It does look like the orange-flavored juice package of Zest-O.

^^ Based on the pictures, will they be using Fokker 50's? But that jet would be Airbus I guess.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/photogallery/travel/dubais-stateoftheart-new-terminal/2008/10/10/1223145600175.html

i knew it!!!! it was gonna be some orange...or some sort of citrus rind!!!! hahahah, i'm not feeling it either! oh wells can't do anything about it

airport somewhere in indonesia

an airport i havent even heard of before...the Philippines should build airports like this...distinctly SE-Asian without looking too tacky

http://www.spiritofmanilaairlines.com/index.htm
http://www.spiritofmanilaairlines.com/images/sarimanok.gif
http://www.spiritofmanilaairlines.com/index.htm
Spirit of Manila Logo
Operational Hub and Destinations
The Spirit of Mania will fly commercially towards the end of this year via the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA). With an approved operating permit from the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) and Air Transportation Office (ATO), the airline plans to fly to Bahrain, Bangkok, Dubai, Hong Kong, Johor Bahru, Kaohsiung, Macau, Osaka, Palau, Taipei, Mumbai, Karachi and the Gulf Region.

at may Spirit of MAnila pala......and eto pa new airline company, actually noon pa ito...di lang masyadong known...:) here:


Tair Airways (derived from "altair", the Arabic word for a bird) is a planned airline to be based in Angeles City, Philippines.

After over two months of deliberation at the Civil Aeronautics Board regarding the intent to operate as an Unscheduled International Carrier, They finally obtained a Temporary Operator’s Permit last October 27, 2006. Also, the Philippine Air Transportation Office has already granted them an Air Carrier Operating Certificate that has a 12-month validity starting October 28, 2006. However, as of February 2008, Tair has yet to commence flights.

They plan to operate daily passenger flights from Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in Angeles City, Philippines, to and from Jeddah and Riyadh in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their start-up flights. This will focus and capture a market niche with a dedicated B747 widebody aircraft that can accommodate as much as 472 passengers. The airline shall seek other profitable routes in the Asian region as well as the neighbouring countries of Saudi Arabia and expand its operations outside of Clark, Jeddah and Riyadh in the near future.

dami ng airline companies...

OT:

parang mga pinoy ata ito sa new terminal 3 sa DXB.. :cheers:
http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2008/10/10/Dubai_Airpot_New_Terminal_5_gallery__600x365.jpg

Ang daming Pinoy jan sa DXB, pag naglanding ka jan akalain mo na hindi ka umalis ng Pinas. Yun lang mas malawak at laki airport nila.

OT:

parang mga pinoy ata ito sa new terminal 3 sa DXB.. :cheers:
http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2008/10/10/Dubai_Airpot_New_Terminal_5_gallery__600x365.jpg
they look like Filipinos.

^^ Based on the pictures, will they be using Fokker 50's? But that jet would be Airbus I guess.

yan ata ung chinese-manufactured jets ng asian spirit

Posted in Philstar. Apologies for the grainy images:lol:

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/3539/dsc06376jq9.jpg

Zest (Asian Spirit) Airlines
http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/656/dsc06377yc5.jpg

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/8065/dsc06378wu0.jpg

This a Airbus and the other 1 is the chinese built aircraft Xian Ma60

Zest for China

October 03, 2008
Chinese milk may be being dumped worldwide now, but that does not faze new Asian Spirit Inc, owner Alfred Yao from acquiring China-made planes.

According to the industry grapevine, Yao has ordered five MA60 turboprop planes from Xian Aircraft, two of which apparently have been delivered and now in the hands of the Zest-O juice owner.

Yao already started teaser print ads for his airline, which has been re-christened as Zest Airways.

“There’s a new Zest in the Air!” heralds the print ad, with the nose of unknown white aircraft peaking out the blue sky.

Zest Airways will be the third airline in the region, after Indonesia’s budget airline Merpati Nusantara and Laos’ Lao Airlines, to be flying the 50-60 seater Chinese aircraft.

Other foreign customers who have bought the relatively new China turboprop include the military forces of Zambia, Congo, and Bolivia.

Headline in Cocktales.

^^ Ah...yung made in China. Anyway, it somehow resembles Fokker 50 with regard with its tail and rudder shape, hehe!! :D

^^

MA-60 looks like this one, a native ANTONOV design. It was supposed to be delivered in August but because of the fuel crisis Asian Spirit deferred its operation for 2 months to coincide with the Airbus delivery. There are seven orders for this kind of aircraft type. Certification to fly was approved recently. Expect to see them fly 2 weeks from now. Initial batch will fly Caticlan and the other base in Zamboanga hub. Cebu hub will be introduce later.

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/4/4/3/1354344.jpg

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/0/2/7/1394720.jpg

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/3/4/4/1349443.jpg

^^ I see. Thanks! :)

Still it reminds me of the Fokker 50s of PAL before, hehe!! :D

^^

MA-60 looks like this one, a native ANTONOV design. It was supposed to be delivered in August but because of the fuel crisis Asian Spirit deferred its operation for 2 months to coincide with the Airbus delivery. There are seven orders for this kind of aircraft type. Certification to fly was approved recently. Expect to see them fly 2 weeks from now. Initial batch will fly Caticlan and the other base in Zamboanga hub. Cebu hub will be introduce later.

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/4/4/3/1354344.jpg

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/0/2/7/1394720.jpg

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/3/4/4/1349443.jpg


Cut off na ang flight ng Asian Spirit or Zest Airways since August...do you have any idea or course na magiging hub ulit ng Zest Airways ang Zamboanga after using this fleet? teka kailan poh pala darating yang mga planes nayan?...

let me guess... may complementary zesto sa flight?

^^ Baka naman magbenta rin sila ng Zest-o na tig-P50 per pack, parang sa C2 ng Universal Robina na pagmamay-ari ng mga Gokongweis sa CebuPacific, hehe!!! :D

Pero mas maganda nga kung may complementary Zest-O or dirnk all you can Zest-O sa flight, hehe!! :D

or what if may inflight games parang sa cebu pacific sa zest air...like zest-o drinking contest LOL

Iloilo International Airport (http://www.unlawyer.net/photos/?a=the-new-iloilo-airport)

http://www.unlawyer.net/photos/ipap-photos/The%20facade%20of%20the%20new%20Iloilo%20Airport.jpg

RP-C7471 (ex N751PR) arrived in Manilla today with the new seat reconfig. FINALLY.

Website ain't working yet...Click to enlarge image

http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/5511/dsc06509sn4.th.jpg (http://img136.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc06509sn4.jpg)http://img136.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php)

^^ Is it Zest Air or Zest Airways? It's confusing.

RP-C7471 (ex N751PR) arrived in Manilla today with the new seat reconfig. FINALLY.

Pictures, please.thanks

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/photos/4/4/9/1408944.jpg

refreshing yung naman na "Zest"

pero sakin lang i reckon "Asian Spirit" wa a good name & catchy

but anyway..the new scheme aint bad..goodluck to them....i must say

i'll miss the old scheme

South East Asian Air...you're move?... :D

refreshing yung naman na "Zest"

pero sakin lang i reckon "Asian Spirit" wa a good name & catchy

but anyway..the new scheme aint bad..goodluck to them....i must say

i'll miss the old scheme

South East Asian Air...you're move?... :D

> Sana nga katulad na lnag din nung sa Asian Spirit ehh nasa Darker side kasi yung pinili nilang kulay for zest air, unlike Cebu Pacific na gumamit ng strong lively colors. Mas maganda siguro kung Grren nlang wala ng kasamang orange

PAL begins building aircraft ‘parking’ facility for Mactan (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/10/13/bus/pal.begins.building.aircraft.parking.facility.for.mactan.html)
Sun Star Online
Monday, October 13, 2008

THE Philippine Airlines (PAL) held last week the ceremonial groundbreak-ing that signals the beginning of the construction of a 1.2 hectare facility that will serve as parking area for PAL aircraft undergoing maintenance at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

The ceremony was led by PAL senior executives, Mactan Cebu International Airport and Lapu-Lapu City Government officials, as well as representatives of the building construction company commissioned by PAL. (PR)

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/photos/4/4/9/1408944.jpg

> what about the cabin interior how do it looks like? sana hindi na katulad nung sa Antonov-24/26 na ang sakit upuan.

What does Mayor Paredes along with the Revilla Clan plan to do with this? I hope people get well informed about this project soon. I'm just excited something is going to happen, but we shouldn't be left not knowing anything. Right now, there seems to be no progress at all.

Zest Airlines, the MMDA of airlines.

^^ Iba naamn ang color scheme... :lol:

Air passenger traffic through RP grows (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/126621/Air-passenger-traffic-through-RP-grows)
10/13/2008 | 12:36 AM

MANILA, Philippines - The number of people going to and from the Philippines via air grew in the first six months, despite high prices of goods, including plane tickets.

Civil Aeronautics Board data showed that combined number of incoming and outgoing passengers in the Philippines, for both local and foreign airlines, grew to 6.3 million for the first half, 9.13% more than in the same period last year.

Lucio Tan-led Philippine Airlines, Inc. (PAL) saw its total of international travelers grow by a tenth in the six-month period to 1.92 million, from 1.74 million last year.

Gokongwei-owned Cebu Pacific Air, meanwhile, saw its total grow to 671,738, or almost by half more than the year before.

PAL Vice-President for Corporate Communications Rolando G. Estabillo noted in a phone interview yesterday that the period covered was before the successive financial shocks started hitting the US last month and spreading to Europe.

He said air travel "has become a necessity," especially for businessmen and tourists, "despite high oil prices."

The company has said that plane ticket prices have gone up by as much as 10% since last year, due to the imposition of higher fuel surcharges.

Cebu Pacific spokesperson Candice A. Iyog meanwhile attributed the growth to the airline’s low fares. "We’re better off giving those [tickets] at low prices than having half empty planes," Ms. Iyog said.

Meanwhile, Asian Spirit, Inc., which started international flights in the first half, flew a total of 4,684 people to and from its international routes Incheon, Korea; Sandakan, Malaysia; and Macau.

The carrier recently changed its name to Zest Airways, Inc., to reflect the core business of its new owner, Alfredo M . Yao, chairman of Zest-O Corp., maker of the juice drink, Zest-O. Mr. Yao bought the airline last March. — Paolo Luis G. Montecillo, BusinessWorld

Franklin Ebdalin, Undersecretary of Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and concurrently one of the members of the Philippine panel, said the Turkish Airlines wants new route and "we are studying on that."

Ebdalin said the Turkish could very well capitalize on the growing tourism industry of the Philippines and operating a direct or even a chartered flight here could jumpstart more economic cooperation between the two countries.

”The Turkish airline and other airlines want more additional routes aside from what they have at this moment,” Ebdalin said.

Meanwhile, Adnan Basaga, Turkish Ambassador to the Philippines, said he will convince leading airline operators in Turkey to start the flight between their country and the Philippines.

Basaga, said “Turkish airlines fly to most key destinations in the world but not to the Philippines. The Filipinos can use the hub point of Istanbul as a gateway to Europe through direct flights from Manila."

He said Turkish airline representatives have already started visiting Manila to explore flight opportunities between Turkey and the Philippines.


I just flew last two days ago from the manila for my short holiday of 3 days, i already saw the turkish airline park at the lufthanza hangar. I think they already started the new route.

^^ nope. no news.

I just flew last two days ago from the manila for my short holiday of 3 days, i already saw the turkish airline park at the lufthanza hangar. I think they already started the new route.

That's probably their scheduled maintenance checks at Lufthansa Technik. Not the start of regularly scheduled commercial service between the Philippines and Turkey.

a virgn a340-600 was also there when arrived here in manila last oct 9.

Sa mga nasa Cubao, may malaking tarp ng Zest Air dun...:D

so what carriers ba nag may maintenance sa Lufthansa technik hangar in NAIA> i notice VS A346 as kinda a regular there & also occasionally QF A333 pero mainly airbus nakikita ko dun...apart from PALs Boeing ofcourse...any lufthansa plane still doing maintenance there?...

lol, Zest looks refreshing! wonder what the FAs gonna get, haha

di pa me nakasakay sa zest air im sure zesto drinks ang refreshment nila

is that the plane that's chinese made?

di pa me nakasakay sa zest air im sure zesto drinks ang refreshment nila

oo nga pag humunghi ka ng sarsi at di zest magagalit ang captain and he will refuse to take off :D lol
zest at boy bawang on board para combo..

The refurbishing of 747/A340 were put on hold because its not FAA approved (the Cocoon type). The 747 that was brought to Taiwan (i assumed), was sent back recently in manila then used again for the transpac route. The problem was the inflight entertainment was all not working well. A flight crew friend of mine experienced a flight from SFO to MNL without in-flight entertainment and their guests were furious. nyikes. when theyre half way that's the time it worked.

Zest air A320 (s) will be maintained by ceb pac.

laki talaga naging negative impact ng FAA downgrade..they need to do something about this soon

I heard this comment several times. All I can say is: "sanay na kami". We have senators coming from Cavite and they PROMISED to help their fellow Cavitenyos. Well, we dont need wide roads, we just need PROMISES, it only takes 2 hrs going to makati anyway... This coming 2010, if I hear another "PROMISE" from them again, then they deserve a vote from me... Go Ping! Go Bong! we need your PROMISES...

May akalimutan ka isama mo na si Abaya!

Refurbished Cabin of N751

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk243/eymarquez083/Image1641.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk243/eymarquez083/Image1640.jpg

Above: Ladies and gentlemen... the return of PN751. Its being set for it's first long haul journey to SFO, previously it had 2 regional flight to and from HKG. The passengers, as I've seen the faces, were lighted with glee.

Fiesta Class
Below: Fiesta Class seats.. made by Recaro. Still maintaining 383 seats.
This is row 31 A and C, I wonder what purpose of that thing beside the seat is.
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk243/eymarquez083/Image1633-001.jpg

Below: The new fiesta class seat made by Recaro. The seat are comfy and has a headrest.
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk243/eymarquez083/Image1635-001.jpg

Below: Each seat is facilitated with a screen. The remote is located on the arm rest.
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk243/eymarquez083/Image1634.jpg

Another batch courtesy of Flight from PEx
MABUHAY CLASS

Below: The seats only come in pairs.. out of the usual 50 seats on Mabuhay Class, its reconfigured to only 42 seats.
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk243/eymarquez083/Image1638.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk243/eymarquez083/Image1636.jpg


Below: The tray table.
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk243/eymarquez083/Image1629.jpg

Below:The buttons... to command the seat to your convenience.
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk243/eymarquez083/Image1627.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk243/eymarquez083/Image1626.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk243/eymarquez083/Image1630.jpg

Last batch...still courtesy of Flight from PEx

Below: The remote for the screen...
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk243/eymarquez083/Image1628.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk243/eymarquez083/Image1631.jpg

Below: The screen.. flights of fancy.
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk243/eymarquez083/Image1625.jpg

Below:reading lights.. with 2-3 shades.. from dim to bright.
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk243/eymarquez083/Image1632.jpg

Below: This is the space alloted for the seat to recline.
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk243/eymarquez083/Image1639-001.jpg

Below: this is how the seat looks like when you wish to lay down. Its lie-flat, but tilted.
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk243/eymarquez083/Image1637.jpg

> what about the cabin interior how do it looks like? sana hindi na katulad nung sa Antonov-24/26 na ang sakit upuan.

Zest-O orange juice siguro ang sini-serve nila...Refreshing talaga.

wala paring developments

How nice, fiesta class has it's own screen behind the headrest. Mabuhay class has decent reclineable seats. I'm sure it's much better than the old seat configuration. I'd like to try PAL in transpacific flight, I've only been in their domestic services which uses widebodies aircrafts like A330/340s and B747 but that was awhile back. I don't understand why NWA has older aircrafts flying to Manila when I've been in a decent aircraft going elsewhere on board their nicer B747-400.

so what carriers ba nag may maintenance sa Lufthansa technik hangar in NAIA> i notice VS A346 as kinda a regular there & also occasionally QF A333 pero mainly airbus nakikita ko dun...apart from PALs Boeing ofcourse...any lufthansa plane still doing maintenance there?...

Philippine Airlines
Lufthansa
Virgin Atlantic
Austrian Airlines
Air Jamaica
Hawaiian Airlines
Cathay Pacific
Dragon Air
Air Mauritius
Jet Airways
Etihad
Qatar
Gulf Air
British Midland
Air Tahiti Nui
Thomas Cook
My Travel Airways

These are the airlines I remember but I missed others. As far as I know they now have MRO contracts with more than 20 airlines and still growing, mostly the 330/340 airbus frames. LTP is renown all over the airline world for on-time delivery and world class quality service.


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

The Juice plane appears to have the most comfortable economy seat (Y) of all airlines in the Philippines as they make more provisions for passenger comfort.

I asked one senior manager of 6K on their business strategy and what he said surprised me. While 5J and PR has the habit of making sardines out of us, they intend to revolutionize economy travel. The extra leg room are actually for international flights but good for domestic travel as well with more than an hour of flying time. Its actually more comfortable and refreshing to passengers leg, so the slogan. And besides, they will be sharing the loads now with other airlines, legacy or LCC, so having a sardine seat would not work for them anymore. If it works, it could be the beginning of something big.

I could not help but agree to his observations because its true and hope to ride their plane soon.

One good thing of knowing somebody is the complementary RT ride. The downside, I have to fly back with the plane. Since I have prior commitments, I ended up holding a non-transferable domestic RT voucher (NR ticket) valid for one year. I was hoping for two but having one is a compliment already. I guess I have to pay my other half.

Well, best wishes and good luck to the competition! :cheers:

Cargo forwarders want security measures installed in major airports Cargo forwarders want security measures installed in major airports
October 15, 2008 11:52 am by pna
By Lynda B. Valencia

MANILA, Oct. 14 – In anticipation of the implementation of 100-percent scanning of cargoes bound for the United States (US), air cargo forwarders asked for the installation of security equipment in vital airports in the country.


The Air Cargo Forwarders of the Philippines, Inc. (AFPI) said security equipment that were in placed in the different airports were not enough to guarantee protection of cargo in the supply chain.

The AFPI wants to have at least a guideline from the government on how to comply with the security requirements especially the all-scan security measures set to be implemented by the US in 2012.

The new US law requires 100 percent scanning of US-destined air and sea containers in foreign ports by 2012 to safely secure and protect vital trade lanes for uninterrupted flows of commerce.

The US customs have started talks with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) regarding the 100 percent scanning, to which the BOC assured of the country’s compliance.

But AFPI claimed there is little importance given to air trade. “The government should focus on both sea and air port security because the failure of any of the two will affect the impression of our trading partners with regard to outbound cargoes.”

Meanwhile, Secretary Leandro Mendoza of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) said airport construction is on-going for the growing tourism industry.

”The government is also investing in critical infrastructure to make sure that the islands are integrated and accessible,” Mendoza said.

The Iloilo airport has opened already. Starting November, Silay airport will have direct flights from South Korea to Silay.”Puerto Princesa International Airport will be completed in 2009. Also the Busuanga, San Vicente and Balabac airports are due for completion in 2009,” Mendoza said.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) will make Palawan a stand-alone destination in medium term since it has attractions, scale and a strong brand. (PNA)

i dont know if this has been asked before but is PAL or any Philippine carrier listed in the stock exchange?...

^ No. ;)

> what about the cabin interior how do it looks like? sana hindi na katulad nung sa Antonov-24/26 na ang sakit upuan.

