminal are affected greater than PAL's T2 or Terminal 1.

There is a blog on http://www.marketmanila.com/archives/cebu-pacific-youre-so-daing that chronicles the blogger's recent experience with Cebu Pacific (delays and problems with their billing system). Hopefully, Cebu Pacific is listening.

Æsahættr

August 14th, 2006, 11:50 PM

Are you sure it was Cebu Pacific? Because they only started flying in 1996 and I don't think they could afford such IFE system, yet.

Yes. The 11 years ago was exaggerated but I did fly Cebu Pacific and they had PTVs. Perhaps they just bought planes second hand and they came with PTVs?

terrapinoy

August 15th, 2006, 02:10 AM

hey terrapin !
great collection ! salamat very much ! have any more ?

@richard - Last two pics. Hope others have more detailed photos.

Pretty Standard A319 Interior
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e289/sikatuna/IMG_0602.jpg

At Manila Domestic
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e289/sikatuna/IMG_0603.jpg

oz.fil

August 15th, 2006, 11:52 AM

@richard - Last two pics. Hope others have more detailed photos.

Pretty Standard A319 Interior
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e289/sikatuna/IMG_0602.jpg

cant see any overhead tvs?

markycrossley

August 15th, 2006, 12:51 PM

they drop down after the doors are armed. by pushback, thye then show the safety video thingy. (i suppose since ive never flown cebu pacific)

chevy_boy

August 15th, 2006, 01:26 PM

[QUOTE=Solblanc]Delays can happen to any airline. PAL is trying to minimize their delays, but Cebu Pacific is better at it.QUOTE]

Try to check again if Cebu Pacific is really better at it....

habagatcentral1

August 15th, 2006, 01:45 PM

they drop down after the doors are armed. by pushback, thye then show the safety video thingy. (i suppose since ive never flown cebu pacific)

^^ Kala ko yung tulad sa "D Lucky Ones", yung pinapalabas ang sine ni Ate Vi! :D

Anyway, looks crampy but new. How much is the difference between A320 and A319 in terms of pax?

terrapinoy

August 15th, 2006, 03:01 PM

cant see any overhead tvs?

You know what, I don't remember any overhead screens at all. There is a 19" lcd in the front that acts as an information screen as well as a control panel for the FA's. Overall, the cabin space was fully utilized, but it was not uncomfortable either.

ianers_ianized

August 15th, 2006, 07:18 PM

Does 5J have safety demo on screen like on PAL's A330s. Their A320 doesn't have automatic demos on screen, still manual demo.

they drop down after the doors are armed. by pushback, thye then show the safety video thingy. (i suppose since ive never flown cebu pacific)

Those are not PTVs in that movie, only overhead TV screens.

^^ Kala ko yung tulad sa "D Lucky Ones", yung pinapalabas ang sine ni Ate Vi! :D

Anyway, looks crampy but new. How much is the difference between A320 and A319 in terms of pax?

xDieselJockx

August 16th, 2006, 10:40 AM

Continental is a Skyteam member as well but American Airlines is a OneWorld member. Cebu Pacific is a WorldPerks partner, isn't it?

If PAL joins an airline alliance, what would the advantages be?

Yes, Cebu Pacific is with SkyTeam, so you would earn world perks miles with it.

oz.fil

August 16th, 2006, 10:54 AM

^^^ i dont think any alliance wants pal ahah -.-"

rooster2369

August 16th, 2006, 03:51 PM

Philippines to upgrade 15 provincial airports (18 August 2005)

Abstract: The Philippines Department of Transportation and Communications is planning to invest more than US$500 million on the upgrade of provincial airports on top of US$4 billion required in funding for its rail projects now in the pipeline.

The Philippines Department of Transportation and Communications plans to start upgrading 15 provincial airports this year to have them up to international standard by 2010, according to the Department Secretary Leandro Mendoza.

The upgrades, costing 30 billion pesos (US$536 million), are expected to encourage domestic travel and investment in the provinces. The 15 airports include Clark and Subic in Luzon, Panglao in Bohol, Bagabag in Nueva Ecija, Busuanga and El Nido in Palawan, Tacloban and San Fernando in La Union and Caticlan in Aklan.

Other projects, like Iloilo Airport on Panay Island, are already underway. Upgrade of this 184-hectare airport includes:
- a 2,500-meter runway, an apron, general aviation aircraft parking and perimeter fence;
- a passenger terminal building with a total floor area of 7,000 square meters;
- a cargo terminal building, a control tower, an administration building, a fire station and a main power substation building;
- communication and air navigational aids;
- crash fire rescue vehicles and airport utilities;
- an aviation fuel supply system, fire fighting equipment and airport maintenance equipment

The Iloilo Airport upgrade, contracted to Taisei Philippines Construction Inc., is to be partly financed by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC). Construction of this project, estimated to cost 6 billion pesos, started in 2004 and is expected to end in 2008.

The Department of Transportation and Communications has major plans for upgrading and extending rail services too. It has just awarded a contract to SNC - Lavalin International Incorporated for the extension of the southern part of Line 1 of Manila’s light rail system. This project will include construction of a 12-kilometer-long elevated light railway with eight new stations and provision for two additional stations. Construction of the project, estimated to cost 44 billion pesos, is scheduled to start late next year.

Meanwhile, Japanese contractor Sumitomo is already upgrading the trains, tracks and platforms as well as rehabilitating steel structures at 18 light rail stations from Monumento, Quezon City to Baclaran, Pasay City along Line 1.

The Department of Transportation and Communications has more rail projects in the pipeline including Phase 2 of Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) 3 at Caloocan City, Phase 1 of the South Manila Commuter Rail Project, MRT 7 at Quezon City, MRT Line 4 in Manila and Phase 1 of MRT 8 in Rizal.

These rail projects, now at various stages of design and documentation, are expected to require an investment of US$4 billion. The department is lining up partners to fund their development under build-own-and-operate schemes well as build-and-transfer schemes.

ianers_ianized

August 16th, 2006, 05:13 PM

Emirates Business Class Cabin

Look at this while browsing airliners.net . This is breathtaking! I like the star spangled ceiling and the mood that the light is eliciting... soothing and relaxing. I hope I'll able to sit on those seats of EK. This is called sunrise light with stars spangled sky by Emirates.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/ianers_ianized/EKcabin-1.jpg

And i don't think PAL wants to be in any alliance of airlines either coz they want get more opportunities in interline. If PAL will join any alliance it will limit its freedom on interline services. And there are many other big time airlines not in the alliance like middle east airlines like QR, SV, EK... PAL is doing a wise move in doing business w/ other airlines, don't you agree w./ me?

^^^ i dont think any alliance wants pal ahah -.-"

richard fischer

August 16th, 2006, 05:41 PM

[QUOTE=terrapin]@richard - Last two pics. Hope others have more detailed photos.

really nice ! thank you terrapin and DO keep us posted the next time you are close to an airport or fly please ! your photography is of excellent quality.
regards from germany, richard. :)

richard fischer

August 16th, 2006, 06:25 PM

air philippines seems to be changing their fleet continuesly. shortly left with only 5 shortly left with only 5 737-200´s they now have 8 of the oldest version of the 737 again. who knows why they keep refleeting with such old jets !?

Sison, a spokesperson of Air Philippines said that they would also expand their regional routes with the addition of new planes in its fleet, now with eight 118-seater Boeing 737-200.

.....Two more Boeing 737-200 aircraft were delivered in the first half of this year.

It also plans to open new points of destination, one each for its South Korea and China operations.

In South Korea, Air Philippines has operations in Cheongju, Daegu, and Kwangju. In China, it has operations in Canton and Shenzhen. (Lynda B. Valencia, OPS-NOCC)

terrapinoy

August 16th, 2006, 06:26 PM

Thanks Richard. Will do :okay: Just got back from Manila and will post some soon.

richard fischer

August 16th, 2006, 10:13 PM

Thanks Richard. Will do :okay: Just got back from Manila and will post some soon.

salamat terrapin, can´t wait to see your new shots !

xXx carlos xXx

August 17th, 2006, 05:05 AM

Does 5J have safety demo on screen like on PAL's A330s. Their A320 doesn't have automatic demos on screen, still manual demo.

some of pal's A320's have overhead TV screens and they use it for their safety demo..

jef7

August 17th, 2006, 06:39 AM

And i don't think PAL wants to be in any alliance of airlines either coz they want get more opportunities in interline. If PAL will join any alliance it will limit its freedom on interline services. And there are many other big time airlines not in the alliance like middle east airlines like QR, SV, EK... PAL is doing a wise move in doing business w/ other airlines, don't you agree w./ me?

I would have to disagree ianers_ianized. Joining an alliance is about further ehancing your customers' experience. How do you open up the possibilities to your customer by streamlining the experience from one major carrier to another, to practically any location around the world? Ideally in customers' perspective, becoming a member of an alliance isn't a process of 'limiting,' rather of 'opening'. Sadly, this is one of the reasons why PR isn't getting some of my business. The benefits and reach of their loyalty program is minimal.

If there is any limiting factor right now, it definitely is the eligibility of PR as an alliance member and to what it can offer to the 'table' so to speak. How competitive is PR's product? If not on the product end, which PR routes will further enhance the global connectivity of the alliance? There are many requirements for inclusion to an alliance. There is a big financial investment involved (upgrade of product, lounges, system integration etc) and this I imagine is a big obstacle that PR needs to overcome if ever it wants to be considered for membership on any one of the major alliances.

An excerpt regarding LX's entry preparation to Star Alliance to illustrate some of the requirements

SWISS intends to fulfil the requirements for membership in the Star Alliance within the next twelve months. This process involves harmonising and adapting IT interfaces, training staff, marketing, and adapting documentation.

Parallel to this process, the integration of SWISS into the Lufthansa Group will also be vigorously pursued. Joining the Star Alliance is one of the integration projects in which the focus is on benefits to customers. Upon approval from the competition authorities, the first such benefits should become apparent.

http://www.swiss.com/web/NS6/about-swiss/sw-nw-pr-press-releases-05.htm/?newsid=68833

ianers_ianized

August 17th, 2006, 06:56 AM

^^^ I think PAL has no plans in joining in any alliance as it has many other business to focus on.... and not all airlines are lalliance just like the big time middle east airlines like EK, QR, EY....

habagatcentral1

August 17th, 2006, 12:49 PM

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/BernieMack116.jpg

La lang po. Share ko lang ang CebPac Airbus A319 na naka-park sa Old Iloilo Domestic Airport.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/BernieMack104.jpg
Walang overhead screen sa A319. Merong small screen sa harapan pero di naman masyadong ginagamit.

bourne

August 17th, 2006, 10:32 PM

http://www.do-24.com/

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n235/bourne_04/Dornier_Do24.jpg

Dornier Do 24
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Dornier Do 24 is a flying boat produced before and during World War II by the German Dornier Flugzeugwerke. Originally designed for Dutch use in the Dutch East Indies (modern Indonesia), the Do 24 is a 3-engined flying boat intended for military cargo transport and rescue. According to Dornier records, some 12,000 aviators and passengers were rescued by the Do 24 during its flying career. A total of 279 were built between several factories from 1937-1945.

As of today, there is still one Dornier Do 24 in working condition, operated by the Amphibian Do-24ATT World Tour project [1].

Thirty-seven Dutch and German built Do 24s had been sent to the East Indies by the time of the German occupation of the Netherlands in June 1940. Until the outbreak of war, these aircraft would have flown the tri-color rondel shown in the adjacent photograph. Later, to avoid confusion with British or French rondels, Dutch aircraft flew a black bordered orange triangle insignia. After combat losses during those very bad days after 7 December 1941, six surviving Do 24s were transferred to the Royal Australian Air Force in February, 1942. They served in RAAF through most of 1944 as transports in New Guinea, making the Do 24 almost unique in serving operationally on both sides during WW2.

Meanwhile, back in Europe, the capture of the Aviolanda assembly line in Holland rekindled Luftwaffe interest in the airframe. Eleven airframes were finished with Dutch bought Wright Cyclone engines. The powerplant was then changed to the BMW Bramo 323R-2. A further 159 Do 24s were built in Holland during the occupation, most under the designation Do 24T-1.

In 1944, 12 Dutch built Do 24s were delivered to Spain with the understanding that they would assist downed airmen of both sides. After the war, a few French built Do 24s also found their way to Spain. Spanish Do 24s were operational at least until 1967, probably a little longer. In 1971, one of the last flying Spanish Do 24s was returned to the Dornier facility on Lake Constance for permanent display.

Another production line for the Do 24 was established in Sartrouville, France, during the occupation. This line was operated by SNCA and was able to produce another 48 Do 24s by the time the Germans left the area. After the occupation, this facility produced 40 Do 24s for the French government, and these flew under French colors until 1952.

A single Do 24 found its way to Sweden. Impounded and paid for after a forced landing, this aircraft remained in service until 1952 as well.

Starting in February 2004, a restored and re-engined Do-24 called the Do-24 ATT began flying around the world on a UNICEF mission to assist children in the Philippines. The Do-24 ATT is being piloted by Iren Dornier, the grandson of Dornier founder Claudius Dornier. Upon completion of the work with UNICEF, the Do-24 ATT will be run as a special charter airliner by South East Asian Airlines.

