Hurry!! Limited seats only!!!

Available at www.philippineairlines.com or call PAL Reservations at (02) 855-8888 or visit PAL ticket office.

Selling and Ticketing Period: 18 to 25 January 2010 only.
Travel Period: 01 February to 15 March 2010 (For outbound travel)

MANILA TO FARE BASIS ROUND TRIP
ALL-IN FARE
(USD)
TAIPEI WELUVPAL 128
HONGKONG 128
MACAU 128
BANGKOK 158
SAIGON 158
SINGAPORE 178
JAKARTA 178
OSAKA 258
SHANGHAI 258
BEIJING 328
TOKYO X777TYO 518
LOS ANGELES ULUVPAL 798
SAN FRANCISCO

Fares listed above are INCLUSIVE of surcharges but EXCLUSIVE of Philippine Travel Tax, other airport fees and charges.

For US travel, fare does not also include USD56.70 U.S. Government Taxes and Fees including the September 11th Security Fee.

Travel Conditions for Fare Basis WELUVPAL

•Minimum of two (2) days and maximum of eight (8) days stay
•Confirmed reservations are required for bothways
•Rebooking permitted at USD 50 per transaction
•Fares and surcharges are non-refundable
•Original non-refundable amount remains non-refundable in case of upgrading
•Reissuance fee at a charge of USD 25
•No Show Fee at a charge of USD75 or 1/2 of the round trip fare whichever is lower
•No children/infant discounts
•Free Baggage Allowance is 15 kilograms per passenger
•25% Mileage accrual applies
•Service Class upgrade award do not apply on this fare

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Travel Conditions for Fare Basis X777TYO
•No minimum stay requirement and maximum of thirty days (30) stay
•Confirmed reservations are required for bothways
•Cancellations
Before departure - Refund service fee of USD 100 applies
After departure - Ticket is non-refundable
•Changes
Rebooking permitted at USD 50 per transaction
Reissuance fee at a charge of USD 25
No Show Fee at a charge of USD75 or 1/2 of the round trip fare whichever is lower
•Children/Infant discounts
Accompanied Child 2-11 years old -75% of the fare
Unaccompanied Child 8-11 years old - 100% of the fare
Infant under 2 with a seat - 75% of the fare
Infant Under 2 without a seat - 10% of the fare

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Travel Conditions for Fare Basis ULUVPAL
•Minimum of three (3) days and maximum of three (3) months stay
•Confirmed reservations are required for both inbound and outbound sectors
•Fares and surcharges are non-refundable
•Original non-refundable amount remains non-refundable in case of upgrading
•Changes
Rebooking permitted at USD 150 per transaction
Reissuance fee at a charge of USD 25
No Show Fee at a charge of USD75
•Rerouting not permitted
•Children/Infant discounts
Accompanied Child 2-11 years old -80% of the fare
Unaccompanied Child 8-11 years old - 100% of the fare
Infant under 2 with a seat - 80% of the fare
Infant Under 2 without a seat - 25% of the fare
•25% Mileage accrual
•Service Class upgrade award do not apply on this fare

http://www.philippineairlines.com/special_offers/valentine_special/valentine.jsp

The news is already circulating around the Eastern province of KSA...

"The Beauty of the Philippine SHINING THROUGH!!!!"

Its shinning again in the middle east!


It is great news that PR can gradually restore service to cities further "westbound" of MNL. The ME carriers not only knocked out PR from the ME, but they also knocked PR and other European carriers out of the RP-EU market.

And yes I believe that SV has PTVs on its 747s.
Is it AVOD? Of course PAL will have more advance feature since it is a new technology...

Here's the link - http://www.airliners.net/photo/Saudi-Arabian-Airlines/Boeing-747-468/0109867/M/

i talked with somebody form a VP of PAL. That person told me this:

1. almost all a320/319 will be transferred to air phil. only 3 to 5 of these planes will be retained by pal.

2. almost all domestic routes that is served by pal will be transferred to air phil. only the mnl-ceb, mnl-dvo, ceb-dvo , mnl-ilo, and mnl-bcd will be retained using the retained a320/a319.

...

They have been floating this idea since the previous CEO (who is now with SEAir, I think).

...

4. only 2 777 will be used by pal. the other 4 will still be accepted by pal but will be leased to other airlines.

...

Weird. If they do, what will happen of their expansion plans once Cat II is lifted? Certainly it should have been lifted by the 2012 delivery date and the economy has gotten better by then. The 744s are leaving by 2015 and the A340s supposedly are not that efficient anymore.

Overall, I think it is worthwhile for 2P to chase after 5J's market, but not at the expense of the flag carrier. If all of these were true, then I know why Garuda deserves all its stars on its rating. It has a vision and is working towards it. The people running PAL has no vision at all.

Also, I think a LOT of Mabuhay Milers will be turned off with their decision to turn over routes to their LCC, 2P. AirPhils flights don't earn miles and are not open to redemption.

^^ I'd find it worthwhile if PR were to turn over all RP-C32xx series A320s to 2P while keeping all RP-C86xx series A320s. In addition, it still has five A320 options which it can exercise.

