^^ Nope. Guess she's not that popular here on mainstream US entertainment media.

^^ Nope. Guess she's not that popular here on mainstream US entertainment media.

she made a name in mid to the later part of the 90's. i even have an album of hers.:)

is silkair an LCC? and sa Singapore, anong terminal gamit nya? same as CEbupacific ba?

^^ Silk Air is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Singapore Airlines. It uses Changi Airport's T2, the same terminal for SQ flights.

Security in airports, ports tightened as holiday trips start

In preparation for the expected influx of holiday travelers to the provinces for the observance of Holy Week, security has been tightened in major transportation hubs around the country.

Security has been tightened at the Port Area in Manila, as well as in other ports around the country.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has deployed chain line units, and sea marshals have been dispatched to conduct random inspections in all ports.

They are also dispatching quick reaction teams, disaster management units, and rescue swimmers in case of any marine emergency.

Lt. Commander Armand Balilio, PCG Information Officer, also said that overloading is strictly prohibited in all shipping vessels so that no untoward incident might happen.

At the same time, security has been beefed up in airports around the country, following reports that an alleged improvised explosive device, reportedly intended for the airport in Cotabato, was intercepted by police authorities in Shariff Kabunsuan several days ago.

In line with increase airport security, Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) security chief Angel Atutubo said the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminals 1 and 2, as well as the Manila Domestic Airport, had increased their security.

K-9 units have been deployed to help in baggage inspection. Fuel depots at the airport are also under heavy guard.

So far, the NAIA reported that the volume of passengers has reached 4,500 passengers per hour as of Saturday, and is expected to increase to around 6,000 passengers per hour www.abs-cbnnews.com

are there any updates as to what happenned to PR's supposed bid to buy back the 747s it originally ordered but is now with other airlines? curious lang.

Hindi natuloy. Maraming sira ang 747.

:banana:...nice one...madali na lang pumunta ng Banaue through this airport

NVizcaya starts development of airport

BAGABAG, Nueva Vizcaya -- The development works of this town's airport has started last month, according to Air Transportation Office (ATO) officials here.

Jun Afan, officer-in-charge of the Bagabag Airport said they have started the construction of a three-storey Flight Service Station Building and rehabilitation of Power House with more than P 8.1 million fund for its implementation. "This project is expected to be completed in 210 days or seven months. Hopefully, it will be finished on time,"Afan told PIA.

The initial development works, Afan added is part of the full development and upgrading of the Bagabag Airport amounting to P73 million.

The development of the Bagabag Airport is one of the commitments of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in his 2007 State of the Nation Address(SONA) which is part of her intention to develop the full potentials of the province that will contribute to the North Luzon Agri-Business Quadrangle (NLAQ).

Afan also disclosed that the other upcoming works for the full development of the Airport here are the conrete paving of its horizontal facilities, security and perimeter fences, expansion of the terminal building and water supply system and acquisition of additional 7,100 square meter lot at the eastern end of the runway.

Afan also expressed optimism that when the Airport will be fully upgraded, more tourists will use the facility as a landing and take off point for their destination in Cagayan Valley and the Cordillera.

"With this development, it will boost tourism, generate employment and livelihood among the residents," he said.

In 2007, Afan said there were at least 200 passengers listed in the record of flights made within the Airport. He said that once the upgraded portions will be put in place, arrival of local and foreign tourists is expected to increase.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p080314.htm&no=27

mukhang may pag asa pa ang COSCO

RP can attract another big Chinese investor – Favila
By Ma. Elisa P. Osorio
Monday, March 24, 2008
The government is confident of securing another multi-billion dollar Chinese investment in April, a ranking official said.

“I will be meeting with big players in the region and there is a possibility I can secure another investment as big as COSCO (China Ocean Shipping Co),” Trade Secretary Peter B. Favila said in an interview.

Favila said he is confident of securing another investments for the Philippines during the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) on April 11 to 13.

“I will be pushing for the businessmen to invest in our infrastructure because that is where we need private sector participation,” Favila said.

Favila said Chinese investors are eyeing the country’s mining and energy sector.

Favila said he was invited to speak during the three-day conference in China to discuss the ongoing negotiations for free trade within the region.

Initially, Cosco wanted to construct a modern port at the Navy headquarters in Cavite. Its initial plans include the development of a 250-hectare land in Sangley Point where they would put up a “marine school to train maritime sailors. There will be a repairing ships and building ships.”

Founded in 1961 as the pioneer international shipping carrier in China, Cosco has grown into a $17-billion global company. It owns and operates 600 various types of ships operating in 1,300 ports in more than 160 countries and regions worldwide.

It is one of the world’s argest shipping enterprises with China Ocean Shipping (Group) Co. as its core, operating three main units: China Ocean Shipping Agency, the biggest shipping agency in China; China Marine Bundier Supply Co; and China Road Transportation Co, the biggest trucking company in China.

chinese wants to invest here coz they want to invade us...

unlikely,but not impossible. They may want to invade us in the future but at this point NO given the current political situation in the world. (US' Hegemony though it is slowly falling, Interconnected world Economies, ) and If China is going to invade a country is not going to be us since we have no oil. Oil might be pretty b ig issue one the supply dwindles in the future.

Anyways china's invasion is improbable and any sort of consipary with their investments here is impossible.

Cebu Pacific asks Palau for incentives (http://www.mvariety.com/?module=displaystory&story_id=8695&format=html)

Philippine-based airline Cebu Pacific is seeking an incentive package for its planned Palau flight service.

But in a letter to Alex Reyes, vice president for network management and external affairs of Cebu Pacific Airlines, Commerce and Trade Minister Otoichi Besebes said under current rules and regulations, “there are no waivers allowed on any established rates and fees.”

Besebes at the same time pointed out that Palau International Airport’s rates and fees are lowest in the region and that the local government may allow some waivers in the future.

“If Cebu Pacific will commit to scheduled flights we would look favorably upon granting Cebu any waivers that may become authorized by regulation in the future,” Besebes said.

He said this island nation will continue to honor the permit issued to Cebu Pacific to operate in Palau on a charter basis.

Cebu Pacific has expressed interest in providing a three times a week flight service to Palau.

The airline has several international routes and charges low fares.

Hope that'd push through. So I heard that you need not have a VISA to visit Palau. I would really love to see their stingfree jellyfish! And with the opening of more Manila-Palau flights, Manila can easily become Palau's trade partner.

50 domestic flights naapektuhan ng brownout sa MIAA
By: Jerry S. Tan
UMABOT sa 50 domestic flights ang naantala kahapon dala ng brownout sa Manila Domestic Airport Terminal.

Ayon kay Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) general manager Alfonso Cusi, ginagawa ng MIAA ang lahat upang aga-rin ang dinaranas na technical problem ng naturang airport upang agad na maibalik sa normal ang operasyon nito.

Umapela siya sa publiko na unawain ang mga pang-yayari at tiniyak niya na isang
rehabilitation program ang gagawin upang higit na mapagbuti ang serbisyo sa mga pasahero.

Pinayuhan naman ni Ma. Consuelo Bungag, hepe ng media affairs division, ang mga pasahero na agad makipag-ugnayan sa kani-ka-nilang mga airline company na pinagbilhan ng tiket.

Sinabi naman ni Bungag na sa kabila ng sitwasyon ay walang kanselasyon ng flight na nangyari.

Samantala, sinabi ni Candice Iyog, vice president ng Cebu Pacific, na nag-aalok ang kanilang airline company ng tulong upang mapalaki ang espasyo sa nasabing terminal, na kadalasan uma-no ay nag-uumapaw sa dami ng pasahero.

Ayon kay Iyog, handang gumastos ng sariling pera ang Cebu Pacific upang maipaayos ang nasabing terminal.

Sa katunayan, aniya, ay isinuko na nila ang kanilang cargo space upang higit na
mapaluwag ang espasyo para sa mga paalis at parating na pasahero.

“The project should be done before the middle of the year and should make flying a more pleasant experience,” dagdag pa ni Iyog.

Ayon naman kay Robert Uy, head executive assistant ng MIAA, muling nagtrip-off ang bagong circuit breaker na kanilang ikinabit maka-lipas ang Semana Santa, matapos na ito ay nauna nang masira.

Tiniyak niya sa publiko na pansamantala lamang ang naurang problema at hindi inaasahang magtatagal o magpapaulit-ulit. www.journal.com.ph

John Gokongwei Jr:

...i'll make sure that the word “Cebu” is on everybody’s lips!


...well, he's true to his promise 4 years ago...now, Cebu Pacific is flying to Thailand (pic: Suvarnabhumi Airport) and in other Asian destinations such as Taipei, Hongkong, Macau, Shanghai, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Guangzhou...
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3212/2362654172_50dacf096c.jpg
pic by @ChrisI1024 of flickr!

All Air Philippines turboprop flights (Caticlan) will be officially transferred to Philippine Airlines effective May 1, 2008

There would be new destinations and flights as well:

Manila-Busuanga (Daily)
Cebu-Caticlan (Daily)
Cebu-Butuan (Daily)
Cebu-Puerto Princesa (Daily)
*All flights use Q300/Q400

Other Cebu hub flights' aircrafts would be transferred from Boeing 737-200 to Q300/Q400

More info from http://www.philippineairlines.com/files/Domestic_Timetable_26March2008.pdf

All Air Philippines turboprop flights (Caticlan) will be officially transferred to Philippine Airlines effective May 1, 2008

There would be new destinations and flights as well:

Manila-Busuanga (Daily)
Cebu-Caticlan (Daily)
Cebu-Butuan (Daily)
Cebu-Puerto Princesa (Daily)
*All flights use Q300/Q400

Other Cebu hub flights' aircrafts would be transferred from Boeing 737-200 to Q300/Q400

More info from http://www.philippineairlines.com/fi...6March2008.pdf

so ang air traffic control tower ng naia 2 is exclusive for PAL only??? galing ah!!!


There's only 1 Control tower controlling all the 3 terminals: NAIA, Centennial & Domestic. That's the one in the center of Centennial Terminal. If the acft is still on-air or in the runway the pilot will use the Manila tower frequency which is located in that Control tower for landing & take-off. If the acft is entering the taxiway, the pilot will switch to Manila Ground frequency which is also located in that same Tower for acft taxiing guidance. If the acft is already approaching the ramp the pilot will say goodbye to Manila ground & switch to Bay Control, whether NAIA Bay control, Centennial Bay control or Domestic Bay control. These Bay controls which are located in each terminal will give the pilot the aircraft's Bay assignment. But these are not called Control Towers.

Hope that'd push through. So I heard that you need not have a VISA to visit Palau. I would really love to see their stingfree jellyfish! And with the opening of more Manila-Palau flights, Manila can easily become Palau's trade partner.


Bicolano fishermen in Sabang, Camarines Sur are only using pumpboats to reach Palau..no VISA needed.:lol:

wow, they could also drift planes?

yes they can..by increasing the power thrust of one engine against the other. but in that video the action done by the pilot is not that one but the Go-around. That drift resulted due to the drag created by the crosswind.

Hindi natuloy. Maraming sira ang 747.

Boeing aircrafts are more maintenance-friendly than Airbus aircrafts. Airbus aircrafts are usually called "made in taiwan" by aircraft technicians & engineers.

^^ Why is it that Airbus A319s and A320s are more popular now in the Philippines than Boeing 737s?

^^ I don't think there's much difference between Airbus and Boeing with their respective aircrafts. It all comes down to the price and financing that the company offers to the client, whoever presents the best deal during negotiations will most likely win the contract.

^^ In theory, Airbus offered a more affordable price for their Philippine clients (PR and 5J and maybe 2P). I may be wrong though.

Because A319s and A320s are the most popular choice by airlines in the Philippines and also within the regional (ASEAN) field, especially LCCs based on observation.

^^Correct, affordable price. & it's not only in the Philippines the Airbus is more popular than Boeing, it's in the whole world. Airbus is always ahead of Boeing in terms of firm orders around the world because of the price. Because only of the A380 project Boeing defeated Airbus in firm orders. A380 project resulted to the withdrawal of EADS share fron Airbus & the resignation of its CEO. You know the reason, Maintenance, Airbus wiring is a mess. What I'm saying is Boeing is more maintenance-friendly than Airbus.

^^ I don't think there's much difference between Airbus and Boeing with their respective aircrafts. It all comes down to the price and financing that the company offers to the client, whoever presents the best deal during negotiations will most likely win the contract.

technically speaking definitely there is. Airbus aircrafts have envelops. during emergency situations the computer will take-over the aircrafts, the pilot cannot override the computers decisions. Boeing aircrafts don't have envelops during emergency situations, the pilots, captain in priority, can take over the computers decisions.

^ that's interesting. Did that happen the same with that LH A320 that nearly crashed in Hamburg? Airplanes are really interesting for me. :)

^^ I recommend watching "Air Crash Investigations" of National Geographic Channel. You'll get to know some technicalities and the reasons of plane crashes. My brother (who is a aircraft maintenance engineer student) always watch this show, although being myself a jetsetter...natatakot akong panoorin especially kung may pupuntahan. :D

^ Love that show too. I used to get scared to death of flying but with the help of my lil research it becomes a lil okey now.. hehe :)

^ that's interesting. Did that happen the same with that LH A320 that nearly crashed in Hamburg? Airplanes are really interesting for me. :)

it's airbus so probably the envelop guidance of the aircraft takes-over. one of the reasons also this happens is when the captain decided to steer the aircraft to the left while the first officer is steering to the right. the computer gets confused, it will decide on its own by analyzing the datas provided by the engine, positon of landing gears, etc.

hey, are you in maldives?

^ Love that show too. I used to get scared to death of flying but with the help of my lil research it becomes a lil okey now.. hehe :)


flying is the safest way to travel.

^^ Di ba most of Airbus' aircraft are fly by wire?

Anyway, within the next few years Airbus will dominate the domestic Philippine skies except some turboprops.

^^ I recommend watching "Air Crash Investigations" of National Geographic Channel. You'll get to know some technicalities and the reasons of plane crashes. My brother (who is a aircraft maintenance engineer student) always watch this show, although being myself a jetsetter...natatakot akong panoorin especially kung may pupuntahan. :D


saang aviation school kapatid mo Pre?

PATTS.

^^ Di ba most of Airbus' aircraft are fly by wire?

Anyway, within the next few years Airbus will dominate the domestic Philippine skies except some turboprops.

Modern aircrafts(A330,A340,A320,B737-800,B747-400,B777,etc) now are using the fly-by-wire technology. before PAL is using A300-B4 & the B747-200 which they call the Jumbo, these are not fly-by-wire aircrafts. these are very heavy because of the steel cables all around the aircrafts, & the maintenance is very difficult. greasing is the most hated by maintenance, they always check & put grease to the cables controlling the whole aircraft to make sure it's functioning well. But these fly-by-wires do not use cables to control the aircraft, the command of the pilots will be transmitted to the aircraft control surfaces thru electrical signals.

PATTS.

pag graduate nya pag may license na sya. try sya pa line-up sa luftech. they are in desperate need for acft tech, eng'rs & pilots now.

^^ Yupyup. Tnx.

Some maintenance engineers here in Pinas have noticed that maintaining an B737-200 fleet in 2P (AirPhil) is quite expensive and that is why they will be replacing their fleet with newer A319s and A320s plus B737 "Classics".

pag graduate nya pag may license na sya. try sya pa line-up sa luftech. they are in desperate need for acft tech, eng'rs & pilots now.

Yup. That's what I've heard. That's why he's eager to graduate next academic year.