A dream takes off
By Kun Li
With the help of Filipino engineers, Captain Dornier was able to move the seaplane from a museum in Germany to the Philippines, and eventually restore it. “Without the Philippines, I probably would not have a mission for this aircraft. And I am very positive about the Philippines. It is a great country with great potential," remarked Captain Dornier, who later founded the Philippine domestic carrier South East Asian Airlines (SEAIR).

Since the tour took off from Manila in April 2004, Captain Dornier and his crew have flown the seaplane to more than 30 countries around the world, including Cambodia, Thailand, India, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, France, Iceland, Canada, and the United States. At each destination, the seaplane always inspires an overwhelming response from spectators.

Inspiring children and young people

“I am so excited to be here, and I think the seaplane is really amazing,” said 11-year-old Alberto Fedeli, a young spectator who just witnessed the landing on the Hudson. “I want to work for NASA when I grow up,” added Alberto.

“I really felt it was an amazing experience to see my uncle fly,” said 10-year-old Henry Dornier, nephew of Captain Dornier. “It’s just amazing! When I grow up, I want to be an engineer, too. And I also hope this event will help UNICEF, and the children.”

Captain Dornier hopes to raise $5 million through his tour to help UNICEF-supported programmes to promote education, protection and awareness in the Philippines. “Children and young people are our hope for tomorrow. I think it’s very important we share what we have - money, knowledge, happiness and fun. That’s exactly what I want to do and say with this action here,” said Captain Dornier.
http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/philippines_28103.html

Animo

August 17th, 2006, 10:43 PM

RUSSIAN-Filipino-owned Mosphil Aero Incorporated is eyeing to launch its Zamboanga-Sandakan-Kota-Kinabalu maiden flight one day before the opening of the 15th Mindanao Business Conference (Minbizcon) on August 30 in Zamboanga City.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Director Ricardo San Juan said Mosphil's top officials announced the regional airline is now on its final stage in getting the green light from the Air Transportation Office (ATO) and permits from the Civil Aviation Board (CAB) to service Malaysian delegates who will attend the three-day business confab.

"The airline company's original maiden flight was scheduled for the first week of September. However, it was moved to end of August to cater to participants from Malaysia and even some businessmen from Indonesia who will come to this city to participate in this year's Minbizcon," San Juan said.

Mosphil top officials recently visited Zamboanga City and held a meeting with different regional government agencies and local businessmen. San Juan said Mosphil president Ibragim Sharifkulov personally announced their intention to revive the Zamboanga-Sandakan-Kota-Kinabalu flight, after the South Phoenix stopped operations last year.

"Mosphil officials are very keen to open again the Zamboanga-Sandakan-Kota-Kinabalu route because of the high passenger traffic based on the company's feasibility studies," he said.

As a consequence of their meetings, San Juan said the Zamboanga-Sandakan-Kota-Kinabalu route will fly at least three times a week, starting August 30, a day before the 15th Minbizcon. The air carrier will use its latest Russia-made Antonov 24, a medium size aircraft, which has the capacity of 48 seats and can carry at least five tons of cargoes.

As part of the technology transfer program of the company, the Russian crew will initially man the aircraft while their Filipino counterparts are still being trained at the Antonov training center in Kiev, Ukraine.

San Juan said the opening of this flight will surely boost the tourist influx of Zamboanga City.

"This new airline servicing Zamboanga City and Malaysia will definitely produce a positive impact not only in tourism but also on the local economy of the city," he said, adding that the national government is mulling to formally cut the travel tax imposed to the tourist.

Aside from Zamboanga City, Mosphil Aero officials specifically identified the provinces of Jolo, Tawi-Tawi, and the City of Davao as key areas also being eyed for its services in Mindanao.

Teresita U. Sebastian, vice chairman of the Mindanao Business Council, exhorted that establishing more domestic and international air links is vital in accelerating economic activities and promoting tourism not only in Zamboanga City but the entire Mindanao area.

Sebastian, who is also the regional governor of the Zamboanga Peninsula Philippine Chamber of Commerce, said airline investment in Mindanao is an ideal venture because of the increasing number of both domestic and foreign tourists and investors along with the existing Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines-East Asean Growth Area or BIMP-Eaga economic cooperation.

"One of the major objectives for the creation of the Bimp-Eaga is to improve trade, tourism and investment linkages among the four member countries," she said. (DT Wee)

flymordecai

August 18th, 2006, 04:22 AM

NEWSFLASH: Secret New Clark Airport revealed to be more than 50% complete! Bigger in size than new Bangkok Airport! Opening date: 2008!

http://files.photojerk.com/generalhuo/0199850E.jfif

:D Just kidding! I wish!

This is just a picture of PAL airplane with the under-construction Beijing Terminal 3 in the background. I hope the planned(?) mega terminal at Clark will indeed be bigger and more advanced than the new Bangkok terminal. Show them what Filipinos can do! Perhaps I will help design it once I get my architect license. :D

jadebench

August 18th, 2006, 04:27 AM

xXx carlos xXx

August 18th, 2006, 04:57 AM

i ddnt know pal is flying teir A330 to beijing na pala..

ianers_ianized

August 18th, 2006, 05:55 AM

I wish T3 have this colorful and visually appealing architecture design and concept of Madrid Barajas International Airport.

Colorful outside design concept of MAD
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/ianers_ianized/mad7.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/ianers_ianized/mad5.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/ianers_ianized/mad3.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/ianers_ianized/mad-1.jpg

The visually stimulating color elements of the inside satellite
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/ianers_ianized/mad-interiorsatellite.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/ianers_ianized/Mad-interior.jpg

Baggage claim area at arrival hall
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/ianers_ianized/mad-baggagebelts.jpg

Entrance in departure hall
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/ianers_ianized/mad-entrancetodepartures.jpg

The " colorful bamboo" design concept architecture inside the terminal
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/ianers_ianized/mad4.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/ianers_ianized/mad6.jpg

Æsahættr

August 18th, 2006, 07:24 AM

@richard - Last two pics. Hope others have more detailed photos.

Pretty Standard A319 Interior
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e289/sikatuna/IMG_0602.jpg

At Manila Domestic
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e289/sikatuna/IMG_0603.jpg

Oh no they got rid of the PTVs! :( :(

aUen

August 18th, 2006, 07:26 AM

I wish T3 have this colorful and visually appealing architecture design and concept of Madrid Barajas International Airport.The design of Madrid Barajas is outstanding but if you'd ask me, I wouldn't want NAIA or Clark to be as colorful. It just doesn't look right in an airport serving Manila. Though Filipinos obviously love colors, I'd still prefer designs with a luxurious or homey feel. IMO, the design of all NAIA terminals are perfect for Manila. A terminal like in Madrid Barajas would look great in cities popular for their colorful festivals. That is, in the future of course. ;)

Christendom

August 18th, 2006, 08:37 AM

SIPALAY AIRPORT AS AN EXPRORIATION AIRPORT?

The President's State of the Nation Address (SONA 2006)

State of the Nation Address of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo during the 3rd Regular Session of the 13th Congress of the Republic of the Philippines
July 24, 2006

http://www.geocities.com/metropolitanbacolod/sona2006airportsipalay.jpg

We will link Sipalay via Silay airport funded by the national government and Kabankalan airport being built by its local government. Thank you.

complete details:
http://www.samarnews.com/Presidents_radio_address/sona2006.htm

07/27/2006

PGMA's SONA welcomed in Negros Occidental

Cities of Sipalay and Kabankalan are doing the local initiatives to boost the tourism industry. Sipalay City with Mayor Oscar Montilla, the local government has filed a case for expropriation to use the Maricalum Mining Corp. airport. Through the initiative of Kabankalan City Mayor Pedro Zayco, talks with the landowners of the area for the proposed airport are conducted.

complete details:
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news.asp?fi=p060727.htm&no=29

Tuesday, April 12, 2005
City to become next world-class resort

The mini-airport in Sipalay is not yet abandoned and is currently maintained by the MMC management.

The governor said if opened to chartered flights, a number of tourists could easily explore Sipalay's tourist spots.

Tourism Regional Office 6 director Edwin Trompeta earlier said the details of the two airstrips in Sipalay are being compiled so that the project will push through.

The Department of Tourism targets to open domestic flights to include Cebu to Sipalay, Palawan to Sipalay, Manila to Sipalay and Boracay to Sipalay.

The airport could accommodate at least 24 flights daily from Sipalay to Caticlan.

Trompeta said the proposed Sipalay airport would promote the province's tourism potentials.

Most of the owners of the Sipalay beaches are foreigners.

complete details:
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/bac/2005/04/12/news/city.to.become.next.world.class.resort.html

Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Guv: Use gov't power on bid to use MMC airport

GOVERNOR Joseph Marañon recommended that the Sipalay City Government use its expropriation power to push through with its proposed airport project using the airstrip of the Maricalum Mining Corporation (MMC).

The MMC management had refused to allow the government the use of the airstrip.
If the president, Teodoro Bernardino, won't agree to the proposal the government may as well use its expropriation powers to effect commercial chartered flights to maximize tourism promotion in the south, said the governor.

Sipalay is headed by Mayor Oscar Montilla Jr.

Utilizing the airstrip of MMC will boost the tourism promotion of the fine and world-class beaches of Sipalay, which are now owned by foreign nationals with Negrense wives, said Marañon.

He added that most of the clients of Sipalay beaches are foreigners.

Montilla earlier disclosed that Bernardino turned down the proposal presented to him by the Department of Tourism (DOT) through Secretary Joseph "Ace" Durano.

But the mayor said this week they will again make re-negotiations with Bernardino, but this time through an offer to buy the property.

Sipalay readied P2 million to buy the property.

In case the renegotiation will become successful, DOT had plans to open chartered flights to the MMC mini-airport that included routes from Palawan to Sipalay, Boracay to Sipalay, Manila to Sipalay and Cebu to Sipalay, all vice versa.

DOT envisioned the MMC mini-airport to be like the Caticlan in Aklan that is hosting about 24 flights daily. (EASD)

SOURCE:
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/bac/2005/04/19/news/guv.use.gov.t.power.on.bid.to.use.mmc.airport.html

Arroyo backs Sipalay tourism, lauds Bacolod for call centers

She said the building of an airport in Kabankalan City is important to developing tourism in southern Negros Occidental.
She said she would also look into whether the old airport of Maricalum Mining Corp. in Sipalay could be opened for use.

complete details:
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2006/April/29/topstory3.htm

Sipalay As Boracay Alternative

Tourism Secretary Ace Durano is reportedly negotiating the opening of two private airports in southern Negros Occidental — the airport owned by the Maricalum Mining Corp. in Sipalay City and the airport of the Construction Development Corp. of the Philippines in Basay, Oriental Negros.
Durano’s goal is to draw tourists in Cebu, Boracay and Palawan to also see the scenic spots of Basay and Sipalay.
The stretch from Cauayan to Hinobaan in southern Negros Occidental down to Basay and Bawayan City is one of the most picturesque spots in Negros Island, which used to attract many foreign tourists in the past, especially Japanese tourists. With the insurgency problem virtually solved, resort owners have started to redevelop their facilities.
Actually, there is a perceptible increase in the number of visitors now frequenting these places. But their accessibility to aircraft could prove a boon to the Negros tourism industry.
Asia of Hinobaan, for example, can rival the white sandy beaches of Boracay and Bulata in Cauayan.
Trompeta agreed that the willingness of Negrenses to come up with the best tourism package, gave added impetus to Durano’s resolve to pursue the possibility of bringing in light aircraft through two private airports in Basay and Sipalay City.

complete details:
http://www.newsflash.org/2004/02/ht/ht005097.htm

other:
http://news.inq7.net/regions/index.php?index=2&story_id=39175&col=39

www.metrobacolod.cq.bz
(U/C)

habagatcentral1

August 18th, 2006, 03:19 PM

xXx carlos xXx

August 18th, 2006, 03:48 PM

guys.... puede ba ang laptops/electronics at solid foods sa airplane bound for the US?? just making sure... babalik na kasi ako sa US this tuesday and im not sure if puede un..

WawaY[625]

August 18th, 2006, 03:58 PM

aviation fanboys..heres the closest we can get to being a pilot..

FLIGHT SIMULATOR X

http://www.krazyety.com/images/fsx/screen1.jpg
http://www.krazyety.com/images/fsx/screen2.jpg
http://www.krazyety.com/images/fsx/screen3.jpg
http://www.krazyety.com/images/fsx/screen4.jpg
http://www.krazyety.com/images/fsx/screen5.jpg
http://www.krazyety.com/images/fsx/screen6.jpg
http://www.krazyety.com/images/fsx/screen7.jpg

docz

August 19th, 2006, 11:44 AM

By the way, yesterday, there were 2 PAL A320's in the Iloilo tarmac. Supposedly morning flight pa to pero hanggang hapon andun pa rin. Naka-lipad na ng medyo mag-gagabi na. Mechanical kuno ang problem.