At any rate, I find these plans ambitious. But there is far more to profitability than chasing Cebu Pacific. By now, PAL should realize that they are chasing an entirely different market. Leave 2P/PAL Express be, and let them flourish on their own.

There's only one way to describe this: BIWISIT.

i talked with somebody form a VP of PAL. That person told me this:

1. almost all a320/319 will be transferred to air phil. only 3 to 5 of these planes will be retained by pal.

2. almost all domestic routes that is served by pal will be transferred to air phil. only the mnl-ceb, mnl-dvo, ceb-dvo , mnl-ilo, and mnl-bcd will be retained using the retained a320/a319.

3. there is a looming strike being organized by the affected pilots of the a320/319 with regards to that decision to transfer.

4. only 2 777 will be used by pal. the other 4 will still be accepted by pal but will be leased to other airlines.

5. all pal ground personnel will be outsourced. the only employees that pal will have are the pilots, fa's, and the management team.

6. pal(including air phil) will operate 3 hubs. mnl, ceb, and dvo.

meron pa daw iba. but we did not speak for long because they had a meeting with LT. i hope that these are all rumors(with regards to the strike and transfer).

but i guess the transfer is being thought about so that air phil can directly compete with cebu pacific.

Oh no! Is this true? So talagang bubuhayin pa ni LT ang "abong" Air Philippines na nkasabit nlng sa kalingkingan ng PALEx... Grabe.

Kung gusto nya buhayin ang 2P, bigyan nlang nila ng 3-5 airbuses ang 2P like wat he did to PALEx by gibing Q4s. Tska medio mahina na marketing ng 2P... bkit hindi nlng i-retain ung PALEx brand sa mga A320s to give 5J a stiff competition pra ung PALEx na ang maging fully pledge na LCC ng PAL...

No. 5 seems vague pa... mgrarally mlamang ang buong T2 pgnatuloy yang outsourcing, kwawa mga employees matagal ng npapabalita yan pti catering at cargo outsource narin... hinaharang lang ng PALEA.

Looks like we're in for some rough skies ahead with PR/PRX/2P soon.

it pretty looks like rough skies indeed..if this pushes through..:ohno:

They have been floating this idea since the previous CEO (who is now with SEAir, I think).


Weird. If they do, what will happen of their expansion plans once Cat II is lifted? Certainly it should have been lifted by the 2012 delivery date and the economy has gotten better by then. The 744s are leaving by 2015 and the A340s supposedly are not that efficient anymore.

Overall, I think it is worthwhile for 2P to chase after 5J's market, but not at the expense of the flag carrier. If all of these were true, then I know why Garuda deserves all its stars on its rating. It has a vision and is working towards it. The people running PAL has no vision at all.

Also, I think a LOT of Mabuhay Milers will be turned off with their decision to turn over routes to their LCC, 2P. AirPhils flights don't earn miles and are not open to redemption.

i agree with you....

^^ I'd find it worthwhile if PR were to turn over all RP-C32xx series A320s to 2P while keeping all RP-C86xx series A320s. In addition, it still has five A320 options which it can exercise.

At any rate, I find these plans ambitious. But there is far more to profitability than chasing Cebu Pacific. By now, PAL should realize that they are chasing an entirely different market. Leave 2P/PAL Express be, and let them flourish on their own.

There's only one way to describe this: BIWISIT.



Oh no! Is this true? So talagang bubuhayin pa ni LT ang "abong" Air Philippines na nkasabit nlng sa kalingkingan ng PALEx... Grabe.


that vp said that ibang iba daw talaga ang pamamalakad sa pal ngayon. nawawalan na daw sila ng gana. tsk tsk tsk....:ohno:

While browsing my old files recently. I found this image I edited 1-2 years ago.

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

Nice one! Kaya lang, kulang ng rendering for the Integrated Port. Panalo talaga sana yan plan na yan.

If we had a President from Cavite or from Paranaque or Las Pinas, this is one project that would have been given attention.

i have to disagree......with the traffic in that area....with no rail lines....clark is still the best...it is where the growth in our economy is concentrated right now and it has lots of spaces to spare.....

@kalbongdad, actually based on the lessons learned from constructing "off-shore" or shoreline airports, the advantage of locating your gateway in such location is the area for expansion. Take Hong Kong, Osaka, Aukland, and Changi as prime examples of this.

Obviously, it would be stupid to move the airport to Sangley if there are no connections such as road and rail. Those components should be included in the masterplan for the transfer, unless our goverment wants a white elephant in Cavite. Constructing a rail and road bridge from Kabihasnan to Sangley is not impossible.

Major Brazilian jetmaker appoints Philippine agent
January 17, 2010, 12:25pm
http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/uu101/blueleo101/Embraerjets.jpg
Embraer’s Phenon 100 executive jet

Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A.’s (Embraer) has announced the appointment of Raco Trading Phils., Inc. as the exclusive Philippine agent for its line of executive jets covering the Lineage 1000, Legacy 650, Legacy 600, Legacy 500, Legacy 450, Phenom 300 and Phenom 100 aircraft.