Thanks mate.. However I've read 'reports' that the captain did abort the landing, hence the pilot has the control? I'm wondering, too if it was all computer-controlled, what might have happened? Crash? or Take off again?
That video was really horrifying.... :)

Ya I'm in Maldives which is one hour from where you are. I've been to Colombo twice and scared as I am, I always get the A340 flights i.e UL502, UL460, and what I don't like about these is that it is always full... Full of surfing dudes with their larger than life, God-knows-how-much-they-weigh boards. They never heard about Siargao for sure. :)


it's airbus so probably the envelop guidance of the aircraft takes-over. one of the reasons also this happens is when the captain decided to steer the aircraft to the left while the first officer is steering to the right. the computer gets confused, it will decide on its own by analyzing the datas provided by the engine, positon of landing gears, etc.

hey, are you in maldives?

Check out NWA's description on Manila:

Travel to Manila
http://www.nwa.com/cgi-bin/destination_cities.cgi

Business travelers and cultural sojourners alike are sure to make the obligatory stop in Manila. To some, it's a wasteland of urban blight, but Manila has some interesting nooks and crannies. From an early history as a vital port, the town has flown the flags of many conquering forces, and there are a few good sites. Though congested and polluted, there are some great hotels with all the amenities, and this is a good place to splurge and find a bit of comfort in the busy city.

^^ Wow! I don't know what to say. :eek: I'm shocked or speechless with the description of Manila.

As if Manila wasn't theirs for 50 years! :ohno:

^^ It was the US's, not NWA. And it's not even the airline's fault. It's the Philippine government's fault for letting themselves go.

^^ Let me guess, FAA, terrorism, corruption, etc, etc.

Although it sheds some light on the state of Manila, but the words and the description are quite spicy enough to reduce travelers from the US.

One big "dagok" to the promotion of the Philippines, not unless the government and the people has to do some concrete action to improve their image to the international community.

^^ Most of the US travelers to the Philippines are they themselves ethnic, or of Filipino descent. So they already know, or have an idea what they're in for when they arrive in Manila. ;)

Thanks mate.. However I've read 'reports' that the captain did abort the landing, hence the pilot has the control? I'm wondering, too if it was all computer-controlled, what might have happened? Crash? or Take off again?
That video was really horrifying.... :)

there are many categories of aircraft landing in modern aircrafts. this falls in the Autoland subject. & this is very difficult to explain all here. modern aircrafts can land totally automatic but depends upon the capability of the airport or the runway. runways should be equipped with these capabilities. even some airports are equipped with category 3C in which aircrafts can taxi up to the parking bay automatically. landing is the most difficult job the pilot will do, so they invented this autoland technology. the computer has the full control of the landing with the help of the runway's equipment capabilities.

in that video, the acft is continuing landing even though the crosswind is dragging the aircraft left & right. the wind is too strong, the computer might not know what action to do to make the landing straight. But still it will continue the landing because that is the command inputed to it. definitely all alarms & chimes will be heard inside the cockpit. the pilot has always the option called Go-around. he will select this option & the aircraft will not continue landing. this is what we called the Aborted Landing.

**always using UL. that means you are using Srilankan airlines always.:)

I am not Filipino. I am a white American. I don't really care for Manila too much but then I don't care for any big city in America either. I don't like crowds, traffic congestion or polluted air. But I do like the smaller areas of the Philippines and the beaches. This issue is not exclusive to Manila. Any big city in the world including the US has problems. Some are just worse than others.

The Phillipines is a great place. I visit there every year and some day I might retire there but I have to wait 30 more years for that, lol.

okey. Got it. Thanks very much. :)

there are many categories of aircraft landing in modern aircrafts. this falls in the Autoland subject. & this is very difficult to explain all here. modern aircrafts can land totally automatic but depends upon the capability of the airport or the runway. runways should be equipped with these capabilities. even some airports are equipped with category 3C in which aircrafts can taxi up to the parking bay automatically. landing is the most difficult job the pilot will do, so they invented this autoland technology. the computer has the full control of the landing with the help of the runway's equipment capabilities.

in that video, the acft is continuing landing even though the crosswind is dragging the aircraft left & right. the wind is too strong, the computer might not know what action to do to make the landing straight. But still it will continue the landing because that is the command inputed to it. definitely all alarms & chimes will be heard inside the cockpit. the pilot has always the option called Go-around. he will select this option & the aircraft will not continue landing. this is what we called the Aborted Landing.

**always using UL. that means you are using Srilankan airlines always.:)

yang crosswinds ba ang sanhi ng turbulence? parang ang grabe naman ang pagyugyug, gumaganyan ba rin ba ang eroplano mid air?

All Air Philippines turboprop flights (Caticlan) will be officially transferred to Philippine Airlines effective May 1, 2008

There would be new destinations and flights as well:

Manila-Busuanga (Daily)
Cebu-Caticlan (Daily)
Cebu-Butuan (Daily)
Cebu-Puerto Princesa (Daily)
*All flights use Q300/Q400

Other Cebu hub flights' aircrafts would be transferred from Boeing 737-200 to Q300/Q400

More info from http://www.philippineairlines.com/files/Domestic_Timetable_26March2008.pdf

i thought airplhil has a new sched for surigao city too. any confirmation to this?

yang crosswinds ba ang sanhi ng turbulence? parang ang grabe naman ang pagyugyug, gumaganyan ba rin ba ang eroplano mid air?


there's no more crosswind or windshear in cruising altitude or what you call mid-air. the air pressure in that altitude is very low. you will experience turbulence in that altitude if the aircraft will pass through the clouds build-up. the water will be suck in by the engine thus creating a turbulence. if the pilot will see the clouds build-up beforehand in their waypoint in the weather radar indicator, he will avoid that one. but if it's too late, he will pass thru it then turbulence will occur. but that's no problem, aircrafts can handle these things.

^^ Another question regarding turbulence:
I've experienced a very turbulent trip from Davao to Cebu 2 years ago when we passed Claveria Misamis Oriental (the place where 5J crashed at Mount Sumagaya). Coincidentially I was also with another DC-9 of 5J.

The topography of the area is mountainous with a U-shaped valley. At first I was confident riding the plane because of the clear skies. When we reached Sumagaya area, the plane suddenly rattled violently. It didn't stop until we're out of the Claveria-Camiguin area.

The weird thing is that we're already at cruising altitude and also having a very good weather (sunny skies with little clouds). What caused its turbulence?

the turbulence is probably due to the topography of the area, as illustrated by this picture:

http://www.aviationexplorer.com/av_info_pics/turbulence.jpg

^^ Another question regarding turbulence:
I've experienced a very turbulent trip from Davao to Cebu 2 years ago when we passed Claveria Misamis Oriental (the place where 5J crashed at Mount Sumagaya). Coincidentially I was also with another DC-9 of 5J.

The topography of the area is mountainous with a U-shaped valley. At first I was confident riding the plane because of the clear skies. When we reached Sumagaya area, the plane suddenly rattled violently. It didn't stop until we're out of the Claveria-Camiguin area.

The weird thing is that we're already at cruising altitude and also having a very good weather (sunny skies with little clouds). What caused its turbulence?

another cause of turbulence is the sudden change of differential pressure. for example the aircraft is travelling from non-mountainous to mountainous area (vice-versa) or from above the sea to above land(vice versa) as what Amras illustrates. As you can see in Amras' illustration the first cause is this one & the second cause is the cloud build-up.

Using Q300
Manila to Busuanga (Daily)
Manila to Caticlan (9x Daily)

Using Cebu/Mactan-Based Q400
Cebu-Bacolod (2x daily)
Cebu-Butuan (Daily)
Cebu-Caticlan (Daily)
Cebu-Davao (3x Daily)
Cebu-GenSan (Daily)
Cebu-Iloilo (2x Daily)
Cebu-Puerto Princesa (Daily)
Cebu-Tacloban (Daily)
From PinoyExchange... Q300/400 flights operated by PAL starting May 1, 2008.

Check out NWA's description on Manila:

Travel to Manila
http://www.nwa.com/cgi-bin/destination_cities.cgi

Business travelers and cultural sojourners alike are sure to make the obligatory stop in Manila. To some, it's a wasteland of urban blight, but Manila has some interesting nooks and crannies. From an early history as a vital port, the town has flown the flags of many conquering forces, and there are a few good sites. Though congested and polluted, there are some great hotels with all the amenities, and this is a good place to splurge and find a bit of comfort in the busy city.

It's kinda true.:( Bahala na, it's still a good place.

All Air Philippines turboprop flights (Caticlan) will be officially transferred to Philippine Airlines effective May 1, 2008

There would be new destinations and flights as well:

Manila-Busuanga (Daily)
Cebu-Caticlan (Daily)
Cebu-Butuan (Daily)
Cebu-Puerto Princesa (Daily)
*All flights use Q300/Q400

Other Cebu hub flights' aircrafts would be transferred from Boeing 737-200 to Q300/Q400

More info from http://www.philippineairlines.com/fi...6March2008.pdf

Are you sure about this? Its not codeshare?

Are you sure about this? Its not codeshare?

Visit http://www.philippineairlines.com/files/Domestic_Winter_Summer%2027March2008.pdf for more info.

the flight schedule starting May 1, shows same flights that are on codeshare with Airphil. For example, PR036 on the Manila-Caticlan route is presently a codeshare flight. For the May 1 schedule, it still uses the same flight details. Although for other flights like Cebu-Davao, Bacolod, Gensan, the flight numbers are not the same as the codeshare flights.

I took a Cebu-Manila flight and asked the check in counter and the mabuhay lounge personnel, they are not sure if it is codeshare or if it is really a PAL flight. Weird, they should know by now, because if the plane is really PAL, then it would have been configured with PAL livery, plus they would have been informed of pilots and F/A being trained for the new aircraft.

MNL - MPH
MNL - DGT
MNL - WNP
MNL - OZC
MNL - TUG

**Codeshare flights may carry PR flight numbers, but will mostly likely use 2P aircraft.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9d/Caticlan_Airport.jpg/800px-Caticlan_Airport.jpg

Godofredo Ramos Airport
Caticlan, Malay, Aklan

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/48/Tacloban_Airport.jpg/800px-Tacloban_Airport.jpg

Daniel Romualdez Airport
Tacloban City

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f9/Bacolod_Silay_Airport_Control_Tower.jpg/800px-Bacolod_Silay_Airport_Control_Tower.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/f8/Bacolod-Silay_Airport.jpg

Bacolod-Silay International Airport
Silay City

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/49/General_Santos_International_Airport.jpg/800px-General_Santos_International_Airport.jpg

General Santos International Airport
General Santos City

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/1d/C-40_PPS.jpg/800px-C-40_PPS.jpg

US Navy Aircraft in the Puerto Princesa Airport

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/a9/Loakan_Airport.JPEG/800px-Loakan_Airport.JPEG

Loakan Airport
Baguio City

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/92/Airport_Parking_Area.jpg

Legazpi Airport
Legazpi City

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/6c/Dipolog_Airport_Terminal.jpg

Dipolog Airport
Dipolog City

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/5f/Kalibo_national_airport_aklan.jpg

Kalibo Airport
Kalibo, Aklan

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/49/SanFernando_Airport.JPEG/400px-SanFernando_Airport.JPEG

San Fernando Airport
San Fernando City, La Union

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/3/35/WallaceAS.JPEG/765px-WallaceAS.JPEG

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/bc/Iloilo_Airport.jpg/300px-Iloilo_Airport.jpg

The Old Iloilo Airport
Iloilo City

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cc/Iloilo_-_Airport_and_air_support.jpg

Apron of the Iloilo International Airport

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/b9/7xcckfd.jpg

The Old Bacolod Domestic Airport

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6b/Mactan_Cebu_International_Airport.jpg/800px-Mactan_Cebu_International_Airport.jpg

Mactan-Cebu International Airport
Lapu-Lapu City

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/3/35/NASCubi.JPEG/799px-NASCubi.JPEG

Naval Air Station - Cubi Point
A Former American Military Base
Subic Bay

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/b4/Crow_Valley.jpg/398px-Crow_Valley.jpg

The Crow Valley Bombing and Gunnery Range (IATA: RPXC) was the main bombing range of the United States Armed Forces in the western Pacific and is located in Camp O'Donnell in Tarlac, The Philippines. The 42-mile facility was located approximately 14 miles from Clark Air Base and was primarily used for aerial combat training, which include bombing and strafing practice.

http://www.angelfire.com/ga/batwentyone/images/ClarkAB.jpg

Clark Air Base, PAMPANGA. In 1920, the United States Military opened this airfield as part of its installation, Fort Stotsenburg. After World War II it became the largest US Air Force Base outside the United States mainland and served the US 13th Air Force and became the operational US Air Force base in the Far East. On 21 November 1991 though, the base was turned over to the Philippine Government and the runway and airfield facilities was converted to what is now the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport. The whole base then became and the Clark Special Economic Zone. However, units of the Philippine Air Force are still stationed in the once sprawling US Air Field located in Angeles City (Barangay Dau) Pampanga Province.
The base was named after Major Harold Clark who was stationed in the Philippines but died in a seaplane crash in the Panama Canal Zone on 21 May 1919.

http://www.angelfire.com/ga/batwentyone/images/BasaAB.jpg

Basa Air Base, PAMPANGA. This is "Fightertown Philippines", the home of the "Boys of Basa", the "Pit of the Cobras" the "Roost of the Figthers". This is the place of the Philippine Air Force’s 5th Fighter Wing codenamed "Cobra" and whose F-5 equipped 6th Squadron and the armed AS-211 equipped 7th are based. It is also the home of the PAF’s Aerobatic Squadrons, the "Blue Diamonds" and the "Red Aces". This is the haven of the first air defense of the nation.

Built during the early stages of World War II by the United Sates Army Air Corp, it was then known as Florida-Blanca Air Field after the Pampanga town to which it is presently located today, After the War, it was turned over to the PAF on 02 May 1947 and the first post war PAF fighters, the P-51 Mustangs were transferred here.

The Base was named in honor of Philippine Army Air Corp Lt. Cesar T. Basa, a member of Captain Villamor’s P-26 equipped 6th Pursuit Squadron and who became the first Filipino aerial dogfight casualty in Philippine Military history.

http://www.angelfire.com/ga/batwentyone/images/VAB1.jpg

Villamor Air Base, METRO MANILA Today, this is the main headquarters of the PAF. It was originally named Nichols Field and used by American and Filipino Army Air Corp units prior to World War II. In was turned over to the Philippine Air Force on January 1948. It is presently located in Pasay City at the heart of Metro Manila adjacent to the Manila International and Domestic Airport.

The Base was named after Captain Jesus Villamor, the Air Force’s first Medal of Valor recipient and Squadron Commander of the Fighting 6th Pursuit Squadron who engaged the Japanese Imperial Air Force during World War II.

It was also Captain Villamor's squadron that flew and baptized the P-26 in dogfight; making the "Peashooter" the first American fighter plane (flown by Filipino pilots) to officially enter World War II - in combat.

http://www.angelfire.com/ga/batwentyone/images/SangleyAB.jpg

Atienza Air Base, CAVITE. Originally named Sangley Air Station, this Philippine Air Force base is shared with the Philippine Navy Air Group and the Philippine Naval surface combatant fleet. It is located strategically in Sangley Point, Cavite and used by the United States Navy prior and during World War II until. It was handed over to the Philippine Government in 01 September 1971.

It was Renamed Atienza Air Base in honor of Major Danilo Atienza, an F-5A jet pilot who failed to pull out during a bombing run and crashed in the area while leading a trio of F-5’s to destroy the RAM-SFP "air force" during the December 1989 Coup attempt. Today, as it has been, the Base houses the "Bronco", "TurboChargers" and "Defender" equipped 15th Strike Wing. The so called "macho unit" of the PAF is responsible for the main close air support (CAS) and counter insurgency (COIN) air support operations of the AFP.

http://www.angelfire.com/ga/batwentyone/images/FAB.jpg

Fernando Air Base, BATANGAS. The Summer Capital of the Philippine Air Force. Known in the past as Lipa City Army Air Base, after the Capital city of Batangas Province. The Base was built by the Japanese Armed Forces in 1942 after their victory using Philippine and American prisoners on forced labor. It was then the Home of the PAF’s Training Base where the Basic Airmen and Officer's Training course were conducted. It was also the home of the PAF Aviation Officer's Candidate School and the PAF Flying School; the "Air Force Academy Campus" until the unit was transferred to Rajah Buayan Air Base in the Southern Philippine province of South Cotobato.