I was on the PR144 flight last Thursday, and there were problems with the airplane. The plane was able to leave close to eight in the evening.

oz.fil

August 19th, 2006, 12:53 PM

i saw a flight simulator for computer at the shops once... but it was for a dc 10 ... if it was 747 or 777 or a340 i wouldve bought it =]

habagatcentral1

August 19th, 2006, 12:59 PM

What are the minimum requirements of flight simulators, especially the new ones.

Original is expensive. Pirated, ayaw umandar.

Does it really need a joystick?

WawaY[625]

August 19th, 2006, 01:16 PM

i saw a flight simulator for computer at the shops once... but it was for a dc 10 ... if it was 747 or 777 or a340 i wouldve bought it =]

The microsoft flight simulator series has B747s, B777s and B737s..

@ bernie,

for an enjoyable game ( great graphics ) IMHO, you need at least a 2Ghz (or AMD equivalent CPU) 512Mb of RAM and a good gaming video card (meaning an ATI radeon 9600 and up or a Geforce 6600 up)

ianers_ianized

August 19th, 2006, 01:17 PM

But Philippines is popular too in our colorful festivel like the Pahiyas, Kadayawan and Flower Festival. We have numerous festival here. It would suit to our airport too. They are visually appealing

The design of Madrid Barajas is outstanding but if you'd ask me, I wouldn't want NAIA or Clark to be as colorful. It just doesn't look right in an airport serving Manila. Though Filipinos obviously love colors, I'd still prefer designs with a luxurious or homey feel. IMO, the design of all NAIA terminals are perfect for Manila. A terminal like in Madrid Barajas would look great in cities popular for their colorful festivals. That is, in the future of course. ;)

WawaY[625]

August 19th, 2006, 01:24 PM

IMHO, our airports design should have some significance to the locales culture or history.. like this....B E A U T I F U L....

from my good friend kulaskusgan..
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v644/sleepwalker_uno/airport/dia04.jpg

this is the old terminal. right bldg for domestic & left bldg for international.

heres the new davao airport:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v644/sleepwalker_uno/airport/IMAG0302.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v644/sleepwalker_uno/airport/dia06.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v644/sleepwalker_uno/airport/diaa.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a157/kulaskusgan/air/IMAG0486.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a157/kulaskusgan/air/IMAG0492.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a157/kulaskusgan/air/IMAG0493.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a157/kulaskusgan/air/IMAG0496.jpg

old terminal across the runway
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a157/kulaskusgan/air/cebupacific.jpg

durian monument
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a157/kulaskusgan/air/IMAG0484.jpg

WawaY[625]

August 19th, 2006, 01:26 PM

even this..

ZAMBOANGA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.....

<embed src="http://img220.imageshack.us/slideshow/smilplayer.swf" width="640" height="480" name="smilplayer" id="smilplayer" bgcolor="FFFFFF" menu="false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" flashvars="id=img220/1196/11558828879c9.smil"/>

aUen

August 19th, 2006, 01:42 PM

But Philippines is popular too in our colorful festivel like the Pahiyas, Kadayawan and Flower Festival. We have numerous festival here. It would suit to our airport too. They are visually appealingYes, they are, but like what I said, "A terminal like in Madrid Barajas would look great in cities popular for their colorful festivals" but not Manila. For me, Manila has this "serious appeal" because of the CBD's all over the metro and the fact that it's the country's capital. That's just what I think and I respect your opinion. :)

SKYLINEPIGEON

August 19th, 2006, 06:41 PM

now wht are they going to do with the old terminal

papable

August 19th, 2006, 06:51 PM

They can convert it into a conference center (just make it secure and sound-proof). It will be unique experience to have meetings with an expansive view of the airport.

Francis20

August 19th, 2006, 06:55 PM

ok na rin pala ang Davao International Airport! Hopefully we can have more of those sa countryside. NAIA T3 is simply hopeless. forgive me for being pessimistic.

Francis20

August 19th, 2006, 07:02 PM

this is the A320 of Cebu Pacific
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid211/p1035e30401374aebcbbf98e3f8026c7e/ed85c312.jpg

Looks small compared to this one...
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid211/pce9278393b1c751f81a0e51364cad32c/ed85c3da.jpg

The ceiling of HKIA. Efficient use of light. BKKs new Terminal have similar ways of lighting, pero iba lang hitsura.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid211/p983a86671918dd28ee141c5c5ef481a0/ed863079.jpg

7 pm and ths sun is still up
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid211/pdc225cf9ce329438311a2851fb44b697/ed85c3d7.jpg

oz.fil

August 20th, 2006, 06:00 AM

found this article... very interesting =|

The current Tan Son Nhat aiport is located inside the crowded city of Ho Chi Minh and hard to be upgraded to meet with the increasing demand due to the limited area and safety reason. According to the recent decision by the Vietnam Prime Minister, a new airport namely Long Thanh International Airport will replace Tan Son Nhat airport as the country's leading international airport. The Master Plan for this new airport was approved in April 2006, according to which, the new airport will be built in Long Thanh county, Dong Nai province, about 50 km North-East Ho Chi Minh City and 70 km South-West petroleum city of Vung Tau, by the Highway 51A. The Pre-Feasibility Study for this project is under way. The Long Thanh International Airport will be constructed on an area of 5,000 ha. It will have four runways (4,000 km x 60 m) and is capable to receive all jumbojet (A380). The project is scheduled to start in 2007 and will be divided in two stages. Once the Stage 1 is completed, this aiport will have 2 parallel runways (4,000 km x 60 m) and a Terminal with the capacity of 20 million passengers per annum. This stage will be finished in 2010. The 2nd Stage is planned to be completed in 2015, then this airport will have 3 passenger terminals and a cargo terminal designed to receive 80 to 100 million passengers and 5 million metric tonnes of cargo per year. The total invested capital of this project is estimated $ 8 billion. Upon completion of Long Thanh International Airport, Tan Son Nhat Airport will serve domestic passengers only. Long Thanh International Airport is expected to be the leading airport in Indochina Peninsula, and one of the busiest airtransportation hubs in the South-East Asian Region.

does that mean this airport will beat out hong kong's chek lap kok and bangkoks suvarnabhumi airport as the new regions major aviation hub?

SKYLINEPIGEON

August 20th, 2006, 09:31 AM

BY THAT TIME HKG AND BKK ARE ALREADY WAY AHEAD ITS JST NOT POSSIBLE FOR VIETNAM TO BEAT THESE TWO MAJOR HUBS IN ASIA

xXx carlos xXx

August 20th, 2006, 09:38 AM

^^ i agree to that... hindi pa nga kayang pantayan ng malaysia ang passenger traffic ng thailand and hk... how much more ang vietnam... but we'll see... tables may turn...

chevy_boy

August 20th, 2006, 02:09 PM

Pano na ang Manila????

WawaY[625]

August 20th, 2006, 02:31 PM

this is the A320 of Cebu Pacific
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid211/p1035e30401374aebcbbf98e3f8026c7e/ed85c312.jpg

di ba B757 yan? when was that pic taken?

habagatcentral1

August 20th, 2006, 03:01 PM

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/BernieMack116.jpg
Eto A319 ng CebPac

xDieselJockx

August 20th, 2006, 04:17 PM

di ba B757 yan? when was that pic taken?

THat 5j logo started on 320/319s only so that can't be 757.

WawaY[625]

August 20th, 2006, 04:21 PM

but look shape of the plane's nose..

WawaY[625]

August 20th, 2006, 04:23 PM

http://www.aircanada.jp/images/fleet-320-E.jpg

ooops my bad, A320 nga yun

xDieselJockx

August 20th, 2006, 04:26 PM

sandrin

August 20th, 2006, 09:57 PM

A new aviation school to open in Vigan?

Vigan City to open aviation school

By Romeo T. Supnad

VIGAN CITY—This heritage city will soon open its first aviation school after the provincial government signed an agreement with Philippine Sate College of Aeronautics.

Gov. Luis Singson signed the agreement in behalf of the capitol while PHILSCA president Enrico Sampang signed for the aviation school.

Singson said the opening of the aviation school will be the first local government unit-state university tie-up designed to spur ecotourism by developing local airports throughout the country.

The governor said the opening of the school will not only open the floodgates to tourism but also to boost ecotourism establishments which are gearing up to tap the Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, South Korea, Saipan and Guam markets.

According to Singson, the aviation school forms part of the soon-to-be put up Salomague international seaport and airport, saying this will be the achievement of his longtime dream for the province.

For his part, Sampang said the proposed school forms part of the government’s Vigan airport redevelopment plan “to train more pilots to fill up the diminishing ranks of pilots and related skill workers in the country.”

Other signatories in the memorandum were Carlito Puno, chairman of the Commission on Higher Education; Lauro Tacbas, president of the University of Northern Philippines; among others.

The project is being pursued under the guidance of Undersecretary Hermenegildo Dumlao, executive director of the North Luzon Growth Quadrangle, an agency under the Office of the President. NorthQuad is expected to play a major role in the proposed project which is also a major player in the call center job generation program of the national government.

Singson added the proposed aviation school will certainly “sustain the development manpower in Northern Philippines and will further decongest Metro Manila and democratize development as envisioned by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in her 10-point development agenda.”

kiretoce

August 20th, 2006, 10:36 PM

^^ Is there even a working airport in Vigan? :dunno:

ianers_ianized

August 21st, 2006, 09:13 AM

i'm just wondering if Vietnam is on plan for airport... what wil happen to their ongoing construction of the new Tan Son Nhat Airport, w/c will house the international wing of Vietnam. It will open next year.
Their airport is seems congested bec. their domestic and int'l routes are in one roof sharing only 4 airbrigdes but domestic flights gives way & uses remote stands so that int'l bound flights uses the airbridges.
Aside from that, there are only few international airlines that flies to Ho Chi Minh... I think only 10 as I remember when I've visited Vietnam last May.

found this article... very interesting =|

The current Tan Son Nhat aiport is located inside the crowded city of Ho Chi Minh and hard to be upgraded to meet with the increasing demand due to the limited area and safety reason. According to the recent decision by the Vietnam Prime Minister, a new airport namely Long Thanh International Airport will replace Tan Son Nhat airport as the country's leading international airport. The Master Plan for this new airport was approved in April 2006, according to which, the new airport will be built in Long Thanh county, Dong Nai province, about 50 km North-East Ho Chi Minh City and 70 km South-West petroleum city of Vung Tau, by the Highway 51A. The Pre-Feasibility Study for this project is under way. The Long Thanh International Airport will be constructed on an area of 5,000 ha. It will have four runways (4,000 km x 60 m) and is capable to receive all jumbojet (A380). The project is scheduled to start in 2007 and will be divided in two stages. Once the Stage 1 is completed, this aiport will have 2 parallel runways (4,000 km x 60 m) and a Terminal with the capacity of 20 million passengers per annum. This stage will be finished in 2010. The 2nd Stage is planned to be completed in 2015, then this airport will have 3 passenger terminals and a cargo terminal designed to receive 80 to 100 million passengers and 5 million metric tonnes of cargo per year. The total invested capital of this project is estimated $ 8 billion. Upon completion of Long Thanh International Airport, Tan Son Nhat Airport will serve domestic passengers only. Long Thanh International Airport is expected to be the leading airport in Indochina Peninsula, and one of the busiest airtransportation hubs in the South-East Asian Region.

does that mean this airport will beat out hong kong's chek lap kok and bangkoks suvarnabhumi airport as the new regions major aviation hub?

richard fischer

August 21st, 2006, 11:41 AM

found in business world of today, but sadly no access to the article:
flag carrier eyes expansion to china !
which flag carrier to where ?

can anyone opne and post that article here please ???

le Reine

August 21st, 2006, 01:23 PM

how many international airports do we have here in the Phils?

habagatcentral1

August 21st, 2006, 02:29 PM

habagatcentral1

August 21st, 2006, 03:22 PM

Onboard PR809 MNL-CEB Economy Class A330

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/CA3S3S7X.jpg

richard fischer

August 21st, 2006, 07:32 PM

Baguio Gold To Acquire Philippine Airlines !
August 17, 2006

Philippine holding firm Baguio Gold Holdings said on Thursday it would acquire six companies jointly holding 81.57 percent of its sister firm Philippine Airlines (PAL), the country's flag carrier.

Baguio Gold, owned by the group of Filipino-Chinese tycoon Lucio Tan, said in a disclosure to the stock exchange that its board of directors approved the planned acquisition of six "single-asset companies, their asset consisting solely of shareholdings" in PAL.

The six companies are owned by Tan and his group.

Baguio Gold did not disclose the value of the deal. But with PAL's paid-up capital of about PHP10.8 billion pesos (USD$210.5 million), the transaction would involve about PHP8.8 billion (USD$171.5 million).

The airline, Asia's first, had a net profit of USD$28.7 million in its 2005-2006 fiscal year ending March, up 63 percent from a year earlier.

"This is a shareholder transaction so there is no effect on PAL," Jaime Bautista, PAL president said.

The Philippine government holds about a 4 percent stake in PAL while the rest is owned by private investor groups and employees.

Baguio Gold, formerly known as Baguio Gold Mining Co, was originally engaged in mineral exploration but shifted its main business to a holding firm in 1996.