Established in Brazil in 1969 as a direct outcome of the government’s strategic aircraft manufacturing project, Embraer was eventually privatized in 1994. Today, the company is a publicly traded company manufacturing aircraft catering to the corporate, commercial and defense aviation industry.

Embraer employs over 17,000 employees with manufacturing and service centers in Brazil, France, USA, Singapore and China. In 2008, the company generated sales of over US$6.3 billion delivering 204 aircraft to satisfied clients around the world.

The aircraft is capable of flying at 41,000 feet, attained by a direct climb, even when fully loaded. In addition, the Phenom 100 is designed to perform short-field takeoffs or landings and to fly at a maximum cruise speed of Mach 0.70, or 390 knots. It can fly nonstop from New York to Miami, in the US; from London to Rome, in Europe; from Brisbane to Melbourne, in Australia; from from Cebu to Taipei or Hong Kong, or from Manila to Shanghai or Hanoi in Asia. With a 2010 delivered price of US$3,830,000.00, the Phenom 100 is one of the most cost effective planes in the market today.

Good news for the PHil. aviation industry! Mganda kung yan ang mga planes na ilalagay for 2P's resurrection... hindi b cost-effective yung jets nila na E190? Mgandang variation yan sa A320's domination sa ating Philippine Skies...


^^ I'd find it worthwhile if PR were to turn over all RP-C32xx series A320s to 2P while keeping all RP-C86xx series A320s. In addition, it still has five A320 options which it can exercise.

At any rate, I find these plans ambitious. But there is far more to profitability than chasing Cebu Pacific. By now, PAL should realize that they are chasing an entirely different market. Leave 2P/PAL Express be, and let them flourish on their own.

There's only one way to describe this: BIWISIT.
I agree! Why they don't just put the PALEx brand at itapon na ang 2P mahina naman talaga sya. Ang PALEx nalng ang gawing full-pledge LCC with jets and turboprops... Hina-hina naman na ng 2P tpos lhat ng domestic bibigay sa kanila pra lng for profitability...

^^ reclamation is expensive... DMIA already has 2 long runways and a room for expansion...



During the height of the PEA Amari scame, the PCIJ reported that the cost of reclamation per square meter is PhP 2,000 to 5,000. In today's money, that might be PhP 10k.

I think we need to consider only the hydrography of Manila Bay, which doesn't go deeper than 50m at its deepest portion. Yet we are just talking about the vicinity of Sangley, so I don't think it would go deeper than 20m.

Now, @ 10k/sqm for reclamation, versus buying or appropriating land in and around DMIA for railway and expansion of existing runways and taxiways, then factor in the cost of the highway and high-speed rail link, I think we can have a good picture which project will be more logical to pursue.

We can also consider the selling of the prime land of NAIA to buy or fund the project for expansion of DMIA, or the new NAIA in Sangley.

Boeing 748 :)

http://nycaviation.com/newspage/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/747-8-paint-1024.jpg

Its shinning again in the middle east!



Is it AVOD? Of course PAL will have more advance feature since it is a new technology...[/url]

Unless they deploy RP-C8168 to that route. That I believe has no PTVs in Y, let alone AVOD.

Someone told me there was a plane crash in Manila today, can anyone confirm if this is true or not?
Not a plane fan, just a Pinay friend who said it was on the news.

Brad

4. only 2 777 will be used by pal. the other 4 will still be accepted by pal but will be leased to other airlines.



You mean only the 77Ws that will be leased from GECAS? I have a feeling that this #4 will be contingent on the how fast we can leave Cat2. It could be a reality if we flunk the next FAA test.

Those A319s/A320s will be disturbed if that happens. They have a nice C product. I took 1 of them and they were all full.

that vp said that ibang iba daw talaga ang pamamalakad sa pal ngayon. nawawalan na daw sila ng gana. tsk tsk tsk....:ohno:

Nawawalan ng gana? Hmm...that is a rather unprofessional. I think anyone ought to find another thing to do if he is not happy with what he is doing.:ohno:

^^

They should just resign if that's how they feel! If I'm not mistaken, these statements are just a tad short of saying, "let's break-up PAL."

Nawawalan ng gana? Hmm...that is a rather unprofessional. I think anyone ought to find another thing to do if he is not happy with what he is doing.:ohno:

i am not talking about only that vp per se. he was talking about most of the pal organization.

Boeing 748 :)

http://nycaviation.com/newspage/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/747-8-paint-1024.jpg

Is this really the 747-800? It looks 747*200 to me because it's the same 742 Airforce one is made. I mean one of the presidetial jumbo yets. Although that number 8 on it's tail end in this pic can throw you off. It does not look like one of those 747-800 showed in previous rendering off Boeing websites, besides, I don't think there is any 748 completely assembled yet that will be used for test flight...

^^this one's the freighter version of the 748, which has the non-extended upper deck

hum, odd. 742 are mostly being used for cargoes anymore. I still dont think 748 is not in operation yet so that means even ones for cargo is still being worked on. Who knows??

i talked with a VP of PAL. That person told me this:

1. almost all a320/319 will be transferred to air phil. only 3 to 5 of these planes will be retained by pal.