The Base was turned over to the Philippine Air Force on 02 May 1948 and was named as it is now in honor of LtColonel Basilio Fernando, a Philippine airman who was killed in the United States on 21 January 1946 during a training flight on a B-25 Mitchell medium Bomber in Oklahoma, USA.

http://www.angelfire.com/ga/batwentyone/images/EbuenAB1.jpg

Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base, CEBU. Construction of this large joint military and civil air field commenced in 1956 which now serves the Cebu-Mactan International Airport and the complex houses. This is the air base responsible for the Transport Wing of the PAF, where the Hercules, Fokkers and Nomads are based. When fighters are stationed in the area, it was known as the base of the defenders of the Philippine southern backdoor.

In June 1996, known as Mactan Air Base it was renamed Benito Ebuen Air Base in honor of the PAF Commanding General and the pilot of the ill fated Presidential Plane "Mt. Pinatubo" which was carrying Pres. Ramon Magsaysay that crashed in Mt. Manunggal on 03mar57 killing all 25 aboard. Gen. Ebuen who was also a commander of the 5th Fighter wing was also famous in piloting the famous PAF P-51 Mustang known as the "Shark of Zambales". During World War II, he flew reconnaissance missions for Gen. Jonathan Wainwright before the fall of the Philippines. He then served as a guerrilla in the remainder of the war.

Andrew Air Base, ZAMBOANGA On 06 December 1956, the PAF established a military base on the eastern end of Zamboanga Airport. In 1966, an operational PAF Base was established and named as it is called now in honor of Gen. Edwin Andrew, the First Filipino post war Philippine Air Force Commander and who lost his life when the "Lili Marlene" a C-47 transport plane carrying him and 16 others crashed in Mt. Makaturing, Linao Mindanao on 18 May 1947. Today the Base is very active in supporting air operations with Philippine ground forces in their campaign against the NPA and Muslim rebels operating in the Mindanao, Jolo and the southern Visayas area.

^^ Your photo links aren't good, they're not showing up. :(

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f9/Bacolod_Silay_Airport_Control_Tower.jpg/800px-Bacolod_Silay_Airport_Control_Tower.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/f8/Bacolod-Silay_Airport.jpg

Bacolod-Silay International Airport
Silay City


i think the second pic are check in counters at Davao International Airport .

please confirm nlng po kung tama or they just look same ? . :bash:

I checked the system just a while ago and it really showed that PAL would start to operate these flights effective May 1

just saw the news at cnn that LHR's new terminal 5 baggage system has completely failed and several BA flights having to be canceled (34 flights) . shempre medyo expected na sa 1st day of operations medyo papalpak ng unti. though BA and airport operator BAA were embarrassed by the fiasco.

i think the second pic are check in counters at Davao International Airport .

please confirm nlng po kung tama or they just look same ? . :bash:

yep DIA yan 2nd pic :)

there's no more crosswind or windshear in cruising altitude or what you call mid-air. the air pressure in that altitude is very low. you will experience turbulence in that altitude if the aircraft will pass through the clouds build-up. the water will be suck in by the engine thus creating a turbulence. if the pilot will see the clouds build-up beforehand in their waypoint in the weather radar indicator, he will avoid that one. but if it's too late, he will pass thru it then turbulence will occur. but that's no problem, aircrafts can handle these things.

^^ Another question regarding turbulence:
I've experienced a very turbulent trip from Davao to Cebu 2 years ago when we passed Claveria Misamis Oriental (the place where 5J crashed at Mount Sumagaya). Coincidentially I was also with another DC-9 of 5J.

The topography of the area is mountainous with a U-shaped valley. At first I was confident riding the plane because of the clear skies. When we reached Sumagaya area, the plane suddenly rattled violently. It didn't stop until we're out of the Claveria-Camiguin area.

The weird thing is that we're already at cruising altitude and also having a very good weather (sunny skies with little clouds). What caused its turbulence?

the turbulence is probably due to the topography of the area, as illustrated by this picture:

http://www.aviationexplorer.com/av_info_pics/turbulence.jpg

another cause of turbulence is the sudden change of differential pressure. for example the aircraft is travelling from non-mountainous to mountainous area (vice-versa) or from above the sea to above land(vice versa) as what Amras illustrates. As you can see in Amras' illustration the first cause is this one & the second cause is the cloud build-up.

Thanks Guys for the info, nalubag ang loob ko kahit konti :D

kaya pala kapag nasa ibabaw ng island, parang yumuyugyug ang eroplano. nung sa northwest kami, meron silang forecast kung may dadaanin kaming turbulence, sabi ng piloto we'll be having some turbulence in ____ area or sumthing like that, sana meron din sa domestic kahit short flights lang :D

nightdog, baka masagot mo tanong ko, yung cruising altitude ba, mas mataas sa bagyo? kase yung linya ng clouds nakikita ko sa baba, pero meron paring mga pakawalang clouds nakikita ko. d ko alam baka nagdescend na kami kaya may clouds na akong nakikita sa paligid.

parang tama po kayo, nung galing kami ng detroit papuntang california, may nadaanan kaming napakakapal na ulap pero parang umikot kami para iwasan sila :D salamat sa mga sagot

^^ Yup, napansin ko rin yun. Especially during rainy season, the planes usually go around the "anvilheads" or the cumulo-nimbus thunderclouds.

Fruit-juice king buys Asian Spirit (http://businessmirror.com.ph/0328&292008/headlines02.html)

By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo
Special to BusinessMirror

JUICE king and banker Alfredo M. Yao has completed the takeover of flag carrier Asian Spirit Inc. (ASI), with the signing of a share-purchase agreement Wednesday evening with the Airline Employees’ Cooperative (AEC) and individual shareholders led by prominent businessman and CATS founder Antonio Ang, Antonio Turalba Jr. of the Active Group Inc. and investment banker Noel Oñate.

In an interview with select reporters, Yao, who is chairman of Zest-O Corp.—one of the largest fruit-juice makers in country—and also chairman of Private Business Bank, said: “It’s a done deal.”

AMY Holdings Inc., an investment company owned by Yao and his siblings, and four of its other subsidiaries, will share ownership of ASI, he explained.

Yao disclosed that he would “initially be the president” of the airline and Donald Dee will be chairman. Dee is chairman emeritus of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and, like Yao, holds a government-appointed title as special envoy for international trade. Yao is special envoy for the development of tourism with China.

Yao was tightlipped, however, on the purchase price, but a source in his group said it was “around P1 billion,” inclusive of liabilities such as debts to suppliers and banks. The check turned over to Ang’s group was estimated at about P700 million. Informed sources added that Yao would “retain a portion of the total payment for the shares for six months in case of unforeseen liabilities, such as claims or debts.”

With the purchase of ASI now complete, Yao is expected to intensify his negotiations to buy Southeast Asian Airlines, a budget carrier set up by foreigners Iren Dornier and Nikos Gitsis, and a group of local businessmen, led by marketing guru and current president of the University of Makati, Tomas B. Lopez Jr.

Yao said his plan “is to merge Asian Spirit and Seair. It is the most logical thing to do to strengthen our domestic operations.” Asian Spirit was instrumental in opening the gateway to Boracay Island, through its flights to Caticlan. Its closest rival Seair, is the dominant player in the routes to Palawan and neighboring islands.

He added that ASI will “maintain and continue with our Macau and South Korea” chartered flights, but hinted at the possibility of expanding the carrier’s regional routes to include “Xiamen and Shanghai.”

Asian Spirit flies to 15 local and international destinations with a 10-plane fleet, six of which are company-owned, while the rest are leased.

The agreement to purchase ASI “lock, stock and barrel” was signed at about 10:30 p.m. on March 26 at the Pasay Room-B of the Makati Shangri-La Hotel, after a series of lengthy meetings and last-minute discussions over dinner at the hotel’s Shang Palace. A source from Yao’s group stressed that “it is not a hostile takeover.”

Signing the share-purchase agreement on Yao’s side were Yao himself, Dee and Roberto Atendido, president of Asian Alliance Investment Corp., and a seasoned regional investment banker. Signing on behalf of ASI’s former owners were Ang, Turalba and Oñate. Until Wednesday evening, Ang was the single biggest individual shareholder of ASI, through his shares in the airline company and the employees’ cooperative.

Informed sources said Atendido, a director in the Export-Industry Bank, and Yao’s most trusted finance man, is expected to sit on the new board of ASI, along with airline sales and marketing veteran Art Alejandrino, formerly of Corporate Air.

Capt. Antonio Buendia, incumbent president of ASI, said the signing of the sale agreement capped five months “of almost-daily negotiations, including Sundays,” with Yao’s group. Even after Wednesday’s dinner, he said, there were some issues that were still being resolved at the last minute, on certain terms and conditions of the takeover.

Before ASI’s management decided to enter into negotiations with Yao sometime in November 2007, they were entertaining discussions with various possible buyers, including Cebu Pacific of JG Summit Holdings Inc., Singapore Airlines subsidiary Tiger Airways, and Manuel V. Pangilinan, chairman of PLDT.

Meanwhile, a six-man transition committee was formed to handle the takeover of Yao’s group which officially began Thursday, with their introduction to the management committee. Members of the transition team on Yao’s side are Alejandrino, Ramon Gutierrez and Rick Aguilar—all former executives of the defunct Corporate Air, a small luxury carrier which flew between Manila and Caticlan; while those from the present airline management will be made up of Buendia, ASI executive vice president Joaquin Po and senior vice president Butch Rodriguez.

Yao’s group stressed that the 300 employees of the carrier will also be retained, unless they are found “redundant” or not on a par, as per performance standards, to be instituted by the new owner. “We have no intention of firing anyone, except when there will be some streamlining, or some are found redundant. In some cases, we may need to transfer personnel to departments lacking in manpower,” a source from Yao’s group said.

Buendia, likewise, added that “they [Yao’s group] know the corporate law. The employer-employee relationship would be respected, unless of course, an employee is not performing well.”

The present 10-man management team of ASI, headed by Buendia and Po, is also expected to remain in office until further notice.

Asian Spirit Inc. was set up in 1995 by Turalba, Oñate and aviation investor Archibald Po, with each contributing $1 million to set up the Airline Employees Cooperative. They then invited 36 other individuals, mostly former employees of Philippine Airlines, to become shareholders. ASI was initially capitalized at P30 million but, in 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission approved the carrier’s increase in capital to P1 billion.

The airline secured a 25-year congressional franchise in January 2003, and under the terms of the franchise, is supposed to conduct an initial public offering this year.

Last year Archibald Po sold his shares to Antonio Ang, founder of CATS Motors, the distributor of Mercedes-Benzes in the country. He is also the local distributor of Sanden air conditioners and Michelin tires. Turalba is president of the Active Group, a company started by his parents which has become a major player in the local real-estate market. Oñate, an investment banker, became known as a key Lakas power broker. Until Wednesday evening, all three shared 20-percent ownership of ASI.

Bariq: nasa baba lang ang bagyo. each aircraft has its own cruising altitude, these are called assigned altitudes. it is already in the flight plan. from 28,000 ft. it goes up to 34,000 ft or more. wala na bagyo dito. pero don't worry before mag-take-off ang eroplano sa point of origin alam na ng pilots na may bagyo sa point of destination. kaya hinde na yan sila tutuloy o kaya ide-delay konti ang flight hanggang wala na ang bagyo. kung ang bagyo naman nangyari sa point of destination nasa ere na ang eroplano at malapit na sa final approach, ida-divert lang yan ng piloto sa pinakamalapit na airport ang eroplano. flying is the safest way to travel.:)

i'm learning a lot on this thread...:)

will that mean an increase in fare for those routes ?

Pal have legacy costs whereas air phil does not.

Hmm, competition is heating up. PAL vs Cebu Pacific, with PAL using the Bombardier planes, and Cebu Pacific ATR planes.

Random Pix of Iloilo Airport on Flickr

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2203/2356841120_0f92306a96.jpg?v=0
by Meljack (The terminal and the apron)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2251/2299472358_2469cf7141.jpg?v=0
by roadworthyman

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3158/2297342551_df2b17d603.jpg?v=0
Wellwishers area (departure area side) by jaz1668

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2083/2252133017_0ec6baa347.jpg?v=0
Pre-departure area (before inauguration) by cancer7

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2091/2251084739_f5b9260246.jpg?v=0
Cutting of the Ribbon by the President by Santi09

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2310/2251436505_810a2eb5fb.jpg?v=0
The new Toyota Vios and Avanza Taxis of Iloilo by Santi09

berns may kamukha ang iloilo airport noh? airport name starts with "P" :lol:

^^ Yeah. As in kamukha talaga. :lol:

Hey!

The Wikipedia article about Iloilo's new international airport is potentially on it's way to to Featured Article status-- that means it may someday be featured on Wikipedia's front page, as a showcase of Wikipedia's best work!

One of the roadblocks in the way is the article's lack of pictures. We need people who can provide pictures of the airport under a FREE LICENSE. Like the GNU FDL or Creative Commons.
Is anyone willing to donate pictures to help? If so, you can just post the pictures here and I can take care of uploading it to Wikipedia. Remember, it has to be your own donated photo, or the photo of someone who has agreed to give it under a free license. Thanks.

Article can be found here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iloilo_International_Airport

^^ Another question regarding turbulence:
I've experienced a very turbulent trip from Davao to Cebu 2 years ago when we passed Claveria Misamis Oriental (the place where 5J crashed at Mount Sumagaya). Coincidentially I was also with another DC-9 of 5J.

The topography of the area is mountainous with a U-shaped valley. At first I was confident riding the plane because of the clear skies. When we reached Sumagaya area, the plane suddenly rattled violently. It didn't stop until we're out of the Claveria-Camiguin area.

The weird thing is that we're already at cruising altitude and also having a very good weather (sunny skies with little clouds). What caused its turbulence?

same experienced ,dunno if it's in Claveria but going home from Cebu to Davao , mine was a night flight but first time i experienced a sudden drop of altitude!after that never been to a plane for about 3 years! hehe

Wala bang taga-SSC na pupunta sa NAIA tomorrow? Last flight na bukas ng LH.:( I remembered someone here who took pictures of the last flight of Swiss Air International way back 2004.

sucks... another sign that we're falling behind.
i emailed lufthansa and they told me that they're gonna focus more on china and india.

^^ Which is acknowledged as big markets for Europeans.

Is LH the last European airline in Pinas?

^KLM

5T-spVjBLfk
Landing at Kalibo Airport (PR)...watch and feel it. :D

Hz0VSJUSavg
Landing at Ozamis City Air Philippines (B737-200)

mMXrt0w5w3M
Landing at Pagadian City Asian Spirit (BAE)

D7S-uQk0_mw
Landing at NAIA Manila PAL (A320)

Dumaguete Landings:
UpPSUoY18mA
CebuPacific (A320) West approach

HDlWvYOXRls
CebuPacific (DC9) East approach

^^ Which is acknowledged as big markets for Europeans.

Is LH the last European airline in Pinas?

With Lufthansa's last flight into/out of Manila due today, KLM becomes the last European serving Manila.

:wave: :cry: Auf Wiedersehen, Lufthansa! Dank für die Gedächtnisse! :(

(English translation: Bye-bye, Lufthansa! Thanks for the memories!)

In fairness, KLM indeed has a good stay here in the Philippines. Ang tagal na nila dito.:D

may balita na ba kung kelan bubuksan terminal 3?

^^ Politician: Umm, it will be open the soonest time possible...