The firm had been on the look-out for possible acquisitions since 1998 but has not made any major investments prior to the PAL deal.

(Reuters)

richard fischer

August 21st, 2006, 07:38 PM

i also read that PAL will shut down their magazine due to emerging fuel costs as headline in business world. noone in this forum seems to have access to the articles on business world, i cannot post these "closed" reports either, i can only recomend someone who DOES have access to do so for the sake o this forum. there were 3 reports on phil. aviation within the last week. so far on one has replied or seems to have access. sorry for that, i do not either. the articles were about asian spirit flying to taiwan, a phil. flag carrier expanding in china and this one.

Francis20

August 21st, 2006, 08:56 PM

That is because A320 is alot smaller comparing to an A340-400 of air canada on that second pic.

i wonderr when will Cebu Pacific get bigger planes for their HK flights. My Hongkong - Manila flight was fully occupied.

@ gravy addict, that was taken last Aug 1.

terrapinoy

August 21st, 2006, 09:30 PM

i wonderr when will Cebu Pacific get bigger planes for their HK flights. My Hongkong - Manila flight was fully occupied.

They used to fly the 757 to HK which seats 228 versus the A320's 179 seats (according to answer.com) Makes me wonder too if the rumors of a wide body acquisition will pull through.

from airliners.net 5J's "City of Manila"

http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0723626/M/

http://www.luftnummer.de/foto/so/ceb/city_of_manila757.jpg

kunoL8

August 21st, 2006, 11:29 PM

^^
According to Air Transportation Office Website, there are:

4 International Airports namely:
1.) Manila-Ninoy Aquino Int'l (MNL)
2.) Cebu - Mactan-Cebu Int'l (CEB)
3.) Clark - Diosdado Macapagal Int'l (CRK)
4.) Subic - Subic Int'l (SFS)

4 Alternative Int'l Airports:
1.) Laoag Int'l (LAO)
2.) Zamboanga Int'l (ZAM)
3.) Davao (DVO)
4.) General Santos (GES)

i think davao shouldn't be just an alternative. it receives regular international flights right? and obviously, davao has way superior facilities than laoag, zamboanga and gen san. i read somewhere that subic international is almost always empty, in terms of air traffic (except for fedex) and passenger volume. does it have daily regular flights whether international or domestic?

aUen

August 22nd, 2006, 08:07 AM

Davao International Airport is way busier than Subic International Airport. SFS is more of a cargo airport than passenger because only a couple of passenger airlines fly to Subic and I don't think they fly there everyday. Some domestic airports are actually busier than Subic.

tigidig14

August 22nd, 2006, 08:13 AM

mas busy pa nga ang pier dos e

xDieselJockx

August 22nd, 2006, 08:23 AM

They used to fly the 757 to HK which seats 228 versus the A320's 179 seats (according to answer.com) Makes me wonder too if the rumors of a wide body acquisition will pull through.

from airliners.net 5J's "City of Manila"

http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0723626/M/

http://www.luftnummer.de/foto/so/ceb/city_of_manila757.jpg

I believe the widebodied acquisition 5j were refering to are these new 320/319s, they are all considered widebodied aircrafts.

Nice B757 picture btw!!!!

oz.fil

August 22nd, 2006, 09:09 AM

^^^ what a bummer... i thought they were talking about a t7! lol ... ill just keep dreaming =]

xXx carlos xXx

August 22nd, 2006, 09:40 AM

im currently in taipei chiang kai shek... ill be posting my trip pics as soon as i arrive in houston... byeee

huistenmark

August 22nd, 2006, 12:34 PM

I believe the widebodied acquisition 5j were refering to are these new 320/319s, they are all considered widebodied aircrafts.

Nice B757 picture btw!!!!

A320/319s are defenitely not widebody Aircrafts. They are narrowbody aircrafts, together wtih the B737 and B757. I think narrow body refers to single-aisle aircraft, hence they are narrower than the double-aisled ones (eg 767, a330 etc).

I think 5J is better off starting w/ A330s, as they have a good rage capabilities (long-haul eg mideast) and also good for asian operations(high density medium-haul eg. japan). Unless they intend to fly long-haul, T7 would be way expensive to operate.

ianers_ianized

August 22nd, 2006, 12:46 PM

where are their B757s, are they phased out already, they're not flying anymore...

They used to fly the 757 to HK which seats 228 versus the A320's 179 seats (according to answer.com) Makes me wonder too if the rumors of a wide body acquisition will pull through.

from airliners.net 5J's "City of Manila"

http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0723626/M/

http://www.luftnummer.de/foto/so/ceb/city_of_manila757.jpg

ianers_ianized

August 22nd, 2006, 12:47 PM

does this mean that "Mabuhay" PAL's inflight magazine will be terminated from publishing just to save money from fuel cost, oh no... this is one of my favorite travel magazine.

i also read that PAL will shut down their magazine due to emerging fuel costs as headline in business world. noone in this forum seems to have access to the articles on business world, i cannot post these "closed" reports either, i can only recomend someone who DOES have access to do so for the sake o this forum. there were 3 reports on phil. aviation within the last week. so far on one has replied or seems to have access. sorry for that, i do not either. the articles were about asian spirit flying to taiwan, a phil. flag carrier expanding in china and this one.

Hoe to delete post message, i don't know...

habagatcentral1

August 22nd, 2006, 01:57 PM

i think davao shouldn't be just an alternative. it receives regular international flights right? and obviously, davao has way superior facilities than laoag, zamboanga and gen san. i read somewhere that subic international is almost always empty, in terms of air traffic (except for fedex) and passenger volume. does it have daily regular flights whether international or domestic?

^^ Kaya nga hanggang sa gitna ng runway tumatakbo si Christian Bautista sa video nya na "Invisible" na shot sa Subic.

I don't know how they differenciate an "International" airport from "Alternative International". Ano nga ba ang pagkakaiba nun? Davao and Zamboanga has already been recieving international flights but why is it still classified as "Alternative International"?

[dx]

August 22nd, 2006, 02:05 PM

Cebu Pacific seems enjoying a very high load factor. Oli's apprehension is not unfounded: it looks line the new comer is gaining the Cagsawa set...
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/CebuPacificgainingtheCagsawaset.jpg
...I am sure this flight is booked solid; looks like those guys (left side) are running for window seats(don't be ridiculous; of course they chose their seats upon checking-in!).

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/AirPhilippinesB732andCebuPacificA31.jpg
Air Philippines's ancient Boeing 737-200 (RP-C8002) and Cebu Pacific's still-fresh-from-Hamburg A319 (RP-C3193).

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/AirPhilippinesMayon.jpg
Graceful old lady...

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/AirPhilippinestaxiingfortakeoff.jpg
...first to take off.

...that is not a helicopter...it's a dragonfly common to these parts...
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/AirPhilippinesflyingfromLegazpi.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/CebuPacificA319taxiingfortakeoff.jpg
...Cebu Pacific A319 taxiing for takeoff at Runway 24...

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/CebuPacificA319takesofffromLegazpi.jpg

Reposted from the Legazpi City Thread

oz.fil

August 22nd, 2006, 02:25 PM

^^^^ nice pics ;)

Solblanc

August 22nd, 2006, 03:43 PM

@richard: omg, they can't shut down Mabuhay magazine! Its the only thing about PAL that's award winning lately :(

habagatcentral1

August 22nd, 2006, 03:47 PM

@ Mabuhay Magazine.

They should've instead thought of something except for terminating Mabuhay magazine like lessening the quality of the paper or the quantity of publication.

They only serve it in MNL-CEB and MNL-DVO flights I believe. I haven't seen Mabuhay magazines in other domestic flights.

Anyway, will they be resorting to something like similar to AirPhilippines? Reading a business magazine? or subscribe to a travel magazine like Conde Nest? Sayang! :sad:

WawaY[625]

August 22nd, 2006, 04:18 PM

WawaY[625]

August 22nd, 2006, 04:23 PM

habagatcentral1

August 22nd, 2006, 04:36 PM

ninanakaw nyo kasi ang mga Mabuhay MAg..lols (ako rin pala guilty)

anyway, re: DIAs status, im hoping it will be elevated soon..goodness, we have 4 existing international routes and 3 more to come by the end of the year tapos alternate int'l airport pa rin..ATO..HOY GISING!!!!

saan airport yan may pic ng airphil at cebupacific? kakatakot naman na may burol malapit sa palapagan...

Guilty rin ako dyan. Pati yung safety cards ninanakaw ko nun. Ngayon guilty na ako dyan. Tapos na ako,hehehe! :D

Ganun nga eh, bakit DVO is an "alternative" lang samantala its already International on its own.

By the way, ung shot sa CebPac and AirPhil, that's in Legazpi Airport in Albay. Yung hill that is Lincod (correct me Bikolanos if I'm wrong) Hill, dun naka-station ang PHIVOLCS for Mayon observation. Sabi daw ng iba, anak daw ng Daragang Magayon yan (Mayon).

terrapinoy

August 22nd, 2006, 06:52 PM

where are their B757s, are they phased out already, they're not flying anymore...

According to Jetphotos.net RP-C2714 was a leased plane and is now flying for Air Slovakia Former 5J "City of Manila" (http://www.jetphotos.net/viewphoto.php?id=5711974). Sayang I really liked that paint scheme!

The other 5J 757 is now flying for GirJet (http://www.jetphotos.net/viewphoto.php?id=5788978) an airline based in Barcelona, Spain.

richard fischer

August 22nd, 2006, 07:41 PM

@richard: omg, they can't shut down Mabuhay magazine! Its the only thing about PAL that's award winning lately :(

i could not read the article solblanc, it´s x-rated to non members of business world. but that was the headline.....very sorry, must have been a great magazine....

shadow_can2003

August 23rd, 2006, 03:57 AM

@richard: omg, they can't shut down Mabuhay magazine! Its the only thing about PAL that's award winning lately :(

Not actually. According to ANC, PAL don't take Mabuhay magazine on their flight para makatipid sa gasoline. They said na mabigat kasi ito kaya mas maraming nagagamit na jet fuel. :D

habagatcentral1

August 23rd, 2006, 08:41 AM

Not actually. According to ANC, PAL don't take Mabuhay magazine on their flight para makatipid sa gasoline. They said na mabigat kasi ito kaya mas maraming nagagamit na jet fuel. :D

^^ Really? Convince me. They may be using that as an alliby. :sly:
But really, I like Mabuhay Mag and I'm not willing to lose it. They just think of austerity measures thats all. :)

kunoL8

August 23rd, 2006, 08:45 AM

^^ what?! no more mabuhay mag?! i love that magazine even if the route map doesn't contain much lines and dots from manila...

shadow_can2003

August 23rd, 2006, 10:52 AM

^^ Really? Convince me. They may be using that as an alliby. :sly:
But really, I like Mabuhay Mag and I'm not willing to lose it. They just think of austerity measures thats all. :)

That's according to ANC reports anyway. :lol: Yap, kakahinayang yung Mabuhay Mag nayan, yan ang parating binibilin ko pag may umuuwi akong kamag-anak eh.

ianers_ianized

August 23rd, 2006, 02:00 PM

^ me too, nanghihinayang ako kung mawawala yan. I have a collection of it since its first publication in January 1982

WawaY[625]

August 23rd, 2006, 03:21 PM

^^ ayan nagkakaaminan na ang mga nagnanakaw ng mabuhay mag..lols...

xDieselJockx

August 23rd, 2006, 08:17 PM

A320/319s are defenitely not widebody Aircrafts. They are narrowbody aircrafts, together wtih the B737 and B757. I think narrow body refers to single-aisle aircraft, hence they are narrower than the double-aisled ones (eg 767, a330 etc).

I think 5J is better off starting w/ A330s, as they have a good rage capabilities (long-haul eg mideast) and also good for asian operations(high density medium-haul eg. japan). Unless they intend to fly long-haul, T7 would be way expensive to operate.

Thanks for correcting me about that widebody deal, I wasn't really sure if it was, I just based it on the new airbus they received lately since 5j doesn't really have plans to fly elsewhere other than HK and whatever other international destinations they have, not sometime soon atleast.