This plane is comparable to Cebu Pacific's ATR and Pal Express's Bombardier

The refurbishing of 747/A340 were put on hold because its not FAA approved (the Cocoon type). The 747 that was brought to Taiwan (i assumed), was sent back recently in manila then used again for the transpac route. The problem was the inflight entertainment was all not working well. A flight crew friend of mine experienced a flight from SFO to MNL without in-flight entertainment and their guests were furious. nyikes. when theyre half way that's the time it worked.

yikes talaga!! :eek2: teka muna? di ba even european and other asian airlines have cocoon types? saka recaro naman ang gumawa nun. and i'm sure most airlines have recaro seats as well. kakainis talaga!! we really need to work out this FAA downgrade. :bash: It's dragging us down waaay tooo long. :bash: can't afford not to see those 77w's in philippine colors fly here in the us. nagiipon pa man din ako ng pamasahe para makasakay sa maiden flight nila! but the worst thing is baka maulit uli ung nangyari last time when PAL order the 747's. tsktsktsk!! :ohno:

^^

Nice find and research work! You did good.:cheers:

I would rather vouch for the first one though and not the second. As you may know, other communities requested for direct flight as well, but for one reason and another, the traffic is not there at the moment to be sustainable in the long run. Based on the survey, San Diego did pretty well garnering 23% of the LAX market. Chicago metropolitan residents are served by Northwest. Its introduction to LAX flights paved the way for PAL to go in that direction before re-introducing New York. They will have 35 flights for mainland U.S. by 2011 before the next re-negotiation commences. Hopefully, Portland should be on that list as Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod and Iloilo are introduce as additional Philippine gateway.

Based on the 1983 ASA and the amendments on 1995, there are seven entry points from the original three, reciprocal to Manila, Cebu and Davao. Sadly, Northwest is contented serving Manila alone after October 1, 2003.:)

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

Now, on the other ASA's with Finland and Turkey. Yes, both Finnair and Turkish Air are interested to fly to the Philippines but for the moment, on charter flights only, not regular scheduled flights, at least not yet for the time being, as most of its flights are seasonal, mostly during the winter season.

I would not be surprise if one of their plane lands at Kalibo International. Its what the Russians have been doing in Cebu and Clark for the past two years. So don't be alarm if you find Ilyushin-96 or Tupolev-204 at your local airport.

One last trivia. Contrary to widely held beliefs, The Russian made Ilyushin Il-86 aircraft is the world's safest airliner with zero passenger fatalities, and not the Boeing 737, as what the western world proclaims. :cheers:

thanks arianespace! i too was shocked when the first time i read PAL's application. of course, long term sustainability of the route should also be considered pero i think sana isaisip din ng PAL as the premier flag carrier their vision to serve and link Filipinos wherever they maybe. but with the way global economy is going right now, it's not attainable. the least we can do is to make sure that in the next renegotiation of ASA's we get a fair deal and chance to compete with American carriers.

i dont know if this has been asked before but is PAL or any Philippine carrier listed in the stock exchange?...

PAL is listed on the PSE (as PAL Holdings, with ticker symbol PAL). It got listed due to a reverse takeover where PAL acquired publicly-listed Baguio Gold Holdings, a Lucio Tan-owned company.

Cebu Pacific is currently indirectly listed through its parent company, JG Summit, but was supposed to list independently (their IPO, if I remember right, was put on hold). The other airlines are privately-owned.

I'm very impressed by the new cabin interior for PAL, the economy cabin reminds me alot of Virgin Atlantic! Will the A330's have recaro seats installed also??

hell yea! i'm totally impressed too. in flight entertainment is the ONLY thing I look forward to in a flight... but in the case of PAL, I also look forward to the food!

So daaaang I'm going home next year via SFO. !!!! See you guys hopefully!

I don't think there will be developments here. It's not a priority of the current admin.

For Cavite, they should prioritize the completion of Coastal Road and the LRT-1 extension... Then, for the next president, Sangley Airport developments.

i dont know if this has been asked before but is PAL or any Philippine carrier listed in the stock exchange?...

By grant of Franchise, all airlines in the Philippines are required to enlist on the stock exchange 5 years after its profitable operation. The reason is for them to grow quickly.

Only Philippine Airlines is currently listed in the PSI. Look for PAL Holdings at the Manila Bulletin Business Section for the price of its share. It used to be Baguio Gold before they consolidate investment and change the name to that of PAL through backdoor listing.

Backdoor listing means you don't have to comply with procedural reportorial requirements imposed by the Securities and Exchange Commission for public listing which take a lot of time. By definition, it meant a technique to get listed on an exchange, whereby the company acquires and merges with a company already listed on that exchange.

Since Baguio Gold is a dormant investment arm of the Lucio Tan Group listed on the stock exchange which controlled majority shares of Philippine Airlines, its easier to change the name to that of the latter.

Cebu Pacific on the other hand intends to list on the stock market but because of the volatile market conditions it suspended its IPO until the world economy bounces back.

Why World Economy?

Because majority of the investors in the Philippine Stock Market are Foreign Hedge Funds and they are profit sensitive, meaning, small profit does not work wonders for them. It has to be sufficiently huge and consecutive to entice them to invest their trust money. Companies offering IPO on bad business climate may end up having their share less than their par value, which is not a good investment.

Its the same theory that works for Lehman Brothers and AIG where the par value of its share went less than what its worth short of worthlessness. It does not necessarily mean its bankrupt. Investors simply shy away. And when there is no buyer of your shares, its price drags down to the point where the company ends up at a loss compared to its assets. Thats the disadvantage of being in the stock market. On the other hand, you can easily find good investment money during good market conditions for capitalization and grow quickly as compared to unlisted company where they grow at snail pace while remaining as private company. :)

thanks arianespace! i too was shocked when the first time i read PAL's application. of course, long term sustainability of the route should also be considered pero i think sana isaisip din ng PAL as the premier flag carrier their vision to serve and link Filipinos wherever they maybe. but with the way global economy is going right now, it's not attainable. the least we can do is to make sure that in the next renegotiation of ASA's we get a fair deal and chance to compete with American carriers.

^^
The ASA is actually fair. Had the Philippines granted more entry points say 10, US will have the same number of entry points, but what the government provided in the revise 1995 ASA is only 7 points.

Likewise, it can now be argued fairly that the fears of PAL way back then is a puff on thin air as the American registered plane never flew to other points, such as Cebu, Davao, Clark, Subic, Puerto Princesa, and Zamboanga despite the open sky policy effective October 1, 2003. What year are we now? If we put it bluntly, PAL is eating Northwest arm by serving more points in the US.

Its what we call a foolish negotiation after all. :)

By grant of Franchise, all airlines in the Philippines are required to enlist on the stock exchange 5 years after its profitable operation. The reason is for them to grow quickly.

Only Philippine Airlines is currently listed in the PSI. Look for PAL Holdings at the Manila Bulletin Business Section for the price of its share. It used to be Baguio Gold before they consolidate investment and change the name to that of PAL through backdoor listing.

Backdoor listing means you don't have to comply with procedural reportorial requirements imposed by the Securities and Exchange Commission for public listing which take a lot of time. By definition, it meant a technique to get listed on an exchange, whereby the company acquires and merges with a company already listed on that exchange.

Since Baguio Gold is a dormant investment arm of the Lucio Tan Group listed on the stock exchange which controlled majority shares of Philippine Airlines, its easier to change the name to that of the latter.

Cebu Pacific on the other hand intends to list on the stock market but because of the volatile market conditions it suspended its IPO until the world economy bounces back.

Why World Economy?

Because majority of the investors in the Philippine Stock Market are Foreign Hedge Funds and they are profit sensitive, meaning, small profit does not work wonders for them. It has to be sufficiently huge and consecutive to entice them to invest their trust money. Companies offering IPO on bad business climate may end up having their share less than their par value, which is not a good investment.

Its the same theory that works for Lehman Brothers and AIG where the par value of its share went less than what its worth short of worthlessness. It does not necessarily mean its bankrupt. Investors simply shy away. And when there is no buyer of your shares, its price drags down to the point where the company ends up at a loss compared to its assets. Thats the disadvantage of being in the stock market. On the other hand, you can easily find good investment money during good market conditions for capitalization and grow quickly as compared to unlisted company where they grow at snail pace while remaining as private company. :)

ok thanks thats ll clear now....i see some opportunies during this stage for some bargain hunters desppiate most global economies down...but i'll stick to my mining shares for now lol...:)


btw...do you know if PAL will get a cabin upgrade at all for the A330..they have eight of them..still its used for international routes?..i think some of those international routes ...QF & CX are all upgraded..sana PAL din

i think the developer wont continue the developement of cavite city...nakita na nila lahat ng gagawin nila...they have to dredge the bays,so that large container ships can enter the port...have to build long piers to accomodate those ships...road widening so container trucks can easily travel in and out...road widening would start from cavite city all the way to bacoor...where would relocate all the families that will be displaced as the construction begins...they have to upgrade the the roads and sewerage systems, kasi konting ulan lang baha agad...malulubog sa saltwater ung mga cargoes ng container van pag nag high tide...

I miss Egypt Air flying here. Bkit ganun halos lhat ng Asian destinations ng MS online na sa Asia esp. yung mga na-offline dati sa SEA pero yung MNL hindi na nila binalikan. I also wonder about PK's plan to return to MNL.

BTW, I love their new livery (I think launch last June) - a modern Horus plus its blue!


http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/ianers_ianized/MS400.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/ianers_ianized/MS401.jpg


All photos from airliners.Net

I miss Egypt Air flying here. Bkit ganun halos lhat ng Asian destinations ng MS online na sa Asia esp. yung mga na-offline dati sa SEA pero yung MNL hindi na nila binalikan. I also wonder about PK's plan to return to MNL.

BTW, I love their new livery (I think launch last June) - a modern Horus plus its blue!


http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/ianers_ianized/MS400.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/ianers_ianized/MS401.jpg


All photos from airliners.Net

ha? Egypt Air flew to MNL before?

http://www.pngtourism.org.pg/png/export/pics/newsletter_images/px_b767.jpg
Port Moresby - Manila will become 2 weekly turnaround flight.

PX010 POM1745 - 2045MNL Boeing 757 on day 6
PX010 POM1745 - 2045MNL Boeing 763 on day 2

PX011 MNL2145 - 0505+1POM Boeing 757 on day 6
PX011 MNL2145 - 0505+1POM Boeing 763 on day 2

Nakalalagim isipin.

ha? Egypt Air flew to MNL before?

:yes: Yup. MS flew to MNL from CAI via BKK.

I took the Cathay Pacific flight economy lang twice within a year time. The first RT from N.Y.C. JFK to Hongkong is 15 and a half hours straight flight. HK to CEB 2hrs 15 minutes. Their movies has a huge stocks of titles that you cannot finish even english versions on the whole one way flight. Some movies were showing in the current US movie houses. They have Chinese movies, Chinese, English, TV series, music of different languages & games. The Hongkong to Cebu was a bit more selective and few entertainments.
The second trip was last month with the same route but the visual entertainments were more loaded programs. Most flights were in their new boeing 777 jets. The reclining seats does not interfer the person seating behind you.
I tried Singapore Airline early last year, I am not particular with this airline and it's route. Its about four hours longer and more expensive. The movie entertainments are fewer.

^^ Of course SQ's flight will be longer than CX, since both carriers must route their flights via their homebase hubs of SIN (for SQ) and HKG (for CX). Hong Kong is situated just to the north of the Philippines, while Singapore is further to the west and south (almost to the equator).

Clark execs to conduct another bidding to build DMIA’s P6.4B second terminal
http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Business_19/Clark_execs_to_conduct_another_bidding_to_build_DMIA_s_P6_4B_second_terminal.shtml

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga Oct. 18 (PNA) -- Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) is scheduled to restart beginning this Thursday its process of either selecting a joint venture partner from the private sector or conducting another bidding to build the second P6.4 billion terminal of the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport inside Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga.

This developed after the recent bidding for the terminal project was declared a failure.

Chairman Nestor Mangio of CIAC, said it expects to complete the construction of the new passenger terminal at Clark not later than the first quarter of 2010.

Once completed, DMIA’s two terminals will have a combined capacity of some eight million passengers annually.

CIAC has started looking for a qualified contractor following its decision to end negotiations with a consortium of private developers led by US-based firm Admiral Energy LLC which appeared as the bid winner in the Terminal 2 project recently.

Admiral Consortium submitted a proposal to design, finance, construct and operate the DMIA Terminal 2 project at a total cost of P12.4 billion including the construction of an airport plaza, transport plaza and additional service road networks and the procurement and installation of vital airport equipment and systems.

But after the preliminary post-qualification of Admiral’s proposal it submitted during the bidding, CIAC discovered that Admiral’s proposal as being “non-responsive to the requirements and parameters” of the terms of reference for the project. This resulted in the declaration of the bidding as a failure.

CIAC said Admiral failed to show sufficient proof of its track record and experience in the operation and maintenance of an international passenger terminal.

On its official website, Admiral Energy LLC describes itself as “an experienced and capable energy management, consulting and service company with more than 10 years combined experience in the retail energy markets.”

Mangio, said that the CIAC board of directors has scheduled a meeting to decide on what to do with the construction of the terminal at the earliest possible time because of the desire of President Arroyo to complete the terminal project before the end of her term in 2010.
Mangio, said that CA authorities have been exerting their time and efforts to comply with the desire of the President. He added that CIAC may issue another notice of invitation to qualified bidders if the selection for a joint venture partner fails.(PNA)

Hey folks, what is the baggage limit on trans-Pacific flights nowadays? My aunt is going to the Philippines on EVA Air from SFO via TPE and onward to MNL. She wants to know what's the limit on weight is and if checked-in bags are now subject to fees. Any additional info about this and other related matters are greatly appreciated! :colgate:

Hey folks, what is the baggage limit on trans-Pacific flights nowadays? My aunt is going to the Philippines on EVA Air from SFO via TPE and onward to MNL. She wants to know what's the limit on weight is and if checked-in bags are now subject to fees. Any additional info about this and other related matters are greatly appreciated! :colgate:


Here's EvaAir's website about the baggage allowance:

http://www.evaair.com/html/b2c/english/tips/Airport_service/Baggage/#a3

But my sisters were told that they are only allowed 2 50lb check in baggage per person for their flight this coming January to PI.

^^ Thanks! My aunt wasn't sure if the baggage limit was 50lbs or 55lbs each, and from what I read from the link the limit of two checked-in bags are still free; she's leaving for the Philippines this coming December.

ha? Egypt Air flew to MNL before?

Yep before, I think twice a week Mon and Fri.
and PK too. 2x a week too.


I love their livery too. Sort like BA's World Images but more Pakistan theme - like Colors of the Desert, The Silk Route, Nature's Orchard and Garden of the Mughal
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/ianers_ianized/PK555.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/ianers_ianized/PK556.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/ianers_ianized/PK557.jpg

:yes: Yup. MS flew to MNL from CAI via BKK.
They had an onward flight to NRT right? That's why the flight was 2x a day out of MNL.
MNL-NRT in AM and MNL-BKK in PM
The whole route is CAI-BKK-MNL-NRT-MNL-BKK-CAI

pretty interesting., got this from PEx

hi, we have a confirmation coming from west jet, I was there in vancouver, and the vp for communication of West Jet is one of the guest speaker, and confirmed na magkakaroon ng route from clark to vancouver with their new planes for international routes, 3 times a week a flight schedules nila starting next year but no definite date kung when sila mag-start ng operations, but definitely this is a good news for passenger na naghahanap ng lower rates than PAL for direct flight to vancouver

probably a rumor. eh LCC diba ang westjet?

Clark execs to conduct another bidding to build DMIA’s P6.4B second terminal
http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Business_19/Clark_execs_to_conduct_another_bidding_to_build_DMIA_s_P6_4B_second_terminal.shtml



Chairman Nestor Mangio of CIAC, said it expects to complete the construction of the new passenger terminal at Clark not later than the first quarter of 2010.

Once completed, DMIA’s two terminals will have a combined capacity of some eight million passengers annually.




If the current terminal capacity is 2 million, it seems we can only expect a 6 million capacity terminal. Smaller than expected.

Ok ba ang Northwest Airlines?

I am taking the Manila-Nagoya-Detroit flight early next year via Northwest. Ilang oras ba yun from Nagoya to Detroit?

^^pretty interesting., got this from PEx



probably a rumor. eh LCC diba ang westjet?

At best, its a good puff. The new ASA allows ONLY Air Canada and Philippine Airlines to fly the route between MNL and YVR. PAL even had difficulty acquiring two additional entitlement from the requested 14 flights to 3 Canadian points because ACA is not flying to the Philippines, much more code-share agreements with them. Previously, Air Canada leased its rights to enable PAL to mount additional flights to Vancouver. :)

^^
Ok ba ang Northwest Airlines?

I am taking the Manila-Nagoya-Detroit flight early next year via Northwest. Ilang oras ba yun from Nagoya to Detroit?


Whats great with Northwest is its good connection to most central US points. Flight departures from Nagoya is at 1PM local time and almost 12 hours travel. Usually they make it at 11 hours tops when riding the trade winds. You will arrive the following day around 12 noon local time at the Metropolitan Wayne County Airport's McNamara Terminal. :)

Early morning NWA flight (Manila to Detroit) is quite fine. Be sure not to leave any belongings when you deplane at Nagoya.

The long flight (Nagoya-Detroit) is quite a stretch. Nothing special about in-flight entertainment. The Economy Class seats are quite crammed but not a big deal. Good thing is they have friendly Filipina FA's.

Food? Chicken or Beef? :)

oh thanks guy about the information regarding egyt air's MNL flights

Cebu Pacific in November 2008 is launching 2 new routes out of Cebu.

*3 weekly Cebu - Ozamis City from 10NOV08

5J869 CEB1020 - 1115OZC
5J870 OZC1135 - 1230CEB

*4 weekly Cebu - Surigao from 13NOV08

5J875 CEB1020 - 1110SUG
5J876 SUG1130 - 1220CEB

Early morning NWA flight (Manila to Detroit) is quite fine. Be sure not to leave any belongings when you deplane at Nagoya.

The long flight (Nagoya-Detroit) is quite a stretch. Nothing special about in-flight entertainment. The Economy Class seats are quite crammed but not a big deal. Good thing is they have friendly Filipina FA's.

Food? Chicken or Beef? :)



^^^^ They serve menu mostly so you can choose what you wanted to eat in NWA. If you are traveling with a child for instance, you can request for a children's meal prior to your departure,or even if you have especific diet such as if one is diabetic and such. Just call your agent or directly to NWA and request for a special meal even on economy flights. I don't think there is any extra-charge for it .

It's a total of 23 hours I believe before you reach Detroit, accounting lay-over/stop-over in either Nagoya or Tokyo. It Usually takes me a day and a half pretty much to my final destination, it's Usually KSFG-DTR-Tokyo(or Nagoya)_MNL and vice versa for my typical iterinary. The distance is really what I hate flying to Manila. I can't seems to get any sleep at all in any travels I had even if I fly first class, it's just me being antsy half of the time, funny that after so many years I still fear flying...lol

^^

At best, its a good puff. The new ASA allows ONLY Air Canada and Philippine Airlines to fly the route between MNL and YVR. PAL even had difficulty acquiring two additional entitlement from the requested 14 flights to 3 Canadian points because ACA is not flying to the Philippines, much more code-share agreements with them. Previously, Air Canada leased its rights to enable PAL to mount additional flights to Vancouver. :)

^^



Whats great with Northwest is its good connection to most central US points. Flight departures from Nagoya is at 1PM local time and almost 12 hours travel. Usually they make it at 11 hours tops when riding the trade winds. You will arrive the following day around 12 noon local time at the Metropolitan Wayne County Airport's McNamara Terminal. :)

Early morning NWA flight (Manila to Detroit) is quite fine. Be sure not to leave any belongings when you deplane at Nagoya.

The long flight (Nagoya-Detroit) is quite a stretch. Nothing special about in-flight entertainment. The Economy Class seats are quite crammed but not a big deal. Good thing is they have friendly Filipina FA's.

Food? Chicken or Beef? :)

^^^^ They serve menu mostly so you can choose what you wanted to eat in NWA. If you are traveling with a child for instance, you can request for a children's meal prior to your departure,or even if you have especific diet such as if one is diabetic and such. Just call your agent or directly to NWA and request for a special meal even on economy flights. I don't think there is any extra-charge for it .