In short wala pa ring balita. :no:


http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/3/photos/153/600x600/1/Tagala00060.jpg?et=CFqmtVYTPuEpvudAHww5Kg&nmid=88582360

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/2/photos/153/600x600/2/Tagala00061.jpg?et=EMWR%2BHwojydQfQK6SYAjcw&nmid=88582360

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/2/photos/153/600x600/4/Tagala00064.jpg?et=mOICVvcZJwDKyEFxnLHXpA&nmid=88582360

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/2/photos/153/600x600/5/Tagala00063.jpg?et=EzRSDUvh%2BYQ5CVY%2BLVetcA&nmid=88582360

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/2/photos/153/600x600/6/Tagala00065.jpg?et=y%2CpVrskEgmbf6gx7UOaSWA&nmid=88582360

hala bakit ang daming flying saucers dyan??

In fairness, KLM indeed has a good stay here in the Philippines. Ang tagal na nila dito.:D

As I once pointed out, KLM has had fairly close ties with the Philippine aviation scene since the 1960s (at least, maybe even farther back; I'm just not sure how far back). It was KLM who leased Philippine Airlines its first jets: DC-8s - and later, DC-10s - and trained its first pilots for those new types. So it's an appropriate coincidence that KLM become the first European airline regularly serving Manila non-stop from its European point (Amsterdam, in this case) - and now they're the ONLY European airline serving us.

^KLM is also the oldest airline in the world. I don't know if it followed logically with the premises.:D

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/2/photos/157/600x600/11/Baguio00011.jpg?et=Jd9xMUQQL3W4z3X3C3wyzA&nmid=88746721
Loakan Airport....Pwede pala tumawid sa runway, hehe!! :D

^KLM is also the oldest airline in the world. I don't know if it followed logically with the premises.:D

and PAL is the oldest in Asia.....hehehe.......i don't know what's the logic in here...hehe

that'll probably be logical if i am an antique collector. hohoho. age is the only area where other airlines in asia will never supersede PAL. hohoho

PAL is an old hag slowly getting its groove back!

PAL's bombardier planes are under PAL express, according to one of their staff at the ticketing office. I don't know how PAL Express's ownership works, but its now recognized as a PAL flight, and any mabuhay elite and premiere elite on these flights can use the mabuhay lounge, but all its flight are not qualified to earn any mileage.

^^ he he lol! yeay for old hag!

that'll probably be logical if i am an antique collector. hohoho. age is the only area where other airlines in asia will never supersede PAL. hohoho

I love this.:D

PAL buying 9 Bombardier aircraft (http://www.mb.com.ph/BSNS20080331120616.html)

Fil C. Sionil

Philippine Airlines (PAL) is acquiring nine small-seater Bombardier aircraft to beef up its domestic route operations and compete head-on with other domestic carriers.

In an interview, PAL president Jaime Bautista disclosed the expansion of its domestic fleet involves the purchase of three 50 seater Q-300 series and six 78-seater Q-400 series turboprop aircraft from Toronto-based, Bombardier Aerospace.

"The Q means quiet," he pointed out, stressing that these new series of turboprops are no longer ear-splitting with the installation of the active noise and vibration suppression system designed to reduce cabin noise and vibration levels to less than those of jetliners.

Total acquisition cost, which includes the necessary spare parts, engine and training of the crew and pilots, is estimated at $ 150 million.

Bautista said PAL may have to dip into its earnings and/or borrow for the capital outlay. "But, we may no longer need to get a guarantee since the amount involve is not that big."

He was referring to guarantee that PAL obtained from US Export-Import Bank (US Eximbank) for its purchase of Boeing 777 series to lighten the financial load.

The 50-seatter will be used to increase the Boracay destination, which currently ferries foreign and local tourists four times daily since the route was opened on December 15 last year.

Air Philippines, PAL’s subsidiary, is servicing this route.

"The plan is to bring our Boracay frequency to eight times a day," said Bautista, who seemed unfazed by the recent developments in the domestic aviation industry.

"We welcome such development," Bautista commented on the said buy-out by Ambassador Alfredo M. Yao, of Asian Spirit and the future plan of the banker-industrialist to acquire Southeast Asian Airlines or Seair with the end in view of merging the operations of the two airlines.

He disclosed that in the past, PAL management was also considering in acquiring — lock, stock and barrel — Asian Spirit but such plan did not push through.

According to Bautista, the Bombardier Q-300 series will start coming in sometime next week and will have its maiden flight, if all systems go, on Sunday, April 6.

On the other hand, the 76-seatter will be used for inter-island routes with Manila and Cebu as PAL’s main hub.

The idea is to bring passengers from Manila to Cebu, then, from the Southern island, passengers can be ferried to nearby provinces such as Iloilo, Bacolod and Bohol.

This strategy will provide ease and comfort to the riding public, he explained.

Bautista, meanwhile, said PAL will start its maiden flight to Macau this coming May 1, thereby, increasing to more than six its destinations in the economic giant, People’s Republic of China.

^^ OK. I just want to ask confirmation that as clear as a crystal...Those 2P flights from Cebu hub will be taken over by PR by May1 right?

may balita na ba kung kelan bubuksan terminal 3?

China's BCIA Terminal 3 started construction in 2004 and was completed 2008, becoming fully operational in March 28.

In the Philippines, NAIA Terminal 3 started construction in 1997 and was 98% completed when work stopped in 2002. Standing useless and idle for the past five years, DOTC Sec Mendoza announced that there would be no more NAIA 3 timetable.

The occasional Airbus A320 PAL deploys for PR 277/278 (Manila-Legazpi-Manila) during peak travel season...
U9DElMDuqCw
^Here, an Airbus A320 last Good Friday...

Occasional Airbus A320 PAL deploys for PR 277/278 (Manila-Legazpi-Manila)...
U9DElMDuqCw
...during peak travel season; here, last Good Friday.

Airline hires temps to fill plane (http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080331/od_nm/airline_temps_dc)

DUBLIN (Reuters) - Flybe has given the term low-fare airline an entirely new meaning: it is paying 172 people to fly back and forth across England and the Irish Sea to help it meet a target for passenger numbers at Norwich airport.

Flybe was narrowly falling short of a target to deliver at least 15,000 passengers on the Dublin-Norwich route in the 12 months ending on Monday, which meant it would have to forego a 280,000 pound ($550,000) rebate from the airport.

After the airport rejected a request for a partial rebate for almost hitting the target, Flybe hired 172 temps for 30-40 pounds each, plus a free bar and in-flight entertainment, though it admitted "it probably sounds like an early April fool."

But Richard Jenner, managing director of the airport in eastern England, called the British carrier's move "ludicrous" and said the target had to be met by regular fare-paying passengers.

"The ludicrousness is on the Norwich side who in essence have tried to hold us to ransom, putting at risk routes into Norwich," Flybe Chief Commercial Officer Mike Rutter replied in a joint interview with Jenner on Irish public broadcaster RTE.

(Reporting by Andras Gergely; Editing by Jon Boyle)

Goodbye, Aloha (http://www.forbes.com/markets/2008/03/31/aloha-airlines-bankruptcy-markets-equity-cx_cg_0331markets14.html?boxes=relstories)
Carl Gutierrez, 03.31.08, 12:10 PM ET

High fuel prices and intense competition has led the airline industry to push for consolidation. Unfortunately Hawaii's Aloha Airlines wasn't able to hold on long enough.

On Sunday, the Honolulu-based airline said it would halt all passenger service after Monday, effectively bringing a close to a business that's been running since 1946.

"We simply ran out of time to find a qualified buyer or secure continued financing for our passenger business," said Aloha President David Banmiller. "We had no choice but to take this action."

Hawaii's second-largest carrier has operated a fleet of 26 Boeing 737s to serve five airports in Hawaii and six destinations in the continental United States.

Sunday's announcement has been a long time coming. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on March 2006. (See: "Fuel Woes Spread To Hawaii 's Aloha Airlines") At the time, Aloha presented the court with a financial plan it hoped would keep up normal operations and retain its 3,500 employees.

The beginning of the end may well have started in 2006, when Phoenix, Ariz.-based based Mesa Air Group launched a new inter-island carrier called go! airlines in 2006, triggering a local airfare war.

In January, go! reported a $20 million operating loss for its first 16 months of operations. Meanwhile, Aloha and Hawaiian Airlines (amex: HA - news - people )--the other major inter-island carrier--reported combined losses of nearly $65 million, since go! had begun operating.

Aloha's bankruptcy filing said the airline was unable to generate enough sales due to what it called "predatory pricing" by go! Banmiller didn't mention go! by name, but did blame the company's demise on rival companies. Rising fuel prices, which have forced other airlines to raise fares and look for ways to cut expenses, also made it difficult for Aloha to operate.

The airline's descent comes some two years since it last went through bankruptcy court.

The shutdown will affect about 1,900 employees, but the company said air cargo services would continue. Saltchuk Resources offered last Thursday to buy Aloha's cargo operations for an undisclosed amount, but the Seattle, Wash-based company said it wasn't interested in taking over the airline's passenger business.

Does any have updates on the PAL 744 thats suppose to have that interior upgrade finished last month?

^^ sabi sa pex... N754's reconfiguration will be delayed due to minor problems...

^^ really..thats sucks...i was really hoping to see it...so how long will it be delayed..and what were the minor problems?

i dunno... clark did not specify anything... on the bright side.. pal's newest A320 will arrive tonight at 6:30ish... its gonna be RP C8611

PAL buying 9 Bombardier aircraft (http://64.233.169.104/search?q=cache:oGHhlkvDWGQJ:www.mb.com.ph/BSNS20080331120616.html+pal+buying+9+bombardier&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us&client=firefox-a)
Manila Bulletin
By FIL C. SIONIL

Philippine Airlines (PAL) is acquiring nine small-seater Bombardier aircraft to beef up its domestic route operations and compete head-on with other domestic carriers.

In an interview, PAL president Jaime Bautista disclosed the expansion of its domestic fleet involves the purchase of three 50 seater Q-300 series and six 78-seater Q-400 series turboprop aircraft from Toronto-based, Bombardier Aerospace.

"The Q means quiet," he pointed out, stressing that these new series of turboprops are no longer ear-splitting with the installation of the active noise and vibration suppression system designed to reduce cabin noise and vibration levels to less than those of jetliners.

Total acquisition cost, which includes the necessary spare parts, engine and training of the crew and pilots, is estimated at $ 150 million.

Bautista said PAL may have to dip into its earnings and/or borrow for the capital outlay. "But, we may no longer need to get a guarantee since the amount involve is not that big."

He was referring to guarantee that PAL obtained from US Export-Import Bank (US Eximbank) for its purchase of Boeing 777 series to lighten the financial load.

The 50-seatter will be used to increase the Boracay destination, which currently ferries foreign and local tourists four times daily since the route was opened on December 15 last year.

Air Philippines, PAL’s subsidiary, is servicing this route.

"The plan is to bring our Boracay frequency to eight times a day," said Bautista, who seemed unfazed by the recent developments in the domestic aviation industry.

"We welcome such development," Bautista commented on the said buy-out by Ambassador Alfredo M. Yao, of Asian Spirit and the future plan of the banker-industrialist to acquire Southeast Asian Airlines or Seair with the end in view of merging the operations of the two airlines.

He disclosed that in the past, PAL management was also considering in acquiring — lock, stock and barrel — Asian Spirit but such plan did not push through.

According to Bautista, the Bombardier Q-300 series will start coming in sometime next week and will have its maiden flight, if all systems go, on Sunday, April 6.

On the other hand, the 76-seatter will be used for inter-island routes with Manila and Cebu as PAL’s main hub.

The idea is to bring passengers from Manila to Cebu, then, from the Southern island, passengers can be ferried to nearby provinces such as Iloilo, Bacolod and Bohol.

This strategy will provide ease and comfort to the riding public, he explained.

Bautista, meanwhile, said PAL will start its maiden flight to Macau this coming May 1, thereby, increasing to more than six its destinations in the economic giant, People’s Republic of China.

^^ NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :gaah:

Bombardier is EVIL!! Why oh why does PAL have to buy from them... :mad2:

^^ Why? Does that mean we have to put our left leg in the grave already? Does it have a bad record in NTSB or FAA or any other aviation authorities and reviews or airlines? What is important is the safety of the passengers. Am I safe with Bombardier?

Because I might be riding the Bombardier often because of the route it serves (Cebu-Iloilo).

Lets put it this way so that it wont be too confusing.

Air Philippines wants to buy 3 Q300, but Bombardier don't want to loan them airplanes because they don't have credit facility, meaning no international loan credibility. So they went to Philippine Airlines to guarantee its payment. So the real transaction goes this way. Since the asset to debt ratio of Air Philippines is equivalent only to 1 brand new Q300, they were allowed to purchase 1 unit under their name. For them to get the other two, Philippine Airlines has to purchase it for them, and then lease it to Air Phil. So in effect Airphil gets the 3 brand new planes.

Same thing is happening with the 6 Q400. Only that it is not brand new. They are actually 2 years old, probably the first batch of the Q4. In this case PAL leased it from Aircraft lessor in Europe or the States (I still dont know who the lessors are) and then sublet it to Airphil. Remember this are lease airplanes just like fokker 50 and sunriser SD.Unlike the Q3 which they really own.But it does not mean that PAL will operate it unless they would. So codeshare will be used under the name of PAL and Airphil. Its been noted that most of caticlan flight were booked using online-booking facility of PAL other than Airphil which is probably suffering from an image problem. Its the reason why you find the latest schedule on Q3/Q4 on PAL's timetable. Its similar to the arrangement of British Airways and BA Cityflyer and KLM and KLM Cityhopper
So they will let Airphil operate this plane to compete with Cebpac.

^^ Ok.
Then why is it that the AirPhilippines staff persist that they will still have the same flight (for us example, in Iloilo, the existance of 2P020) and hasn't recorded any 2 flights for the month of May (as what the announcement/schedule of flights will take effect)?

^^ Probably because it's Canadian. Specifically, French-Canadian. ;)




:lol: :jk: :nocrook:

^^ Probably because it's Canadian. Specifically, French-Canadian. ;)
:lol: :jk: :nocrook:
I really don't get it Kimber. :??

^^ :lol: I just said that because I remembered Queetz saying that he hated Air Canada (with a passion), whose corporate headquarters is in Montreal, Quebec. The same with Bomdardier, their headquarters is also located in Montreal. ;)

^^ NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :gaah:

Bombardier is EVIL!! Why oh why does PAL have to buy from them... :mad2:

Why do you hate anything French-Canadian? Mr. kiretoce, I, too, remembered what he said on Air Canada.

I see. I thought there are some problems with the Bombardier aircrafts' safety record. Of course, I wouldn't risk my life flying with a flying coffin.

^^There is. Scandinavian Airline System grounded all of its Q400s last October because of consecutive tire explosion incidents. But in the investigations, it was not Bombardier's fault but SAS'.

---

Can PAL start exclusive cargo flights to US even with FAA?

Bombardier among other things is an excellent aircraft manufacturer, they are a world leader in regional jets and turboprops for commercial use. For the size of plane PR is looking at its usually a choice between Bombardier and ATR, with Embraer a far third.

Curious why PR would bother with this, they have AIrPhil doing the exact same route and market why should it not just leave this type of operation to Airphil which should be a lower cost and more appropriate type operation for these routes!

^^PR will establish PAL Express.

^^ So this May, we may be experiencing 4 flights coming in and out of Cebu here in Iloilo Airport?

According to sched, there would be 2 PR flights, 1 2P and 1 5J. And the AirPhil people doesn't have any idea whether they will close their route giving way for PR's flights for the month of May. Their flight 2P 020 still exists on their system beyond May 2008.