2. almost all domestic routes that is served by pal will be transferred to air phil. only the mnl-ceb, mnl-dvo, ceb-dvo , mnl-ilo, and mnl-bcd will be retained using the retained a320/a319.

parang Malaysian Airlines, wala na silang domestic. pinatay kasi na ng AirAsia.. pinalit nila low cost subsidiary Firefly and MASwings :lol:

parang Malaysian Airlines, wala na silang domestic. pinatay kasi na ng AirAsia.. pinalit nila low cost subsidiary Firefly and MASwings :lol:

Diba meron pa rin domestic ang malaysia airlines?

parang Malaysian Airlines, wala na silang domestic. pinatay kasi na ng AirAsia.. pinalit nila low cost subsidiary Firefly and MASwings :lol:

Firefly flies commuter routes from the old KUL in Subang, while MASwings is Malaysia Airlines' rural air service in eastern Malaysia. Mainline MH still has domestic operations. They were however severely rationalized as a result of cost-cutting measures implemented during Idris Jala's tenure. At the same time, MH could not compete with AK.

It would be a good move if 5j divert this flight to another Mindanao city close to CDO like Dipolog or Butuan.

Butuan and Dipologs are not alternate airports... Davao/ Cebu and Clark are the only alternate airports.

Asia Pacific airlines up for fleet expansion (http://www.malaya.com.ph/01182010/bank2.html)

Asia Pacific airlines are expected to grow their fleet capacity this year as they receive support from the government in order to preserve jobs and maintain air services.

According to Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA), fastest growth will be seen on China Southern, Air China and All Nippon Airways (ANA).

It said for this year, airlines will add around 468 new aircraft to their fleet, making it a peak year for deliveries to the region.

There were 429 deliveries last year and a similar number booked for 2011. It added the region’s airlines added 407 aircraft in the boom economic times in 2007 and 2008.

Expansion on the part of flag carrier Philippine Airlines means resumption of a long-awaited service to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, starting March 28, 2010.

Boeing 747-400 aircraft, which sits 50 passengers in Mabuhay Class (business) and 383 in Fiesta Class (economy), will be deployed on the service.

PAL will launch a non-stop service four times weekly to heed the clamor of the large Filipino community in the Middle East, after an absence of four years.

Its flight PR 658 will depart Manila every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 6:20 p.m. and arrive in the Saudi capital at 11 p.m. (Riyadh time). The return service, PR 659, departs Riyadh at 12:30 a.m. every Wednesday, Friday, Sunday and Monday, and arrives back in Manila at 3 p.m. (Manila time) Filipino expatriates in the region number about 2 million, one of the largest foreign communities working there.

From March 28, with the addition of Riyadh, the PAL network will count 25 international destinations as well as 29 points in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, embattled Asia Pacific airlines will receive multi-billion dollar bailouts under the guise of restructuring programs this year.

Japan Airlines, China Eastern Airlines and Air India are requiring the biggest surgery. Garuda Indonesia, Thai Airways and Malaysia Airlines form a second tier of carriers needing government assistance to help them resolve past and recent struggles.

In all, these six airlines are set to receive well over $10 billion in bailouts in the first three months of 2010, according to CAPA.

^^ Wow. And PAL isn't even receiving a single cent.

after xzibit31's post, I think maski frequent flyer ng PAL mawawalan na gana if ganyan mangyayari. Personally mawawalan din ako ng gana flying with PAL. SAna isa sa option ng PAL ay makipag deal nalang sa CX or let CX have a stake at PAL.

hum, odd. 742 are mostly being used for cargoes anymore. I still dont think 748 is not in operation yet so that means even ones for cargo is still being worked on. Who knows??

look at the engines those are the same engines in the 787 dreamliner, it must be the 748

after xzibit31's post, I think maski frequent flyer ng PAL mawawalan na gana if ganyan mangyayari. Personally mawawalan din ako ng gana flying with PAL. SAna isa sa option ng PAL ay makipag deal nalang sa CX or let CX have a stake at PAL.

CX's hands are a bit tied. A large number of shares are owned by Air China, whose main interest is the China market. You could see their hand in the transformation of CX from a multinational company to a mainly Chinese company. The CX that tried to buy PAL before was a "different" CX from the one flying now. I think PAL has to play a significant role in the China market before it becomes palatable to CA/CX.

CX's hands are a bit tied. A large number of shares are owned by Air China, whose main interest is the China market. You could see their hand in the transformation of CX from a multinational company to a mainly Chinese company. The CX that tried to buy PAL before was a "different" CX from the one flying now. I think PAL has to play a significant role in the China market before it becomes palatable to CA/CX.

Yeah, I read somewhere that CA has already 29% share on CX, dunno if they are the biggest shareholder of CX

^^

I think that was what PR has tried to do. It appears that it is PR's 3rd largest market next to I think North America and Japan. But it has a long way to go.

i talked with a VP of PAL. That person told me this:

1. almost all a320/319 will be transferred to air phil. only 3 to 5 of these planes will be retained by pal.

2. almost all domestic routes that is served by pal will be transferred to air phil. only the mnl-ceb, mnl-dvo, ceb-dvo , mnl-ilo, and mnl-bcd will be retained using the retained a320/a319.