It's a total of 23 hours I believe before you reach Detroit, accounting lay-over/stop-over in either Nagoya or Tokyo. It Usually takes me a day and a half pretty much to my final destination, it's Usually KSFG-DTR-Tokyo(or Nagoya)_MNL and vice versa for my typical iterinary. The distance is really what I hate flying to Manila. I can't seems to get any sleep at all in any travels I had even if I fly first class, it's just me being antsy half of the time, funny that after so many years I still fear flying...lol

Thanks for the valuable info guys. Yes, flying NWA gives me the least number of plane transfers to my destination. From Detroit there is a NWA direct flight to Shreveport, Louisiana where I will be staying.

:)

I hope the NWA will be using the Boeing 777 plane BY then it is not but the Boeing 747.

Your flying time between Nagoya and Detroit will be about 11 hrs. & 45 mins. and MNL to Nagoya 3 hrs. & 40 mins. I hope the Airlines will have a better entertainment with individual screen/ seat and plenty of selections. Detroit is your point of entry. Customs and Immigrations.

Please note, Do no bring any food stuffs or any agricultural meat products. The Custom will take them. Example. Chicharon. :bash: I did it last March this year. I think sweets will be fine.

Detroit to SHV,Louisiana is 2 hrs. & 30 mins.flight.
Enjoy your trip.

I hope the NWA will be using the Boeing 777 plane BY then it is not but the Boeing 747.

Your flying time between Nagoya and Detroit will be about 11 hrs. & 45 mins. and MNL to Nagoya 3 hrs. & 40 mins. I hope the Airlines will have a better entertainment with individual screen/ seat and plenty of selections. Detroit is your point of entry. Customs and Immigrations.

Please note, Do no bring any food stuffs or any agricultural meat products. The Custom will take them. Example. Chicharon. :bash: I did it last March this year. I think sweets will be fine.

Detroit to SHV,Louisiana is 2 hrs. & 30 mins.flight.
Enjoy your trip.

Thanks for the details!

How about bringing "pusit" and "bulad?" My brother misses those terribly. I might pack a few kilos for him, that is, if they don't get confiscated. :)

i dont think nwa have 777s

They had an onward flight to NRT right? That's why the flight was 2x a day out of MNL.
MNL-NRT in AM and MNL-BKK in PM
The whole route is CAI-BKK-MNL-NRT-MNL-BKK-CAI

:yes: Yes! I forgot about that. :doh: MS did also fly to NRT! :okay:

JAL's new boeing 777-300 and new cabin configuration.

http://www.jal.co.jp/newjal/boeing777_en_high.html

OMG sosyal ang economy class ng JAL! Forget PAL I'm taking JAL. :lol: :jk:

Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-300 series planes are mostly used for to North America. The long hauls Boeing 777-300ER has 301 seats passenger and the Boeing 777-300 is 385 seats passenger. They still use the Boeing 747-400. Sometimes they use Airbus 330-300.

I think buwad and pusit will have no problem because they are sea food and salty. I believe the U.S. Custom is worried about foot and mouth desease.

JAL's recent reinvention and major changes to improve services etc. is really nice. Wish they'd keep their 744s in the main fleet. they are being replaced by the 777s and some 744s are being converted to freighters and some being sent to JALways. made me look forward to PAL's own boeing 777s, but also hope PAL would keep it's 744s longer.

nakaka excited lang yung boeing 777-300, can't wait till PAL gets theirs. wonder how it will look like inside. the new seats that were installed on the recently reconfigured 744 is really nice and spacious. somewhat similar to luftansa's seats. what a bummer about the bad news on the recently reconfigured 744 being restricted to fly just kus it's not FAA approved or what have you. it would be really nice for them to be able to utilize that aircraft on the transpacific routes, passengers would appreciate them more-more comfortable to travel on 16+ hour flight.

Is there a MNL to any US point of entry via JAL?

Thanks for the details!

How about bringing "pusit" and "bulad?" My brother misses those terribly. I might pack a few kilos for him, that is, if they don't get confiscated. :)

Errr, maybe not. US Customs keeps a watchful eye, especially flights from Asia for people bringing agri products, even fake items and DVDs (and together with TSA, they have the power to confiscate even your laptop). I am sure if he finds hard enough in Asian / Pinoy stores,(like we do here in the UK), he'll find such delicious stuff in the US too..!

Is there a MNL to any US point of entry via JAL?

From MNL (JALways), I thought you can connect to JAL flights to ORD, LAX, SFO and JFK in the mainland?? Besides, it's a member of oneworld, so you'll have American Airlines' network to get you to just about anywhere in the States...

Enjoy your trip to the US...

i dont think nwa have 777s

yeah, i also think so...i hope nWA will have planes similar to SQ and CX wherein the economy class has individual monitor in their seats (entertainment system)..i almost forgot, the KLM flight from MNL to AMS has also a similar plane.

Ok ba ang Northwest Airlines?

I am taking the Manila-Nagoya-Detroit flight early next year via Northwest. Ilang oras ba yun from Nagoya to Detroit?


OK naman ang NWA. by the way, don't forget, are you already a member of worldperks? if not, i would suggest that you get your membership so you can earn your miles. nwa's mileage program is the best so far...it doesn't expire.

@peng Hok since your destination is Shreveport, Louisiana, parang marami vietnamese doon. Check out their grocery stores.
Some chinese stores sa N.Y. may buwad and pusit na at dilis din.
So maybe you do not to bring it. Subukan mo nalang mag dala kahit iisang kilo mo lang at double plastic balut para hindi mangangamoy. Most of the time, do not act nervous kapag ka harap mo.

I've NWA site, wala silang 777.

^^ True. Baka lang nagkalito kasi Northwest has 787s on order, not 777s. Someday, I want to see those 787s fly MNL-DTW direct.

Any news? :)

JAL's new boeing 777-300 and new cabin configuration.

http://www.jal.co.jp/newjal/boeing777_en_high.html


ang ganda nung commercial ano yung title nung song????

Nakalimutan sa video sa JAL ang electrical outlet para laptop para sige naka charge ang battery at tsaka kapag naka up position ang table may maliit na tray para sa baso. Akala ko pareho sila sa CX 777.

yeah.. really nice commercial. the song is called I Will Be There With You, by David Foster and Katherine McPhee. Here's another video by JAL with the same song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8N2Jh6-pww . Anyways.. nice move on JAL. Supposedly they are having financial problems-even before all this economic mess we have at the present time, they are restructuring the company and such. You'd think that they're doing well in the LAX-NRT route, but they downgraded their twice daily flight to just one flight daily. Ng taka ako bakit, considering that they're always full (2 daily JAL 744s) of Japanese tourists and other Asians who transit from NRT. When I go home to Philippines, I usually take them, there's just a level of personal service that they provide, maski economy ka-sake service every other hour or you can just ask and they're more than polite (Sir.. woouldyooh lika sake?). The Korean carriers are nice too, but iba ang level of service talaga ng JAL, those who've flown with them on long haul flights know what I mean. And I always like the opportunity to stop over NRT, boeing heavies' capital (",) -so many 747s.

oh by the way.... about those foods that you bring in to the US. grabe... i just came back from the RP to LAX on a packed flight... pagdating mo sa US customs they know the drill especially if they know your pinoy... "No longanisa, no pickled mangoes, no meat" They emphasize the no meat policy. Talagang binuksan mga balikbayan boxes nung mga pinoy. They even asked about those sealed noodles.... may ng dala ng noodles tapos talagang binuksan yung contents. Baka ng kataon na ganun lang because there were so many passengers, but you never really know kung kelan sila hihigpit. I don't really know about bringing in daing or seafood, but I think they're fairly lenient about those things since they are dried and salted nga. But regardless, they still ask you if you have daing and or dried goods, gotta declare them and they have to look at it.

>>Ponso! I'm from Tarlac too! Paniqui, Tarlac! =) I miss home already =(

Hey @sonnyville, I call myself "Batman" too..! I grew up on the western side of the town (or "Weste" as referred to back there), in Balaoang (my parents have since moved to Salumague) - where a good number of transplants in Hawaii call "home in PI"..! Good to know I have a kababayan in SSC..!

I know of a relative's husband who even attempted to demonstrate to the customs officer that the snails he brought from Balaoang were already cooked and offered to eat them in front of the officer, yuck! He's lucky he was waving a US passport - imagine if that happened to a Pinoy tourist.

If you enter the US on the East Coast, especially on European flights, it's a lot tamer than that, but surely the immigration officers are no less intimidating...

Yup, nothing is ever like Paniqui - I spent a week between Christmas and New Year in 2007 and raring to go back soon...

yeah.. really nice commercial. the song is called I Will Be There With You, by David Foster and Katherine McPhee. Here's another video by JAL with the same song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8N2Jh6-pww . Anyways.. nice move on JAL. Supposedly they are having financial problems-even before all this economic mess we have at the present time, they are restructuring the company and such. You'd think that they're doing well in the LAX-NRT route, but they downgraded their twice daily flight to just one flight daily. Ng taka ako bakit, considering that they're always full (2 daily JAL 744s) of Japanese tourists and other Asians who transit from NRT. When I go home to Philippines, I usually take them, there's just a level of personal service that they provide, maski economy ka-sake service every other hour or you can just ask and they're more than polite (Sir.. woouldyooh lika sake?). The Korean carriers are nice too, but iba ang level of service talaga ng JAL, those who've flown with them on long haul flights know what I mean. And I always like the opportunity to stop over NRT, boeing heavies' capital (",) -so many 747s.

oh by the way.... about those foods that you bring in to the US. grabe... i just came back from the RP to LAX on a packed flight... pagdating mo sa US customs they know the drill especially if they know your pinoy... "No longanisa, no pickled mangoes, no meat" They emphasize the no meat policy. Talagang binuksan mga balikbayan boxes nung mga pinoy. They even asked about those sealed noodles.... may ng dala ng noodles tapos talagang binuksan yung contents. Baka ng kataon na ganun lang because there were so many passengers, but you never really know kung kelan sila hihigpit. I don't really know about bringing in daing or seafood, but I think they're fairly lenient about those things since they are dried and salted nga. But regardless, they still ask you if you have daing and or dried goods, gotta declare them and they have to look at it.

>>Ponso! I'm from Tarlac too! Paniqui, Tarlac! =) I miss home already =(

I've heard a lot of good comments & satisfactions from people who took JAL. The difference is $200 fare more than CX which is equivalent to an excess luggage. I'm a bit cheapo.

i've never had the chance to try cx, although i've heard that they are equally excellent in service. kung minsan kasi cx is more expensive compared to JAL, mas mura, lalo na around june/july kasi yun ang summer vacation talaga dito sa US- lalo na if your point of origin is LAX and going to MNL. JAL is almost $200 dollars cheaper compared to cx during those time of the year. i guess because it's different target of market sila. flying out of LAX with cx is far more cheaper during our summers back home in the Philippines.

ponso>> my family owns Lydia Cafe across BPI sa bayan, named after my late grandmother Lydia Tansingco Aguinaldo. aguinaldo/tansingco clan kame.

image taken 10.19.08 Philstar. sorry dina na photoshop:lol:

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/4465/dsc06548tr3.jpg

they only have one airbus pa lang diba? leasing 4 more or in order for several more? looks nice, mura pamasahe ah.

Hi @sonnyville,

CX is actually very good and HKG is such a great airport to spend your layover time. I have a brother who is a CX (and BA) freak and he always sings praises for CX. From MNL to LHR, apart from KLM, I thought they have the shortest flight times - I especially like the early morning flight - board MNL at 6:30 AM and arrive the same day at 4 PM (or 3 PM without DST), just over 17 hours.

As for me, I am always partial to SQ, ha ha! CX screwed up my flights to and from HKG in Christmas 2006 when my LH flight from LHR to HKG via FRA was delayed. I nearly spent Christmas eve in HKG until a J seat from PR became available and I arrived at 8 PM, 24 December.

BTW, my first job was with BPI and I know a few friends back at their Paniqui Branch. I think that's where they buy the delicious food and ice cream they serve each time I pass by..! I've managed to keep in touch every so often after moving to Citibank and PwC in Makati and now to a Scottish bank here in London and I do get to visit them each time I swing by the country...! And of course, we'll have merienda from your family's cafe next time I pop in...


i've never had the chance to try cx, although i've heard that they are equally excellent in service. kung minsan kasi cx is more expensive compared to JAL, mas mura, lalo na around june/july kasi yun ang summer vacation talaga dito sa US- lalo na if your point of origin is LAX and going to MNL. JAL is almost $200 dollars cheaper compared to cx during those time of the year. i guess because it's different target of market sila. flying out of LAX with cx is far more cheaper during our summers back home in the Philippines.

ponso>> my family owns Lydia Cafe across BPI sa bayan, named after my late grandmother Lydia Tansingco Aguinaldo. aguinaldo/tansingco clan kame.

image taken 10.19.08 Philstar. sorry dina na photoshop:lol:

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/4465/dsc06548tr3.jpg

they only have one airbus pa lang diba? leasing 4 more or in order for several more? looks nice, mura pamasahe ah.

Ang kulang lang dito is lumipat na sila ng operations sa NAIA Terminal 3. :D Inuunti-unti nang inaabandona ang Domestic terminal kung gayun.

...and together with TSA, they have the power to confiscate even your laptop...

Oh no. Like what would be their possible grounds to confiscate a laptop? Kinabahan tuloy ako. I will bring my laptop because I intend to bring work with me even if I will be on a one month vacation in the US... :(

OK naman ang NWA. by the way, don't forget, are you already a member of worldperks? if not, i would suggest that you get your membership so you can earn your miles. nwa's mileage program is the best so far...it doesn't expire.

Yeah I checked out its website as well. Although I was more interested to find online seat reservations (which I did not find anyway). I want to reserve an exit seat for more leg space. Maybe I should just ask my travel agency to make the reservation for me. :)

@peng Hok since your destination is Shreveport, Louisiana, parang marami vietnamese doon. Check out their grocery stores.
Some chinese stores sa N.Y. may buwad and pusit na at dilis din.
So maybe you do not to bring it. Subukan mo nalang mag dala kahit iisang kilo mo lang at double plastic balut para hindi mangangamoy. Most of the time, do not act nervous kapag ka harap mo.

Noted. Thanks for the tips!

By the way, upon arrival in Detroit, kailangan ko pa ba lumipat ng ibang terminal building for my connecting flight to Shreveport?

Hey folks, what is the baggage limit on trans-Pacific flights nowadays? My aunt is going to the Philippines on EVA Air from SFO via TPE and onward to MNL. She wants to know what's the limit on weight is and if checked-in bags are now subject to fees. Any additional info about this and other related matters are greatly appreciated! :colgate:

Hows EVA Air btw Kimber?...whats it like flying with them?

By the way, upon arrival in Detroit, kailangan ko pa ba lumipat ng ibang terminal building for my connecting flight to Shreveport?

All of NW's flights in DTW are housed in one terminal, the Edward H. McNamara Terminal (also referred to as Northwest World Gateway terminal), also housed in the same terminal are SkyTeam's partner airlines in the alliance. You'll clear customs and immigration there then proceed on to the domestic leg of your journey to SHV. Mainline NW doesn't fly to SHV, you'll probably be flying on Northwest Airlink operated by regional carrier Pinnacle Airlines.

Hows EVA Air btw Kimber?...whats it like flying with them?

Haven't tried BR yet, Rodney. Sorry. I was asking a question about their checked baggage allowances and fees because my aunt is flying with them to the Philippines this coming December.

All of NW's flights in DTW are housed in one terminal, the Edward H. McNamara Terminal (also referred to as Northwest World Gateway terminal), also housed in the same terminal are SkyTeam's partner airlines in the alliance. You'll clear customs and immigration there then proceed on to the domestic leg of your journey to SHV. Mainline NW doesn't fly to SHV, you'll probably be flying on Northwest Airlink operated by regional carrier Pinnacle Airlines.

Thanks!

Btw, can I check in for my flight to Shreveport at the same time that I check in for my Manila-Detroit flight at the NAIA counter? :)

^^ Check your ticket (e-ticket or paper ticket), most often than not, you're checked through to your final destination, especially if you're flying the same carrier (and its partner airlines) all throughout your journey. But it doesn't hurt to also ask the person behind the check-in counter in MNL if you and your bags are checked all the way to SHV.

^^ Check your ticket (e-ticket or paper ticket), most often than not, you're checked through to your final destination, especially if you're flying the same carrier (and its partner airlines) all throughout your journey. But it doesn't hurt to also ask the person behind the check-in counter in MNL if you and your bags are checked all the way to SHV.

Yes, will do exactly as you say. Thanks! :)

^^ Bon voyage! :okay:

OMG sosyal ang economy class ng JAL! Forget PAL I'm taking JAL. :lol: :jk:

LOL..malay natin maganada rin economy ng PAL 777..maybe there's a slight difference :D

I'll ask my brother. He always takes NWA for 8 yrs. I think after six RT rides will have one free Round Trip. Taga Makati ang Mrs niya. I believe you have to claim your luggage at Detroit because it is point of Entry of NWA sa U.S.


http://www.nwa.com/travel/luggage/

www.nwa.com
just type from: MNL to SHV bahala anong departure at return flight mo. they will give you the schedule and price.

Sabi sa kabilang Forum Iniwanan na daw ni Iren Dorinier ang Seair, is it true?

Nice to hear that Zest Air will resume their Manila-Ormoc-Manila flights starting this December :)

I'll ask my brother. He always takes NWA for 8 yrs. I think after six RT rides will have one free Round Trip. Taga Makati ang Mrs niya. I believe you have to claim your luggage at Detroit because it is point of Entry of NWA sa U.S.


http://www.nwa.com/travel/luggage/

www.nwa.com
just type from: MNL to SHV bahala anong departure at return flight mo. they will give you the schedule and price.

Thanks. Btw, I rummaged through the website but could not find the link where I can reserve my seat arrangement even before I check-in. Meron ba?

^^ You have to call the Manila office of NWA for seat reservation.

After you have paid your ticket, you can have your seat reservation. The seat you prefer is subject of being bump off to another seat because its for the baby/ies. the D, E, F, and G is for the baby bassenett where it could be mounted. The A, B, C, H, J, and K
is for the handicapped and its companion. Anyway just do it. Maybe there will be no babies or handicapped with your trip.


http://www.nwa.com/travel/trave/seatm/747400/index.shtml

^^ seat arrangement

I'll ask my brother. He always takes NWA for 8 yrs. I think after six RT rides will have one free Round Trip. Taga Makati ang Mrs niya. I believe you have to claim your luggage at Detroit because it is point of Entry of NWA sa U.S.


http://www.nwa.com/travel/luggage/

www.nwa.com
just type from: MNL to SHV bahala anong departure at return flight mo. they will give you the schedule and price.

Yep, after arriving to your Port of Entry which is Detroit, you will go through immigration and then the baggage claim. Sometimes, the custom personnel will checked in luggages,sometimes they don't. After passing through customs, you will be directed to load your checked-in luggages in a conveyor openning to be sent to your next flight or final destination. I am not sure if it's still the procedure were changed in the past four years, but you will have to get out of the International terminal and get in an airport shuttle that will take you to your regional/domestic terminal (which is practically the same building or complex) for your connecting flight or final destination. I think the last time I went to the Philippines, when I returned home, my Point of Entry was Mn-St Paul, , a few months after I went to the Philippines where my point of entry was DTR airport. I guess my point there was that I am kind of getting confused on what I did that last two times I went to the Philippines in the same year.

I'll ask my brother. He always takes NWA for 8 yrs. I think after six RT rides will have one free Round Trip. Taga Makati ang Mrs niya. I believe you have to claim your luggage at Detroit because it is point of Entry of NWA sa U.S.


http://www.nwa.com/travel/luggage/

www.nwa.com
just type from: MNL to SHV bahala anong departure at return flight mo. they will give you the schedule and price.

Free round trip? Were you talking about mileage accumulations? I did receive several, (or maybe 3 free roundtrip tickets) anywhere in the world, one of which I used to travel to the Philippines. I believe that if you have world perks miles, once you accumulted 55,000 miles or it could be 58 to 60,000 miles. You can claim that free round trip ticket. But, here is is the trick on that one, based on my own experience. Unless, you will be traveling with a companion and is buying another ticket, you would have to book a flight using your mileage a year ahead of time and that you can't claim those free airfares on Peak Season travel. You will have to ask NWA for these as it may have changed now after these soaring high fuel costs, the tentative merging of NWA - Delta and possibly the effect of this current US recession.