As I was saying Air Phils is suffering from a credibility problem although it is owned by one man. But in a corporate world it does not operate that way. OFW and foreigners don't rely on their website for booking as I was told. Much more on their flight schedules.Thats why they used PAL which more or less has secured international booking. Meaning its flight offering is more credible than that of its sister airline. You don't bargain your credit card with risk of unknown flight upon arriving in the Philippines. At least thats the international perception. Although they are quite okay and sound domestically.
But that is the real score as far as aircraft ownership are concerned.
As far as I can recall PAL don't intend to operate turboprop operations anymore. They are destined for the big league now and diversify its business operations through subsidiaries.Thats the trend worldwide.
Take for example Malaysia Airlines. They transfered turboprops operation to firefly, and Singapore Airlines transferred narrow-body fleet to Silkair which is flying to Cebu and Davao. Ground staff dont know anything about operational stuff. Try to talk to the manager. He may have a better insights, and in most cases its different from the ground crews.
That is of course if PAL doesn't have a change of mind, which I believed they are not. But I could be wrong you know!

^^ Ok. The ground crew supposed to know all of these stuff right? The weird thing is that we forumers here in SSC sometimes know more than they do, hehe!!! :D

^^It will be 2 daily turbo-prop and 2 daily jet flights for ILO from CEB. It seems 2P will not give up its domestic operations in CEB.

^^ If thats the thing then wow! Cebu just became more accessible.

I checked the system just a while ago and it really showed that PAL would start to operate these flights effective May 1

Hey... working in the travel agency wat system are you using?

CHeck if PAL is working on Amadeus.

^^^ they're not amadeus....

^^ Wow! I thought that was PAL, hmm..maybe it was with 5J but I'm not sure even. Can you check Sabre or Worldspan too?

^^PR will establish PAL Express.

PAL express than what the heck is Air Philippines for :nuts:

Its been confirmed by SAS (Scandinavian Airline System) that they sold 6 Q400 to Philippine Airlines at price less than $100 Million. So that settles the source and the ownership issue. Currently the planes are still undergoing checks at bombardier in canada. they will be ferried to the philippines on the second week of April.

Just came from PAL ticketing office and asked the counter about it. The bombardiers are under PAL express, not Airphil. It will not be codeshare because it is PAL owned. However, the pilot and FA will be airphil employed, and most probably will wear Airphil uniforms during the flights. Since it is PAL owned, mabuhay elite and premiere elite members who book on these flights will now be able to access the lounge, where available, but these flights will still not accrue mileage points. This is different from codeshare flights on Airphil, where not only does it not accrue points, the VIPs are unable to use the lounge, even if they use PAL issued tickets.

I asked them how this will work with the department of Labor, where the plane is PAL owned, but the inflight crew are Airphil. They don't know, but that is what was told to them.

Why do you hate anything French-Canadian? Mr. kiretoce, I, too, remembered what he said on Air Canada.

I don't hate anything French Canadian. But like the Philippines, Canada has its own fair share of corporate scandals and controversies no different than, say the alleged NBN-ZTE deal, only in Canada's case, its not because of grand standing by a power hungry opposition but actual corporate fleecing to the max using our tax dollars, wilfully acknowledged and promoted by the Quebec Separatist Party for both Air Canada and Bombardier.

Air Canada is a slightly different story but start any Air Canada thread in Skyscraperpage's Canada section and you would see the same East vs West reactions amongst the Canadians there.

For Bombardier, its an absolutely horrible company, relying almost entirely on favouritism and tax dollar subsidies to produce and win contracts not just for Aerospace but also for other transportation projects such as rapid transit expansions.

One of the reasons why the Greater Vancouver area is SO behind in their rapid transit network, and will continue to do so, was because of government officials favouring proprietory Bombardier technology vs "off the shelf" for their MRT system, costing billions per minor expansion (in which three are needed now). Fortunately, British Columbia has learned its lesson and opted for SNC Lavalin and Rotem to build its newest rapid transit line (Rotem trains are the same ones in our LRT2) as oppose to Bombardier.

Another example is a trade dispute involving competition between Bombardier and Embraer over US regional jet orders prompted the Canadian government on behalf of Bombardier to falsely accuse Brazil of having Mad Cow in their beef just to intimidate the competitors. This resulted in a trade embargo by all of North America, thanks to the NAFTA, but later it was proven that Brazil had no mad cow (ironically, Canada later had some). Nonetheless, this affected the Brazilian beef industry, causing economic hardships to millions just so that Bombardier can retaliate and pressure the Brazilian company Embraer to back off from the deal.

So whenever an airline orders a Bombardier jet, it is rife with controversy and much of its cost to develop and build that aircraft came from the backs of hardworking Western Canadian taxpayers who are forced to subsidize it due to the company's own inefficieny and incompetence, staying afloat simply to appease Quebec separatists! It is a scorn amongst non French Canadians and must rightfully be boycotted whenever the opportunity presents itself. :ohno:

Here is an old article about WTO ruling against Canada due to its subsidies to Bombardier...

http://www.cbc.ca/money/story/2001/10/19/wto_011019.html

WTO rules against Canada over low-interest loans for Bombardier deal
Last Updated: Friday, October 19, 2001 | 7:58 PM ET
CBC News

The World Trade Organization ruled Friday against a $1.7 billion low-interest loan given by the Canadian government to Air Wisconsin so it could buy 150 aircraft from Bombardier.

The WTO ruled against Canada, just as it had ruled against Bombardier's main competitor, Brazil's Embraer in an earlier similar situation.

The interim decision from the WTO was made public at an Ottawa press conference. A final decision will come by the middle of November.

Federal government officials said the low-interest loans were similar to loans offered by Brazil to help Embraer land aircraft contracts. But the WTO said both situations violate trade rules.

Federal government officials said Friday that Canada will continue to back Bombardier.

Earlier this week, the Globe and Mail reported that the Canadian government was expecting to lose Friday's decision and likely to appeal the ruling.

The Air Wisconsin deal isn't the only time Canadian government money has helped Bombardier beat out Embraer on a contract.

In July, a $1.2 billion loan guarantee from Ottawa helped Bombardier win a $2.6 billion deal to sell 75 regional jets to Northwest Airlines.

Airline justifies barring Palau president from flight (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/87556/Airline-justifies-barring-Palau-president-from-flight)

MANILA, Philippines - Continental Micronesia, the airline which refused to allow the Palau president to board one of its planes after he refuse a security check, on Thursday justified its move saying that it cannot compromise the safety of its passengers and aircraft.

The statement came a day after the firm refused passage for Palau President Thomas Remengesau Jr.

The Palau president was scheduled to leave Manila on Wednesday night on board a Continental Airlines flight (CS 892) bound for Guam.

However, Remengesau declined to be frisked for the flight and opted to skip the 9:45 p.m. plane.

An official from the Philippine Air Force, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to do so, told GMANews.TV that Remengesau's party subsequently took off from the nearby Villamor Airbase shortly after 2 p.m. on Thursday on board a "chartered" flight.

Continental Micronesia on Thursday defended its move in a statement issued from Guam.

In it, the airline said that the president of Palau would not comply with security procedures at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila prior to boarding Continental flight (CO892) bound for Palau-Yap-Guam.

The refusal, the firm said, came even after Continental employees explained the security requirements of the aviation laws of the United States in detail.

"United States aviation law requires that all customers comply with security procedures in order to board a flight. So unfortunately, Continental Micronesia had no choice but to deny boarding of the President and his party to ensure the safety and on-time operation of the flight for other passengers onboard. Elevated level of security has been implemented at the Manila airport and all passengers need to take this security check without any exception,"the firm said.

"Continental Micronesia is committed to 100 percent compliance of safety regulations required by the US government, the government of the Philippines, the Federal Aviation Authority, and the Manila Airport Authority,"it added. - GMANews.TV

^ Very good move. Congrats CO!

they would frisk a President! WOW!
I wander if they do that to all Presidents going to the US....

I've not heard of PGMA.. being frisked...

tama ba yun, i frisk ang isang head of state? parang diplomatic courtesy nalang sana kz kahit maliit na bansa ang palau, president pa din yun. napahiya pa ang pinas.

I can not imagine the hiya ng Palau President....

haha... ano kayang gawin sa mga pinoy toursts/travelers flying TO and FROM Palau...

or expect CO to have flight delays leaving Palau...

Just came from PAL ticketing office and asked the counter about it. The bombardiers are under PAL express, not Airphil. It will not be codeshare because it is PAL owned. However, the pilot and FA will be airphil employed, and most probably will wear Airphil uniforms during the flights. Since it is PAL owned, mabuhay elite and premiere elite members who book on these flights will now be able to access the lounge, where available, but these flights will still not accrue mileage points. This is different from codeshare flights on Airphil, where not only does it not accrue points, the VIPs are unable to use the lounge, even if they use PAL issued tickets.

I asked them how this will work with the department of Labor, where the plane is PAL owned, but the inflight crew are Airphil. They don't know, but that is what was told to them.

Call it corporate fiction in legal world. You are partly correct on that. Its still airphil flying in PAL colors.
The reason is money.
Actually,PAL and Airphil are different entities with the same owner. Its a subsidiary of PAL and not part of PAL itself. As you know it has different shareholders although majority of the stocks are owned by one person. Airphil only owned 1 Q300 and the rest are owned by PAL because they are the ones who pay for it. BUt it would be impossible for Airphil to operate competitively with 1 unit so it needs the support of PAL by leasing it from them. But PAL shareholders other than the Chinese mogul dont like that idea giving money to the other. Its like giving money to the same person twice. Thats why in my previous post i said Airphil is suffering from image problem because while they strive their best to compete as a low cost carrier, they are still subject to directions of PAL. So to solve this problem they created another subsidiary where profits go to PAL and not to the mogul, and airphil to lease its airplanes from them. Makes a lot of sense really. I would adopt that approach if i were PAL's shareholder because its only fair.

:lol::lol: presidente ng isang bansa na-frisk.

dapat ata may immunity yang mga yan e.

The airline said the President of US and Philippine President lang ang exempt

IMO, i dont think thats a right move. for whatever reasons it is, still he is the Head of State, and everyone should give him respect and even just a little courtesy.


for security reasons? i dont think he got a terrorist move in his mind..


Shame on us!:ohno:

^ Not us! We don't even own Continental!

...Shame on us!:ohno:

^^ twasn't us but the airline:

b'z2;19419612"]Continental Micronesia Airlines crew did not allow Palau President Tommy Remengesau Jr. and his group to board after he refused to be frisked, a security procedure at airports that Malacañang and Department of Foreign Affairs protocol officers requested waived as due courtesy to the visiting dignitary.

Remengasau returned to his hotel instead, Rechebei told The Associated Press.

Rechebei said it was embarrassing for the Palau leader to undergo inspection at the airport, where Philippine officials, led by Vice President Noli de Castro, were on hand to see him off.

De Castro and Filipino diplomats tried to intervene and asked that Remengasau be exempted from the search in accordance with protocol for visiting heads of state, but the airline refused to budge, airport officials said.


oops...@diz beat me to it :D

:lol::lol::lol:doble tawa na to:lol::lol::lol: nakatingin pa pala sila Noli boy tapos hinde pa rin sya pinayagan pumasok kung hinde magpapafrisk.

kakadisapiont naman pero yung airline ang resposible di yan at hindi ang governement ng pilipinas what do you think?mag-fifile ata ng diplomatic protest sumakay na lang yung presidente ng chartered flight sa villamor air base

siguro kasi alam nila diplomat hinde na dumadaan sa screening ng NAIA kaya gusto nila pagsakay ng eroplano nila i-check nila, pero hinde pa rin tama yun.
matindi nga yang ibang airline din dyan masyado nilang minamaliit ang screening ng NAIA, samantalang pagpasok mo pa lang ng terminal katakot takot na na check ang gagawin sayo. pag check-in mo tatanungin ka pa rin ng husto ng airline. sa immigration pahirapan din minsan. pagpasok mo ng pre-departure area matinding checking na naman gagawin sayo. tapos pagpasok mo ng assigned gate mo iispecific ko na yang Saudia Airline, matinding check na naman ang gagawin ng mga borabs at ikukulong pa kayo ng kordon. masyado nilang kinakawawa ang mga papuntang Saudi, sa maynila pa lang ramdam mo na ang lungkot.

Hindi purchased from Bombardier yung bagong Q300/400s ng PR. Lahat yun ex-SAS.

^^
do you have any press release to back that up? if you do, please post it. tnx.

i read an article din somewhere about sa Q400... it's the Q400's that are not brand new... yung Q300, brand new. pero isa lang ang binili nila. hehe

Hindi purchased from Bombardier yung bagong Q300/400s ng PR. Lahat yun ex-SAS.

Well, well well. At least SAS had the sense to get rid of some, if not all of their evil Bombardier planes for the sake of their passengers and crew. But why oh why do we have to be the dumping ground on the end of this stick... :cry:

The airline said the President of US and Philippine President lang ang exempt

Thats biases or prejudism on that airline companies' part. I believe that any government officials who made an unofficial visit and as an ordinary civilian, shouldn't be excempted from frisking or any safety keeping policies and procedure. Now, if thats official and there is a full alert for airlines, airport and all the authorities, there should be an exempttion and immunity.

^^
do you have any press release to back that up? if you do, please post it. tnx.

From PEx, it's reliable I think. Let's wait for the press release. Btw, the absence of press statement from Bombardier on PR's new Q300/400 is a proof that PR's Q300/400s are not brand new. :D

Airline justifies barring Palau president from flight (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/87556/Airline-justifies-barring-Palau-president-from-flight)

MANILA, Philippines - Continental Micronesia, the airline which refused to allow the Palau president to board one of its planes after he refuse a security check, on Thursday justified its move saying that it cannot compromise the safety of its passengers and aircraft.

The statement came a day after the firm refused passage for Palau President Thomas Remengesau Jr.

The Palau president was scheduled to leave Manila on Wednesday night on board a Continental Airlines flight (CS 892) bound for Guam.

However, Remengesau declined to be frisked for the flight and opted to skip the 9:45 p.m. plane.

An official from the Philippine Air Force, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to do so, told GMANews.TV that Remengesau's party subsequently took off from the nearby Villamor Airbase shortly after 2 p.m. on Thursday on board a "chartered" flight.

Continental Micronesia on Thursday defended its move in a statement issued from Guam.

In it, the airline said that the president of Palau would not comply with security procedures at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila prior to boarding Continental flight (CO892) bound for Palau-Yap-Guam.

The refusal, the firm said, came even after Continental employees explained the security requirements of the aviation laws of the United States in detail.

"United States aviation law requires that all customers comply with security procedures in order to board a flight. So unfortunately, Continental Micronesia had no choice but to deny boarding of the President and his party to ensure the safety and on-time operation of the flight for other passengers onboard. Elevated level of security has been implemented at the Manila airport and all passengers need to take this security check without any exception,"the firm said.

"Continental Micronesia is committed to 100 percent compliance of safety regulations required by the US government, the government of the Philippines, the Federal Aviation Authority, and the Manila Airport Authority,"it added. - GMANews.TV


Sa US ba pag nagakataon na sumakay si Bush sa Contenental or other western dignitaries kakapkapan ba din nila?

^^ Current and former US presidents don't fly commercial. ;)

^^ Air Force One. :D

^^ Air Force One. :D

the plane or the club? :D:D corny ko eh hehe

Sa US ba pag nagakataon na sumakay si Bush sa Contenental or other western dignitaries kakapkapan ba din nila?

Hindi naman si George Bush and pinaguusapan, Palau President.....

US government provided if I am not mistaken, 4 different airforce one for their trips all over the US and International travels. Im sure of the 2 747-200 type (because during during Ronald Reagan's state funeral, nancy Reagan was hailed in the 2nd 747 while the Bushes in another) and I think the two smaller ones are B767 and this is not accounting the presidential choppers for short trips.

I think there's only 1 Airforce One. Whatever aircraft utilized by the current US president is called the Airforce One. Airforce One is the aircraft registration used by the pilot as call ID during communication with other aircrafts or ground stations when the President is inside that aircraft. That means any aircraft, when the President is inside that one, will be called the Airforce One.

Got a question for the pilots or aviation people. The scenario with Iloilo's flight path.

Mandurriao Airport: When a plane flies towards the northeast direction bound for Manila, first it heads northeast for several kilometers then it will turn left towards the northwestern direction.