3. there is a looming strike being organized by the affected pilots of the a320/319 with regards to that decision to transfer.

4. only 2 777 will be used by pal. the other 4 will still be accepted by pal but will be leased to other airlines.

5. all pal ground personnel will be outsourced. the only employees that pal will have are the pilots, fa's, and the management team.

6. pal(including air phil) will operate 3 hubs. mnl, ceb, and dvo.

meron pa daw iba. but we did not speak for long because they had a meeting with LT. i hope that these are all rumors(with regards to the strike and transfer).

but i guess the transfer is being thought about so that air phil can directly compete with cebu pacific.

:ohno: this is not a good rumor/news for tourists....

^^

And considering that airlines in the Philippines have done well compared with peers in other countries amidst the global crisis. Please hope those remain rumours.

look at the engines those are the same engines in the 787 dreamliner, it must be the 748

yup, that's the one... freighter yan kaya ganyan ang itsura, cargolux ang launch customer...:)

http://www.boeing.com/randy/images/stretched_747-8_ip.jpg
boeing (http://www.boeing.com/randy/archives/2006/10/added_revenue.html)

Airport security personnel to undergo retraining
By ANJO PEREZ
January 18, 2010, 5:20pm

More than 1,100 personnel from the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) will undergo retraining on security procedures and value formation following the recent security breach at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport where a pilot-poseur was able to gain entry to highly restricted areas of the airport.

As a result of the security breach, three security officers as well as two supervisors were relieved from their posts.

In an effort to prevent security breaches from happening, MIAA Assistant General Manager for Emergency and Security Services Angel Atutubo disclosed Monday that the entire security force will have to undergo retraining.

Included in the retraining program are 700 security officers from the Philippine Aviation Security Services Corporation and 400 men and women from the Airport Police Department.

“We will update them on the current security procedures that concern the entry and exit of everyone at the NAIA,” Atutubo said.

“Aside from keeping them up to date with the security measures, we will also train them on values formation, human aptitude profiling and security threat identification,” Atutubo added.

MIAA AGM for Airport Development and Corporate Affairs Tirso Serrano for his part said that the retraining of the security forces is needed “to keep them attuned to new security risks.”

“Security threats are constantly changing so we always have to think 10 times ahead of terrorists and anticipate their moves,” Serrano said.

“We have to constantly retool our security forces to keep them atune to the times,” the airport official added.

^^ That article has already been posted. :lol:

^^ But it was not already been posted here in the thread before Blueleo's. :lol::lol: btw,that article is from Manila Bulletin.

^^

I think that was what PR has tried to do. It appears that it is PR's 3rd largest market next to I think North America and Japan. But it has a long way to go.

do you mean by opening Chengdu and Chongqing triangular route before the earthquake struck Sichuan province?

I have to agree that it still has a long way to go, PEK service is served only 4 or 5 times a week. Maybe a boost in advertisement on PR in China and tour package/promo offered by PR or partner travel agencies to China.

^^ Question:
If there is a strike in the airline, what will happen to the tickets and the passengers?

Parang natakot naman ako na may "impending strike" ang PAL kasi I'll be riding with them this weekend.

flown w/'em TO Pnas 3x, hoping my mileage wont disappear

***********

Japan Airlines files for bankruptcy protection
Japan Airlines planes
JAL is now valued at less than the price of a new jumbo jet

Japan Airlines (JAL), Asia's biggest air carrier, has filed for bankruptcy protection, in one of the country's biggest corporate failures.

Some 15,600 jobs are expected to be cut. All board members have also voted to resign, according to Japanese media.

A state-backed turnaround organisation has said it plans to inject about 300bn yen ($3.3bn; £2bn) into JAL.

Japan's government says flights will continue as normal as the airline begins restructuring.

Its reorganisation will take place under the supervision of the state-backed Enterprise Turnaround Initiative Corporation (ETIC).

As well as reducing its headcount, JAL will have to replace some of the older, less fuel-efficient planes in its fleet and reduce the number of routes it flies.


....http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8466997.stm

Cebu Pacific gets CAB go-signal to fly to Beijing


Written by Lenie Lectura / Reporter Business Mirror (http://businessmirror.com.ph/home/companies/21089-cebu-pacific-gets-cab-go-signal-to-fly-to-beijing.html)
TUESDAY, 19 JANUARY 2010 19:36


CEBU Air Inc., which operates carrier Cebu Pacific, has hurdled the first half of the accreditation process to realize its plan to mount flights to Beijing.

Civil Aviation Board (CAB) executive director Carmelo Arcilla said the agency approved the airline’s request during the agency’s recent en banc meeting. “We already approved it but their application needs to be approved by the aviation officials in Beijing because it is a two-way process,” he said in an interview yesterday.

Cebu Pacific is Asia’s third-largest low-cost carrier. The CAB official said the Gokongwei-owned airline wants to service the route three times weekly.

The airline, in its application, will utilize the Airbus A320 units to service the new route in China.

Cebu Pacific already flies to 14 other international destinations, namely: Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, Incheon, Busan, Osaka, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh, Jakarta and Bangkok.