^^ You have to call the Manila office of NWA for seat reservation.


Might as well stop at a nearest NWA office, they might be able to help you much better. Those NWA office numbers you get? it's just ridiculous and useless half of the time. They have an unefficient answering service there in Manila atleast from the last couple of times I've been in Manila. It's rather unbelievable sometimes, it is when I found out that Telephone directories in Manila are simply useless and mostly for "show" only.

Sabi sa kabilang Forum Iniwanan na daw ni Iren Dorinier ang Seair, is it true?

Nope. Its another rumor mill. In fact, both the German and the American thwarted the plans of its rival to swallow it up at a price less than what the airline offered. And mind you the airline is the most credible domestic airline in the Philippines. It is the most trusted by foreign tourist for one good reason. The owners fly the plane and the owners talk to them personally. It seems the airline has more personal touch and miles ahead on the PR side of things, and despite the bruhaha of its no frill rivals it managed to stay afloat even during the most difficult times. Because its network are fed by green blooded foreign tourist who just contend themselves with spending the green bucks. They may be small but they are rock solid.

The first airline basics. Earn the trust of your costumers! They did pretty well.

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

I once met a junior official of the US working for Homeland Security. He is a genuine Filipino with a black passport. He told of stories the Filipinos are fond of bringing to the States, and one of them longaniza. As I recall his stories, local food items used to have no problems passing at customs. Then Filipinos start bringing hoards of them undeclared. When the government made a study, they found out that those innocent food stuff sells at a premium like hot cake. One or two kilos are usually permitted but once you bring 10 kilos of them, it becomes a commercial quantity and needs to be declared otherwise you'll be suspected as smuggler. Drug dealers become quite ingenious too, by inserting cocaine in the longaniza. Even customs and dogs are duped. Then FMD and bird flu came along which banned all imported poultry and meat products from entering the mainland. I think that could be the reason for their action. I don't know if it also includes aquatic products or the ban is already lifted.

^^Thanks. Btw, I rummaged through the website but could not find the link where I can reserve my seat arrangement even before I check-in. Meron ba?

Best advice, be the first to check-in. Thats what I always did but they can't guarantee you the same seat from Nagoya. Second, look for babies on cue. More likely than not they will be competing with your seat and they always win. Third, you may opt to choose the exit row at the rear. They are seldom taken but with plenty of babies and kids around you may not count on it. If all seems at a loss, you still have plenty of choices left for other non-blocked seat being the first on cue so better prepare 2 or 3 contingency seat plan as well. Good luck to your trip.:cheers:

Nope. Its another rumor mill. In fact, both the German and the American thwarted the plans of its rival to swallow it up at a price less than what the airline offered. And mind you the airline is the most credible domestic airline in the Philippines. It is the most trusted by foreign tourist for one good reason. The owners fly the plane and the owners talk to them personally. It seems the airline has more personal touch and miles ahead on the PR side of things, and despite the bruhaha of its no frill rivals it managed to stay afloat even during the most difficult times. Because its network are fed by green blooded foreign tourist who just contend themselves with spending the green bucks. They may be small but they are rock solid.

The first airline basics. Earn the trust of your costumers! They did pretty well.



PAL President Jaime Bautista(JJB) also does that. I myself can say that he has been one of the most effective and caring head in Philippine aviation history. When you catch a flight with JJB, you'll see that he does a multiple 360 just to check if the passengers are feeling good. :)

http://sciencedude.freedomblogging.com/files/2008/10/airbus-300x225.jpg
Image courtesy of Qantas

Qantas A380 lands in Los Angeles

Agence France-Presse
First Posted 00:28:00 10/21/2008
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/world/view/20081021-167506/Qantas-A380-lands-in-Los-Angeles

LOS ANGELES—The first flight of an Airbus A380 by Qantas touched down in Los Angeles here Monday, inaugurating the Australian carrier's service using the world's biggest commercial jet.

The mammoth jet touched down at Los Angeles International Airport at around 7:30 a.m. (1430 GMT) following a 12-hour trans-Pacific voyage from Melbourne.

The superjumbo was to be welcomed at an airport ceremony later Monday including movie star, pilot and Qantas "ambassador" John Travolta as well as Australian singer Olivia Newton-John.

The plane will return to Melbourne late Monday on its first commercial flight out of Los Angeles.

Qantas Chief Executive Geoff Dixon said the decision to fly its first A380 commercial service to the US West Coast showed a commitment to expanding the trans-Pacific market, an extremely lucrative route for airlines.

"We have operated air services between Australia and the United States since 1954 and have invested," Dixon said.

After a series of long delays, Qantas took delivery of its first A380, the world's largest passenger plane, last month. It will receive another three by the end of the year and a further five before the end of 2009.

Qantas, which has 20 A380s on order and is the world's third airline to operate the new jets, will launch ultra long-distance services to London via Singapore on the A380 in January.

The Qantas version of the plane can accommodate 450 passengers -- 14 in first class, 72 in business, 32 in premium economy and 332 in economy.

Monday's flight comes as a boost to Qantas's image following a series of damaging in-flight incidents on the carrier's jets, including a mid-air blast that left a hole in a jet and a bone-breaking nose-dive by another plane.

Dubai's Emirates, the second carrier to take delivery of the superjumbos, is currently the A380's biggest client with 58 orders.

Singapore Airlines, the first airline to take delivery of the A380, launched the plane on its Singapore to Sydney route in October 2007.

http://sciencedude.freedomblogging.com/files/2008/10/airbus-300x225.jpg
Image courtesy of Qantas

Qantas A380 lands in Los Angeles

Agence France-Presse
First Posted 00:28:00 10/21/2008
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/world/view/20081021-167506/Qantas-A380-lands-in-Los-Angeles

LOS ANGELES—The first flight of an Airbus A380 by Qantas touched down in Los Angeles here Monday, inaugurating the Australian carrier's service using the world's biggest commercial jet.

The mammoth jet touched down at Los Angeles International Airport at around 7:30 a.m. (1430 GMT) following a 12-hour trans-Pacific voyage from Melbourne.

The superjumbo was to be welcomed at an airport ceremony later Monday including movie star, pilot and Qantas "ambassador" John Travolta as well as Australian singer Olivia Newton-John.

The plane will return to Melbourne late Monday on its first commercial flight out of Los Angeles.

Qantas Chief Executive Geoff Dixon said the decision to fly its first A380 commercial service to the US West Coast showed a commitment to expanding the trans-Pacific market, an extremely lucrative route for airlines.

"We have operated air services between Australia and the United States since 1954 and have invested," Dixon said.

After a series of long delays, Qantas took delivery of its first A380, the world's largest passenger plane, last month. It will receive another three by the end of the year and a further five before the end of 2009.

Qantas, which has 20 A380s on order and is the world's third airline to operate the new jets, will launch ultra long-distance services to London via Singapore on the A380 in January.

The Qantas version of the plane can accommodate 450 passengers -- 14 in first class, 72 in business, 32 in premium economy and 332 in economy.

Monday's flight comes as a boost to Qantas's image following a series of damaging in-flight incidents on the carrier's jets, including a mid-air blast that left a hole in a jet and a bone-breaking nose-dive by another plane.

Dubai's Emirates, the second carrier to take delivery of the superjumbos, is currently the A380's biggest client with 58 orders.

Singapore Airlines, the first airline to take delivery of the A380, launched the plane on its Singapore to Sydney route in October 2007.

???...???...???

Guys, is Northwest's e-first upgrade available on flights in & out of Manila? typically how much? i'm leaving for SFO via NRT this sat. thanks

OK naman ang NWA. by the way, don't forget, are you already a member of worldperks? if not, i would suggest that you get your membership so you can earn your miles. nwa's mileage program is the best so far...it doesn't expire.

may tanong po ako. can i apply for worldperks online? o kailangan talaga dun sa airport counter? also retroactive ba yun if like i still have my tickets?

^^World perk can be applied online.

https://www.nwa.com/asia/

^^ Most questions can be found.

Old pics

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3294/2954297074_e9a70ae3e6.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3152/2954296548_267d2fdd4e.jpg

from kanegen (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kanegen/)

;26899572']Old pics



http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3152/2954296548_267d2fdd4e.jpg

from kanegen (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kanegen/)

^^

what airline is that?

^^ It's an airline that existed briefly in the Philiippines in the early 60's and 70's(along with Air Manila and Filipinas Orient Airways) before Macoy decided after the 1977 fuel crisis that there should just one national airline.

image taken 10.19.08 Philstar. sorry dina na photoshop:lol:

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/4465/dsc06548tr3.jpg

As expected, 6K is returning to Marinduque. My grandmother told me that one day, they will return. The provincial government of Marinduque did quite a lot of lobbying to restore air service to the island, and according to her, it was a tossup between Zest and Cebu Pacific. Looks like 6K won after all. I wonder though: what aircraft will they use now that the LET-410 has been phased out.

With the major expansion (the largest single domestic expansion by an airline in like...ever, as far as I know), Zest Airways is now the largest mainline domestic carrier in terms of destinations served (24 destinations). However, if I were to consider all airlines including their subsidiaries, PAL wins by one: 25 destinations including PAL Express. Mainline PAL though only serves 16 domestic points.

;26899572']Old pics

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3152/2954296548_267d2fdd4e.jpg

from kanegen (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kanegen/)

^^

what airline is that?

Thats "Sterling Philippines":)

^^

what airline is that?

Sterlings Philippines is what is written in the picture. It does ring a bell for some reason. I think I use to hear those on radios along with Air Manila when I was little.

As expected, 6K is returning to Marinduque. My grandmother told me that one day, they will return. The provincial government of Marinduque did quite a lot of lobbying to restore air service to the island, and according to her, it was a tossup between Zest and Cebu Pacific. Looks like 6K won after all. I wonder though: what aircraft will they use now that the LET-410 has been phased out.

With the major expansion (the largest single domestic expansion by an airline in like...ever, as far as I know), Zest Airways is now the largest mainline domestic carrier in terms of destinations served (24 destinations). However, if I were to consider all airlines including their subsidiaries, PAL wins by one: 25 destinations including PAL Express. Mainline PAL though only serves 16 domestic points.

I don't think so as most of them are empty destinations, meaning a lot of destinations with suspended flights. They really messed big time on transition, starting with the offloading of BAE 146 even before the MA 60 arrive to replace it. But I don't blame them for so doing. Cutting cost and reducing flights make sense but suspending it makes credibility an issue. They could have downgraded service than cutting it off altogether. A lull in between is not good for airline business unless you operates charter service in which case you don't have to build new network again. In so doing you don't lose the customers you already have. But having its dominant market share in the Caticlan market eaten away by both PAL and CEB overnight makes one hell of a management problem. Thats why they have to scamper on other less lucrative routes.

Take for example, flights to Surigao, one season they fly and the next season they are gone and back again and gone again. That is why Alfredo Yao wanted to have a piece of SEAIR because of its highly technical market planners and its extensive marketing connections. You can fairly say that SEAIR is a league of their own.

Officially though, on the turboprop side of things, it is still PAL Express that dominates the market, both on capacity and route network and they will hold on to it until the next 2 years. :)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3158/2961734114_ebacf91b4f_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3205/2961737004_e2cd4b8cc8_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3212/2960894753_5365c244cb_b.jpg

Airlines cut fares amid easing fuel prices
http://bworld.com.ph/BW102208/content.php?id=044

WITH WORLD crude prices going down, local airlines are again cutting fares in a bid to attract more customers.

In a statement yesterday, Lucio Tan-led Philippine Airlines (PAL) said it would reduce its fuel surcharge following the continuous drop in the prices of oil in the world markets.

"We are sharing with our passengers whatever benefits are due us in terms of fuel-cost savings," PAL President Jaime J. Bautista said.

For flights between the Philippines and international points, the surcharge will decrease by a range of $10 to $20 per round-trip flight, while the surcharge for PAL and PAL Express flights between Manila and other domestic points will drop by P300 to P400 per round-trip flight effective Nov. 3.

The company said there would be more adjustments if fuel costs continue to go down.

After reaching its highest price of more than $147 a barrel last July, crude prices have been easing, dropping sharply to less than $70 a barrel in New York trading last week with the US economy going into recession. Light, sweet crude for November delivery however ended higher on Monday, gaining $2.40 to reach $74.25 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

In a separate release, Cebu Pacific said it was allotting more than half a million seats, priced at P500, for its domestic and international flights for the first quarter of next year.

Cebu Pacific said the one-way domestic "Go Lite" seat sale fare is at P500 "all-in," while the P500 one-way international "Go Lite" seat sale fare does not cover taxes and surcharges. Fuel and insurance surcharge range from $25 to $110 per way.

The sale period will start today and end on Monday and is valid for travel from Jan. 5 to March 18. Passengers with check-in baggage, however, must add P200, the company said.

Cebu Pacific currently has 10 Airbus A319, nine Airbus A320 and three ATR 72-500 aircraft and is expecting the arrival of three more ATR aircraft this year. It will include Ozamiz, Surigao, and Osaka, Japan in its route network starting next month.

guys check this site out, contains listings of Philippine airline carriers in the country, past and present...

http://www.airlinehistory.co.uk/RestofWorld/Philippines/Airlines.asp

does anyone know about Northwest's e-first upgrade? thanks

Guys, is Northwest's e-first upgrade available on flights in & out of Manila? typically how much? i'm leaving for SFO via NRT this sat. thanks

^^World perk can be applied online.

https://www.nwa.com/asia/

^^ Most questions can be found.

thanks :cheers:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3273/2962559750_47842f5d42.jpg

Those on the picture are PAL Express flights right?

^^ Flights in the PR 900 range (BCD, ILO, WNP, OZC and PPS) and I think MNL-TUG are flights operated by Air Philippines.

Cebu Pacific's Early Christmas Gift

Philippines’ low-fare leader Cebu Pacific (CEB), will offer P500 seats for ALL its domestic and international destinations starting October 22, 2008.

Read more >>> (http://www.cebupacificairlines.ph/early-christmas-gift-offers-500-system-wide-seat-sale-for-2009/)

Step-on scanner lets air passengers keep shoes on

LOD, Israel, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Israel has introduced a step-on scanner that spares airline travellers the nuisance of having to remove their shoes so they can be X-rayed for hidden weapons, though the new device cannot yet sniff out explosives.

Only the shoes of passengers deemed suspicious by Ben-Gurion Airport staff are removed, X-rayed and swabbed for bomb residues. Most people can now keep their shoes on.

Installed next to the walk-through scanners at Ben-Gurion, "MagShoe" announces within two seconds whether the footwear of the passenger standing on it contains unusual metal that might be a knife for a hijacking or a bomb detonator part. "This innovation brings enormous logistical value as it significantly cuts down the discomfort and delays associated with standard shoe searches," said Nissim Ben-Ezra, security technologies manager for Israel's Airports Authority.

But he said MagShoe must be used in conjunction with other precautions, especially as it would not spot hidden explosives -- a major concern after the botched 2001 "shoe bombing" by al Qaeda sympathiser Richard Reid aboard a Paris-Miami flight. A bomb-sniffing version of the suitcase-sized MagShoe is in the works, an Israeli security source said. The current version, produced by Israeli firm Ido Security Ltd., costs about $5,000.

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration is assessing MagShoe's feasibility for American airports and several other countries have expressed an interest, the Israeli source said


^^

this should be used by every major international and major domestic airport here in the philippines. mura lang naman eh. $5000.00 lang

^^ honga :yes:
it's a real hassle taking off shoes at airport inspections :ohno:

Zest Airways getting more aircraft
— Don Gil
http://bworld.com.ph/BW102308/content.php?id=044

ZEST AIRWAYS, Inc., the new name of budget carrier Asian Spirit, will soon have a fresh fleet and new routes as part of changes in the airline, its owner has said.

Zest Airways President Alfredo M. Yao told BusinessWorld that the company has acquired seven new airplanes as part of a refleeting program.

Mr. Yao said five of these are 50-60 seater turbo propeller airplanes for domestic travel, two of which have arrived. The rest will be delivered in December.

The remaining two are Airbuses, scheduled to arrive in the next two months, he said.

Without giving figures, Mr. Yao said the planes were paid for using a combination of internally generated funds from sister companies and loans from local banks.

Zest Airways will still use its current fleet but plans to eventually retire older airplanes in favor of fuel-efficient aircraft.

The firm has yet to set a timetable for the retirement of its older aircraft, Mr. Yao said.

The airline will eventually have 10 planes, according to its marketing department.

Mr. Yao said Zest Airways, which currently flies to Macau, Korea, and Sandakan, Malaysia, will expand its international routes to include Hongkong, Thailand, Xiamen, Macau and Canton.

Mr. Yao, also chairman of juice maker Zest-O Corp., said the airline will also beef up local destinations,with the addition of seven routes in the Visayas-Mindanao area.

Zest Airways’ Web site lists 17 destinations compared to the 12 listed in the old Asian Spirit site.

Mr. Yao’s AMY Holdings, Inc. bought Asian Spirit reportedly for P1 billion in March. It also tried to acquire rival Southeast Asian Airlines, Inc. earlier this year but the deal fell through.

I wonder why all these Philippine carriers fluck in the same routes as to other Philippines carriers. It's like where ever PAL has it's services, CebPac would introduce the same routes, now, even Zest Airlines are doing the same especially on regional asian routes. Can't they top a market that is feasible and has potential? Make use of the entitlements issued for the Philippines, say for instance CebPac to KSA or Dubai, since they are LCC they can probably attact more customers to go through them because of their lower fares. Perhaps Chicago or perhaps Dallas.... I don't know, it's just an idea out curiosity if it's possible. I know I'm no expert in anyway....

I wonder why all these Philippine carriers fluck in the same routes as to other Philippines carriers. It's like where ever PAL has it's services, CebPac would introduce the same routes, now, even Zest Airlines are doing the same especially on regional asian routes. Can't they top a market that is feasible and has potential? Make use of the entitlements issued for the Philippines, say for instance CebPac to KSA or Dubai, since they are LCC they can probably attact more customers to go through them because of their lower fares. Perhaps Chicago or perhaps Dallas.... I don't know, it's just an idea out curiosity if it's possible. I know I'm no expert in anyway....

Airlines flock to a certain destination for a reason and that is the Market. Before any airline flies, they do conduct studies and they don't just fly there just because the competitor is there:)

Cebu Pacific, a low-cost carrier, flying to KSA or Dubai would be a suicide. First, Nobody would want to fly to the Middle East with a budget airline. Imagine cramped seats, no IFE and of course, Inflight meals, still want to fly with them for more than 8 hours? Second, Can you imagine 5j competing head on with these government-subsidized airlines which by the way control the problem maker which is the oil? 5j would be charging a whole lot on fuel surcharge whereas the competitor might just charge a dollar for it. Third and Finally, 5j has no network in the Middle East. So, the best way really to fly is with a foreign carrier which offers a wide network and gives a convenient connecting flights to wherever in the region.

Flying to Chicago and even to Dallas is equally deadly. Come on, Hong Kong Oasis is now part of the Aviation history:)

Btw, entitlements and rights to fly isn't tantamount to a success or even enough market for any airline:)

Thanks for the explaination. I know that airlines flock to a certain destination due to "market" that's really a no brainer. But I mentioned if 5J can compete somehow ofcourse with a necessary inflight entertainments and better seat, better and bigger aircraft not just an A320 aircraft type. I actually have Virgin Atlantic in mind who tries to imitate an LCC approach but with still an onboard amenities. Ofcourse I know how it is boring to overseas over 8 hours, "been there done that" many times. I'd be stupid if I subject myself to the idea of cramped seats and no inflight entertainment available. he he

I know what happened with PAL as far as Chicago service is concerned. I was thinkning maybe 5J can attempt that area since there are tons of filipinos around that area and the surrounding states. That is if 5J can afford a B777. I know 5J is primarily concentrating on asian regional and Phil domestic market but they can always go a little bit bold and adventurous. But again, thanks for you input and it is deeply appreciated. Atleast now I know now that those other routes are still impossible for the time being.