I don't think the Gokongwei's are really ready to serve the bigger market operations yet, but it would be nice if they can start going to Korea and Japan atleast. I was hoping for North US continents since they are part of the skyteam with NWA.

six

August 23rd, 2006, 09:19 PM

Philippine Airlines
Manila to Legazpi City
DEP: 0700 ARR: 0755 FLIGHT: PR277 TYPE: B737 DAILY FLIGHTS
Legazpi City to Manila
DEP: 0835 ARR: 0930 FLIGHT: PR278 TYPE: B737 DAILY FLIGHTS
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k153/sixth2006/Runway_filtered.jpg

Air Philippines
Manila to Legazpi City
DEP: 1240 ARR: 1335 FLIGHT: PR959 TYPE: B737 Tu, Th, & Sa FLIGHTS
Legazpi City to Manila
DEP: 1405 ARR: 1500 FLIGHT: PR960 TYPE: B737 Tu, Th, & Sa FLIGHTS
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k153/sixth2006/airphils2.jpg

Cebu Pacific
Manila to Legazpi City
DEP: 1330 ARR: 1420 FLIGHT: 5J327 TYPE: A319 DAILY FLIGHTS
Legazpi City to Manila
DEP: 1450 ARR: 1540 FLIGHT: 5J328 TYPE: A319 DAILY FLIGHTS
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k153/sixth2006/cebupacific2.jpg

Visit: Legazpi City, Albay and Bicol Region - Thread VI

xXx carlos xXx

August 23rd, 2006, 11:03 PM

here it is... my trip ... its TAC-MNL on PR
MNL-TPE-IAH via SEA on CI

TAC-MNL
Philippine Airlines' overhead screens (RP-C3223)
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c101/carlosalmacen/tripreports003.jpg

PR's footrest
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c101/carlosalmacen/tripreports004.jpg

inflight service
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c101/carlosalmacen/tripreports005.jpg

NAIA T2's airbridge
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c101/carlosalmacen/tripreports006.jpg

PR's B737-300(left) and A320-200(right)
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c101/carlosalmacen/tripreports007.jpg

T2's baggage claim
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c101/carlosalmacen/tripreports008.jpg

MNL-TPE-IAH via SEA

Checking in at T1
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c101/carlosalmacen/tripreports009.jpg

A shop in T1
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c101/carlosalmacen/tripreports011.jpg

pinoy boxing superstars located near T1's shops..
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c101/carlosalmacen/tripreports012.jpg

A photo of San Juanico Bridge... DOT promoting some places in the Philippines
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c101/carlosalmacen/tripreports014.jpg

Makati skyline...
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c101/carlosalmacen/tripreports013.jpg

Cathay Pacific's 777-200
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c101/carlosalmacen/tripreports017.jpg

CI's A340-300 interior going to Taipei
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c101/carlosalmacen/tripreports016.jpg

PTV's
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c101/carlosalmacen/tripreports018.jpg

Taipei Chiang Kai Shek terminal 2
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c101/carlosalmacen/tripreports019.jpg
^^reminds me of something... maybe NAIA T3

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c101/carlosalmacen/tripreports020.jpg
^^duty free...

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c101/carlosalmacen/tripreports021.jpg

CI's A340-300 bound for Houston(IAH) via Seattle-Tacoma
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c101/carlosalmacen/tripreports022.jpg

Cabin interior..
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c101/carlosalmacen/tripreports023.jpg

oops... sori for the size.... di ko kasi alam pano i-resize eh...

chevy_boy

August 23rd, 2006, 11:04 PM

i think davao shouldn't be just an alternative. it receives regular international flights right? and obviously, davao has way superior facilities than laoag, zamboanga and gen san. i read somewhere that subic international is almost always empty, in terms of air traffic (except for fedex) and passenger volume. does it have daily regular flights whether international or domestic?

I don't think Davao has a way superior facilities than GenSan.. Maybe just in terms of the terminal, but with the airfield itself, i dont think so... GenSan even has a longer runway than Davao...

chevy_boy

August 23rd, 2006, 11:21 PM

DAVAO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
AIRPORT PARTICULARS
I. Runway Physical Characteristics
Runway Designation: 05/23
Strength and Surface of
Runway: PCN 75 F/C/T/W
Dimension of Runway: 3,000m x 45m
Stopway Dimensions: RWY05-120m RWY23-120m
Slope of Runway-Stopway: NIL-NIL CWY
Dimensions: RWY05-210m
Apron Surface: PCN 27.7 R/B/W/T
Taxiway Surface and Width: Concrete; 36m

II. Airways Navigation Service Equipment
1. Doppler Very High Frequency Omni-Range Beacon (DVOR)
2. Distance Measuring Equipment (DME)
3. Non-Directional Beacon (NDB)
4. Tower / FSS / APP Communications
5. Precision Approach Path Indicators (PAPI) & Simple Approach Lighting System (SALS)
6. Airfield Lighting System (ALS)
7. Meteorological Equipment (MET)

GENERAL SANTOS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
AIRPORT PARTICULARS
I. Runway Physical Characteristics
Runway Designation: 17 / 35
Strength and Surface of
Runway: 363,000kgs
RWY: Concrete;
SWY: Macadam
Dimension of Runway: 3,221m x 45m
Stopway Dimensions: RWY17-300m
RWY35-300m
Slope of Runway-Stopway: 0.315% CWY Dimensions: RWY17-300m
RWY35-300m
Apron Surface: 70 RBXU Taxiway Surface and Width: Concrete; 23m

II. Airways Navigation Service Equipment
1. Doppler Very High Frequency Omni-Range Beacon (DVOR)
2. Distance Measuring Equipment (DME)
3. Non-Directional Beacon (NDB)
4. Instrument Landing System (ILS) on Runway 17
5. Tower / FSS / APP Communications
6. Precision Approach Path Indicators (PAPI) & Simple Approach Lighting System (SALS)
7. Meteorological Equipment (MET)
8. Airfield Lighting System (ALS)

When Comparing Davao and GenSan Airport, I don't think Davao has a WAY more superior facilities..Because when we talk of airport, it's not just the airport terminal... I think the GenSan airport even has more room for expansion than Davao Airport for future use...

But in comparing the passenger volume of Davao and GenSan, no comment....

oz.fil

August 24th, 2006, 12:01 PM

^^^ nice pics :]

habagatcentral1

August 24th, 2006, 12:24 PM

oops... sori for the size.... di ko kasi alam pano i-resize eh...

Pwede na yan i-resize migs kahit sa Paint. Open lang ang pic tapos click lang ang Image sa menu bar tapos click mo Stretch and Skew tapos i-reduce mo below 100% ang Horizontal and Vertical size nito. :)

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/BernieMack_142_.jpg
Malabo kasi Camphone lang. CebPacific A319 from Iloilo City Tarmac

By the way, I haven't seen any Russian passenger planes landed in Philippine soil. Likes of Antonov, Ilyushin and Tupolev.

huistenmark

August 24th, 2006, 12:41 PM

habagatcentral1

August 24th, 2006, 12:47 PM

Airport facilities encompasses the terminal and all those technical stuff that are needed to operate the airport. Although the technical facilities are similar, the terminal facilities of DVO is WAY better than GES. Let's not forget that DVO's terminal is also newer. Davao airport may still have a bit of room for expansion, but not much, that's why the city government have a parcel of land ready for a new airport somewhere. The government of gensan, on the other hand, no comment...

I don't know. Was it USAID who funded the construction of the airport in Dadiangas (Gensan)? I heard rumors that Sarangani Bay MAYBE the next Subic of the Philippines, that's why they constructed a large airport even though air traffic is still low as of this moment.

ianers_ianized

August 24th, 2006, 04:30 PM

I don't steal them... My mom is is PAL employee so I have monthly copy like a subscription copy plus we always travel aboard PAL that's where I get a copy.

"Mabuhay" can be now a subcription magazine from PAL... $10 per monthly copy including the delivery fee.

Anyone here reading other airline magazines like Skyward of JAL, Morning Calm of KE, Horus by MS, Sawasdee by TG, Muhibah by BI, Discovery by CX, Going Places by MH, etc.
or aviation magazinges like Orient Aviation and Asian Aviation?

^^ ayan nagkakaaminan na ang mga nagnanakaw ng mabuhay mag..lols...

aUen

August 28th, 2006, 04:51 AM

here it is... my trip ... its TAC-MNL on PR
MNL-TPE-IAH via SEA on CI
Thanks for sharing! China Airlines' A343 surely has a nice cabin. Do you mind sharing what you think of the service?

Does anyone know if Terminal 2's gates that can accomodate wide-bodied aircrafts have double jetways?

richard fischer

August 28th, 2006, 11:18 AM

xXx carlos xXx

August 28th, 2006, 04:56 PM

Thanks for sharing! China Airlines' A343 surely has a nice cabin. Do you mind sharing what you think of the service?

Does anyone know if Terminal 2's gates that can accomodate wide-bodied aircrafts have double jetways?

the service was nice.... they fed us well... pretty f/a's... i dont like the uniform of their f/a's...made them look fatter... their seats are the best... if you recline your seat... the bottom cusion will slide forward, thus giving the passenger more comfort(i heard na sa A340 lang daw to)...the footrests have this massage thing.. ptvs in economy have AVOD...

saang terminal 2?? sa manila??

xXx carlos xXx

August 28th, 2006, 04:59 PM

^^ ayan nagkakaaminan na ang mga nagnanakaw ng mabuhay mag..lols...
i think puedeng ibaba ang mabuhay mag sa plane... i think nabasa ko sa cover page ng mabuhay mag

xDieselJockx

August 28th, 2006, 05:16 PM

I don't steal them... My mom is is PAL employee so I have monthly copy like a subscription copy plus we always travel aboard PAL that's where I get a copy.

"Mabuhay" can be now a subcription magazine from PAL... $10 per monthly copy including the delivery fee.

Anyone here reading other airline magazines like Skyward of JAL, Morning Calm of KE, Horus by MS, Sawasdee by TG, Muhibah by BI, Discovery by CX, Going Places by MH, etc.
or aviation magazinges like Orient Aviation and Asian Aviation?

Most airlines allows the passengers to take these magazine home with them. It's not a crime. I think PAL allows it also. It's there for a purpose. To promote any products and the country itself....

xDieselJockx

August 28th, 2006, 05:19 PM

Very nice report and pictures xxcarlosxxx. T1 still looks good, it's not really an embarrassement. There are just some portion there that you can go without I'm sure but that's normal. I don't think I've ever been in that side of the terminal/gate where CI usually docks... Thanks carlos!!!!

tigidig14

August 28th, 2006, 05:23 PM

ganda carlos thanks for sharing :)

aUen

August 28th, 2006, 06:48 PM

the service was nice.... they fed us well... pretty f/a's... i dont like the uniform of their f/a's...made them look fatter... their seats are the best... if you recline your seat... the bottom cusion will slide forward, thus giving the passenger more comfort(i heard na sa A340 lang daw to)...the footrests have this massage thing.. ptvs in economy have AVOD...Very nice. Sounds like China Airlines' economy class feels like other airlines' premium economy class.

saang terminal 2?? sa manila??I'm sorry, I was talking about NAIA's Terminal 2.

xXx carlos xXx

August 28th, 2006, 09:22 PM

@everyone: no prob

anyways... when will pal receive their new A320's??

Skyblade

August 29th, 2006, 03:06 AM

Looks like I have a bit to update myself on... Great pictures guys especially those from your trip, Carlos. :D Yes, Cebu Pacific is with SkyTeam, so you would earn world perks miles with it.
Unfortunately 5J is not a SkyTeam airline. You can earn RDMs (redeemable miles) with NW's Worldperks BUT you can't earn EQMs (Elite Qualifying Miles). Would be nice to see that SkyTeam sticker in those A319s and A320s though...

Emirates Business Class Cabin

Look at this while browsing airliners.net . This is breathtaking! I like the star spangled ceiling and the mood that the light is eliciting... soothing and relaxing. I hope I'll able to sit on those seats of EK. This is called sunrise light with stars spangled sky by Emirates.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/ianers_ianized/EKcabin-1.jpg
me?
EK seemed to really promote it's cabin lighting in their A340-500 online tour. (http://emirates.com/a340/Intro.asp) The business class seats are nice but would've been great if they were lie-flat as with some other long-haul carriers. Neighboring airline Etihad is one of few that actually haveREAL life-flat seats (i.e. those that aren't just angled to a certain degree but actually parallel to the floor) with a seat concept similar to that of all-business class airline Eos. This is currently on their 773ERs and I think their A345s.

773ER
http://airliners.net/open.file/1016574/M/
http://airliners.net/open.file/1017805/M/
http://airliners.net/open.file/1037921/M/
http://airliners.net/open.file/1094668/M/

Even the crew bunks seem to be a bit more spacious. :D
http://airliners.net/open.file/1008034/M/

i also read that PAL will shut down their magazine due to emerging fuel costs as headline in business world.

That is so NOT good news. I'm somewhat of a collector of in-flight mags and Mabuhay Magazine is definitely my FAVORITE. Heck, if they offered monthly subscriptions, I'd go for it flat out (they do offer the magazine for like $10 a month). Reading the magazine in-flight gets me hyped up on what to see and do while on my way to the Philippines and hearing that they'll axe this magazine is seriously and OUTRAGE. :bleep:

@ Mabuhay Magazine.

They should've instead thought of something except for terminating Mabuhay magazine like lessening the quality of the paper or the quantity of publication.

They only serve it in MNL-CEB and MNL-DVO flights I believe. I haven't seen Mabuhay magazines in other domestic flights.

Anyway, will they be resorting to something like similar to AirPhilippines? Reading a business magazine? or subscribe to a travel magazine like Conde Nest? Sayang! :sad:
Indeed I've noticed that PAL really does seem to indulge on the paper quality of Mabuhay Magazine. Most carriers I've flown with seem to have thinner pages as compared to Mabuhay. They seem tohave it avaliable in Mabuhay Class if offered in other domestic flights. I was flying ILO-MNL last March when I requested to pillage the cabin for one and was able to get the nice 60th anniversary edition. :D Conde Nast is my favorite travel magazine and definitely do respect it's reviews and rankings. Would be great if I saw this more often as a choice of a magazine when I fly around but really can be a bit pricey newstand wise...