The low-cost carrier claims to have the country’s youngest aircraft fleet, composed of 21 Airbus A320 and 8 ATR72-500 aircraft.

The airline’s vice president for marketing and distribution Candice Iyog said in a separate interview that Cebu Pacific has yet to be informed by the CAB of its decision and that no date has been set as to when the airline will start flights to Beijing.

“At the moment, [Beijing] is still part of our route network study since we haven’t got any confirmation yet,” she said.

It usually takes at least three months from the time of the approval of the application from both countries before Cebu Pacific can start mounting flights to new destinations.

“There’s a lot to work on. It’s still a long wait away. We have to look into the setup of distribution channels, availability of aircraft and the needed time to sell the new route. First and foremost we need to obtain the rights which we did by filing an application and from there we will work on the final details upon approval,” said Iyog.

The airline has pending applications to service new destinations such as Brunei and Australia and new routes in Japan.

Cebu Pacific swung to profitability in the third quarter of last year, posting a net income of P1.78 billion against a net loss of P1.87 billion in the same period in 2008.

Revenues hit P16.22 billion during the first nine months last year, a 16.1- percent growth over last year’s P13.98 billion brought about by additional routes, increase in flight frequencies and capacity increase due to additional three Airbus A320 and five ATR72-500 acquired in recent months.

The peso appreciation in September 2009 brought about a foreign exchange gain of P25.65 million in 2009 compared to a foreign exchange loss of P1.57 billion recorded for the same period last year. Fuel hedging for the nine months in 2009 also recognized a gain amounting to P534.12 million from a loss of P485.08 million for the same period last year. All these factors contributed to the turnaround of the airline’s bottomline.

At end-September last year, Cebu Pacific carried 5.35 million passengers or a 38.2-percent increase compared in the same period last year.

flown w/'em TO Pnas 3x, hoping my mileage wont disappear

***********

Japan Airlines files for bankruptcy protection
Japan Airlines planes
JAL is now valued at less than the price of a new jumbo jet

Japan Airlines (JAL), Asia's biggest air carrier, has filed for bankruptcy protection, in one of the country's biggest corporate failures.

Some 15,600 jobs are expected to be cut. All board members have also voted to resign, according to Japanese media.

A state-backed turnaround organisation has said it plans to inject about 300bn yen ($3.3bn; £2bn) into JAL.

Japan's government says flights will continue as normal as the airline begins restructuring.

Its reorganisation will take place under the supervision of the state-backed Enterprise Turnaround Initiative Corporation (ETIC).

As well as reducing its headcount, JAL will have to replace some of the older, less fuel-efficient planes in its fleet and reduce the number of routes it flJies.


....http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8466997.stm

A report says they won't cut your mileage. It should be business as usual for most routes for the time being. However, I just saw a CNN report that had showed a JL domestic flight with most seats empty. In fact, a significant number of domestic flights had a load of less than 60%. What we would expect is smaller aircraft to be deployed to both domestic and international destinations. Also, most domestic routes with a low load factor are likely to go in the coming months.

To see what airlines like JL is going through, I would like to invite you to play AirwaySim at airwaysim.com. Just let me know if you are joining.

about JAL bankruptcy, this isn't good. lots of pinoys and other asians in the US, say like NY and NJ rely on JL to get to the RP. and pinoys in europe do take JAL also, like LHR-NRT-MNL. i accumulated many mileage from them on the LAX-NRT-MNL route. i hope they don't axe the MNL-NRT route, they have had a long presence in the RP. sana another carrier will rescue them and they recover. i've really preferred them out of all the other carriers that service the RP if can't get a PAL ticket, lalo na kung mahal ang pamasahe ng PAL kung minsan.

^^ Speaking of JAL, I saw this on A.Net, coming from the JAL website:

http://www.jal.co.jp/en/other/img/pic2010_0119.gif

Looks like everything should go well. Unless JAL pulls off a PAL and doesn't.

^^ JAL is in bad shape talaga... :ohno:

What's the main reason of there bankruptcy..? Spoiled of being Government protected..?
Gusto din ata ng Delta at Skyteam na ipa pasok ang JAL sa kanila. Nag aagawan na sila kontra AA at Oneworld... :lol:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100119/ap_on_bi_ge/as_japan_japan_airlines
Delta and its SkyTeam partners have offered $1 billion, including $500 million in cash to lure JAL away from American's oneworld alliance. American Airlines and its partners say they would inject $1.4 billion cash into the Japanese airline.

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab335/kin_toy/IMG_2047.jpg

saw this in Phil Star today...Air Phil flying to Pagadian soon

^^ 2P announcing USU-PPS means that it is serious in competing against SEAIR. This should be interesting.

Question: If there is a strike in the airline, what will happen to the tickets and the passengers?

Parang natakot naman ako na may "impending strike" ang PAL kasi I'll be riding with them this weekend.

In a perfect world, their codeshare/alliance partners picks up the slack and books/rebooks you onto their own flights (some for an additional fee). Otherwise, you all out of luck, bud.

Hmm....this potential pickle you're gonna be in (should the unthinkable happen) reminds me of the time you got stranded in Iloilo, Bernie. ;)

In a perfect world, their codeshare/alliance partners picks up the slack and books/rebooks you onto their own flights (some for an additional fee). Otherwise, you all out of luck, bud.