^^
Well yes. Some of Gulf Coast explanations are correct but not realistically true.

I would say blame it on the air service agreements. Even if Cebu Pacific wants to it cant. Look at what happen to other striving start up airlines. They are up against the wall with temporary operating permits to the middle east while PAL cash in with no sweat.

Also, as I was saying before Chicago and New York was not a losing destinations for PAL. Traffic wise, they have the load. Problem was the cost of leasing the plane which was humongous because the Philippines was declared on category 2 by the FAA way back then. Had they operated their own plane they could have walk on it on a breeze. But no, their brand new airbus 340 cant fly the states. Some of it were eventually returned. But I guess it was good for the company to almost die and did pretty well after that.

Remember, Asian airlines, particularly industry heavy weight Cathay Pacific thought it was a crazy move and few American airlines believed that their Vegas run would be good enough for 6 months of operation, but PAL did it pretty well and shall we say successful on that route from YVR and they are still there and growing 5 years after. :)

Deadlock in RP-Kuwait air talks to slow tourism growth (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/10/23/08/possible-deadlock-rp-kuwait-air-talks-slow-ofw-deployment-tourism)

by LALA RIMANDO, abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak | 10/23/2008 4:28 PM

CLARK, PAMPANGA - Middle East-bound Filipino workers will still have to grapple with long wait for flights after recent air talks between the Philippines and Kuwait ended in an impasse. Members of the local negotiating panel said Thursday negotiations have reached a "difficult" phase.

The two countries spent two days negotiating a bilateral air agreement, which would determine the limits on the capacity of passenger and cargo between them.

This is the first time that negotiations were deadlocked since this year's marathon of air talks started.

Currently, each country's airlines are entitled to an aggregate of six flights a week that are already fully utilized.

"We are in a difficult position now because the Kuwaiti panel is on a hardline," said Victor Jose Luciano, who sits on the Philippine panel as representative of Clark International Airport Corporation.

Kuwait is a major gateway of overseas Filipino workers bound for Middle East, the top destination among eight million Filipinos working abroad.

Kuwait insists on 15 flights to Manila

The Philippine panel has agreed to provide unlimited air traffic in flights commencing from or destined in Clark in central Luzon and other airports outside Metro Manila.

But the Kuwaiti panel was pushing to clinch an additional nine flights a week to and from Manila, bringing the total to 15.

The Philippine panel, however, was only willing to add one more, or a total of seven flights a week, for Manila-bound flights.

"We cannot give away our air rights," said Philippine panel chair Doroteo Reyes II, transportation undersecretary for aviation.

Air talks with Kuwait were triggered after executives of Kuwaiti firm, KGL Investment, asked President Gloria Arroyo, who attended the August ground breaking of the firm's $1 billion-worth investment in Clark, for additional air entitlements.

GMA's commitment

President Arroyo reportedly agreed to an unlimited air rights between the two countries, but only for flights to and from Clark.

Philippine panel members said the unlimited traffic was interpreted by the Kuwaitis to cover all gateways in the country, including Manila.

Members of the Philippine panel explained to abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak that previous air talks gave limited additional entitlements to Manila-bound flights so giving in to the Kuwaitis could send a different signal to the previous and future countries they will negotiate with.

In current air talks, additional entitlements have been focused on Clark, which is being positioned as the alternative aviation hub to the already congested Manila airport.

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the main gateway to Manila built in the 1940's, has limited capacity as expansion is constrained. Its two intersecting runways could not be extended to accommodate bigger aircrafts, nor another runway be added since the airport is amidst major throughways and residential villages.



Clark's edge

On the other hand, Clark airport, which sits on vast land that used to be the aviation facility of Americans when they had a base in the Philippines, has the infrastructure to accommodate more and bigger planes.

Manila-bound air passengers that fly through Clark, however, have to grapple with two or more hours land trip since a rail transport project is still in the doldrums after corruption and legal issues about its Chinese construction deal cropped up.

The rail project that will connect the 80 kilometer distance between Clark and Manila is not expected to be completed before 2010.

Marathon air talks, however, are being negotiated since aviation not only impact OFWs but also tourism and investments.

Tourism is being pushed as a potential major economic driver for the country, but air travel to the Philippines, regulated by the air talks, has been stunting the growth in tourism arrivals.

Another round of bilateral air negotiations is likely next year.

as of 10/23/2008 6:43 PM

^^
So why does the Philippines isn't biting to the Kuwaiti proposal?

For the same reason the Canadian government gave us. PAL isn't flying and Kuwait Airways doesn't agree to a code shared flights. PAL intends to fly Saudi Arabia and Kuwait next year and it wants to use its entitlement. They have 6 unused flights for those as well. Had it been code shared, KAC would have 12 flights by now similar to EK, EY, QR and GF and PR would not even bother flying because they earned from it.

But for the Kuwaiti side Gulf Coast explanation is it.
Honestly, Clark is not ready for long haul flights. However you put it. Not unless you put all Y class flights on it. For those who doesn't have a clue, airlines offer amenities for F and J class passengers. Sadly, Clark doesn't have it at the moment. Unless they deploy an all economy service. But then again it would become an LCC. :)

^^^^ That and the fact that there is no rail systems will be available in the near future due some corruption in that project with China. It will affect the Manila bound passengers landing in Clark (unless there is a connecting flights or transit to MNL from Clark) due to distance since the biggest business district and main government offices are all in Manila. There is these newly built highways from Clark but I don't think it is efficient enough to make the travel time from Clark to Manila less than and hour and a half atleast. It's understandable since there are towns and barangays that will be hit so there can't be a straight and direct highway leading to the Nation's capital. Poor urban and infrastructure planning even in the past regimes...

"The rail project that will connect the 80 kilometer distance between Clark and Manila is not expected to be completed before 2010."

Can they say that? :dunno:

^^
So why does the Philippines isn't biting to the Kuwaiti proposal?

For the same reason the Canadian government gave us. PAL isn't flying and Kuwait Airways doesn't agree to a code shared flights. PAL intends to fly Saudi Arabia and Kuwait next year and it wants to use its entitlement. :bash:Had it been code shared, KAC would have 12 flights by now similar to EK, EY, QR and GF and PR would not even bother flying because they earned from it.

But for the Kuwaiti side Gulf Coast explanation is it.
Honestly, Clark is not ready for long haul flights. However you put it. Not unless you put all Y class flights on it. For those who doesn't have a clue, airlines offer amenities for F and J class passengers. Sadly, Clark doesn't have it at the moment. Unless they deploy an all economy service. But then again it would become an LCC. :)

Same ole same ole, just another great example of institutions beholden to private interests at the expense of Juan de la cruz:ohno:

xzibit love your step on scanner, now i don't have to lace up in airports so many times!

What PAL is doing is simply a business strategy. Competing with subsidized airlines is really hard for Philippine Airlines. PAL in the early 2000 tried the KSA route, but they were losing a lot. As how they say it, if you cant beat them, join them!:)

Codeshare has both positive and negative impact. Positive for the airline industry for competition would be extracted thus, better passenger load. But negative for the people for no competition means higher prices. Btw, PAL also operates codeshare flights to and from HCM and Jakarta.

This is just very similar to joining an airline alliance, but the thing is, its on a bilateral basis. Personally, i really see nothing wrong with codeshare agreements especially for PAL where they are still in the process of bringing back its glory. The only thing is, if they have no plans of serving the route, they should not block airlines especially the local ones on serving the route.

If you'd take a look on how things are working for most Asian airlines, you'd be happy to say that PAL at least is on the right track.

:) :) :)

"The rail project that will connect the 80 kilometer distance between Clark and Manila is not expected to be completed before 2010."

Can they say that? :dunno:

It's probably not gonna happen anytime soon since it is marred with corruption and that's what hampers most of the progress in any Philippine projects..

This is just very similar to joining an airline alliance, but the thing is, its on a bilateral basis. Personally, i really see nothing wrong with codeshare agreements especially for PAL where they are still in the process of bringing back its glory. The only thing is, if they have no plans of serving the route, they should not block airlines especially the local ones on serving the route.
:) :) :)

It could have been better but the problem for long haul flights is that the ASA designates only one airline for each country, and almost all of them are its flag carrier.

Second, negotiations are based on the needs of both airlines, so for others, they can have at best chartered flights and thats it. Its what we call legacy agreement because the terms are dictated by the equal needs of both airlines.

Third, local airlines don't have the financial muscles to compete. If PAL is having a hard time serving Kuwait and Saudi Arabia what more to lesser known airlines.

Fourth, flight entitlement is a property and economic right of airliners. Dispensing it would be like giving free you car to your competitor. Its the same reason why Cebu Pacific is having a hard time making it on the Australian market because both PAL and QANTAS is not bulging. The original ASA favors both of them. Its the same thing with Kuwait.

If you come to think of it, Kuwait has no plans flying outside Manila if you look at their offer, and they want 14 flights more from the current 6. So if we agree to that proposition, it would become a loop-sided deal all in their favor. Flight entitlement arising from ASA are valued on economic terms so definitely no airline is willing to share it with others. After all they can make money out of it. They have to agree to code share or there is NO DEAL.

My take is that sooner they will agree to that. :)

^^^^ That and the fact that there is no rail systems will be available in the near future due some corruption in that project with China. It will affect the Manila bound passengers landing in Clark (unless there is a connecting flights or transit to MNL from Clark) due to distance since the biggest business district and main government offices are all in Manila. There is these newly built highways from Clark but I don't think it is efficient enough to make the travel time from Clark to Manila less than and hour and a half atleast. It's understandable since there are towns and barangays that will be hit so there can't be a straight and direct highway leading to the Nation's capital. Poor urban and infrastructure planning even in the past regimes...

NLEX is doing great in connecting Pampanga, esp. Clark to Manila. SCTEx will have DMIA exit as soon as the new terminal completes. You can make it in less than an hour and half from Clark to Balintawak. The real problem is Balintawak to Manila and to other cities. I guess Skyway Stage 3 will solve this but we might not see this expressway for the next 5-10 years. The solution is to built an efficient railway system. As of this time, I can only see NorthRail as a dream. Here in Angeles, I cannot see any progress on Northrail. People are still living near the rail and business at "crossing" ,where there are beer house, is still alive.

^^ An hour and a half travel time from Metro Manila's northern cities is still too long of a road commute to CRK/DMIA, best scenario should be an hour or under an hour. Direct rail connectivity between them is the best fit for the situation. But, like what you've mentioned, that is indeed still "a dream away" from really happening. Sad.

Are we still under Cat 2 of the FAA if i may ask?

^^ Yes, we are.

So when will it be possible for us to get back on being Category 1, next year? And what can we do about it?

New airline named RP carrier to Taiwan (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=business3_oct25_2008)
By Elaine Ramos Alanguilan

THE Civil Aeronautics Board has designated local carrier Spirit of Manila Airlines as the only official carrier to operate international passenger services between Clark and Taiwan.

The airline will mount flights to Taiwan from the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in the Clark Freeport Zone before the end of the year.

The designation will allow the carrier to operate passenger services at 450 seats per week between Clark and Taiwan, pursuant to an air traffic in 2006.

Long-Wen Lee, director-general of Taiwan’s Civil Aeronautics Administration, said the capacity under the Category II slot has been fully allocated to Spirit of Manila Airlines.

Spirit of Manila, led by Juan Paraiso III as president and chief executive, is the country’s newest airline and operates out of a 10-hectare property at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in Clark. Paraiso has over 41 years experience in the aviation industry.

Two Boeing 737s will be coming in next month to service the airline’s regional routes like Taiwan. It is also negotiating for the dry-lease of two or three Boeing 767-300ERS and later Boeing 747-400s for long-haul international flights to the Middle East.

It plans to fly to Bahrain, Bangkok, Dubai, Hong Kong, Johor Bahru, Kaohsiung, Macau, Osaka, Palau, Taipei, Mumbai, Karachi and the Gulf Region.

The airline also offers budget fares and other affordable fare schemes to cater to Filipinos working overseas.

Zest Airways to complete refleeting (http://www.mb.com.ph/BSNS20081025138931.html)
Bernie Cahiles-Magkilat

Yao-owned Zest Airways Inc., formerly Asian Spirit Airline, is completing its refleeting program next year and aims to capture at least 10 percent market share of the destinations where they fly.

Alfredo Yao, chairman of the Yao Group of Companies, told reporters at the sidelines of the 34th Philippine Business Conference held in Manila Hotel, that Zest Airways has already acquired seven brand new aircraft from Canada. Of the seven, five, MA 60 with 60 seats, have already been delivered and the remaining two are Airbus planes with 160 seats would be delivered next month.

This adds to a total of 11 aircraft the company has at present serving its routes, which are mostly tourist destination areas.

An additional five aircraft are expected to be delivered next year to complete its refleeting program. Yao, however, refused to divulge the acquisition cost of the new aircraft.

"This would be enough to complete our refleeting and to serve our expanded routes that now include Mindanao areas particularly Zamboanga," Yao told reporters.

Yao said this program would position the company to capture at least 10 percent market share in destination where they fly a year after its full commercial operations.

The two Airbus, Yao said, would be used for the company’s regional routes such as Hong Kong, Korea and Macau.

"We are prepared to go regional as soon as possible," Yao said.

Zest Airways, which is still using the old domestic terminal, is also prepared to transfer to the NAIA 3 before end of this year.:applause:

Yao said that tourism in the country is not affected by the global economic meltdown saying that it would be cheaper for tourists from neighboring countries such as China, Korea and Japan to go to the Philippines instead of the U.S. and Europe.

"Why not look at the good side, our country is a tourist destination, it has beaches and golf courses that are more attractive than Thailand’s," Yao said.

In addition, Yao pointed out that the Philippines is a lot closer to Japan and Korea than Thailand. (BCM)

So when will it be possible for us to get back on being Category 1, next year? And what can we do about it?

The depends on how fast our reponse and upgrades are to FAA's requirements. I have a feeling that next year won't be the year we get Cat1 certification back. Just a feeling.

ASIANA increase Seoul - Manila route
additional flights from Seoul on Tue/Thu/Sat operated with Airbus 321 aircrafts. The return flights from Manila leave on Wed/Fri/Sunday early morning,
OZ7033 ICN 2030 - 2340 MNL
OZ7043 MNL 0040 - 0525 ICN

EVA Air Boeing 747-400 Combi to Manila
Eva Air will operate Boeing 747-400COMBI Thu/Fri flights from 30OCT08 to 25DEC08.

Philippine Air 5th Daily Manila - HK
PR 312/313 operated with Airbus 319 aircrafts
PR312 MNL1955 - 2155HKG
PR313 HKG0830 - 1030MNL

Zest Airways to complete refleeting (http://www.mb.com.ph/BSNS20081025138931.html)
Bernie Cahiles-Magkilat

Yao-owned Zest Airways Inc., formerly Asian Spirit Airline, is completing its refleeting program next year and aims to capture at least 10 percent market share of the destinations where they fly.

Alfredo Yao, chairman of the Yao Group of Companies, told reporters at the sidelines of the 34th Philippine Business Conference held in Manila Hotel, that Zest Airways has already acquired seven brand new aircraft from Canada. Of the seven, five, MA 60 with 60 seats, have already been delivered and the remaining two are Airbus planes with 160 seats would be delivered next month.

This adds to a total of 11 aircraft the company has at present serving its routes, which are mostly tourist destination areas.

An additional five aircraft are expected to be delivered next year to complete its refleeting program. Yao, however, refused to divulge the acquisition cost of the new aircraft.

"This would be enough to complete our refleeting and to serve our expanded routes that now include Mindanao areas particularly Zamboanga," Yao told reporters.

Yao said this program would position the company to capture at least 10 percent market share in destination where they fly a year after its full commercial operations.

The two Airbus, Yao said, would be used for the company’s regional routes such as Hong Kong, Korea and Macau.

"We are prepared to go regional as soon as possible," Yao said.

Zest Airways, which is still using the old domestic terminal, is also prepared to transfer to the NAIA 3 before end of this year.:applause:

Yao said that tourism in the country is not affected by the global economic meltdown saying that it would be cheaper for tourists from neighboring countries such as China, Korea and Japan to go to the Philippines instead of the U.S. and Europe.

"Why not look at the good side, our country is a tourist destination, it has beaches and golf courses that are more attractive than Thailand’s," Yao said.

In addition, Yao pointed out that the Philippines is a lot closer to Japan and Korea than Thailand. (BCM)


Asian Spirit is was still a better name...

Zest Airways to complete refleeting (http://www.mb.com.ph/BSNS20081025138931.html)
Bernie Cahiles-Magkilat

Yao-owned Zest Airways Inc., formerly Asian Spirit Airline, is completing its refleeting program next year and aims to capture at least 10 percent market share of the destinations where they fly.

Alfredo Yao, chairman of the Yao Group of Companies, told reporters at the sidelines of the 34th Philippine Business Conference held in Manila Hotel, that Zest Airways has already acquired seven brand new aircraft from Canada. Of the seven, five, MA 60 with 60 seats, have already been delivered and the remaining two are Airbus planes with 160 seats would be delivered next month.

This adds to a total of 11 aircraft the company has at present serving its routes, which are mostly tourist destination areas.

An additional five aircraft are expected to be delivered next year to complete its refleeting program. Yao, however, refused to divulge the acquisition cost of the new aircraft.

"This would be enough to complete our refleeting and to serve our expanded routes that now include Mindanao areas particularly Zamboanga," Yao told reporters.

Yao said this program would position the company to capture at least 10 percent market share in destination where they fly a year after its full commercial operations.

The two Airbus, Yao said, would be used for the company’s regional routes such as Hong Kong, Korea and Macau.

"We are prepared to go regional as soon as possible," Yao said.

Zest Airways, which is still using the old domestic terminal, is also prepared to transfer to the NAIA 3 before end of this year.:applause:

Yao said that tourism in the country is not affected by the global economic meltdown saying that it would be cheaper for tourists from neighboring countries such as China, Korea and Japan to go to the Philippines instead of the U.S. and Europe.

"Why not look at the good side, our country is a tourist destination, it has beaches and golf courses that are more attractive than Thailand’s," Yao said.

In addition, Yao pointed out that the Philippines is a lot closer to Japan and Korea than Thailand. (BCM)

Oddly, isn't it that Airbus and Xi'an Aircraft Industrial Corp. are European (French-British-German) and Chinese, respectively? It's not like Zest ordered new aircraft from Bombardier. :lol:

But it's good that Zest is moving to T3. Finally, we can abandon that dingy Domestic Terminal. I just hope SEAIR moves too. :D

Some photos i'd like to share with you guys...