New Iloilo Airport: When a plane flies towards the northeast direction bound for Manila, first it heads northeast for several kilometers then instead of going left and straight to Manila, it goes to the right, circumnavigating the airport area until it reaches a certian height and have a general northwestern direction bound for Manila.

How come the plane has to circumnavigate the airport as it ascends and heads for Manila unlike before in Mandurriao?

I think there's only 1 Airforce One. Whatever aircraft utilized by the current US president is called the Airforce One. Airforce One is the aircraft registration used by the pilot as call ID during communication with other aircrafts or ground stations when the President is inside that aircraft. That means any aircraft, when the President is inside that one, will be called the Airforce One.

Actually, whatever Air Force aircraft the president is in is called Air Force One, whether being it a VC-25(modified 747), or the C-32(Modified 757), and so on. Also, whenever he/her flies on an Army, Navy, Coast Guard, or private aircraft. they would designated as Navy One, Army One, Coast Guard One, or Executive ONE.

Maybe in the future, an A380 would be the US president's aircraft or a Boeing 747-8.

The closest that I was able to get near the president's aircraft was the Marine One, silip silip lang kami, daming bantay. :lol:

Actually, whatever Air Force aircraft the president is in is called Air Force One, whether being it a VC-25(modified 747), or the C-32(Modified 757), and so on. Also, whenever he/her flies on an Army, Navy, Coast Guard, or private aircraft. they would designated as Navy One, Army One, Coast Guard One, or Executive ONE.


Yeah right. I forgot the Army, Navy & so on. Thanks for the explanation flying_olympic.

Got a question for the pilots or aviation people. The scenario with Iloilo's flight path.

Mandurriao Airport: When a plane flies towards the northeast direction bound for Manila, first it heads northeast for several kilometers then it will turn left towards the northwestern direction.

New Iloilo Airport: When a plane flies towards the northeast direction bound for Manila, first it heads northeast for several kilometers then instead of going left and straight to Manila, it goes to the right, circumnavigating the airport area until it reaches a certian height and have a general northwestern direction bound for Manila.

How come the plane has to circumnavigate the airport as it ascends and heads for Manila unlike before in Mandurriao?

Usually aircraft travels in a straight line from one waypoint to another. These waypoints are the reference of the pilot when travelling from one location to the other. I don't know how many waypoints the pilot used when travelling from Iloilo to Manila but as per your explanation there are two. These waypoints are provided by the ground stations signals either VOR(VHF-omnidirectional Range) or NDB(Non-directional beacons). I don't know also what is the location of the new Iloilo Airport & Mandurriao Airport with respect to the first waypoint. But the theory is that the aircraft after take-off will reach it's first waypoint either it will go to the left or right or it will circumnavigate first to reach it's first waypoint, then change direction & continue travelling to reach the second waypoint & so on.

Maybe in the future, an A380 would be the US president's aircraft or a Boeing 747-8.

The closest that I was able to get near the president's aircraft was the Marine One, silip silip lang kami, daming bantay. :lol:

during Clinton's time when he visited Philippines, Airforce One was parked in the ramp of Ages Aviation. You can see Ages Aviation when the airplane is taxiing on the taxiway Charlie or the taxiway Delta. It is beside the Lufthansa Teknik Hangar.

Usually aircraft travels in a straight line from one waypoint to another. These waypoints are the reference of the pilot when travelling from one location to the other. I don't know how many waypoints the pilot used when travelling from Iloilo to Manila but as per your explanation there are two. These waypoints are provided by the ground stations signals either VOR(VHF-omnidirectional Range) or NDB(Non-directional beacons). I don't know also what is the location of the new Iloilo Airport & Mandurriao Airport with respect to the first waypoint. But the theory is that the aircraft after take-off will reach it's first waypoint either it will go to the left or right or it will circumnavigate first to reach it's first waypoint, then change direction & continue travelling to reach the second waypoint & so on.

Both Mandurriao and the new Iloilo Airport have Runway 20-02. Its just that the latter is 20 kilometers north of the old airport plus mountain ranges are within 10-15 kilometers west and northwest sector.

Bakit walang Hair Pose Juan si Gloria?

^^ Nyahaha!! Pero if I recalled, Pinas has her own Air Force One...
A Fokker 27 ata yun.

Both Mandurriao and the new Iloilo Airport have Runway 20-02. Its just that the latter is 20 kilometers north of the old airport plus mountain ranges are within 10-15 kilometers west and northwest sector.


Runway ID is not a factor. It is only the reading in the compass card. When you are using the runway 20 that means what you can see in the compass card is 20. If it is Runway 02 that means what you can see is 02. So maybe the old & new airport's runway are in line with each other only that they are separated by 20-km distance. the factor is the distance of the new airport to the first waypoint. a waypoint is an intersection of a specific longtitude, latitude and altitude provided by a ground station. if the new airport is very near to the first waypoint then the aircraft will do a very difficult climb to reach that point if it will travel straight to that location, the angle of attack of the aircraft will be very high, this is difficult & dangerous. And also as what you said maybe the mountain ranges are also a factor. So to reach the first waypoint safely & with a smaller angle of attack, the aircraft will circumnavigate first & slowly climbing to the specific altitude to reach the first waypoint.

have you tried travelling by car or bus in the mountainous roads, like going to Baguio, Bicol's bitukang manok or the Cebu national highway from Balamban to Lahug? The roads are not straight. they are usually in zigzags or circling around the mountain. the reason for this is to make the angle of climb lesser easier & safer. the same thing with the aircraft when it will reach its first waypoint.

^^ I see. Now I get it. Thanks! :)

^^ Nyahaha!! Pero if I recalled, Pinas has her own Air Force One...
A Fokker 27 ata yun.


:lol::lol: oo naalala ko meron nga ata. fokker 27 nga ata yun. kaso kailangan pa atang may taga-ikot ng propeller sa labas para umistart.

^^ Meron din atang jet eh. Basta parang gradient blue ang color ng fuselage nya. But Malacanang may have been using the private LearJet or in most international flights, PAL. :D

did u guys meet the fokker? :lol: sori na kiretoce syndrome ako lol

did u guys meet the fokker? :lol: sori na kiretoce syndrome ako lol


:lol::lol::lol::lol:also the parents.

I think there's only 1 Airforce One. Whatever aircraft utilized by the current US president is called the Airforce One. Airforce One is the aircraft registration used by the pilot as call ID during communication with other aircrafts or ground stations when the President is inside that aircraft. That means any aircraft, when the President is inside that one, will be called the Airforce One.

Yes, there is only a single Airforce One designated for the US President when in use. I was just trying to say that the US Government owns 4 aircrafts (airplanes) with identical colors and Presidential seal in it. Which ever of the 4 plane is used, it will be the one assigned as Airforce One to carry the US President around in all of his travels. Sana i-donate na lang ang isa para sa Philippine president para naman hindi magmukhang yagit ng husto ang Pinas sa walang sariling eroplano para sa mga presidente nang Pilipinas. LOL, I doubt if that will really happen....

Yes, there is only a single Airforce One designated for the US President when in use. I was just trying to say that the US Government owns 4 aircrafts (airplanes) with identical colors and Presidential seal in it. Which ever of the 4 plane is used, it will be the one assigned as Airforce One to carry the US President around in all of his travels. Sana i-donate na lang ang isa para sa Philippine president para naman hindi magmukhang yagit ng husto ang Pinas sa walang sariling eroplano para sa mga presidente nang Pilipinas. LOL, I doubt if that will really happen....

dinonate ng US ang isang airforce one sa pinas.

hindi ba fokker f-28 ang presidential plane ng philippines??
http://www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/8/5/8/1044858.jpg

did u guys meet the fokker? :lol: sori na kiretoce syndrome ako lol

Whoa! I didn't know that I have a syndrome now! :lol:

I'm just wondering why isn't the President of the Philippines using that much of her presidential plane and instead hire a Learjet or something or even charter PAL for that matter?

Minsan nga, byahe nya from Manila to any destination in the Visayas is a chopper. :D

PAL has a reserved flight for her for international flights. PR001.

dinonate ng US ang isang airforce one sa pinas.

Meron ba? Ang alam ko yung mga lumang Presidential Planes are on display in Califonia air museums.

Baka yung AF1 na may cultural dancers and singers yan. :lol:

I'm just wondering why isn't the President of the Philippines using that much of her presidential plane and instead hire a Learjet or something or even charter PAL for that matter?


Maybe for safety reasons or gusto ni PGMA na marami siyang maisakay na mga "Friends" niya to go abroad. :)



Minsan nga, byahe nya from Manila to any destination in the Visayas is a chopper. :D

Katakot ata yan ah!, although she's got at least 3 or more helicopters on her Presidential Helicopter Squadron, the flying records of most military helicopters in Pinas are very scary. :ohno:


And....

President Magsaysay's presidential plane(C-47 or DC3?) that crashed in Cebu was named "Mt. Pinatubo" after the place where he and his guerilla group established their camps.

Provincial Board wants airport for Bukidnon (http://www.mindanews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4147&Itemid=50)

"It has become necessary for Bukidnon to build air transport facilities to accommodate smaller passenger and cargo planes," the provincial board said in a resolution passed on April 2.

The resolution, addressed to Gov. Jose Ma. R. Zubiri Jr., proposed the development of an existing airstrip in Maraymaray, Don Carlos town into a domestic airport.

Board member Romeo Mabelin (3rd district), who proposed the resolution, said the existence of the 14-hectare airstrip inside a sequestered property makes Don Carlos the "most appropriate and suitable location" of the proposed airport.

The resolution also asked the provincial government to appropriate initial funds and preliminary activities for the proposal.

Mabelin told MindaNews feasibility studies and other initial requirements could be prepared to see its viability.

But he said it was up to the governor whether he would consider it a priority.

He said the airport could accommodate 73-seater passenger planes and C-130 cargo carriers.

He said it would help improve shipment of high value crops to the cities of Manila, Cebu and Davao and the Subic Bay area.

The resolution noted the need to serve thousands of domestic and foreign visitors with direct flights from key cities as Bukidnon is dubbed a "well-renowned tourist destination" with its Kaamulan Festival.

"Airline passengers from Bukidnon, particularly those from the southern parts have to travel overland for three to four hours to Cagayan de Oro or Davao City where the nearest airports are located," the resolution said.

There were private and public airstrips in Bukidnon. But not one has remained available for commercial use.

but if they build it who will fly there? probably not commercial flights so mostly private or charter if ever, may be better use for their money

I believe they tendered bids a new chopper for the president last year.

Hi! I want you to show you my own rendition of a PAL plane, or... it could be used as a presidential plane by her excellency. Parang jeep ba ang dating? Comments? Thanks!

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj235/hakhaimo/PALFinal.jpg

maganda

Hi! I want you to show you my own rendition of a PAL plane, or... it could be used as a presidential plane by her excellency. Parang jeep ba ang dating? Comments? Thanks!

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj235/hakhaimo/PALFinal.jpg

lagyan mo ng stainless kabayo sa unahan at konting burloloy para mag mukhang jeepney:jk: anyway ano bang model yan?

Hi! I want you to show you my own rendition of a PAL plane, or... it could be used as a presidential plane by her excellency. Parang jeep ba ang dating? Comments? Thanks!

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj235/hakhaimo/PALFinal.jpg

Nice....but take a look at these! :okay:

http://www.cardatabase.net/modifiedairlinerphotos/photos/big/00005054.jpg

http://www.cardatabase.net/modifiedairlinerphotos/photos/big/00000468.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c3/abercromb24/paB787lconceptlivery002.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c3/abercromb24/palB747conceptlivery01-mabuhay.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c3/abercromb24/palA340conceptlivery01-mabuhay.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c3/abercromb24/palA330conceptlivery02-01.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c3/abercromb24/palB747conceptlivery02-02.jpg

just wanna share this...im sad to hear them go...i though they had a good concept
but i think they served these routes that were well served already...fuel prices didnt help either..

Hong Kong budget airline Oasis shuts down, applies for liquidation

HONG KONG — A Hong Kong-based bargain airline that operates daily flights to Vancouver and London shut down and applied for liquidation Wednesday, a year and a half after it launched as a specialist in long-haul budget travel.

Chief Executive Stephen Miller told a press conference that Oasis has suspended its flights and that liquidators will seek new investors.

Source Canadian Press
The fate of its 700 employees wasn't immediately clear.

Miller did not take questions and Edward Middleton, a partner at the airline's liquidator, accounting firm KPMG, said he hasn't had the chance to study the company's finances in detail.

Middleton said Oasis' flights were fully booked in the next few days and that tens of thousands were booked on upcoming flights.

Hong Kong Secretary for Transport and Housing Eva Cheng told reporters the government has asked other airlines to help transport Oasis' outstanding passengers at discounted prices.

She said there appears to be enough capacity to make up for Oasis' Hong Kong-Vancouver services but that London flights were tightly booked.

Oasis had offered one-way flights to London for as low as the equivalent of $130.

Wednesday's announcement came after the Hong Kong Economic Times newspaper reported that Oasis has accumulated losses of 1 billion Hong Kong dollars ($128 million) since it launched in October 2006.

The airline has been losing more than $128,000 on each long-haul flight it operates, the paper said, because it charges low fares and relies mainly on the Internet for bookings.

Oasis is privately held and controlled by entrepreneur Raymond Lee and his wife, who together hold a stake of over 50 per cent. Other investors include Allan Wong, chairman of local electronics firm VTech Holdings Ltd., who has a 20 per cent stake.

The Lees did not attend Thursday's press conference.

In October, Hong Kong-based fund management firm Value Partners Ltd. said it would invest $30 million for a five to 10 per cent stake in the airline.

At that time, Lee said he felt comfortable with the capital raised for the airline's expansion needs, adding Oasis' existing shareholders had already injected around $20 million to boost the airline's funding. Oasis had initial startup funding of about $100 million.

^^ Hmm....does this mean that budget long hauls isn't such a great idea, huh?

wowowowow ang ganda naman

^^ Hmm....does this mean that budget long hauls isn't such a great idea, huh?

According to one newspaper analyst I read recently, long haul flights actually have an advantage over short haul because the longer flights actually mean the planes are being used more economically. Apparently take offs and landings are where they use most fuel.

Some of the low cost airlines in Europe were looking at Oasis with envy as most of their flights are only 1 or 2 hours.

It would appear that Oasis went bust because of the increase in fuel prices along with stiff competition from Cathay Pacific and other top airlines.
As I’m sure you’re aware London to Hong Kong is like London to New York, really competitive, there are flights taking off every few minutes on these routes.

Loads of choice & competition killed them.

Hope it doesn’t mean prices are going to go up though!

Mexicana to join oneworld (http://www.oneworld.com/ow/news/details?objectID=13465)

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/3/2/9/1339923.jpg

Mexicana is to join oneworld®. Mexico and Central America's leading airline today accepted a formal invitation to become part of the world's leading quality airline alliance after being unanimously elected on board by the grouping's existing ten member airlines, which include some of the biggest and best names in the industry.

Its subsidiary Click Mexicana will join at the same time, as an affiliate member of oneworld.

Their joining process is expected to take 12 to 18 months to complete, with Iberia supporting Mexicana through these tasks, as its prime oneworld sponsor, assisted by American Airlines.

So Mexicana and Click Mexicana will be flying as part of oneworld in 2009, when they will start offering the alliance's full range of services and benefits to their own customers and those from their new oneworld partners.

For Mexicana, joining oneworld will strengthen its competitive offering and its financial position. For oneworld, adding Mexicana will expand the alliance's network in Mexico and Central America, and enable it to build further on its positions as the leading airline grouping serving Latin America and the leading Spanish-speaking alliance.

oneworld is already the only global alliance with any airline members based in South America - through LAN Airlines and its sisters LAN Argentina, LAN Ecuador and LAN Peru. American Airlines is the leading airline serving the region internationally, and Iberia is the leading carrier between Latin America and Europe.