Hmm....this potential pickle you're gonna be in (should the unthinkable happen) reminds me of the time you got stranded in Iloilo, Bernie. ;)
:lol:
Uhm, I don't have a job yet back then..but now I have a job to take care of. Hehehe!! :D

PAL plans to outsource 4,000 regular jobs
By EMMIE V. ABADILLA
January 19, 2010, 3:21pm

Philippine Airlines (PAL) has to outsource operations and lay off 4,000 regular jobs to cut costs or go bankrupt.

This has been a nagging concern of the PAL Employees Association (PALEA), according to President Edgardo C. Oredina in his letter to PALEA members last month (December, 22, 2009).

Without a new capital infusion, the flag carrier will go bankrupt, the union chief quoted PAL President Jaime J. Bautista as saying to the National Conciliation and Mediation of the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) board two months ago.

PAL Chairman Lucio Tan usually infuses capital into the flag carrier as a temporary relief to sustain its operations. But now, the airline plans to outsource some of its operations to avoid being in the red.

PALEA wrote to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo requesting her to intervene to prevent the layoff of thousands of workers, Oredina revealed. When Malacanang did not respond, the union sought the help of DOLE and asked whether it is possible for the government to take over PAL if the need arises.

However, the possibility of a state takeover of the flag carrier is “very remote,” DoLE Secretary Marianito Roque told PALEA. “The government has no capacity to operate an airline.” He assured them instead that DoLE will help on the issue of job preservation and that no worker will be displaced.

PALEA was also concerned that the gains of low fares no frills airlines like Cebu Pacific are the loss of legacy airlines and flag carriers like PAL.

^^ That didn't really state what jobs specifically will be outsourced.

Airbus marks delivery of 6,000th aircraft
January 19, 2010, 3:52pm

HAMBURG (dpa) – Airbus, the European jet plane company, delivered on Monday the 6,000th aircraft it has made to the airline Emirates.

Adel al-Redha, deputy chief executive of Emirates, picked up the giant A-380 plane in the German city of Hamburg. His Dubai-based company has ordered 58 of the big, two-level jets, the world's largest airliner.

Airbus said it was the 25th overall of the A-380 series to be completed and the eighth for Emirates.

Tom Enders, Airbus chief executive, said the planemaker aimed to ramp up output of the huge planes to 20 aircraft this year. The A-380 was dogged by delays, mainly in finding an efficient way to installcustomized electrical wiring in each aircraft.

Enders said Airbus would be laying off 1,000 workers with temporary contracts to help with A-380 production in Hamburg.

''They were hired for the period when we were in great difficulty and needed extra manpower,'' he said, saying their dismissal proved the A-380 program was running smoothly at last.

Including all its smaller jets, Airbus now currently manufactures about 500 aircraft annually.

:ohno: this is not a good rumor/news for tourists....
not a surprise,logical for PAL to change their business model (allowing 2p as true LCC against 5j) otherwise they couldn't keep up.Won't be right to outsource maintenance though.

about JAL bankruptcy, this isn't good. lots of pinoys and other asians in the US, say like NY and NJ rely on JL to get to the RP. and pinoys in europe do take JAL also, like LHR-NRT-MNL. i accumulated many mileage from them on the LAX-NRT-MNL route. i hope they don't axe the MNL-NRT route, they have had a long presence in the RP. sana another carrier will rescue them and they recover. i've really preferred them out of all the other carriers that service the RP if can't get a PAL ticket, lalo na kung mahal ang pamasahe ng PAL kung minsan.

chicago too:lol: theyre usually havethe cheapest airfare from this side. dont know why tho but it just is. cheaper than nw or whatever delta now, way cheaper than korean air . siguro ika-cut nila yung free stay and breakfast sa nikko hotel, nakauwi pako dun ng kimonong libre:lol:

^^ Question:
If there is a strike in the airline, what will happen to the tickets and the passengers?

Parang natakot naman ako na may "impending strike" ang PAL kasi I'll be riding with them this weekend.

had this happen when i was in paris, we ended up sleeping in their airport, literally sleeping at night in a chair in their freakin cold airport:ohno:

had this happen when i was in paris, we ended up sleeping in their airport, literally sleeping at night in a chair in their freakin cold airport:ohno:
De Gaulle or Orly?

5. all pal ground personnel will be outsourced. the only employees that pal will have are the pilots, fa's, and the management team.



PAL plans to outsource 4,000 regular jobs
By EMMIE V. ABADILLA
January 19, 2010, 3:21pm

Philippine Airlines (PAL) has to outsource operations and lay off 4,000 regular jobs to cut costs or go bankrupt.

This has been a nagging concern of the PAL Employees Association (PALEA), according to President Edgardo C. Oredina in his letter to PALEA members last month (December, 22, 2009).

Without a new capital infusion, the flag carrier will go bankrupt, the union chief quoted PAL President Jaime J. Bautista as saying to the National Conciliation and Mediation of the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) board two months ago.