PR A320 from Jakarta
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3011/2973882428_00872d942f.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3147/2973085535_987658a2ec.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3211/2973915038_5b0266df58.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3006/2973091743_51b87072fd.jpg

PR A330 fresh from maintenance hangar
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3192/2973052801_19e5231898.jpg

PR A330 to HKG
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3223/2973932866_c845c80ce7.jpg

NAIA T2 International Wing
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3167/2973088817_c64f6725b8.jpg

Northwest queues for take-off
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3202/2973954332_9762b4714c_b.jpg
(i made this one bigger so you would see the landing PR on the runway) :)

Is that JAL parked in T1?
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3067/2973957082_cc7e4bf416_b.jpg

This could be the NRT-bound Northwest
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3160/2973109753_3ee3a846e7.jpg
(could not resist to take this shot before my plane gears up for take off) :lol:

^^ Nice shots, Francis! :okay:

thanks kimber. i posted the rest in NAIA thread. :)

great shots!! love it

thanks diz. here's my collection if you are interested to look at them. :D
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chaosandcreations/sets/72157604425058538/

i'll try to upload some HKG photos and some aerials tonight.

ahh Very nice!
Can I request for moar? :D

hehe...sure, here are some more:

that's PR A330's nose...
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2288/2973972452_7eb619befe.jpg

at take off
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3060/2974000844_34433d16cc.jpg

while another PR A320 arrived
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3159/2973152317_bd74f71e49.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3287/2974005946_95a891d00b.jpg
that's all for now...:)

lovely nose PR has. lol

Galing... nice pics Iko!!!! ;) aba.. bakasyon pala sa HK ah... :) is the pal you took refurbished na?

hehe...reminds me of this other photo...first flight to DVO
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3272/2598504568_25c09d9eeb.jpg
also an A330

a lovely nose coupled with a colorful tail. the colors make it very conspicuous.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3148/2598534140_bd3f7d10bd.jpg

Galing... nice pics Iko!!!! ;) aba.. bakasyon pala sa HK ah... :) is the pal you took refurbished na?

hi wit tukayo...yung refurbished ba na PR A330 42 ang Mabuhay Class seats? If that's the one, then yun na nga siguro. :)

i saw sa pics mo, ang economy my sariling TVs na...:) thats the new one. galing...:) so nice! hope you enjoyed your trip! ;)

you mean this? hindi pa ata ito refurbished. parang hindi nga ata gumagana yung PTVs. taken pa to last Feb on a Cebu flight...:)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3157/2598529780_94d7744336.jpg

luma na yung ibang pics sa flickr ko. yung iba 2006 at 2007 pa. :(

you mean this? hindi pa ata ito refurbished. parang hindi nga ata gumagana yung PTVs. taken pa to last Feb on a Cebu flight...:)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3157/2598529780_94d7744336.jpg

luma na yung ibang pics sa flickr ko. yung iba 2006 at 2007 pa. :(

This is on PAL's B747-400? It doesn't look bad at all, so, if the newly refurbished one comes out, it would even be better than this? Boy, I really needed to try PAL when I go to the Philippines sometime....

Hi guys.. I have a question. When I went to Subic, I looked around the airport terminal and found this..

http://img128.imageshack.us/img128/4439/2714gk6.jpg

Has anybody heard about this airline? It looks interesting.

you mean this? hindi pa ata ito refurbished. parang hindi nga ata gumagana yung PTVs. taken pa to last Feb on a Cebu flight...:)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3157/2598529780_94d7744336.jpg

luma na yung ibang pics sa flickr ko. yung iba 2006 at 2007 pa. :(

That's RP-C7475, formerly N754PR, a 747-469. Up until N751PR was refurbished to have PTVs in all sections (prior to that, only First and Mabuhay Class sections had them), it was the only one of PAL's 747-400s equipped with PTVs in all sections INCLUDING Fiesta [Main Coach] Class; they were most likely installed when the plane was originally slated for delivery to Kuwait Airways (originally allocated registry 9K-ADF, but not taken up).

hindi pa ata ito refurbished. parang hindi nga ata gumagana yung PTVs.

No, RP-C7475 has not yet been refurbished, but it will be soon (hopefully!), as will the rest of PAL's 747s - N752PR, N753PR, and RP-C8168 - the same way N751PR was.

Regarding "non-functional" PTVs, I would guess that RP-C7475's PTVs do not function when it flies short routes such as MNL-CEB-v.v. or MNL-HKG-v.v.; they are enabled only when it is deployed on PR432/431 (MNL-NRT-v.v.) and especially PR104/105 (MNL-SFO-v.v.). (It is seldom - maybe even never - deployed on PR102/103 (MNL-LAX-v.v.), so far as I know.)

Speaking of which, one favor I'd like to ask: whenever opportunity permits it, can someone who can and is in the mood to please upload and post more pics of recently-refurbished N751PR - especially in Mabuhay Class Upper Deck (which is where I DEFINITELY plan to sit the next time I fly to/from the U.S.)? I'd GREATLY appreciate that. Thanks....

Hi guys.. I have a question. When I went to Subic, I looked around the airport terminal and found this..

http://img128.imageshack.us/img128/4439/2714gk6.jpg

Has anybody heard about this airline? It looks interesting.

cargo I guess

Hi guys.. I have a question. When I went to Subic, I looked around the airport terminal and found this..

http://img128.imageshack.us/img128/4439/2714gk6.jpg

Has anybody heard about this airline? It looks interesting.

Here's what I've found regarding PhilAir from the 2006 archives of Inquirer.net.


Plastics tycoon mulls revival of his airline business
Air traffic boom enough incentive

By Abigail L. Ho
Inquirer
First Posted 09:08pm (Mla time) 12/11/2006

CITING good passenger load factors in recent months, 'plastics king' William Gatchalian is considering reentering the airline business by reviving Philippine International Airways Inc. (PhilAir) by 2008.

In an interview, Gatchalian said the airline industry was currently doing well and the timing should be just about right for him to reenter a sector that he had almost given up on in 1999 when he ceded control of Air Philippines Corp., a company that he founded, to tycoon Lucio Tan.

Air Philippines is now 70 percent owned by Tan, with the remaining 30 percent belonging to Gatchalian and his Wellex Industries.

"Traffic is good. Even Asian Spirit is making money. It's tempting to go back to the (airline) business," he told reporters.

But due to the capital-intensive nature of airline operations, he said there were no concrete plans yet on when exactly PhilAir would make a comeback or what its market positioning would be.

"It's just in the plans. There's no timeframe yet. But hopefully we can do that by 2008," he said.

He said PhilAir would have to reapply for some licenses with the Civil Aeronautics Board, documents that it failed to secure when the airline opened in the late 90s.

PhilAir folded up in early 2000, leaving 12 aircraft unused.

Two of these planes, Gatchalian said, were in Subic, Zambales, while 10 were in the United States.

He expressed optimism that he could break into the local airline business again and take advantage of the air traffic boom that the country had been experiencing in recent months.

"We just need to get the necessary permits from the CAB," he said.

The Tan-owned Philippine Airlines, the country's flag carrier, is currently upgrading its wide-bodied aircraft fleet, proof that the airline industry is currently treading a growth path.

PAL has signed a purchase agreement with aircraft manufacturer Boeing for the acquisition of six Boeing 777-300s over the next six years.

The agreement covers a firm order for two planes, plus purchase rights for two more units.

That's RP-C7475, formerly N754PR, a 747-469. Up until N751PR was refurbished to have PTVs in all sections (prior to that, only First and Mabuhay Class sections had them), it was the only one of PAL's 747-400s equipped with PTVs in all sections INCLUDING Fiesta [Main Coach] Class; they were most likely installed when the plane was originally slated for delivery to Kuwait Airways (originally allocated registry 9K-ADF, but not taken up).



No, RP-C7475 has not yet been refurbished, but it will be soon (hopefully!), as will the rest of PAL's 747s - N752PR, N753PR, and RP-C8168 - the same way N751PR was.

Regarding "non-functional" PTVs, I would guess that RP-C7475's PTVs do not function when it flies short routes such as MNL-CEB-v.v. or MNL-HKG-v.v.; they are enabled only when it is deployed on PR432/431 (MNL-NRT-v.v.) and especially PR104/105 (MNL-SFO-v.v.). (It is seldom - maybe even never - deployed on PR102/103 (MNL-LAX-v.v.), so far as I know.)

Speaking of which, one favor I'd like to ask: whenever opportunity permits it, can someone who can and is in the mood to please upload and post more pics of recently-refurbished N751PR - especially in Mabuhay Class Upper Deck (which is where I DEFINITELY plan to sit the next time I fly to/from the U.S.)? I'd GREATLY appreciate that. Thanks....

there are pics of the new mabuhay class at PEx. :)

Hi guys.. I have a question. When I went to Subic, I looked around the airport terminal and found this..

http://img128.imageshack.us/img128/4439/2714gk6.jpg

Has anybody heard about this airline? It looks interesting.

And the plane looks like it has been neglected for several months already...

Here's what I've found regarding PhilAir from the 2006 archives of Inquirer.net.


Plastics tycoon mulls revival of his airline business
Air traffic boom enough incentive

By Abigail L. Ho
Inquirer
First Posted 09:08pm (Mla time) 12/11/2006

CITING good passenger load factors in recent months, 'plastics king' William Gatchalian is considering reentering the airline business by reviving Philippine International Airways Inc. (PhilAir) by 2008.

In an interview, Gatchalian said the airline industry was currently doing well and the timing should be just about right for him to reenter a sector that he had almost given up on in 1999 when he ceded control of Air Philippines Corp., a company that he founded, to tycoon Lucio Tan.

Air Philippines is now 70 percent owned by Tan, with the remaining 30 percent belonging to Gatchalian and his Wellex Industries.

"Traffic is good. Even Asian Spirit is making money. It's tempting to go back to the (airline) business," he told reporters.

But due to the capital-intensive nature of airline operations, he said there were no concrete plans yet on when exactly PhilAir would make a comeback or what its market positioning would be.

"It's just in the plans. There's no timeframe yet. But hopefully we can do that by 2008," he said.

He said PhilAir would have to reapply for some licenses with the Civil Aeronautics Board, documents that it failed to secure when the airline opened in the late 90s.

PhilAir folded up in early 2000, leaving 12 aircraft unused.

Two of these planes, Gatchalian said, were in Subic, Zambales, while 10 were in the United States.

He expressed optimism that he could break into the local airline business again and take advantage of the air traffic boom that the country had been experiencing in recent months.

"We just need to get the necessary permits from the CAB," he said.

The Tan-owned Philippine Airlines, the country's flag carrier, is currently upgrading its wide-bodied aircraft fleet, proof that the airline industry is currently treading a growth path.

PAL has signed a purchase agreement with aircraft manufacturer Boeing for the acquisition of six Boeing 777-300s over the next six years.

The agreement covers a firm order for two planes, plus purchase rights for two more units.

What is going on with Air Philippines by the way? Why the reduction of flights in some areas? What is the real situation of it?

^^ seems like its gonna be totally rebranded as PAL express. yung planes for air philippines sana nasa PAL express na eh.

i agree with that. but will 2P agree with us? :)

@ mojacko, thank you for the info. so the PTVs are intentionally disfunctional during flights to HKG and CEB. well, the flight is relatively short, and no in flight entertainment is required anyway.

This is on PAL's B747-400? It doesn't look bad at all, so, if the newly refurbished one comes out, it would even be better than this? Boy, I really needed to try PAL when I go to the Philippines sometime....

yes it is. it definitely does not look bad. :)

^^ wala naman choice ang air philippines eh. :) si tatang lucio pareho may ari diba? chaka nabasa ko sa PEx, hindi naman mawawala talaga ang air phils, magiging PAL express na sya. mahina kasi ang brand ng air phils. :)

medyo nga. tignan mo ang Asian Spirit, nagrebranding! nag zest up sila, and now, they got jet aircrafts. let's see how it will fare in the long run.

PAL offers big discounts on SE Asian routes (http://philstar.com/index.php?Business&p=49&type=2&sec=27&aid=2008102686)
By Mary Ann Ll. Reyes
Monday, October 27, 2008

Philippine Airlines (PAL) has introduced a series of promotional fares featuring deep discounts off regular rates to major Southeast Asian destinations ahead of the peak Christmas travel period.

A special round-trip, economy-class fare of $118 is being offered on PAL services to Bangkok, Singapore and Jakarta, for ticketing until Oct. 31, 2008.

While the rate is valid on all PAL flights between Manila and Bangkok, only specific flights to Singapore (PR 501/PR 502 and PR 505 / PR 506) and Jakarta (PR 535 / PR 536) are covered by the promo.

The Bangkok promo is valid for travel until Nov. 25, 2008 while for Singapore and Jakarta, travel must be completed by Dec. 5, 2008.

A companion promotion is also being offered for Mabuhay Class service to Jakarta. For a special rate of $550 on the late-evening and early morning flights PR 535 / PR 536, the traveler enjoys business-class service at a hefty discount over the regular fare.

This promo fare is available for both ticketing and travel until March 31, 2009.

Meanwhile, to complement the low fares, PAL has put together a special holiday package to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur under its “Swingaround” brand.

For as a low as $406 per person on twin-share basis, the package includes round-trip airfare between Manila and Singapore on flights PR 501/PR 502 or PR 505/PR 506, airport transfers in Singapore, and seat-in-coach transfers between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

Also part of the package are four nights’ hotel accommodation (two in Singapore and two in Kuala Lumpur), daily breakfast, one Singapore Flyer ticket, and one Hippo Cruise or Sentosa Cineblast ticket. (The last two inclusions are valid until Nov 30, 2008 only.)

This Swingaround tour package is available for sale until Oct. 31, 2008. Travel must be completed by Dec. 5, 2008.

Global air traffic plunges in September, says IATA
Mary Ann Ll. Reyes
Monday, October 27, 2008

Global air traffic suffered another devastating plunge last month, with passenger and cargo traffic down 2.9 percent and 7.7 percent, respectively, compared to year ago levels.

International load factors meanwhile, tumbled 4.4 percentage points to 74.8 percent in September, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

more of this story here (http://philstar.com/index.php?Business&p=49&type=2&sec=27&aid=2008102687)

^^ wala naman choice ang air philippines eh. :) si tatang lucio pareho may ari diba? chaka nabasa ko sa PEx, hindi naman mawawala talaga ang air phils, magiging PAL express na sya. mahina kasi ang brand ng air phils. :)

As we are talking about Air Philippines, sorry to spill the beans but two A320'as are already painted in 2P colors in Shannon while on D-check. Expect them to arrive before the end of the year. Its still not certain whether the remaining 5 PAL options for the Airbus would go their way. What is certain is that PAL intends to sell its old buses to 2P which resumed Davao service recently. All that will remain are the 86 numbered planes after which they will start announcement on the new plane orders.

I would also like to repeat that all the Q300 are registered in the name of Air Philippines and is currently on lease to PAL while the Q400 are registered in their name. The 737-300 is registered with PAL and operated by Air Philippines. The 4 remaining 737-200 belongs to Air Philippines and with the arrival of 2 airbus fleet only 2 732 would remain until after next year when they start flying an all airbus fleet. 2P is groomed to be an international LCC arm of PAL to distinguished it from PALEx which will cater the domestic turboprop market. I hope we are clear on that. :)

I've tried several international airlines and the best one for me is Emirates. Singapore Airlines is a close second. KLM is in the bottom of my list.

Among the local airlines, I like Cebu Pacific. I would choose it over Pal in a heartbeat.

PR should just bring all its operations under one name brand. Like Philippine Airlines (mainline international and trunkline domestic), PAL Express (regional inter-island/feeder domestic services), and if they so choose, maybe create a new division called PAL Cargo (international and domestic freight services). Saves the public from confusion between PR and 2P. That's just my opinion.

As we are talking about Air Philippines, sorry to spill the beans but two A320'as are already painted in 2P colors in Shannon while on D-check. Expect them to arrive before the end of the year. Its still not certain whether the remaining 5 PAL options for the Airbus would go their way. What is certain is that PAL intends to sell its old buses to 2P which resumed Davao service recently. All that will remain are the 86 numbered planes after which they will start announcement on the new plane orders.

I would also like to repeat that all the Q300 are registered in the name of Air Philippines and is currently on lease to PAL while the Q400 are registered in their name. The 737-300 is registered with PAL and operated by Air Philippines. The 4 remaining 737-200 belongs to Air Philippines and with the arrival of 2 airbus fleet only 2 732 would remain until after next year when they start flying an all airbus fleet. 2P is groomed to be an international LCC arm of PAL to distinguished it from PALEx which will cater the domestic turboprop market. I hope we are clear on that. :)

OK. I hope that would also explain why they are reducing flights in some domestic destinations because they are grooming in preparation for the new fleet of 2P.

As we are talking about Air Philippines, sorry to spill the beans but two A320'as are already painted in 2P colors in Shannon while on D-check. Expect them to arrive before the end of the year. Its still not certain whether the remaining 5 PAL options for the Airbus would go their way. What is certain is that PAL intends to sell its old buses to 2P which resumed Davao service recently. All that will remain are the 86 numbered planes after which they will start announcement on the new plane orders.

I would also like to repeat that all the Q300 are registered in the name of Air Philippines and is currently on lease to PAL while the Q400 are registered in their name. The 737-300 is registered with PAL and operated by Air Philippines. The 4 remaining 737-200 belongs to Air Philippines and with the arrival of 2 airbus fleet only 2 732 would remain until after next year when they start flying an all airbus fleet. 2P is groomed to be an international LCC arm of PAL to distinguished it from PALEx which will cater the domestic turboprop market. I hope we are clear on that. :)

thanks for the clarification. :) at least malinaw na which is which. :) thanks :)

That's RP-C7475, formerly N754PR, a 747-469. Up until N751PR was refurbished to have PTVs in all sections (prior to that, only First and Mabuhay Class sections had them), it was the only one of PAL's 747-400s equipped with PTVs in all sections INCLUDING Fiesta [Main Coach] Class; they were most likely installed when the plane was originally slated for delivery to Kuwait Airways (originally allocated registry 9K-ADF, but not taken up).



No, RP-C7475 has not yet been refurbished, but it will be soon (hopefully!), as will the rest of PAL's 747s - N752PR, N753PR, and RP-C8168 - the same way N751PR was.

Regarding "non-functional" PTVs, I would guess that RP-C7475's PTVs do not function when it flies short routes such as MNL-CEB-v.v. or MNL-HKG-v.v.; they are enabled only when it is deployed on PR432/431 (MNL-NRT-v.v.) and especially PR104/105 (MNL-SFO-v.v.). (It is seldom - maybe even never - deployed on PR102/103 (MNL-LAX-v.v.), so far as I know.)

Speaking of which, one favor I'd like to ask: whenever opportunity permits it, can someone who can and is in the mood to please upload and post more pics of recently-refurbished N751PR - especially in Mabuhay Class Upper Deck (which is where I DEFINITELY plan to sit the next time I fly to/from the U.S.)? I'd GREATLY appreciate that. Thanks....

I tried this plane twice on a NRT flight and it was working. Its kinda fun because you can choose from channels with different movies. But I haven't ride it on domestc flight so I do not know if they're working on those flight. But try riding on PAL's new A320s, the overhead TVs were working. They are showing short features and documentary. I was able to watch a Just for Laugh Segment and Lakbay episode in an ILO flight. It was a great improvement for their domestic services.


PR should just bring all its operations under one name brand. Like Philippine Airlines (mainline international and trunkline domestic), PAL Express (regional inter-island/feeder domestic services), and if they so choose, maybe create a new division called PAL Cargo (international and domestic freight services). Saves the public from confusion between PR and 2P. That's just my opinion.

PAL Cargo is already existing. My mom is working there.


As we are talking about Air Philippines, sorry to spill the beans but two A320'as are already painted in 2P colors in Shannon while on D-check. Expect them to arrive before the end of the year. Its still not certain whether the remaining 5 PAL options for the Airbus would go their way. What is certain is that PAL intends to sell its old buses to 2P which resumed Davao service recently. All that will remain are the 86 numbered planes after which they will start announcement on the new plane orders.

I would also like to repeat that all the Q300 are registered in the name of Air Philippines and is currently on lease to PAL while the Q400 are registered in their name. The 737-300 is registered with PAL and operated by Air Philippines. The 4 remaining 737-200 belongs to Air Philippines and with the arrival of 2 airbus fleet only 2 732 would remain until after next year when they start flying an all airbus fleet. 2P is groomed to be an international LCC arm of PAL to distinguished it from PALEx which will cater the domestic turboprop market. I hope we are clear on that. :)

Does this mean that 2P will operate an all-new A320s in the future and it will have its international flight? do they have a plan to directly compete with 5J?

You seem to know a lot... Do you work also in the airline industry or high airline official?

Just reported on CNN just now....US airlines are testing a new system for downloading boarding passes from their respective websites to your Blackberries or iPhones with a scannable barcode thus making it a completely paperless travel from booking to boarding.

Cool beans! :banana:

That's RP-C7475, formerly N754PR, a 747-469. Up until N751PR was refurbished to have PTVs in all sections (prior to that, only First and Mabuhay Class sections had them), it was the only one of PAL's 747-400s equipped with PTVs in all sections INCLUDING Fiesta [Main Coach] Class; they were most likely installed when the plane was originally slated for delivery to Kuwait Airways (originally allocated registry 9K-ADF, but not taken up).