Mexicana's addition to oneworld comes after a year which has seen the alliance complete its biggest yet expansion drive, with 11 airlines joining in 2007 - Japan Airlines, Malév Hungarian Airlines and Royal Jordanian as full members and, as affiliates, LAN Argentina, LAN Ecuador, Dragonair and five other carriers in the Japan Airlines group.

Mexicana's invitation to join oneworld was sealed at a ceremony today attended by its Chief Executive Officer Manuel Borja with his counterparts from all ten of oneworld's established member airlines and oneworld Managing Partner John McCulloch during a meeting of the group's Governing Board in key alliance hub Los Angeles.

Mexicana is the biggest non-US airline operating at Los Angeles, which is its biggest hub outside Mexico.

Mexicana with the Click Mexicana network will add 26 destinations to the oneworld map - 24 in Mexico plus Bakersfield (California, USA) and Edmonton (Canada).

With the alliance's existing members serving 11 points in Mexico, its addition will expand to 35 points the alliance's network in Mexico, which is the world's 11th most populous country, the 12th biggest economy and the seventh most popular tourist destination, attracting more than 20 million foreign visitors a year.

oneworld's existing members already serve almost 110 airports throughout Latin America. Mexicana's addition will extend that to more than 130.

Globally, its addition will expand the alliance's network to approaching 700 destinations in nearly 150 countries, with a combined fleet of 2,350 aircraft operating almost 9,500 flights a day, carrying 333 million passengers, with annual revenues of US$100 billion.

In the months ahead, Mexicana will adapt key internal process to conform with oneworld requirements, link its IT systems to those of its oneworld partners and carry out an extensive employee training and communications programmes, to ensure that their staff worldwide are ready to provide oneworld's customer services and benefits from day one.

Once all its pre-joining requirements are sufficiently progressed, an exact date in 2009 will be confirmed for it to join.

Fernando Conte, Chairman and Chief Executive of Iberia, Mexicana's oneworld sponsor, said: "oneworld is very selective about who we invited on board to join us as a new member. We only consider airlines with brands that match the quality of our established partners, who share our priorities of safety, customer service and profitability and who can expand our existing combined network, rather than simply replicating what we already offer. Mexicana more than ticked all these boxes.

"In the three years that Iberia and Mexicana have been working closely together as bilateral partners, we have come to know that in Mexicana we have colleagues with whom we can really do business - partners who can add real value to one another. All of us at Iberia are delighted to be developing our relationship further by acting as Mexicana's sponsors into oneworld."

oneworld Managing Partner John McCulloch added: "oneworld is delighted to be welcoming another quality airline on board. As the leading carrier in Mexico and Central America, Mexicana will considerably strengthen oneworld's established position of leadership in Latin America, building on last year's record expansion for the alliance and make it easier for customers to reach more places more easily and for better value with some of the world's best airlines."

Mexicana Chief Executive Officer Manuel Borja said: "Mexicana is now moving into the next phase of our development strategy. Joining the world's leading quality airline alliance will enable Mexicana to build on our excellent relationships with our established partners American Airlines and Iberia.

"As a member of oneworld, we will be able to offer our customers more choice and convenience, a much more extensive global network, more opportunities to earn and redeem frequent flyer rewards, more lounges, more customer service support and better value - services and benefits beyond the reach of any individual airline or bilateral partnership. For Mexicana and our employees, this will strengthen our position in an increasingly competitive marketplace."

Besides Mexicana Chief Executive Officer Manuel Borja, Iberia Chairman and Chief Executive Fernando Conte and oneworld Managing Partner John McCulloch, scheduled to attend today's ceremony were:

* Qantas Chief Executive Officer Geoff Dixon (current chairman of oneworld's Governing Board)
* American Airlines Chairman and Chief Executive Gerard Arpey
* British Airways Chief Executive Willie Walsh
* Cathay Pacific Airways Chief Executive Tony Tyler
* Finnair Chief Executive Jukka Hienonen
* Japan Airlines Group Chief Executive Haruka Nishimatsu
* LAN Group Chief Executive Enrique Cueto
* Malév Chief Executive Peter Leonov
* Royal Jordanian Chief Executive and Deputy Chairman Samer Majali.

About Mexicana

Mexicana is the leading carrier in Mexico and Central America.

With Click Mexicana, it serves 63 destinations in 11 countries. Mexicana itself flies to 46 destinations in 11 countries, including 18 destinations in Mexico. Click Mexicana's network encompasses 22 destinations in Mexico, plus Havana (Cuba). The two airlines both serve six destinations in Mexico, giving them a joint domestic network covering 34 airports.

Mexicana operates a fleet of 62 aircraft - 30 Airbus A320s, 20 A319s and ten A318s, and two Boeing 767s - making 300 departures a day. Mexicana offers two classes - Executive and Economy - with in-flight entertainment screens throughout the fleet and complimentary in-flight meals and drinks in both cabins. It has the two-letter airline code MX.

Click Mexicana operates 18 Fokker 100s, making 115 departures a day. Its single cabin offers a "coach plus" style of service, with leather-covered seats at a 35 ins (89 cm) pitch. It offers complimentary in-flight drinks and snacks. Click Mexicana has its own flight code (QA) but all its flights also carry Mexicana's MX code under a code-sharing agreement.

Mexicana boarded 9 million passengers in 2007, with Click Mexicana carrying another 2.2 million. Between them, they employ 6,725 staff.

Mexico City - the world's second most populous metropolis - is the airlines' main hub, with Cancun and Guadalajara secondary hubs.

Mexicana has signed a contract to move its main IT platforms to Amadeus Altea - alongside oneworld partners British Airways, Finnair, Iberia, LAN, Malév Hungarian Airlines and Qantas, with Cathay Pacific also committed to transfer to this provider soon.

Among its most important bilateral alliance relationships are those with oneworld's American Airlines and Iberia, including code-sharing, frequent flyer links and through check-in. It also has established bilateral relationships with four of the alliance's other existing partners - Cathay Pacific (frequent flyer), Japan Airlines (frequent flyer, code-sharing and through check-in), LAN (frequent flyer and through check-in) and Qantas (code-sharing, frequent flyer and through check-in).

Among its most recent awards, it was named World Travel Awards' Best Airline Mexico and Central America for the tenth year running, Best Business Class Latin America for the third year running and Best Internet Site in Latin America (all in 2007), and Best Airline in Mexico for two years running by Global Traveler magazine.

Mexicana is one of the world's most experience airlines, opening service in July 1921.

It was privatised in December 2005, and is now owned by a consortium of Mexican private investors.

About oneworld

oneworld enables its member airlines to offer their customers more services and benefits than any carrier can provide on its own. These include a broader route network, opportunities to earn and redeem frequent flyer miles and points across the combined oneworld network and access to some 500 airport lounges worldwide.

It offers more alliance fare and sales products than any of its competitors, earning some US$675 million for its member airlines in 2006, with all passengers transferring between oneworld members generating revenues totalling around US$2 billion.

oneworld has won more top industry awards as an alliance than any of its competitors. Most recently, it was voted the World's Leading Airline Alliance for the fifth year running in the latest World Travel Awards, based on votes cast by80,000 travel agency professionalsfrom more than 200 countries.

It is also the global alliance whose members have the best collective track record of profitability.

^ Wow. That has nothing to do with the Philippines.

Oh, I forgot.

@ kiretoce, nics pics, parang pimp my plane hehe

Nice....but take a look at these! :okay:

http://www.cardatabase.net/modifiedairlinerphotos/photos/big/00005054.jpg
pag wala yung name, parang airline ng arab country to.



http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c3/abercromb24/palB747conceptlivery02-02.jpg

i like this one:)

PAL to acquire nine turbo-props for $150M

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is buying nine turbo-propeller aircraft for a total of $150 million to serve its inter-island operations.

The fleet will consist of three Q300 and six Q400 aircraft manufactured by Bombardier Aerospace of Canada. The "Q" stands for "quiet" since the aircraft are equipped with a patented suppression system that reduces cabin noise and vibration to nearly those of jetliners.

The aircraft are set to be delivered within the next four to six months.

PAL said the new fleet will enable it to provide better service to passengers commuting between island points across the archipelago, boosting tourism and trade in rural communities.

The airline also said its revived turbo-prop operations are expected to expand its network to secondary points not currently serviced by jet planes, which can only operate in larger provincial airports.

"Most small-island airports in the country are able to accommodate only turbo-prop aircraft," PAL noted.

PAL said the aircraft have two turbo-prop engines each, with maximum ranges of 1,819 kilometers for the Q300 and 2,826 kilometers for the Q400.

The Q300 plane has a capacity of 50 seats, while the slightly larger Q400 can carry 76 passengers.
Judith Balea

pag wala yung name, parang airline ng arab country to.



i like this one:)


mas gusto ko pa rin ang present livery :)

Cebu Pacific flies Manila–Kota Kinabalu for as low as P499 only (http://www.cebupacificair.com/aboutus/press/2008/04102008.html)

Cebu Pacific (CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier to the ASEAN region will start flying a direct service from Manila to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia on July 18, 2008

The new service is introduced with a promo fare offer of P499, a price cut of more than 93% from current fares for this route. The Kota Kinabalu seat sale will run from April 11 to 17, 2008 and is good for travel from July 18 to September 30, 2008. Fare is exclusive of surcharges and government tax.

CEB’s Manila–Kota Kinabalu A319 service is scheduled to operate every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The flight departs from Manila at 4:40pm, and arrives in Kota Kinabalu International Airport at 6:30pm. The return flight leaves for Manila at 7:15pm and arrives at 9:05pm.

CEB is the only Filipino carrier operating this route. Kota Kinabalu is the second city that CEB will fly to in Malaysia. CEB also offers a four-times weekly service to Kuala Lumpur.

“We are very happy to launch flights to Kota Kinabalu because of the large population of overseas Filipino workers and Filipino communities in this destination. We are quite positive that, with our low fares, the public will be taking advantage of this new offering to explore what both destinations have to offer,” Lance Gokongwei, CEB President and CEO said.

After the seat sale, the lowest ‘Go’ fare to Kota Kinabalu starts from P999 one-way, which is still 86% lower than the current fares for this route. The best way to purchase tickets is through CEB airline’s website, www.cebupacificair.com.

Now in its 13th year, CEB continues to have the youngest fleet in the Philippines. CEB flies to 12, soon to be 16 international destinations, with the addition of Hanoi tonight, Ho Chi Minh tomorrow, Kaohsiung in June, and Kota Kinabalu in July. CEB also operates flights to 21 domestic destinations.

@ kiretoce, nics pics, parang pimp my plane hehe

The last five photos were made by our very own @bondurant. :okay: The first two I got off the net. :colgate:


http://www.cardatabase.net/modifiedairlinerphotos/photos/big/00005054.jpg

pag wala yung name, parang airline ng arab country to.

Actually that logo was based on the Saudi Aramco Oil Company's logo. Personally, if I didn't know any better, I'd think that it's a Malaysian airline since the logo can be a stylized version of the national flag of Malaysia.

is it true that when the beatles came to the philippines in the 60s, they were denied police protection after they declined an invitation from the marcos'?
and then they were rampaged by people when they were leaving the airport....
errr ahaha, thats an awesome first impression of the philippines for them... :lol:

^^ Hmm....does this mean that budget long hauls isn't such a great idea, huh?

well im starting to think that way

but then again...jetstar seems to be doing well on long hauls using A330s..but they had financial backing from Qantas...who backs Oasis..or are they just various investors

Philippine Airlines to buy nine planes for 150 million dollars (http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/197989,philippine-airlines-to-buy-nine-planes-for-150-million-dollars.html)

Flag-carrier Philippine Airlines said Thursday that it would purchase nine turbo-propeller aircraft from Canada's Bombardier Aerospace to boost its domestic operations. Asia's oldest airline said the turbo-prop fleet would consist of three 50-seater Q300s and six 76-seater Q400s, which would cost a total of 150 million dollars.

The planes are set to be delivered within the next four to six months.

The airline said the new fleet would enable it to provide better service to passengers commuting between the country's islands, which have smaller airports.

"Most small-island airports in the country are able to accommodate only turbo-prop aircraft," the carrier said in a statement.

It said it hopes that its improved local service would help boost tourism and trade in rural communities across the Philippines, an archipelago nation of more than 7,000 islands.

The airline is also expecting delivery of five Airbus A320 jets this year and six Boeing 777-300ER planes starting in 2009 as part of an ongoing refleeting programme.

Airports upgrading seen to boost RP tourism (http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/1331865/)

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) had embarked on a program to upgrade the countrys airports to serve as gateways to major tourism destinations.

Leandro R. Mendoza, Secretary of DOTC said the rehabilitation of old airports and construction of new ones aim to spur domestic travel and encourage investments in the local region.

The enhanced efforts of the DOTC to attract more local and foreign tourists would ultimately translate to national economic growth as more tourists mean more jobs and livelihood opportunities for all, Mendoza said.

He said the developments in new airport terminals and facilities especially in the northern part of the country would make travel to these regions easier.

The completion of development work on the runway and terminal facilities at the Loakan and Bagabag Airports and the introduction of regular flights to the region would give tourists and potential investors bound for the Cordillera region to visit Baguio City, the Banaue Roce Terraces, and the heritage sites in Banaue, Hungduan, Kiangan and Mayoyao.

Mendoza enthused that travel and economic development in the provinces of Abra, Benguet, La Union, Ilocos, and Pangasinan would also be enhanced with the extension of the Vigan Airport runway and the development of San Fernando Airport in La Union to be undertaken through the fund infusion from the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA).

He said that in coordination with the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA), several airports will also be upgraded such as the Panglao Airport in Iloilo to serve the projected increase in traffic demand in the area.

The Department also programmed the development of the existing Busuanga Airport and the construction of the new El Nido to serve as links to the Northern Palawan tourist destinations, and the improvements and upgrading of Siargao Airport and Caticlan Airport.

We will also consider the implementation of the Laguindingan Airport Development Project which will involved the construction of new airport to serve the Cagayan de Oro-Iligan corridor, Mendoza added.

Other airports for construction and rehabilitation are the Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport in Tacloban City; the new Zamboanga International Airport; the Pagadian Airport and the Baloi Airport in Iligan.

Those Q400's came from SAS (as per airliners.net) and SAS got rid of them because of some accidents. Apparently they gave up on the type.

5J to kota kinabalu may be cheaper than other ones serving from Manila, but it's still twice as much as Air Asia from Clark. A direct comparison of how inefficient they are compared to other LCC's, that's why they are afraid of open skies, even if it's just from Clark!

PAL bares plan to fly to Virac by August (http://www.catanduanestribune.com/Apr-09-2008/TopStory/Detail.aspx?newsID=4015)

There is hope for cheaper air fares after all, with the Philippine Airlines recently disclosing plans to operate thrice-weekly flights to Virac tentatively starting August 1 this year.

Last week, Governor Joseph C. Cua was officially informed by PAL corporate sales manager John Fortes that the airline, through sister company Air Philippines, will utilize a turbo prop Bombardier Q300 aircraft for the flights.

Fortes told the governor that the airline is sending a team down to Virac on April 14-17 to conduct market survey, visit and inspect facilities such as the Virac airport, tourist destinations, hotel and resort accommodations, businesses and entities, to help PAL determine the viability of its flight operations to Catanduanes.

A recent newspaper report, however, quoted PAL president Jaime Bautista saying that the airline’s budget unit will acquire six Bombardier Q400 aircraft at a cost of US$20 million each in the fourth quarter of this year or use in domestic destinations like Catanduanes, Romblon, Caticlan and others.

Air Philippines earlier signed with Toronto-based Bombardier Aerospace to order three Q300s, and taken options on three more units. The firm orders are valued at about $56 million, based on list prices. The first Q300 was delivered last year and started the Manila-Caticlan flights.