Not actually. According to ANC, PAL don't take Mabuhay magazine on their flight para makatipid sa gasoline. They said na mabigat kasi ito kaya mas maraming nagagamit na jet fuel. :D
I've heard of interesting ways of airlines doing ways to cut fuel costs...and I have to admit, this one sounds either pretty whacked up, desperate, or, as berniemack mentioned, an aliby. I guess one would have to find a way to make up even a fraction for all the weight that those balikbayan boxes bring...;) But I mean surely one can find other ways like investing in lighter carts or something but removing the in-flight magazine?

"Mabuhay" can be now a subcription magazine from PAL... $10 per monthly copy including the delivery fee.

Anyone here reading other airline magazines like Skyward of JAL, Morning Calm of KE, Horus by MS, Sawasdee by TG, Muhibah by BI, Discovery by CX, Going Places by MH, etc.
or aviation magazinges like Orient Aviation and Asian Aviation?

Good to know they still do the $10 per a month offer. :D I also read/collect JL's Skyward, NW's WorldTraveler, AS's Alaska Airlines Magazine, KE's Morning Calm, UA's Hemispheres, AA's American Way, and BR's Verve along with dedicated civil aviation magazines such as Airways, Airliners, Airliners World, Airports of the World, etc. Usually I grab these magazines when I fly them but whenever an airline collectible show rolls in town, I try to purchase a few vintage magazines here and there. When I was small, my favorite page was the routemaps and my classmates and teachers would wonder why I'd have an interest in the terminal diagrams portion. Of course, it pays off once you're "on the ground" running between connecting flights. :D

Anyhow...

According to Airclaims Financial Database of IATA (courtesy of AirbusCanada of Airliners.net), Philippine Airlines has the 6th highest profit margin of all airlines in the world with GOL of Brazil, Ryanair, Air Asia, Copa of Panama, and Kenya Airways taking up the top 5. Link to the Airliners.net thread "Worlds Top Airlines By Profit (2005)" (http://airliners.net/discussions/general_aviation/read.main/2959882/).

xDieselJockx

August 29th, 2006, 03:59 AM

^^^^^ Really skyblade? I really can't understand that whole deal with skyteam. If you receive brochures from NWA, it always shows Cebu Pacific as part of the team. I'm sure you can't earn an elite Qualifying Miles because 5J isn't really NWA directly. I just know that if you fly with NWA and you need to have a connecting flight anywhere in the Philippines, when you book through NWA hotline, they can book you in a 5J domestic flights in the Philippines and still will earn worldperks miles...

Skyblade

August 29th, 2006, 05:15 AM

Cebu Pacific is definitely a Worldperks partner and has a close relationship with Northwest but not as full-fledged as per se like Korean Air, Air France, KLM, and other SkyTeam members. You can earn EQMs with these airlines and some other carriers including Alaska Air, Copa, China Southern, Malev, Hawaiian, etc. As a matter of fact, I earned all my RDMs and EQMs earn this year without sitting in a Northwest flight and instead relied on the partnerships with Korean and Alaska. Cebu Pacific isn't alone though, I can't EQMs for Silver Elite on Kenya Airways, Midwest Airlines, etc. A bit closer to home, Malaysia Airlines and Garuda Indonesia are in the same boat as well, though it's a nice thought that I can redeem my WP miles to try out MH's new first class. :D

pau_p1

August 29th, 2006, 05:30 AM

Cebu Pacific is no longer a Worldperks partner.. since July 31... I was checking the list of Worldperks partners a few weeks ago in search of a probable airline to use when I saw this...

excerpt from NWA site..

Cebu Pacific

**Last day to accrue miles on Cebu Pacific operated flights is July 31, 2006. Effective August 1, 2006, Northwest and Cebu Pacific will no longer have an accrual agreement.

Skyblade

August 29th, 2006, 09:03 AM

Looks like I did miss something major while I was hospitalized. :eek: Darn, and I wasn't able to accrue a single WP mile from them...

oz.fil

August 29th, 2006, 10:42 AM

Most airlines allows the passengers to take these magazine home with them. It's not a crime. I think PAL allows it also. It's there for a purpose. To promote any products and the country itself....
i was going to take the qantas inflight mag but... i forgot to lol, forgot the name tho... ill definately sneak off a copy of JL's mag next friday ;]

jef7

August 29th, 2006, 10:51 AM

I love the photos xXx carlos xXx !

Sou-jiro

August 29th, 2006, 11:52 AM

i will post my Manila-Sydney (A333)& Manila Hong Kong (744)pics soon...i've been missing alot of what happening in these forums lately...nice pics guys..

chevy_boy

August 29th, 2006, 12:23 PM

Cebu Pacific opens Manila-General Santos service for only P99

Cebu Pacific (CEB) will open daily flights to General Santos city, starting October 2, 2006, with a special introductory offer of only P99 one-way. CEB will be using its brand new Airbus A319 to service the new route.

The Manila - General Santos service departs from Manila at 1:35pm arriving in General Santos at 3:20pm. The flight then leaves General Santos at 3:50pm to arrive back in Manila at 5:35pm.

CEB, which now operates an all Airbus fleet, said that the launch of its Manila-General Santos service is part of the airline’s expansion program. “We are confident that our entry into this market will once again bring down the fares significantly. Now, the people in General Santos and its nearby towns will have a low-fare alternative with Cebu Pacific,” said Lance Y. Gokongwei, CEB President and CEO.

General Santos, which is dubbed as the “Tuna capital of the Philippines” is also known for its various tourist attractions. Favorite attractions for both tourists and businessmen include its white sand beaches and pristine waters in Sarangani, waterfalls, lakes and natural springs of nearby South Cotabato.

“Cebu Pacific’s vision is to bring air travel closer to more Filipinos. As we expand our operations and open new markets, we will continue to offer the lowest fares in the destinations we fly to.,” Gokongwei said.

CEB will introduce its Manila-General Santos service with a seat sale fare of only P99 one-way. The sale will run from August 29 to September 5 only and is good for travel from October 2 to December 15, 2006. After the seat sale, the year-round ‘Go’ fares to General Santos start at only P868 one-way, almost 60% lower than the current regular airfare. The promo and ‘Go’ fares are exclusive of regular surcharges and government tax.

This new service will be CEB’s 19th domestic destination. The airline also flies to Hong Kong and Seoul, South Korea. It is also set to start service to Singapore on August 31, 2006.

Now in its 11th year, the airline has the youngest fleet in the Philippines and one of the youngest in Asia as it operates 11 brand new Airbus aircraft. The airline awaits the delivery of 3 more Airbus planes until February 2007 to complete its two year re-fleeting program.

habagatcentral1

August 29th, 2006, 12:29 PM

^^ Chevy, pls post this to Gensan thread. It will be a good news!

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/gensan1.gif

jef7

August 29th, 2006, 12:33 PM

I was playing around with photobucket video options so I've downloaded some clips for those hardcore airplane enthusiasts of a recent MNL-SIN segment in F. Enjoy :).

Departing MNL (http://s109.photobucket.com/albums/n79/jef7_100K/?action=view&current=MOV00358.flv)

Breakfast Starters (http://s109.photobucket.com/albums/n79/jef7_100K/?action=view&current=MOV00382.flv)

Main Entree (http://s109.photobucket.com/albums/n79/jef7_100K/?action=view&current=MOV00383.flv)

Dessert (http://s109.photobucket.com/albums/n79/jef7_100K/?action=view&current=MOV00384.flv)

Arrival in Changi (http://s109.photobucket.com/albums/n79/jef7_100K/?action=view&current=MOV00385.flv)

As always, SQ F product is simply amazing.

xXx carlos xXx

August 29th, 2006, 03:08 PM

^^ nice videos jef

ianers_ianized

August 29th, 2006, 04:15 PM

it can be subscrive through mailing their publishing office, do you want the address?

how do you subscribe from germany ???

I CI's fa uni4rm, it looks more chinese symbolic with chinese collar incorporate in corporate attire... i like the color purple and pink. They're striking and eye-catching.
the service was nice.... they fed us well... pretty f/a's... i dont like the uniform of their f/a's...made them look fatter...

Skyblade

August 29th, 2006, 06:44 PM

Thanks for posting, jef! :D

I CI's fa uni4rm, it looks more chinese symbolic with chinese collar incorporate in corporate attire... i like the color purple and pink. They're striking and eye-catching.
CI's uniform is indeed a gorgeous fusion of culture and modern day style. If there was anything one of my friends liked about CI vs. BR (he's a hardcore BR flyer and got me to fly BR on CTS-TPE-LAX instead of KE via ICN), it was the F/A's uniforms.

asbusinos

August 30th, 2006, 12:46 AM

hey, just want to share some 2005 fiscal year results i found:

APPENDIX: OPERATING PROFITS BY AIRLINE
Top 25 Airlines by Operating Profitability, Fiscal Year 2005 (* = Fiscal Year 2004)
By Total Operating Profit
Rank Airline US$ m
1 FedEx * 1,414
2 British Airways 1,330
3 Air France-KLM 1,200
4 Lufthansa 877
5 Southwest 820
6 Emirates 786
7 All Nippon 776
8 Qantas * 775
9 Singapore Airlines 590
10 Cathay Pacific 533
11 Ryanair 459
12 Air China 458
13 Iberia 457
14 Air Canada 388
15 UPS Airlines 293
16 Thai Airlines 269
17 Gol Airlines 266
18 TAM 232
19 American Eagle 225
20 SkyWest 220
21 Korean Airlines 207
22 Virgin Blue 184
23 China Eastern *179
24 LAN Airlines 142
25 Asiana* 136

Rank by profit margin ( %)
1 Gol Airlines 23.3
2 Ryanair 21.8
3 Air Asia 18.9
4 COPA 17.3
5 Kenya Airlines 15.6
6 Philippine Airlines 13.7
7 DHL International * 12.5
8 Kalitta Air 12.3
9 Emirates 11.9
10 Mesa Airlines 11.7
11 American Eagle 11.3
12 SkyWest 11.2
13 Southwest 10.8
14 Jet Airways * 10.3
15 Air China 9.6
16 Virgin Blue 9.6
17 TAM 9.5
18 Singapore Airlines 9.1
19 Royal Jordanian 9.0
20 Qantas * 8.9
21 Atlantic Southeast 8.5
22 British Airways 8.3
23 Aer Lingus 8.2
24 Cathay Pacific 8.1
25 FedEx* 7.2
Source: Airclaims Financial Database, IATA

PR seems to be doing their homework!!

xDieselJockx

August 30th, 2006, 03:06 AM

Cebu Pacific is no longer a Worldperks partner.. since July 31... I was checking the list of Worldperks partners a few weeks ago in search of a probable airline to use when I saw this...

excerpt from NWA site..

Oh really? Oh well, I haven't tried 5J yet but I was hoping somehow ...

Skyblade

August 30th, 2006, 05:32 AM

hey, just want to share some 2005 fiscal year results i found:

Posted 14 replies above your post. Thanks for sharing though. :)

bustero

August 30th, 2006, 05:40 AM

Interesting tidbit about PR, so it seems that their operations are efficient now and shrewd with picking their battles (flights). Strategically interesting then as where do they go from here. Premier main airline or niche player.

oz.fil

August 30th, 2006, 10:53 AM

hey did vn get new aircraft? cuz i found a pic of a VN A333 on airliners.net? T_T

huistenmark

August 30th, 2006, 11:32 AM

hey did vn get new aircraft? cuz i found a pic of a VN A333 on airliners.net? T_T

Yes!! That particular aircraft is an ex-luxor A333. I think two more (ex-MH) are coming soon. VN is expanding quite fast, and they need all the capacity they could get. They also operate B772 (i think ex-SU) and B763s for their long haul operations.

ianers_ianized

August 30th, 2006, 12:56 PM

This is the photo... wow A330 is stunningly beautiful on Vietnam Airlines' livery. They same is monoclass aircraft only.
Any news on VN's return to Manila. 'Hope this A330 flies here.

I don't know why but Pr is always compared to VN esp. to in their future plans and strategy, routes, services and fleets. Maybe bec. they are in same level airline?

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/ianers_ianized/VN001.jpg

GF Bulletin
I've read from Wikipedia too, that Gulf air will launch services to Clark in the last quarter of 2006 as part of its expansion route network.

richard fischer

August 30th, 2006, 01:18 PM

hey, just want to share some 2005 fiscal year results i found:

Rank by profit margin ( %)
1 Gol Airlines 23.3
2 Ryanair 21.8
3 Air Asia 18.9
4 COPA 17.3
5 Kenya Airlines 15.6
6 Philippine Airlines 13.7
7 DHL International * 12.5
8 Kalitta Air 12.3
9 Emirates 11.9
10 Mesa Airlines 11.7
11 American Eagle 11.3
12 SkyWest 11.2
13 Southwest 10.8
14 Jet Airways * 10.3
15 Air China 9.6
16 Virgin Blue 9.6
17 TAM 9.5
18 Singapore Airlines 9.1
19 Royal Jordanian 9.0
20 Qantas * 8.9
21 Atlantic Southeast 8.5
22 British Airways 8.3
23 Aer Lingus 8.2
24 Cathay Pacific 8.1
25 FedEx* 7.2
Source: Airclaims Financial Database, IATA

PR seems to be doing their homework!!

hopefully they can keep it with all those new cheap routes cebu pacific is offering lately.

xXx carlos xXx

August 30th, 2006, 03:44 PM

JustHorace

August 30th, 2006, 05:47 PM

^^Yipee! AVODs on economy?! Cocoon as in tulad sa NWA? Grabe na ang PAL ah! Ang bilis ah...