Cathay pacific I took last Oct. 3,2008 744 from CEB to HKG had refurbished seats at the economy which is similar to Boeing 777 seats & individual TV were working but lesser choices to its Trans Pacific Boeing 777 planes. Both type of planes has the same type remotes and format displays.

it's been a while since my last post here...anyway, i went for a short holiday in Chengdu, China last May. I took a direct flight from MNL to CTU via PAL, the flight is only 4 hours...but that is without the horror of queing up at our dreary T1. the whole flight was awesome - courteous crew, great food, comfy seats, in-flight entertainment is ok, clean toilets - all these for only 350 bucks (2-way; all taxes included)...i wouldn't complain, and there's no reason to...the bad news is PAL's direct flight to CTU from MNL lasted only for a month.

http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL1698/10588304/18969014/340482920.jpg
PAL flight arriving on a direct flight from MNL...she's a A319 beauty i guess...

http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL1698/10588304/18969014/340482911.jpg
here's a close-up...

http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL1698/10588304/18969014/340482902.jpg
economy section...beautiful and comfortable recarro seats. newly fitted. believe me, there was only 4 passengers on board this flight - a chinese, an american expat living in the phils., one filipino dude, and yours truly...it's like we're on a chartered flight . ahahahah

http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL1698/10588304/18969014/340482901.jpg
windows shut on a three-hour leg journey...much more of a feel of a red eye flight. it's just 4pm btw.

http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL1698/10588304/18969014/340482904.jpg
i can't complain...

http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL1698/10588304/18969014/340482905.jpg
me...'snaping' in the toilet...clean and smelling fresh...

http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL1698/10588304/18969014/340482903.jpg
just a reminder...

http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL1698/10588304/18969014/340482936.jpg
napkins...and papercups! ahahahaha....

http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL1698/10588304/18969014/340482938.jpg
sink...and a variety of toiletries.

http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL1698/10588304/18969014/340482926.jpg
arriving in manila...sunsets at 37,000 ft. gorgeous!

http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL1698/10588304/18969014/340482923.jpg


i'll post my photos of Chengdu (Shuang Liu) International Airport later...cheers.

http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL1698/10588304/18969014/340482250.jpg
PGMA's entourage once pass through this hallway. they were here last year.

http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL1698/10588304/18969014/340482896.jpg
they're selling tibetan artifacts and souvenirs.

http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL1698/10588304/18969014/340482245.jpg
not too many people at the airport that day.

http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL1698/10588304/18969014/340482249.jpg

http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL1698/10588304/18969014/340482248.jpg
urinals...

http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL1698/10588304/18969014/340482247.jpg
the main body of the building, taken from the left wing of the airport...you can see PAL docking.

Hi Guys!

I need your help. I am planing to avoid Manila and fly with QR to Cebu instead. The flight arrives late afternoon at 4 or 5pm. Does anyone know if i can catch an onward flight to Davao or anywhere in Mindanao on the same day?

thanks

OH wow, very nice travel report, thank you very much choc!!! Nice interior on PAL.

I-TEAM REPORT

Upgrade of airports’ rating seen in 2009
By Tarra Quismundo (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20081022-167759/Upgrade-of-airports-rating-seen-in-2009)

http://www.japanoda.ph/_uploads/Image/image044.jpg
MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines may have to wait until next year to free itself of the stigma of noncompliance with global standards in air safety.

Nine months after the US Federal Aviation Administration rated the country’s air safety system below international standards, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP)—formerly the Air Transportation Office (ATO)—has yet to complete the FAA’s safety compliance checklist to qualify for an upgrade.

Under its International Aviation Safety Assessment program, the FAA downgraded the Philippines from a Category 1 to a Category 2 country in its rigid pass-fail scale because of air safety regulations, practices and personnel that fell below the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The Philippines could only return to Category 1 by passing an FAA re-audit.

“It’s going to be a long and hard process,” CAAP director general Ruben Ciron told the Philippine Daily Inquirer in an interview last month.

“We still have many problems because we are in transition, but there are many organizations who are helping,” Ciron said.

“We are hoping that by July 2009, we [will] have been upgraded again to Category 1. The last time we were downgraded, it took two years for us to be upgraded again.”

Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza recently told Senate reporters that the country had already “substantially complied” with FAA recommendations and that an upgrade may be expected by early next year.

Asked how much of the requirements the CAAP had completed, Ciron said this week that the agency was still “recomputing” its compliance performance.

Not yet ready

Ciron said in the September interview that the CAAP had already “completed about 40 percent to 50 percent because we have already passed the law and we are already staffing the new CAAP.”

Philippine aviation was supposed to undergo a separate and more thorough audit by the ICAO in November, but Ciron asked for a reschedule.

The ICAO audit seeks to check the country’s compliance with global standards in safety, airport quality and navigational equipment, among others, according to Ciron.

“We said we are not yet ready because CAAP is still in transition, so the next ICAO audit will be in October 2009,” he said.

New aviation law

In January, the FAA reverted the Philippines to its 1995 air safety rating of Category 2, placing the country alongside Bangladesh, Cote D’Ivoire, Ghana, Guyana, Indonesia, Nauru, Ukraine and Serbia and Montenegro (formerly Yugoslavia).

The downgrade spurred stringent inspection of the US operations of locally licensed Philippine Airlines (PAL) and barred the flag carrier from expanding its operations in American states and territories.

The CAAP, now a fiscally independent agency that will govern the Philippine civil aviation industry, sprang from the new civil aviation law upgrading the ATO.

Long overlooked, the CAAP bill was signed into law in March following quick congressional action that started after the FAA downgrade.

http://wwwdelivery.superstock.com/WI/223/1060/PreviewComp/SuperStock_1060-150.jpg

Backward practices

The FAA had cited the country’s 1952 aviation law as the root of backward aviation practices, particularly regulations that cover crucial oversight functions, such as airworthiness, aircraft and pilot inspections.

The new law still has to be fully implemented and the CAAP has yet to fulfill technical requirements in areas where the FAA found it remiss, a source privy to the compliance process told the Inquirer.

Besides the creation of the CAAP, the aviation veteran said many of the FAA requirements were still on the to-do list.

“They are doing it little by little. We don’t understand anymore if they want an upgrade or they want to remain in Category 2 forever,” the source said in an irked tone.

Lack of manpower

He said the critical areas of compliance, such as practices and personnel qualification for pilot licensing, airworthiness certification and aircraft and pilot inspection had yet to be achieved. Still problematic are the CAAP’s record-keeping, particularly documentation of oversight processes and plane and pilot records.

In the source’s words, ICAO consultants working with the CAAP for months have become “very, very frustrated” with how the country’s officials have been handling the problem.

The source said CAAP people had been dismissive of ICAO recommendations and questioned the United Nations agency’s authority to propose ways on how the agency might overcome the downgrade.

In response, Ciron said in the September interview: “We consider their suggestions but it’s taking time because we have yet to finish manning CAAP. We are still short in people. We can’t rush this.”

Such exasperation was apparent in comments that James Hooker, former chief of the ICAO flight safety consultancy panel for the Philippines, wrote in a document dated April 8, 2008.

Foreign assistance

Referring to the CAAP’s inspectorate branch, the heart of the agency’s safety oversight system, Hooker said: “It makes no sense at all to this writer to have hiring standards lower than what would be required for one to be a qualified inspector ... This is an across-the-board statement that encompasses all of the flight operations inspectorate.”

Ciron said the agency was already recruiting qualified personnel, among them former airline pilots who would only need refreshers to get back in working condition.

He said the CAAP had been working closely with the FAA to satisfy conditions for an upgrade. Aircraft makers Boeing and Airbus have also pledged to give technical assistance to pull up the country’s air safety rating.

“In sum, foreign and local groups are assisting in [our bid for a] Category 1 upgrade. ICAO foreign technical consultants are with us now. FAA offered to train our team for a week in Washington ... With these we hope to attain upgrade in less than a year,” Ciron said.

On Sept. 13, the CAAP sent a five-man team to the FAA headquarters in Washington DC for an orientation on Category 1 standards, Ciron said. The team was tasked to guide their CAAP colleagues into complying with the FAA Category 1 checklist.

“When we are ready, we will request FAA to send a technical team to check our preparation. Then FAA will re-audit,” Ciron said.

RP air traffic controllers’ woes-Overworked, underpaid
By Tarra Quismundo (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20081023-167957/RP-air-traffic-controllers-woes)

http://www.adb.org/Documents/Photos/PHI/Davao-Airport/img/story01-05.jpg

MANILA, Philippines—Working 16-hour days has become routine for air traffic controller Marlene Singson, as ordinary as squeezing in up to 54 takeoffs and departures in an hour at the crowded Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

“That means we break some rules every now and then, but we make sure that we comply with the minimum safety requirement,” Singson said.

The Manila Control Tower’s overworked cast of air traffic controllers continues to cope with the daunting task of operating below safety margins, grappling with a busy airspace despite unpaid overtime, understaffing and old equipment.

Tasked to guide planes for safe landings and takeoffs, air traffic controllers at the country’s main international hub say they have yet to see changes promised by the creation of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).

Established to supplant the outdated ways of the Air Transportation Office (ATO), the CAAP has been touted as the country’s hope to redeem its standing in the eyes of the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which flunked the Philippines in January for substandard air safety practices.

But reality has not changed for the air traffic controllers despite the new authority, and an average day still involves too few controllers handling too many flights.

“The CAAP without expert leaders is still a dismal failure,” said Nickson Morada, chair of the Philippine Air Traffic Controllers Association.

Heavier traffic looms

“It failed on meeting its underlying objective to sustain our air traffic controllers through competitive salaries. Safety is still at risk due to the same problem of equipment, procedures, training and lack of qualified personnel,” Morada told the Philippine Daily Inquirer (parent company of INQUIRER.net).

While international standards require seven controllers to handle the average 45 to 50 flights per hour, the Manila tower is still understaffed, with mostly six—at times even four—controllers manning a given shift, sources from the tower said. They asked not to be identified, saying they had no authority to talk of sensitive information.

It was one in a long list of findings the FAA released in January when it decided to rate the country below accepted safety standards in civil aviation. FAA inspectors visited the tower in 2007 as part of its audit at the then ATO.

“We need at least five more people to comply with the requirement ... Now, especially with the peak season approaching, we are bracing ourselves for heavier traffic,” said one of the air traffic controllers.

What should be a matter of clockwork efficiency has become a matter of talent and experience for the controllers, who have become accustomed to ways of cramming flights up to twice the number that should be cleared for landings or takeoffs under the safety rules.

The Manila airport’s single international runway should be handling at most a total of 30 flights per hour if the two-minute aircraft spacing rule is to be followed, the controllers said. But traffic reaches even up to 65 at holiday peak hours.

http://wwwdelivery.superstock.com/WI/223/608/PreviewComp/SuperStock_608-1707A.jpg

Unpaid overtime work

“We have all developed our own timing. We can even space planes by 15 seconds, around 1 kilometer apart in the runway, if we feel confident that we can do that safely,” said another air traffic controller.

Much of the air traffic controllers’ overtime work has yet to be paid and a promised salary increase has yet to be given, the controllers said. Low pay has been the chief reason for quick personnel turnover at the tower, and it has become almost seasonal for controllers to lose a colleague to better paying jobs.

CAAP Director General Ruben Ciron said the agency had been working to fully implement the law and allow benefits to trickle down to workers.

“We will increase their [technical personnel] pay so they won’t have to leave,” Ciron said, as he admitted the heavy task at hand.

A recent survey by the Department of Labor and Employment listed air traffic controllers as among the hardest to fill occupations in the country, along with highly technical jobs such as pilots and navigational engineers.

http://www.cartoonstock.com/lowres/mly0410l.jpg

Checking RP pilots: ‘Comedy of errors’
By Tarra Quismundo (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20081024-168180/Checking-RP-pilots-Comedy-of-errors)


MANILA, Philippines—An amateur driver appraising the chops of a veteran chauffeur, or perhaps a weekend rower rating the skills of a ship captain.

When the country’s fliers unwind, talk is rife about the “comedy of errors” that is the country’s pilot inspection and licensing system, one that the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) found flawed along with other air safety requirements the country flunked during an American audit last year.

“Imagine, a helicopter pilot checking a (Boeing) 747 pilot?” said an aviation insider privy to pilot check practices by government flight inspectors.

“All the flying experience they have is ‘bunk’ flying. They fly in their dreams,” another sky veteran said before breaking into laughter.

Nine months since falling into Category 2 under FAA’s two-grade safety rating scale, seven of eight check pilots of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) failed the very same test they were supposed to administer, aviation sources told the Inquirer in interviews last month.

Pressed to win an FAA upgrade following a presidential directive, the CAAP sent eight longtime officials to Korea and Hong Kong in July for certification using Airbus widebody simulators, sources privy to the compliance process told the Inquirer.

The FAA had found in its audit that the government check pilots—those tasked to assess the skills of already qualified airline fliers—lacked simulation training and thus questioned their qualifications to conduct the pilot inspection.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requires check pilots to have 5,000 flying hours as pilot-in-command of civilian or military aircraft, roughly 10 years worth of flight as captain. They must also know how to fly the type of aircraft to be used in a particular check ride and be familiar with the flight route they are inspecting.

The CAAP’s check pilots are, however, mostly rated to fly light planes and helicopters, not today’s jets of high-tech avionics, the sources said. In their view, no more than weekend pilots of single-engine propeller planes checked the skills of airline-certified pilots of wide bodies and jumbo jets.

“They are pilots of light planes or washouts of the Air Force who couldn’t make the grade in airlines,” the source said, adding that the government could not attract qualified pilots into its plantilla as it offered much lower pay than commercial service.
Odd man out

Documents obtained by the Philippine Daily Inquirer showed that one of the check pilots had zero skill in flying the Airbus A-340, a single-aisle widebody used in long-range flights.

The proficiency test report graded the check pilots’ skills in preflight procedure, takeoff and approach, in-flight skills (climbing, cruising and navigation) and emergency procedures.

“Candidate was not ready for the evaluation check. Maneuvers and procedures below standard,” said the longtime airline pilot who assessed the CAAP check pilot.

Another flunker succeeded only in the preflight steps; the simulated takeoff, climb, approach and emergency flight procedure were all problematic.

The odd one out, the check pilot who passed, was given a “standard” or passing rate during the Airbus A-320 simulation. His checker however noted, among other shortcomings, his “unstabilized approach.”

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y252/mpiffer/a465f94b.jpg

‘They got personal’

CAAP Deputy Director General Daniel Dimagiba, the official in charge of the agency at the time of the downgrade, confirmed that seven of eight check pilots indeed failed their July test rides.

“We admit that of the eight, there were seven check pilots who were not qualified. But there were some who were given a hard time by the pilots who checked them ... These airline pilots got back at them because of their experience when our check pilots assessed them,” Dimagiba said.

While the tests heavily depended on rig-proof simulators, Dimagiba said the checkers “got personal” with CAAP check pilots.

Dimagiba, however, conceded that the CAAP’s check pilots were proficient only in flying single-engines and propeller planes.

CAAP Director General Ruben Ciron had different figures. Ciron told the Inquirer that 12 check pilots underwent retraining and seven passed their tests.

“The rest (five others) are in various phases of retraining,” Ciron said.

“We have also recruited five widebody Airbus and Boeing check pilots who don’t need anymore training, just recurrency. And more of them have signified [their intention] to join us because of increased pay under a corporate entity, [that is the] CAAP.”

http://www.workspresso.com/20070601%20edition/archives/2006/may1-15-06/current/images_current/pal_cockpit.jpg

Retired pilots aboard

Dimagiba called this “Plan B,” the CAAP’s way of reaching the standards, for lack of qualified personnel.

He said retired airline pilots, aged 55 to 60 with around “10,000 flying hours of experience,” had come aboard the agency as check pilots “who will make the FAA type-rating.”

With the virtual lack of check pilots, airline check pilots have been deputized to do the job for the CAAP, Dimagiba said.

“For instance, the Boeing 747 pilot of this airline will check the pilot of the same airline graduating from a widebody to a jumbo jet. That is allowed until the CAAP meets the rating,” Dimagiba said in an interview in September.

But doesn’t that defeat the purpose of check and balance? Dimagiba answered: “No, because airlines have very strict policies in checking their pilots. They can’t cheat.”

The ICAO Philippine consultancy project also noted the CAAP’s below-par pilot check system in a document laying down its recommendations for the upgrade of CAAP’s Flight Standards Inspectorate Service (FSIS), the office concerned with pilot inspection and licensing.

“The current standards for ‘check pilot’ in ATO (the former Air Transportation Office, which is now the CAAP) do not comply with the minimum qualifications and experience required to be hired for a position as a flight operations inspector for small or large aircraft,” ICAO flight safety consultant James Hooker said in a document dated April 8 of this year.

Light planes to jumbos

Hooker noted that the CAAP lacked the means for its check pilots to graduate from flying light planes to jumbo jets, as required by the ICAO.

“There is no reasonable method available where a ‘general aviation inspector’ could gain the experience needed to move from ‘little aircraft’ to the large turbo jet aircraft,” Hooker said.

In an apparent reference to the CAAP’s roster of pilot inspectors, Hooker said that “a check pilot holding only a commercial pilot license cannot perform a certification function on an airline transport pilot license holder for a proficiency check.”

The document also noted the questionable aircraft type ratings—the qualification to fly particular types of planes—of the CAAP’s check pilots that FAA inspectors found during its audit.

The US auditors were given presentations showing that the then ATO’s check pilots “had ‘type ratings’ in several or many aircraft,” according to Hooker.

But he said: “These type ratings could not be supported by an examination of the records of the FAA that resulted in [its] comments concerning a lack of technically qualified personnel.”

Hooker added: “These ‘type ratings’ were based on a false belief that one only had to have computer-based instruction to become ‘type rated’. Nothing could be further from the truth.”



RP Aviation Industry - 3rd Fastest Growing Air Travel Market In The World


Industry data revealed that Philippines is the third fastest growing air travel market in the world, after India and Mexico. India's domestic market grew by 33%, followed by Mexico at 27%, Philippines at 23% and China at 16% last year. The domestic air travel in the Philippines boast of a growth rate of 47% in terms of passengers carried in 2007. It grew by 23%, with almost 10.4 million travellers in 2007, compared to almost 8.5 million pasengers in 2006. The launch of low cost airlines in Philippines has provided a boost for the industry. Airlines that has been part of this trend are Asian Spirit and Southeast Asian Air, offering affordable fares to local and even international destinations. The public seems to have embraced this, as the rate of flying passemgers has increased. This increased not only accounts for new fliers but also regular flying passengers who were on a budget and now have a choice to choosing budget over luxury.

http://www.aviationandmarineusa.com/Farnborough_2006/Airbus/Clean_Skies/processed/03.jpg

Cebu Pacific (CEB) now has the fastest growing domestic and international operations in the country, serving 32 destinations with a total of 44 routes, and with 906 flights a week to both domestic and international destinations. In 2007, CEB had a 43% share of the domestic market while rival Philippine Airlines had 39% and Air Philippines, 11%.

However, the airline industry is facing testing times. The price of fuel has soared. The credit crunch has made it tougher to raise funds and the economy has worsened. And nobody can blame the airlines companies for raising their fuel costs rather than closing their entire operations. Since high oil prices are partly a response to normal market forces, the airline industry needs to focus on increased flight efficiency and competency.

Recently, the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) here has been designated as the Philippine port of entry in the proposed open skies agreement to be signed by t he Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) in December. The 2,500 hectare DMIA is fitted with two runways that are3.2 kilometers long each. The runways are enough to accomodate even the largest aircraft in the world. The move is a major step in making the airport at Clark the Philippines' premier gateway, replacing the Manila airport. Asian Transport Ministerial Meeting, said that Asian countries - the Philippines, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Burma, Brunei and Indonesia would be declared an open skies. China, South Korea, Japan and India have also expressed interest in the proposal that is likely to spark growth in the airline industry in the region, especially the Philippines with its strategic location and to benefit some 500 million tourists.