The second and third Bombardier Q300 turbo-prop firm orders will be delivered by May, enabling the airline to ramp up its service to Caticlan to 11 times daily from Manila and twice daily from Cebu.

The Q400 regional jets will service secondary routes covering Romblon, Virac, Basco, Busuanga, Pagadian and Surigao. That would prepare Air Philippines to ground its eight 737-200s by 2010.

Manufactured by Bombardier since 1996, the Q300 is part of the popular "Q series" of turboprops-- Q for "quiet" due to the installation of the noise and vibration suspension system designed to reduce cabin noise and vibration levels to nearly those of jet airplanes.

The aircraft is equipped with two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW 123B turboprop engines. It has outstanding take-off and landing capabilities even on unprepared airstrips, making the Q300 an ideal choice for Air Philippines’ service to Caticlan and other small provincial airfields.

The airline’s Q300 is configured with 50 seats at a comfortable 32-inch pitch, making for low seat-mile costs that are ultimately passed on to passengers in the form of low fares, Bautista said.

Sorry for ignorance,

Can someone explain what Open Skies Policy is in layman's term? Thanks! :)

is it true that when the beatles came to the philippines in the 60s, they were denied police protection after they declined an invitation from the marcos'?
and then they were rampaged by people when they were leaving the airport....
errr ahaha, thats an awesome first impression of the philippines for them... :lol:

This is true oz.fil. Imelda was not used to have her invitation (dinner in Malacanang) being declined by guests. So Imelda immediately ordered the pull-out of the security officers of the Beatles. Anyways, do you know the airline the Beatles used?

oh yeah , and the beatles called Imelda a bitch...:lol:

Gov’t looking for new NAIA-3 contractor, says Takenaka definitely out
Business World
http://www.bworldonline.com/BW041108/content.php?id=004

JAPANESE FIRM Takenaka Corp. is definitely out of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport-Terminal 3 (NAIA-3) picture, with the government aiming to bid out within the month the contract to finish the long-mothballed facility.

Interested parties, said Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) Assistant General Manager Tirso G. Serrano, have until today to submit their letters of intent to participate in the bidding.

"We have to move forward. We published the bid notice last week for the general contractor who will undertake completion and remediation works in the terminal. We want to do the bidding within the month," Mr. Serrano said.

He said less than 10 companies had been pre-qualified to bid but declined to be more specific. He said these were a mix of local and foreign companies and that there were "big names" involved.

Takenaka has had a testy time with the government regarding NAIA-3’s completion. Malacañang last year declared that it had dropped the Japanese firm following disagreements over the scope of work involved and compensation, but later backtracked.

Last February, the government again announced that it had axed Takenaka, but the firm filed an appeal in March.

Takenaka officials were not immediately available for comment.

"We tried to work with Takenaka’s proposal but it was just not acceptable with regard to safety and structural issues," Mr. Serrano said.

The Joint Foreign Chambers, which has long called for NAIA-3’s opening, is taking on a wait-and-see attitude.

"There are indications that the terminal could be opened within the year but we are taking that with a grain of salt," European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Executive Vice-President Henry Schumacher said

Mr. Serrano said the MIAA was pushing for a yearend opening.

Sorry for ignorance,

Can someone explain what Open Skies Policy is in layman's term? Thanks! :)

Click here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_skies). :colgate:

If anytime in the future Philippine Airlines DO plan to revise their livery, this one I would recommend to them:

http://www.cardatabase.net/modifiedairlinerphotos/photos/big/00000468.jpg

^^ The red color block seems out-of-place in comparison to the blue field with the sun emblem. Without it I think it would be fine. But then again, I'd rather have the sun "rising" above rather than "peeking" out from under.

Cebu Pacific to commence Manila-Kota Kinabalu service (http://peanuts.aero/low_cost_airline_news/airline/8844/59/Cebu+Pacific+to+commence+Manila-Kota+Kinabalu+service)


Cebu Pacific (CEB) announced it will commence a direct service from Manila to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia on 18-Jul-08. Cebu Pacific’s Manila-Kota Kinabalu A319 service is scheduled to operate three times a week.
Kota Kinabalu is the second city that CEB will fly to in Malaysia. CEB also offers a four-times weekly service to Kuala Lumpur.

The new service is introduced with a promotional fare offer of PHP499 from 11-Apr-08 to 17-Apr-08, and for travel from 18-Jul-08 to 30-Sep-08.

http://www.cebupacificair.com/banners/seatsale_banner041008.jpg

SEAIR, Asian Spirit merger looms; streamlining eyed
by JEFFREY O. VALISNO
http://bworld.com.ph/BW041408/content.php?id=041

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/7352/seaairxq8.jpg
A SEAIR aircraft at the Busuanga Airport in Palawan

JUICE TAIPAN and banker Alfredo M. Yao plans to merge budget carriers Asian Spirit, Inc. and South East Asian Airlines, Inc. (SEAIR) by yearend, in a bid to make the merged entity more competitive amid rising fuel prices by streamlining redundant destinations and cutting costs.

This as he completes negotiations for his takeover of SEAIR within the next two months, shortly after buying Asian Spirit last month.

"I still don’t know which [of the two airlines] will be the surviving entity after the merger," Mr. Yao said. He also did not say whether the merger would result in layoffs.

Mr. Yao, chairman of juice manufacturer Zest-O Corp., said his talks with SEAIR owners, including Nikos Gitsis, Iren Dornier and Tomas B. Lopez, are already at their final stage.

"There was already a meeting of the minds," Mr. Yao told reporters in a chance meeting in Boracay on Friday.

He said his group has started due diligence on SEAIR to prepare for the change of ownership. He admitted that the acquisition cost for SEAIR has been finalized, but declined to confirm reports that the price was around P1 billion, similar to the price tag of Asian Spirit.

Last month, Mr. Yao acquired Asian Spirit through AMY Holdings, Inc., an investment company that he owns with his siblings. The share purchase agreement was signed after five months of intense negotiations.

He said discussions on the SEAIR acquisition had started at about the same time, adding that a deal would be signed by June.

With his looming purchase of SEAIR, Mr. Yao can dominate low-cost flights to Caticlan, the gateway to the island of Boracay.

Data from the Godofredo P. Ramos Airport in Caticlan showed that Asian Spirit and SEAIR captured a combined 60% of the 7,352 reported flights to and from Caticlan last year.

The rest was cornered by Cebu Pacific, Air Philippines and Island Getaway. The latter two are owned by tycoon Lucio Tan, whose Philippine Airlines is also venturing into destinations with smaller airports after it bought nine small aircraft last week.

Mr. Yao, who also owns Philippine Business Bank and Export and Industry Bank, said he intends to merge the two airlines within the year to strengthen domestic operations.

Set up in 1995, Asian Spirit flies to 12 local and three international destinations like Incheon, Korea; Sandakan, Malaysia; and Macau using a fleet of 10 planes.

SEAIR was established in the same year and now has 11 planes that fly to 16 domestic destinations.

Mr. Yao said he would streamline redundant destinations once the merger is completed.

He added that the merger would consider the strength of Asian Spirit in its international flights, and of SEAIR, which has focused on its fast flights to local destinations like Palawan and nearby islands.

Wow looking forward to this very much, I'd like to see a major competitor emerge from this to challenge PR and 5J. Hopefully they could link up with airasia like airasia thailand and air asia indonesia and produce much lower fares so that there will be more choices for the flying public.

http://bworld.com.ph/BW041508/content.php?id=003

Philippine Airlines to revive Cebu hub for turboprop fleet

LOOKING TO INCREASE its market, Lucio Tan-led Philippine Airlines (PAL) plans to again make Cebu one of its hubs by basing a new turboprop fleet there.

PAL is in the process of acquiring nine aircraft from Canadian firm Bombardier Aerospace for $150 million. It expects deliveries over the next six months.

"With PAL’s successful emergence from rehabilitation late last year, resuming turboprop operations became a key priority, in keeping with the national carrier’s historic mandate of serving outlying areas," a statement from the airline said.

The turboprop fleet, to be composed of three 50-seater Q300s and six 76-seater Q400s, will initially operate out of Manila airport. This will later change as PAL operates from Cebu to other domestic points.

The turboprop services are scheduled to start on May 5, with eight Q300 flights daily from Manila to Boracay. In the third week of May, the fleet will fly out of Cebu in varying frequencies to Caticlan, Bacolod, Tacloban, Butuan and General Santos.

In the same week, a daily flight between Manila and Busuanga in Palawan will also commence, along with a ninth daily run to Caticlan.

In the last week of May, Davao (thrice daily flights), Iloilo (twice daily) and Puerto Princesa (one flight daily) will be added to PAL’s Cebu operations.

PAL Vice-President for Corporate Communications Roland0 G. Estabillo said the decision to focus southern operations in Cebu will allow the airline to better serve the growing intra-regional market in the Visayas and Mindanao.

"It means that we can now reach more areas in the southern part of the country. It is easier tap those markets if we are based in Cebu rather than in Metro Manila," Mr. Estabillo said.

"We used to dominate air services in this area. Now, we want to return there and do the same thing as before and further expand our existing market."

PAL operated a Cebu hub for most of its 67-year history before it entered receivership in 1999. The rehabilitation plan mandated PAL to operate an all-jet fleet, forcing the airline to dispose of the turboprop Fokker 50 fleet and close its Cebu hub.

anyone catch a glimpse yet of the Hawaiian Airlines that began it's maiden flight to the RP?

and any news of the PAL 744 that underwent D-check and new cabin reconfiguration?

anyone catch a glimpse yet of the Hawaiian Airlines that began it's maiden flight to the RP?

and any news of the PAL 744 that underwent D-check and new cabin reconfiguration?

saw it on business nightly, parang si sen richard gordon pa yung unang nagdisembark sa plane, nauna pa dun sa presidente ng hawaiian air...meh speeches after at welcome program..

Flag carrier PAL goes the budget route
http://bworld.com.ph/BW041608/content.php?id=003
MARIAN GRACE S. RAMOS, Reporter

LUCIO TAN-led Philippine Airlines (PAL) is creating a new budget carrier in a bid to increase its share of a domestic market currently dominated by low-fare rival Cebu Pacific.

PAL Express will operate a fleet of nine small aircraft from a hub in Cebu. The turboprop fleet will be initially composed of 50-seater Bombardier Q300s and six 76-seater Q400s, which PAL will be acquiring this year at a cost of $100 million.

PAL President and Chief Executive Jaime J. Bautista told a press conference yesterday that the low-cost unit would "protect market share" amidst unfavor-able conditions marked by high jet fuel prices.

"This will increase our profits by around P300 million at full operations annually," he said.

The first flight will be launched on May 5. Once fully operational, either by June or July, PAL Express is projected to increase traffic by another million passengers annually.

"We will leverage on the strength of the PAL brand to make PAL Express the leader in the markets it serves. In turn, PAL benefits from the expansion of its network to areas it does not presently fly to, from where PAL Express aims to draw traffic to feed the main trunk routes," Mr. Bautista said.

Enrique Javier, PAL vice-president for sales, said the new unit would not compete with the similar low-fare service of sister firm Air Philippines.

"[PAL] Express will complement our existing operations," Mr. Javier said, adding that Air Philippines would continue offering low fares for flights from Manila to other domestic points.

PAL, he said, would maintain the full-service legacy brand.

PAL Express will primarily fly intra-regional routes in the Visayas and Mindanao from Cebu, as well as secondary routes to smaller airports in areas that cannot accommodate jet planes. Initially, however, the flights will be based in Manila.

Gokongwei-led Cebu Pacific, the first local airline that used the budget carrier model, is the current domestic leader with passenger traffic of 4.5 million last year compared to PAL’s four million and Air Philippines’ 1.2 million.

Cebu Pacific Vice-President for Marketing and Product Candice A. Iyog said they were unfazed by PAL’s move to enter the niche market.

"We continue to operate the most international and domestic routes out of Cebu. It (PAL Express) does not change our position as an airline. We have always been an LCC (low-cost carrier), it only affirms that we are in the right model," Ms. Iyog said.

"Ultimately it is good for the public because they would be getting more options and cheaper fares. For us, we continue to be bullish about our expansion plans."

PAL’s low-cost operations will start with eight flights daily between Manila and Caticlan. PAL Express’ services will increase on May 19 when the Cebu hub operations start with flights to Bacolod, Caticlan, Tacloban, Butuan and General Santos.

PAL Express will offer a promotional fare of P88 excluding taxes and surcharges for one-way flights between Cebu and the five domestic points. The fare will be valid until from May 19 to August 15.

PAL’s Mr. Bautista, meanwhile, said the carrier was expecting a decreased bottomline for the 2008-2009 fiscal year because of increasing fuel prices. Although the airline expects an 8-10% growth in revenues, this will be reduced by higher operating costs, where the share of fuel would rise to 40% this year from 35% in 2006.

and any news of the PAL 744 that underwent D-check and new cabin reconfiguration?

i heard N754PR is coming home on the last week of april... not sure pa daw if reconfigured na... pero newly painted daw ito pagbalik...

anyone catch a glimpse yet of the Hawaiian Airlines that began it's maiden flight to the RP?


Saw the video report on the departing ceremony in HNL. LINK (http://www.khon2.com/home/ticker/17696644.html) They show everything including tinikling dancers and the boarding of the passengers, but no shot of the plane departing.:bash:

Its been confirmed by SAS (Scandinavian Airline System) that they sold 6 Q400 to Philippine Airlines at price less than $100 Million. So that settles the source and the ownership issue. Currently the planes are still undergoing checks at bombardier in canada. they will be ferried to the philippines on the second week of April.

yup. 2 of them already showed up at ATDB's database. rego's are LN-RDH and LN-RDL. both are fairly new with average age of 7 yrs. a good investment for PAL. but still can't wait to see the T7's in Philippine colors. 1 year na lang!!

From PAL website:
http://www.philippineairlines.com/images/pal%20express.jpg

hmm. looks good! :okay:
It's like United Express or Air Canada Jazz!

German airline Lufthansa clarified that while it stopped its daily flights between Manila and Frankfurt, it kept its office at Rockwell Center in Makati City.

It means that Lufthansa will, in airline business parlance, go offline. The airline is not flying to Manila but its reservations office here still offers all its services, such as ticketing, rebooking, re-issuances, and rerouting.

In that way, Lufthansa can still sell tickets here with the passenger having an option to fly to either Frankfurt or Munich via other Asian gateways, with free stops in Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, or Seoul—and at the same price.

Such an arrangement, I suppose, will benefit business travelers who have to be in two places in one trip.

From one flight a day on the Manila-Frankfurt route, Lufthansa now has eight daily flights to Frankfurt (through Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore or Seoul), plus two daily flights to Munich (via Hong Kong).

That should be good business for Lufthansa’s partner-airlines, particularly the country’s flag carrier Philippine Airlines, which Lufthansa tapped for all the connecting flights to Bangkok, Singapore and Hong Kong.

SOURCE (http://business.inquirer.net/money/columns/view/20080417-130885/Too-late-the-heroics)

Finally, PAL returns (http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/apr/17/yehey/opinion/20080417opi2.html)

As a resident of an island (Rom*blon), I am glad that the Philippine Airlines will return to its island destinations. I was told by PAL Vice President Rolando Estabillo that the route of its incoming nine planes might include travel to Tablas Island in Romblon. That news should really be welcome to the Romblo*manons who need safer and more frequent flights.

I remember that PAL used to travel to Tablas in the early 60’s. At that time, the fare was P16 pesos. But the route was cut in the mid-70s when PAL cancelled its so-called missionary routes. It was widely believed then that the rise of oil arising from the 1973 Yom Yippur War caused the cancellation.

Now that PAL has been rehabilitated, it can buy nine planes for interisland routes like those in Cebu and Boracay. PAL’s entry will fill in the need and assure passengers greater safety. No offense meant to the smaller airlines, but people believe that big airlines give more focus to safety. PAL’s entry would encourage the smaller airlines to invest more in safety.