Hmm, sana tumaas na rin ang rating nila. Hopefully they'll push through with the India route.

xXx carlos xXx

August 30th, 2006, 06:00 PM

^^ sana maging 4 star na sila after maistall ung bagong seats with AVOD on both econmy and business class... di nga ako makapaniwala eh... anyways, pal website ang source ko niyan kaya reliable...

JustHorace

August 30th, 2006, 06:12 PM

^^Wow, thanks. Sana mapantayan nila yung Krisworld...hehehe

Solblanc

August 30th, 2006, 06:12 PM

30 August 2006
PAL to focus on fleet renewal, emerging markets

MANILA - Philippine Airlines will bank on the modernization of its fleet, the enhancement of its product and systems, and a push into new markets as it competes in the more challenging milieu of the future, the flag carrier's top two executives said today.

Reporting to company stockholders gathered for their annual meeting here,PAL chairman Lucio C. Tan and president Jaime J. Bautista said the airline had to be quick to take advantage of market opportunities but wary of familiar pitfalls in the operating environment.

"The whole industry is poised for growth…(but) the future is laden with more of the challenges that we faced and surmounted these past years," they said in a joint statement.

To strengthen its competitive position, PAL will revamp its fleet, starting with the narrow-body component. The airline has contracted for up to 20 brand-new Airbus A320-family aircraft, with the first (an A319-100) scheduled for delivery next month. Deliveries of the firm orders and leased units will be completed by 2008.

PAL also plans to add five aircraft to its regional wide-body fleet and three to its long-range wide-body fleet in the short to medium term. The candidate aircraft for these acquisitions are still being evaluated.

To keep the current long-haul fleet attuned to the needs of the market, Tan and Bautista disclosed that PAL will soon embark on a reconfiguration of its inflight product towards bi-class (business and economy class) from the present tri-class service (first, business and economy).

Starting late next year, with the phase-out of first class service on long-haul flights, PAL's Mabuhay (business) class will be upgraded, with cocoon-type seats and audio-video on-demand (AVOD) inflight entertainment system installed. AVOD will also be available in economy.
Along with the new hardware, PAL also plans to broaden its presence in two of the fastest-growing travel markets in the world, China and India.

"Their economies have been expanding well ahead of the rest of the world and air travel will continue to benefit from this growth," the two PAL chiefs said.

Reflecting this sentiment, the flag carrier plans to increase frequency to Beijing from the current four times weekly to daily. Shanghai and Xiamen are the other PAL points in China. Meanwhile, an inaugural service to an Indian destination is being studied, they added.
(end)
_____________________________________

yeheyyyyyyy this is such a good news for me

They better invest in flat bed seats instead of angled lie flat seats. Cathay and Singapore are going to unveil their new business classes which are rumored to be fully flat with the arrival of their 773ERs. PAL has the advantage in checking out the competition before making a solid investment in their cabin upgrades. They better do it right.

Skyblade

August 31st, 2006, 04:45 AM

30 August 2006
PAL to focus on fleet renewal, emerging markets

MANILA - Philippine Airlines will bank on the modernization of its fleet, the enhancement of its product and systems, and a push into new markets as it competes in the more challenging milieu of the future, the flag carrier's top two executives said today.

Reporting to company stockholders gathered for their annual meeting here,PAL chairman Lucio C. Tan and president Jaime J. Bautista said the airline had to be quick to take advantage of market opportunities but wary of familiar pitfalls in the operating environment.

"The whole industry is poised for growth…(but) the future is laden with more of the challenges that we faced and surmounted these past years," they said in a joint statement.

To strengthen its competitive position, PAL will revamp its fleet, starting with the narrow-body component. The airline has contracted for up to 20 brand-new Airbus A320-family aircraft, with the first (an A319-100) scheduled for delivery next month. Deliveries of the firm orders and leased units will be completed by 2008.

PAL also plans to add five aircraft to its regional wide-body fleet and three to its long-range wide-body fleet in the short to medium term. The candidate aircraft for these acquisitions are still being evaluated.

To keep the current long-haul fleet attuned to the needs of the market, Tan and Bautista disclosed that PAL will soon embark on a reconfiguration of its inflight product towards bi-class (business and economy class) from the present tri-class service (first, business and economy).

Starting late next year, with the phase-out of first class service on long-haul flights, PAL's Mabuhay (business) class will be upgraded, with cocoon-type seats and audio-video on-demand (AVOD) inflight entertainment system installed. AVOD will also be available in economy.
Along with the new hardware, PAL also plans to broaden its presence in two of the fastest-growing travel markets in the world, China and India.

"Their economies have been expanding well ahead of the rest of the world and air travel will continue to benefit from this growth," the two PAL chiefs said.

Reflecting this sentiment, the flag carrier plans to increase frequency to Beijing from the current four times weekly to daily. Shanghai and Xiamen are the other PAL points in China. Meanwhile, an inaugural service to an Indian destination is being studied, they added.
(end)
_____________________________________

yeheyyyyyyy this is such a good news for me
This is good news for a bunch of us as well! Thanks for posting! Well, it looks like it's been confirmed that first class will be gone but it's FINALLY great to hear a major upgrade in the premium in-flight product. It's also great to hear AVOD as well. I'm curious which contractor will be getting to design the seats as well as what concept will be used. BTW Carlos, do you have a link to the original article? I'm gonna try and repost the good news in Airliners.net.

They better invest in flat bed seats instead of angled lie flat seats. Cathay and Singapore are going to unveil their new business classes which are rumored to be fully flat with the arrival of their 773ERs. PAL has the advantage in checking out the competition before making a solid investment in their cabin upgrades. They better do it right.
Amen. There's always been complaints of passengers waking up in the bottom of the seat due to the angle (personally never had this problem yet but but then again the longest I even been in these seats is 4 hours). A real lie-flat seat parallel to the ground seems to be a better choice esp. if they are going to do away with the first class cabin.

Now if only PAL could have a broader frequent flier mile program with more partners, then I'm sold. :D

xXx carlos xXx

August 31st, 2006, 05:17 AM

This is good news for a bunch of us as well! Thanks for posting! Well, it looks like it's been confirmed that first class will be gone but it's FINALLY great to hear a major upgrade in the premium in-flight product. It's also great to hear AVOD as well. I'm curious which contractor will be getting to design the seats as well as what concept will be used. BTW Carlos, do you have a link to the original article? I'm gonna try and repost the good news in Airliners.net.

it's in pal's website... and it was on inq7.net yesterday.. i could'nt find the link in inq7... just go to pal's website, its in their news section..

bustero

August 31st, 2006, 05:50 AM

yup I've seen this article elsewhere. Let's hope for the actual announcement soon re the widebodies. The narrowbodies are a done deal.

habagatcentral1

August 31st, 2006, 06:08 AM

Does PAL have plans to brighten up their livery? It looks too formal or dull or no life at all. All white with Philippines as a title instead of "Philippine Airlines".

ianers_ianized

August 31st, 2006, 06:08 AM

Yes, thanks for posting these pics... i love EY's Pearl Zone cabin, it was luxurious and a great way to to travel in comfort. I wish I'll be able to seat in those luxurious seats!
I'll look for other pics ans share it here.

EK seemed to really promote it's cabin lighting in their A340-500 online tour. (http://emirates.com/a340/Intro.asp) The business class seats are nice but would've been great if they were lie-flat as with some other long-haul carriers. Neighboring airline Etihad is one of few that actually haveREAL life-flat seats (i.e. those that aren't just angled to a certain degree but actually parallel to the floor) with a seat concept similar to that of all-business class airline Eos. This is currently on their 773ERs and I think their A345s.

773ER
http://airliners.net/open.file/1016574/M/
http://airliners.net/open.file/1017805/M/
http://airliners.net/open.file/1037921/M/
http://airliners.net/open.file/1094668/M/

Even the crew bunks seem to be a bit more spacious. :D
http://airliners.net/open.file/1008034/M/

I don't think they wil really terminate "Mabuhay" since many patronize that mag. And for one, I think it won best airline magazine award. Another indication is that, they improve the size of the mag, since the start of 2006 Mabuhay increase 2 inches in height from its A4 size of 8.5 x 11. The paper's thickness also improved.

Indeed I've noticed that PAL really does seem to indulge on the paper quality of Mabuhay Magazine. Most carriers I've flown with seem to have thinner pages as compared to Mabuhay.

Do you read Orient Aviation and Asian Aviation too. They are on subscription. There are a lot of news about airlines in those mags.

Good to know they still do the $10 per a month offer. :D I also read/collect JL's Skyward, NW's WorldTraveler, AS's Alaska Airlines Magazine, KE's Morning Calm, UA's Hemispheres, AA's American Way, and BR's Verve along with dedicated civil aviation magazines such as Airways, Airliners, Airliners World, Airports of the World, etc.

bustero

August 31st, 2006, 06:16 AM

PAL posts banner year on 63% profit hike

The Philippine Star 08/31/2006

Philippine Airlines earned a profit of $28.7 million on revenues of $1.24 billion for its fiscal year that ended last March 31, 2006, PAL chairman Lucio C. Tan and president Jaime J. Bautista reported to the flag carrier’s shareholders yesterday.

The profit represented a hefty 63-percent increase over the previous fiscal year’s net income of $17.6 million. It was the airline’s most profitable year in over a decade. PAL last reported a surplus exceeding $20 million in 1993, when it booked $40.5 million.

"It was a banner year for PAL as the troubles that confronted the industry fell short of upsetting its bottom line," Tan and Bautista told stockholders during their annual meeting.

For the first time, PAL reported its financial statements in US dollars, the airline’s functional currency. The move, which complies with Philippine Financial Reporting Standards and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, aligns PAL’s reporting process with the global nature of its business, sans the distortion caused by exchange rate movements, the airline said.

Revenues expanded by $160 million or 15 percent on account of strong performances by both passenger and cargo businesses. Virtually all key performance indices, including those measuring capacity, traffic carriage and load factor, improved from year-ago levels.

PAL was buoyed by economic recovery in its biggest markets – the Philippines, the United States and Japan - which spurred air travel in these countries, as well as by inroads in booming new markets, such as China. In November 2005, the airline launched service to Beijing, its third point on the mainland.

However, expenses also jumped by $153 million or 14 percent to a total of $1.22 billion, due largely to the unprecedented rise in the price of aviation fuel. The benchmark Mean of Platt’s Singapore (MOPS) averaged $71.50 per barrel compared to $49.82 per barrel just a year earlier, an increase of 44 percent.

"While the airline industry anticipated oil price spikes, having grown

accustomed to such, it never expected fuel prices to hit shockingly high levels during the period," Tan and Bautista noted.

Despite this, PAL managed to keep expenses in check by zealously cutting costs and improving systems. For instance, the airline’s

revenue-management, reservations and ticketing systems are now configured to drive down distribution costs. Currently, electronic ticketing is available on 70 percent of PAL flights, including all domestic routes.

"We have started to create a hassle-free ticket-buying experience, improve the appeal of the Internet as a storefront and take advantage of the convenience offered by the on-line world," they added.

Overall, PAL’s successful strategy was summed up by Tan and Bautista thus: "We continue to be consistent, disciplined and relentless in our drive for efficiencies, attacking costs and generating the level of returns necessary to strengthen our financial position."

Meanwhile, PAL stockholders elected veteran banker Antonino L. Alindogan, Jr. as independent director of the company, replacing Patrick L. Go, who had served since 2002. Alindogan was, until recently, chairman of the Development Bank of the Philippines and member of the Monetary Board.

The rest of the 15-man board of directors, led by Tan, vice chairman

Mariano Tanenglian and Bautista, were re-elected.

bustero

August 31st, 2006, 06:18 AM

Vol. XX, No. 26
Thursday, August 31, 2006 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES

Corporate News

BY RUBY ANNE M. RUBIO, Reporter
Backdoor listing of flag carrier Philippine Airlines in the offing

Baguio Gold Holdings Corp., a listed Lucio Tan-controlled investment firm, expects to complete due diligence on the acquisition of five companies which own 81.57% of flag carrier Philippine Airlines, Inc. (PAL) by next month.

In a media briefing following PAL’s stockholders’ meeting yesterday, Baguio Gold President Jaime J. Bautista, who is also PAL president, said the company will have its annual stockholders’ meeting on Sept. 19 wherein it will seek approval to increase its authorized capital stock to P20 billion from P400 million and conversion of P9 billion debt into equity.

"We have started due diligence in the purchase of holding companies that own PAL. It is ongoing right now. Hopefully, we are done before the stockholders’ meeting. What the management of Baguio Gold is doing now is working with auditors for finalization of figures relating to the holding companies," he added.