Under the open skies policy, national carrier would have the right to fly over a country without landing, to stop in a country for refueling or maintenance without transferring pasengers or cargo, and to carry it fromone country to another and vice-versa. There was no limitationon airline designation, that even non-flag carriers can fly there from multiple designations. Traffic would also get a boost if Cebu Pacific Air opened a hub in Clark.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3170/2388395705_b6b5e10ce3.jpg?v=0

Clark International Airport corp. (CIAC) reported that in 2007, the DMIA served 533,619 passengers through the 37 weekly flight by Tioger airways of singapore, Air Asia of Malaysia, Asiana Airlines of South Korea and China Southern Airlines.

Singapore Engineering Airline Co. has signed up for a $100 million investment project involving the maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities at the DMIA. Kuwait Gulf and Links will develop a $25 million Global Gateway Logistic Park. Singapore's Changi airports International and Kuwait's Al-Kharafi Group have signified intentions to develop the civil aviation complex.

In addition, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed into law the Civil Aviation Authority Act of 2008 that stands to update and strengthen the international framework of the country's civil aviation industry and meet the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The government has capitalized on project improvement, expansion and rehabilitation of the aviation industry. It covers the upgrading and modernization of air navigation facilities through the replacement of old equipment and installation of new facilities at selected 25 airports and sites nationwide. With new law in place, you can always fly safety and expect the tourism industry to continue its bullishness, and more investments will come pouring in which will translate into more new jobs for our people.

Hi Guys!

I need your help. I am planing to avoid Manila and fly with QR to Cebu instead. The flight arrives late afternoon at 4 or 5pm. Does anyone know if i can catch an onward flight to Davao or anywhere in Mindanao on the same day?

thanks

dude there is a 620 pm flight fro cebu to davao on cebu pacific. the flight is 5J 597. if you arrive at 4pm you may make it to the flight. but if you arrive at 5 pm, i dont think you can make it. where are you coming from pala? if you are going to transit at singapore, you can take the direct flight to davao on silk air. daily flights except on fridays.

Asia's top budget airlines listed

http://blog.asiahotels.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/dsc04070.jpg
Air Asia at Clark

MUMBAI: Online travel magazine Smart Travel Asia (http://www.aviationrecord.com/news-articles.aspx?articleType=ArticleView&articleId=1450) has published its list of the top 10 budget airlines in Asia, rating them on ticket prices, schedule reliability, service, route network and access. The list is...

1. AirAsia Berhad: Based in Kaula Lumpur, AirAsia flies domestic and international flights and was the first carrier to introduce low-cost travelling in Asia when it launched in November 1996. It was founded by government-owned DRB-Hicom. When the airline ran into hard times, it was taken over and revived by former Time Warner executive Tony Fernandes. AirAsia is now a public listed company on the Malaysia Stock Exchange and flies to more than 60 destinations. It has 69 aircraft.

2. Jetstar Asia: Based in Singapore, the airline launched in December 2004 with a Hong Kong service. Qantas and Temasek Holdings (Private) Limited jointly own more than 80% of Jetstar Asia. The carrier merged with Valuair in July 2005 and both fly out of Singapore to major cities in South-east Asia. It has 10 aircraft. In the Skytrax Airline of the Year survey for 2006, Jetstar Asia was awarded the best low-cost airline for both the Asia and South-east Asia categories, and last year was ranked as the world's best low-cost airline by SkyTrax.

3. Nok Air: Based in Bangkok, Nok Air was established in February 2004 by Sky Asia Co.

4. Tiger Airways: Offering one of the lowest possible airfares in the market, Tiger Airways first flew from Singapore in September 2004 with two aircraft and three routes in its network. It now flies to more than 25 destinations across nine countries in the Asia-Pacific. it has just ordered 50 new Airbus A320s to grow its fleet to 70 Airbus aircraft.

5. Cebu Pacific: Launched in March 1996, Cebu Pacific pioneered low-coast flying in The Philippines. It started flying internationally in November 2001 and now has services to Bangkok, Guangzhou, Ho Chi Minh, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kaohsiung, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, Macau, Osaka, Pusan, Shanghai, Seoul, Singapore and Taipei. It has 21 aircraft.

6.Virgin Blue: Founded by Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group, Virgin Blue started in August 2000 with just two aircraft as the first low-fare airline in Australia. It is one of the world's most profitable airline groups incorporating Virgin Blue, Pacific Blue (Australia), Pacific Blue (New Zealand), Polynesian Blue and V Australia. Virgin Blue was listed on the Australian Stock Exchange in December 2003. With its
international carriers Pacific Blue and Polynesian Blue, it has a fleet of 60 aircraft.

7. Air Deccan: India's first low-cost airline, Air Deccan was launched by Capt GR Gopinath in August 2003, flying from Bangalore to Hubli. It revolutionised air travel in India by offering tickets affordable for most Indians.

8. SpiceJet: Based in New Delhi, SpiceJet started flying in May 2005. Now India's second-largest low-cost airline in terms of market share, it was earlier known as Royal Airways, a reincarnation of ModiLuft.

9. Viva Macau: China's Viva Macau was founded in 2004. With its fleet of 15 Boeing 767 wide-body jetliners, it offers non-stop services to Sydney, Ho Chi Minh and Jakarta.

10. Hong Kong Express: Hong Kong Airlines and Hong Kong Express Airways were established in 2001 and 2004 respectively. The sister airlines provide services between Hong Kong and more than 30 cities in Asia with its fleet of 13 Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

Four of these low cost airlines fly in the Philippines.

it's been a while since my last post here...anyway, i went for a short holiday in Chengdu, China last May. I took a direct flight from MNL to CTU via PAL, the flight is only 4 hours...but that is without the horror of queing up at our dreary T1. the whole flight was awesome - courteous crew, great food, comfy seats, in-flight entertainment is ok, clean toilets - all these for only 350 bucks (2-way; all taxes included)...i wouldn't complain, and there's no reason to...the bad news is PAL's direct flight to CTU from MNL lasted only for a month.

If you took PR, shouldn't you be departing from T2 (Centennial)? :sly:

If you took PR, shouldn't you be departing from T2 (Centennial)? :sly:

if you look closely the sentence construction, it implied the flight did not use T1.

^^ :doh: Thanks! I was skimming.

An airline from Iran will start next year, and an air agreement in Finland between the Philipppines is on going. Canada has allotted more frequencies for the philippines (cargo/commercial), Australia is also opening up its air space further, with the up coming flight of Ceb Pac (Darwin) down under. An approval is expected early next year.

http://businessmirror.com.ph/images/stories/Daily_Images/10282008/ship-pic01.jpg
Tim Clark, president of Emirates Airline, speaks at a news conference at JFK International Airport in New York in this file photo taken during Emirates Airline’s celebration of its first commercial flight to North America of an Airbus A380 from Dubai to New York. Bloomberg

Airbus delivers second A380 jet to Emirates, seeks to ship 12 (http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1047:airbus-delivers-second-a380-jet-to-emirates-seeks-to-ship-12&catid=29:shipping)
TOULOUSE, France—Airbus SAS, the world’s largest plane maker, delivered a second A380 to Emirates, its largest customer for the plane, and said it’s sticking with a goal of shipping 12 of the superjumbos this year.

The new A380 brings to 122 the number of wide-body aircraft including freighters that Emirates now has in its fleet, the airline said in an e-mailed statement. Emirates’ first A380, which it received in July, flies between Dubai and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. The second plane will travel the same route, allowing the airline to provide daily service.

The A380 handed over to Emirates is the eighth that Airbus has delivered this year. The plane maker is trying to meet a target of 12 of the double-decker planes this year amid difficulties installing interior fittings. Qantas Airways Ltd. has already received one A380 this year and Singapore Airlines has taken five in 2008 after getting one in October 2005.

it's been a while since my last post here...anyway, i went for a short holiday in Chengdu, China last May. I took a direct flight from MNL to CTU via PAL, the flight is only 4 hours...but that is without the horror of queing up at our dreary T1. the whole flight was awesome - courteous crew, great food, comfy seats, in-flight entertainment is ok, clean toilets - all these for only 350 bucks (2-way; all taxes included)...i wouldn't complain, and there's no reason to...the bad news is PAL's direct flight to CTU from MNL lasted only for a month.


love those photos. thanks for sharing them. and why did it forget to take photos of myself at the lavatory during my recent flight? :lol:

by the way, remember the case when a United Airlines flight (i guess to Heathrow) was criticized by environmentalists because of flying with number of passengers less than the crew? Had not PAL received the same criticism on this flight? I think it has something to do about carbon something. I wonder how it feels like flying in a plane with only 4 passengers. You should at least got together and made some party midair. Hehe...Were you upgraded to Mabuhay class or were you into it already?

^^ It was an American Airlines flight between London-Heathrow and Chicago-O'Hare.

If Air Phil is refleeting, why a lot of their pilots were retrenched? Some even applying in Ceb Pac because for them to be absorb by PAL they have to re apply. :O(

^^ It was an American Airlines flight between London-Heathrow and Chicago-O'Hare.

oh thank you for the correction Kimber. I think it was you who posted that.

sad to hear about Air Phils' retrenchment. maybe it was not a retrenchment after all. they could have been offered an early retirement option.


edit: some more planespotting photos from me.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3165/2978439515_a11c249663_b.jpg

view from the Skydeck:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3155/2979301492_98eb690e27.jpg
Entrance fee is at HKD15, single entry.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3199/2979319392_9882646560.jpg

I am still uploading the rest, so please do check my photo site for the other photos. :)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chaosandcreations/

5J uses one of the gates in this wing...around the Gate 70 something, where you will need to get through the train to reach the main building.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3044/2979324296_259f7c8fd0.jpg

PR on the other hand is somewhere around Gate 17.

Airport Express and taxis
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3145/2979336362_8f8864c65e.jpg

Long way taxiing...
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3146/2978458825_ef03fff177_m.jpg http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3005/2978473043_540986e184_m.jpg

then finally...Eva is airborne
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3191/2979351342_1e9866d85d.jpg :)

^^ Thanks for sharing the photos, Francis. :okay:

An airline from Iran will start next year, and an air agreement in Finland between the Philipppines is on going. Canada has allotted more frequencies for the philippines (cargo/commercial), Australia is also opening up its air space further, with the up coming flight of Ceb Pac (Darwin) down under. An approval is expected early next year.

The Iranian airline that's supposed to fly to the Philippines (CRK specifically, if I remember right) is Mahan Air. I wonder if they will use their A300 or 747 to fly there. At least Clark will have regular wide-body service now to the Middle East.

OT: Spirit of Manila's timetable (at the time that I saw it, which was around a few weeks ago) indicates that they will be using the 737 to fly to Dubai, Kuwait City and Manama. 'Di ba mahaba-haba 'yun (6+ hours)?

love those photos. thanks for sharing them. and why did it forget to take photos of myself at the lavatory during my recent flight? :lol:

by the way, remember the case when a United Airlines flight (i guess to Heathrow) was criticized by environmentalists because of flying with number of passengers less than the crew? Had not PAL received the same criticism on this flight? I think it has something to do about carbon something. I wonder how it feels like flying in a plane with only 4 passengers. You should at least got together and made some party midair. Hehe...Were you upgraded to Mabuhay class or were you into it already?

http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL1698/10588304/18969014/340482928.jpg

yeah, i felt that PAL's route to CTU direct from MNL is more of an 'experiment' that obviously did not materialise...just like i said, this route lasted only for a month...it's also the same with PAL's direct flight to Chongqing, another Chinese city close to Chengdu. and, i can still remember the funfare forumers here at SSC have had when PAL anounces more international flights to continental asia. but it's shortlive.

i already enjoyed sufficient space of Fiesta class, and attention...and it would be too much if i would ask for an upgrade..ehehehhe...

better ad campaign, and support from DOT could have save this route...but, too late.

those are nice pics...good job! man

The Iranian airline that's supposed to fly to the Philippines (CRK specifically, if I remember right) is Mahan Air. I wonder if they will use their A300 or 747 to fly there. At least Clark will have regular wide-body service now to the Middle East.

OT: Spirit of Manila's timetable (at the time that I saw it, which was around a few weeks ago) indicates that they will be using the 737 to fly to Dubai, Kuwait City and Manama. 'Di ba mahaba-haba 'yun (6+ hours)?


Maybe Mahan will just extend one of their Bangkok flights to Manila.
Finnair is going daily to Hong Kong now and i assume that they will also start with an extension to Manila next year.

^^ Or maybe Mahan Air will extend the flight from Singapore.

^^ oops, you are right. :P


RP - Kuwait talks come to an end without any results..

RP rejected Kuwait’s request to service Kuwait-Manila on an unlimited basis. Kuwait insisted on an open-skies arrangement

why?

because Kuwait wanted open skies, which we could not grant. Manila is already saturated and the terminals need improvement. Philippines is willing to adjust the number to seven to service daily flights between the two countries. “But they still want unlimited flights and we can’t give that to them. We are open to open skies in Clark but not in Manila,” added the official

Source (http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1145:differing-views-on-unlimited-flights-snag-rp-kuwait-air-talks-&catid=33:economy):

Just a little question lang, if Lucio Tan wasn't the owner of PAL, who would you rather have PAL as owners? Ayala, Sy, Ty or any other tycoons?

For me siguro Ayala because of how well they manage their business, not only profits wise but corporate governance as well. From what I have read Ayala companies really rank high in their respective fields and also in corporate governance, innovation and most admired companies....

Delta finally bought Northwest. it sucks i hate Delta's service. :ohno:

http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2008/10/27/daily53.html?jst=b_ln_hl

Me too. I love the NWA silver livery. :(

I'll miss WorldPerks. If Delta screws up the frequent flyer program (like make all my WorldPerks and future SkyMiles miles expire), I'm moving to another airline.

Just a little question lang, if Lucio Tan wasn't the owner of PAL, who would you rather have PAL as owners? Ayala, Sy, Ty or any other tycoons?

For me siguro Ayala because of how well they manage their business, not only profits wise but corporate governance as well. From what I have read Ayala companies really rank high in their respective fields and also in corporate governance, innovation and most admired companies....

If they have the money....I prefer the Government/Department of Transportation takeover PR's management. My opinion.

Delta finally bought Northwest. it sucks i hate Delta's service. :ohno:

http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2008/10/27/daily53.html?jst=b_ln_hl
Me too. I love the NWA silver livery. :(
I'll miss WorldPerks. If Delta screws up the frequent flyer program (like make all my WorldPerks and future SkyMiles miles expire), I'm moving to another airline.

I, on the other hand, love Delta! :okay:

I do not like NWA services. Of the 5 luggages I checked-in and paid the 3 exist luggages at JFK, upon arrival in Manila, I got only 1 at the baggage claim. I was not even compensated for the delays in picking up my luggages. On my return to JFK the following week, I checked-in 1 luggage at MIA and recieved none at JFK. I recieved my luggage 2 days later and home delivered damage.

I took Delta from DFW to La Guardia good service.

Thursday, October 30, 2008
PAL: ‘Numbers are back’

PHILIPPINE Airlines (PAL) is seeing an improvement in its business after the threat of global financial turmoil, brought by the US sub-prime mortgage crisis, weakened investor sentiment and pushed oil prices down.

“What’s happening now in the industry is passenger numbers are going back to normal (after fuel prices went back down),” said Jaime Bautista, president of the flag carrier, on the sidelines of the launching of the Mabuhay Miles Platinum Mastercard last week at Casino Español.

He said he was referring to passengers on “local, regional and international” routes.

“Our load factor is getting better. It is now around 75 percent,” he told Sun.Star Cebu.

Last July, strong demand for gasoline and diesel, combined with concerns about refiners’ ability to keep up and tensions over Iranian missile tests, conspired to push crude oil prices on the New York Mercantile Exchange (Nymex) to a record high of $147.27 a barrel.

Deflated

But the financial crisis that wiped out investment bank Lehman Brothers and insurance giant American International Group and forced the world’s central banks to slash interest rates earlier this month has since deflated both investor and consumer sentiment.

Crude oil prices at the Nymex are now trading below $70 a barrel on recession fears.

The drop in oil prices prompted PAL to cut fuel surcharges last week.

Despite the global recession fears, however, Bautista said there are no plans of canceling any routes. In fact, PAL is still targeting an increase in passenger numbers this year.

“Last year, we carried a little over seven million passengers,” he told Sun.Star Cebu. “The target this year is eight million passengers, of which 30 percent are domestic and 70 percent are international.”

Asked to comment on arch rival Cebu Pacific’s claims that it is now dominating the domestic passenger market, Bautista said, “Now we’re doing 50-50,” meaning PAL and Cebu Pacific each have 50 percent of the market in the domestic routes.

Bautista said PAL intends to weather the financial crisis by offering better prices and better service.

“Our on-time performance is getting better. It’s now at 95 percent,” he said.

PAL’s net profit plunged 76 percent to $30.6 million in its fiscal year ending March 31, 2008 after oil prices soared. (CTL)

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/10/30/bus/pal.numbers.are.back..html

PAL flight lands safely in Bacolod with woozy pilot (http://abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/10/30/08/pal-flight-lands-safely-bacolod-woozy-pilot)

The flight back home of 79 passengers, including a local government official, could have gone wrong after a Philippine Air Lines pilot felt sick while flying an airbus bound for Bacolod City, on Wednesday.

Good thing Capt. Alex Carvajal was still alert enough to hand over the plane to his co-pilot, First Officer Donato Cabigo Jr. just in time to safely land the PAL flight 135 from Manila.

The plane was 37 miles away from the Bacolod-Silay Airport when Carvajal felt nauseous.

After being directed by Carvajal to takeover the plane, Cabigo immediately called airport authorities and asked for an ambulance.

PAL-Bacolod manager Job Lamela said Carvajal did not suffer from a mild stroke. He said no one was injured after Cabigo landed the airbus safely at 5:37 p.m.

Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia said he and other passengers did not notice anything amiss except for a slight turbulence while Carvajal was feeling sick and flying the airbus.

Leonardina said he disocvered what happened to Carvajal only after the plane had landed. -- Barbara Mijares, ABS-CBN Bacolod

Maybe your bags were lost not just because of NW but the sheer madness at JFK itself? Maybe you may want to avoid transiting via JFK again?

After trying JFK myself twice, I thought never again... EWR next tme, or just avoid NYC airports altogether (which I did subsequently)

Speaking of NW (Northworst) and DL (DeLayed)- I tried both on domestic US flights and I thought they were the worst - really old planes with crumbling upholstery, long lines, terrible customer service, clueless check-in and gate agents. As for NW's MSP and DTW hubs and ATL for DL - their redeeming value may be just for shopping and food, ha ha!

And since they are merging to be the largest airline in the world, talk about marriage of losers.. The merged airline will be called Delta, so we will soon see DL's livery at MNL

BTW, NW's partner KLM left my bags as AMS and I had to drive back to NAIA the following day to pick it up - No apologies or compensation, just a statement that I needed pop back the following day and pick the bags up. This happened a couple of months before I met my wife who works for a travel agency here and according to her, KLM does get the most complaints for lost lost / delayed bags from Pinoys travelling from the UK back to the country. Anecdotal accounts also point out to the airline's apparent racism in kicking passengers out on overbooked flights - palagi daw Pinoy ang nawawalan ng upuan. I tell her it's probably not true because of the passenger profile - mas marami Pinoy so the possibility of choosing a kababayan is higher. However, she tells me if they start offering KLM promos, a lot of Pinoys would balk and start to recount their ordeal with this airline.

I do not like NWA services. Of the 5 luggages I checked-in and paid the 3 exist luggages at JFK, upon arrival in Manila, I got only 1 at the baggage claim. I was not even compensated for the delays in picking up my luggages. On my return to JFK the following week, I checked-in 1 luggage at MIA and recieved none at JFK. I recieved my luggage 2 days later and home delivered damage.

I took Delta from DFW to La Guardia good service.

Uh-oh! I spent my entire birthday on three airports (SFO, ATL and PHL) because of DL's delays - I will never forget that...!



I, on the other hand, love Delta! :okay:

^^ You probably just had a series of bad luck. I've flown with DL on most of my trips and have found their services and amenities to be just fine. No major complaints here.

So if DL is taking over NW, then there is a possibility that we'll be seeing a DL livery here?