Baguio Gold would assume the liabilities of POL Holdings, Inc., Cube Factor Holdings, Inc., Ascot Holdings, Inc., Sierra Holdings and Equities, Inc., Network Holdings and Equities, Inc. and Maxell Holdings Corp. The companies are single-asset companies consisting solely of shareholdings in PAL.

This has raised speculation of a backdoor listing by PAL. Baguio Gold intended to buy a majority stake in PAL, where the tobacco magnate controls 53.69%. Shares of Baguio Gold closed at P2.70 last Aug. 17.

Based on the audited financial statement of PAL, total stockholders equity stood at $201.55 million. Given an exchange rate of P51 per US dollar, Mr. Bautista said this would amount to over P10 billion. The acquisition would likely translate to P8.2 billion which represents 81.57% of PAL.

"The value will depend on the figures after the finalization of the due diligence. We don’t know yet. It is possible that the amount will be near that estimate. The structure on how Baguio Gold will implement the acquisition of the holding companies will be within the year. Kapag natapos na ang due diligence, madali na ang backdoor listing [If the due diligence get completed sooner, backdoor listing for PAL will be done in no time]," he told reporters.

Backdoor listing is a technique used by an unlisted company to get listed on an exchange by acquiring and merging with a company already listed on that exchange.

Mr. Bautista, who is also the chief operating officer of PAL, said the flag carrier would likely post a 37.37% drop in net income in fiscal year 2006-2007 at $18 million from $28.74 million due to surge in oil prices while revenues will remain flat at $1.24 billion. For estimates, it is looking at oil prices averaging at $75 per barrel.

"We foresee we will be able to generate the same amount of revenue but there will be increase in costs since fuel has gone up. We don’t foresee a major reduction in fuel prices. This is one of the major reasons we think there will be a decline in profitability," he added.

However, PAL expects passenger carriage to improve by 4% to 5% from 6.8 million in spite of reduction in its capacity.

"There will be some heavy checks on some of our airplanes. There will be more maintenance checks on the airplane next year compared with last year. Thus, a small decline in capacity. We project we should be able to carry the same amount of passengers," he added.

Mr. Bautista said PAL is operating only on profitable routes. It operates in 19 domestic and 24 international routes. It aims to widen its network in the fast growing Chinese market, taking advantage of opportunities for optimizing revenues and minimizing costs. An inaugurual service to an Indian destination is being studied.

"We choose where to fly and see to it the flight we mount will be able to generate revenues that will pay for its operations. There might be more frequency in flights to China. We intend to increase flights to Xiamen and Beijing starting winter schedule November this year from five flights a week to six to seven," he added.

In 2008, PAL will start re-configuring its inflight product towards bi-class which includes business and economy class from the present tri-class service which also consists of first-class.

PAL will spend $48 million to reconfigure four Boeing 747 being flown to US and Japan. Funding will be internally generated.

PAL expects to trim off its debt by $160 million this year after a substantial reduction to $1.1 billion as of March from $2.3 billion.

Skyblade

August 31st, 2006, 06:19 AM

^^ Good to hear the debt steadily shrinking.

it's in pal's website... and it was on inq7.net yesterday.. i could'nt find the link in inq7... just go to pal's website, its in their news section..
Thanks, I'll make sure to forward the news then. :)

I don't think they wil really terminate "Mabuhay" since many patronize that mag. And for one, I think it won best airline magazine award.
Well that's a relief to hear. :D It did win an award (dunno who awarded it) and from what I hear with some travellers (other than Filipinos), that they love the magazine. Axing Mabuhay would be tragic for alot of us...good to hear that it isn't going to happen.

Do you read Orient Aviation and Asian Aviation too. They are on subscription. There are a lot of news about airlines in those mags.
Unfortunately I do not as they don't seem to be often avaliable in newstands around here. :(

Does PAL have plans to brighten up their livery? It looks too formal or dull or no life at all. All white with Philippines as a title instead of "Philippine Airlines".
No updates that we heard as of yet.

bustero

August 31st, 2006, 06:20 AM

^^it also helps that they don't pay for the terminal they use exclusively.

oz.fil

August 31st, 2006, 11:40 AM

30 August 2006
PAL to focus on fleet renewal, emerging markets

MANILA - Philippine Airlines will bank on the modernization of its fleet, the enhancement of its product and systems, and a push into new markets as it competes in the more challenging milieu of the future, the flag carrier's top two executives said today.

Reporting to company stockholders gathered for their annual meeting here,PAL chairman Lucio C. Tan and president Jaime J. Bautista said the airline had to be quick to take advantage of market opportunities but wary of familiar pitfalls in the operating environment.

"The whole industry is poised for growth…(but) the future is laden with more of the challenges that we faced and surmounted these past years," they said in a joint statement.

To strengthen its competitive position, PAL will revamp its fleet, starting with the narrow-body component. The airline has contracted for up to 20 brand-new Airbus A320-family aircraft, with the first (an A319-100) scheduled for delivery next month. Deliveries of the firm orders and leased units will be completed by 2008.

PAL also plans to add five aircraft to its regional wide-body fleet and three to its long-range wide-body fleet in the short to medium term. The candidate aircraft for these acquisitions are still being evaluated.

To keep the current long-haul fleet attuned to the needs of the market, Tan and Bautista disclosed that PAL will soon embark on a reconfiguration of its inflight product towards bi-class (business and economy class) from the present tri-class service (first, business and economy).

Starting late next year, with the phase-out of first class service on long-haul flights, PAL's Mabuhay (business) class will be upgraded, with cocoon-type seats and audio-video on-demand (AVOD) inflight entertainment system installed. AVOD will also be available in economy.
Along with the new hardware, PAL also plans to broaden its presence in two of the fastest-growing travel markets in the world, China and India.

"Their economies have been expanding well ahead of the rest of the world and air travel will continue to benefit from this growth," the two PAL chiefs said.

Reflecting this sentiment, the flag carrier plans to increase frequency to Beijing from the current four times weekly to daily. Shanghai and Xiamen are the other PAL points in China. Meanwhile, an inaugural service to an Indian destination is being studied, they added.
(end)
_____________________________________

yeheyyyyyyy this is such a good news for me

oh what a shame! im so sad to hear that first class is going to go... why couldnt they upgrade all three classes? even though it could take a few more years but slow and steady wins the race doesn't it? they could have opted for a perfect product instead of rushing for a more 'up to date' product... ==" oh well. im happy to hear that they'll have AVOD in all classes! yey!!! what would be great is a bussiness product like Air New Zealand and Virgin Atlantic like you know the angled little cabin things? with lie flat beds and stuff... that would be great but yeh they're going for the 'cocoon' ... is that like the South African bussiness class one? hmmm this is PAL's chance, they'd better make the sacrifice of first class worth it!!!

richard fischer

August 31st, 2006, 12:56 PM

all in all good news for PAL. i wish them prosperity, just like i wish that to Cebu Pacific too. May philippine aviation boom and prosper !

Skyblade

August 31st, 2006, 11:53 PM

I don't know why but Pr is always compared to VN esp. to in their future plans and strategy, routes, services and fleets. Maybe bec. they are in same level airline?

That pretty much seems to be the case. Another area I see VN, PR, as well as GA compared to each other is usually in-flight service, amenities, etc. where these guys to be on a similar playing field compared to neighboring SQ, MH, and TG.

^^it also helps that they don't pay for the terminal they use exclusively.
True, it does give a handsome amount of savings when it comes to the bottom line.

oh what a shame! im so sad to hear that first class is going to go... why couldnt they upgrade all three classes?
The cost of upgrading and maintaining the cabin, trying to keep it on the competitive edge, the fact that gap between the luxury business class seems to be closing in on first which seems to make having a F cabin a bit redundant (at least for the long-haul market that PAL serves) as well as the passenger demand for such a cabin doesn't seem to have PAL wanting to continue with this product. Airlines such as the likes of NW, CO, DL, BR, KL, VS, SA (except for the 744s), NZ, et al decided to forgo First and instead create a hybrid business class.

what would be great is a bussiness product like Air New Zealand and Virgin Atlantic like you know the angled little cabin things? with lie flat beds and stuff... that would be great but yeh they're going for the 'cocoon' ... is that like the South African bussiness class one?SA's and business class is an example of the cocoon style where basically the passenger, when fully reclined, is enclosed in a sort of privacy canopy. SA's and VS's new business class though is not an angled lie-flat but a true lie-flat being 180 degrees flat and parallel to the ground. As solblanc mentioned, if they're going to do go with Mabuhay being the only premium cabin, at least make the seat truly flat.

xzibit31

September 1st, 2006, 01:58 AM

Suicide bomber’ flew on RP plane

Airport guards flunked anti-terror test 2 times
By Arlyn dela Cruz
Inquirer
Last updated 01:19am (Mla time) 09/01/2006

Published on Page A1 of the September 1, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

A MAN WEARING a jacket and carrying a bag was able to sneak a bomb onto a flight from Manila to Davao City last month at the height of the nationwide security alert after Britain uncovered a plot to blow up transatlantic planes.

The man pulled off the same stunt on the return flight to Manila.

Had he detonated the bomb, he would have turned the commercial plane into a fireball and killed himself, the crew and hundreds of other passengers.

The man turned out to be a civilian antiterrorism expert tapped by a government official to test security measures at Philippine airports after British police foiled a plan to blow up US-bound planes in midair using liquid explosives.

Security was tightened at London’s Heathrow airport on Aug. 10, setting off alarms at airports across the globe, including in the Philippines.

But the security and antiterrorism expert, who asked not to be named because of his work, said he managed to bring the bomb and its components onto the plane on Aug. 14 despite the additional security measures at the Manila domestic airport, like the banning of hand-carried fluids and gels.

A similar “insertion of bomb components scenario” is expected to be conducted at other airports in the country as part of efforts to upgrade the antiterrorism capability of airport personnel.

At the departure gate, the antiterrorism expert said he passed through the walk-in detector, frisking and X-ray areas.

He underwent the same security checks at the boarding area.

To prove that he was able to get the explosive and its components past security personnel, he filmed the bomb he had assembled on the plane and showed the footage recently to select members of the media.

How did he get the bomb and its components past the tight security?

C4 plastic bomb

The security expert said he attached a piece of C4, a plastic explosive, to the sole of his leather shoe, and placed another piece inside an electric adaptor.

The wires he placed in a “secret” pocket near his belt.

While at the scanning and X-ray area prior to boarding, he casually placed a cellular phone in the basket that security personnel checked manually. The cell phone could serve as a detonator.

Ten minutes after takeoff from the Manila domestic airport, the antiterrorism expert said he got up from his seat and went to the plane’s lavatory. Inside, he mixed all the materials together. He then pulled out a digital camera from his jacket and took a video of his lethal concoction.

“The only missing act was the push on the button to blow up the aircraft,” he said in an interview.

“In a real terrorist threat, the terrorist, usually a suicide bomber, will not hesitate and push the button to accomplish his or her mission.”

Astonished

The antiterrorism expert said airport security personnel came to know about what he had done only after he told them about it when he got off the return flight from Davao.

Security personnel, around 50 of them, participated in the antiterrorism exercise. They were astonished to realize that they had not been that thorough in checking passengers.

None of the airport personnel who participated in the training knew the antiterrorism expert. He was introduced to the security personnel by the “authorized government agency” that had hired him only after he alighted from the plane.

Think like a terrorist

In an interview, the antiterrorism expert said: “To catch a terrorist, security personnel must act and think like a terrorist.”

After the antiterrorist exercise, he submitted his recommendations, which he hoped would be forwarded to the Air Transportation Office (ATO) by the “authorized government agency” that commissioned his services.

Among his recommendations were the following:

• All items like cigarette and eyeglass cases, key chains, watches and all other objects made of metallic materials must pass through the X-ray machine.

• Shoes and belts must be removed from the body and must be submitted for X-ray examination.

• Airline crew must undergo rigid training on the threat of bomb insertion.

• Politicians, military and police officers, and all other government officials must not be exempted from frisking and standard security checks to set an example so that other passengers will cooperate in the stringent security checks.

• Training of airport personnel must be upgraded but must start with a review of the basics.

The security lapse at the Manila domestic airport and at the Davao International Airport may be due to the fact that security personnel did not really know what to look for, according to the antiterrorism expert.

The expert said security personnel may have been looking for what is believed to be sophisticated bomb components, like liquid bombs.

Diversion

In his sixth recommendation, the expert said authorities must consider the threat posed by liquid bombs, but they must also consider that it could be a way to divert attention from the actual plot of terrorists.

“For all we know, this is what the terrorists want us to think. That they have the capability to build liquid bombs, but the truth is the option still available to them remains the conventional components for making bombs,” he said.

He recommended that politicians and other officials not be exempted from security checks because security personnel may get the wrong idea of how a terrorist looks like and behaves.

“Right now, there is no fixed way in identifying terrorists. The key is to know how they think, what they are trained for and what makes them do this, usually based on religious convictions,” he said.

This may give a better picture of a terrorist determined to carry out a bombing mission, the expert said.