PAL Chairman Lucio Tan usually infuses capital into the flag carrier as a temporary relief to sustain its operations. But now, the airline plans to outsource some of its operations to avoid being in the red.

PALEA wrote to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo requesting her to intervene to prevent the layoff of thousands of workers, Oredina revealed. When Malacanang did not respond, the union sought the help of DOLE and asked whether it is possible for the government to take over PAL if the need arises.

However, the possibility of a state takeover of the flag carrier is “very remote,” DoLE Secretary Marianito Roque told PALEA. “The government has no capacity to operate an airline.” He assured them instead that DoLE will help on the issue of job preservation and that no worker will be displaced.

PALEA was also concerned that the gains of low fares no frills airlines like Cebu Pacific are the loss of legacy airlines and flag carriers like PAL.


^^
o ayan na. nagsisimula na maging totoo yung sinabi ng vp sa akin. any time now impliment na ito.

^^ I understand that PAL needs to compete against Cebu Pacific, but this is the time that perhaps PAL be a bit more aggressive with its expansion in order to bring in new sources of revenue. Its AA-like conservativeness as a result of bankruptcy is beginning to take its toll.

Busan, South Korea's international airport looks like a bigger version of Iloilo Airport

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/Asian%20Tour%202009%20-%20Busan%20Airport%20and%20Korea%20Aerials/33-1217-07.jpg

More pics here (http://www.photoblog.com/shyaman/2010/01/12/)

PAL plans to outsource 4,000 regular jobs



^^
o ayan na. nagsisimula na maging totoo yung sinabi ng vp sa akin. any time now impliment na ito.

Thats an old news. By the way, the one you posted other than three items are UNTRUE.

First, it is the intent of PAL to outsource to be competitive. Bautista said that since June. Try to backread and you will see it has been discussed here.

Second, PAL planes are already lease by 2P (e.i Q4/3) and maintained hubs in 3 major cities.

Third, ground crews are at a loss whether to strike or not because whatever path they go they lose.

As for the rest, it ain't gonna happen.

Try reading this one (http://philippineairspace.blogspot.com/2009/08/pal-to-axe-3000-jobs.html) or this one (http://philippineairspace.blogspot.com/2009/08/turbulence-hits-pal.html) to see how old the story was.

^^ I think the news are also heard 2 years ago with PAL's plan. I think it won't happened even they attempt to - PALEA will always be the hindrance to their evil plans hehe...



To see what airlines like JL is going through, I would like to invite you to play AirwaySim at airwaysim.com. Just let me know if you are joining.

Is airways sim free to play?

PAL plans to outsource 4,000 regular jobs
By EMMIE V. ABADILLA
January 19, 2010, 3:21pm

Philippine Airlines (PAL) has to outsource operations and lay off 4,000 regular jobs to cut costs or go bankrupt.

PALEA was also concerned that the gains of low fares no frills airlines like Cebu Pacific are the loss of legacy airlines and flag carriers like PAL.

Rumors says that Reservation will be given to PLDT CCTr and the other dept to outsource where passenger services, catering, cargo and ramp services

Is airways sim free to play?



There are several game modes, 1 of them is a free demo game, which lasts for almost a week. After that it costs 5 credits (approximately €2.50 per credit) to start playing a game world for the first week and €0.10 per week. You will need to purchase the minimum 5 credits after playing the demo.

^^ I think the news are also heard 2 years ago with PAL's plan. I think it won't happened even they attempt to - PALEA will always be the hindrance to their evil plans hehe...







Rumors says that Reservation will be given to PLDT CCTr and the other dept to outsource where passenger services, catering, cargo and ramp services

That is correct. Currently Ticketing and Reservations are now outsourced at ePLDT Ventus. More than 1,000 seats are now available, 70% in M. Manila particularly in Quezon Avenue while the remaining is in Iloilo. :)

DailyTech (http://www.dailytech.com/787+Dreamliner+Completes+Initial+Airworthiness+Testing/article17440.htm)


Boeing glides along with Dreamliner development


Boeing has a lot riding on its 787 Dreamliner program, and after a two-year delay, things appear to be panning out nicely for the Seattle-based company. The first 787 Dreamliner made its maiden flight on December 15, 2009 and stayed aloft for roughly three hours.

The second 787 Dreamliner took to the air a week later featuring the markings of the first customer which will receive the new planes: All Nippon Airways (ANA). In total, 15 flights (totaling nearly 60 hours) have been made so far using the first two aircraft.

Another milestone was reached late last week; the 787 Dreamliner achieved "initial airworthiness" status. This milestone allows Boeing to open up the testing phase to more aircraft. Boeing flight engineers will also be allowed on the flight deck now according to the Associated Press.

"This is an important step forward," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes VP Scott Fancher. "We are very pleased with the results we have achieved so far. The airplane has been performing as we expected."

The previous test flights have seen the 787 Dreamliners reach a top speed of Mach 0.65 and an altitude of 30,000 feet. In the coming weeks, Boeing test pilots will take the aircraft to Mach 0.85+ and in excess of 40,000 feet.
"The pilots have told me the results we are seeing in flight match their expectations and the simulations we've run. That's a real tribute to Boeing's expertise and the international team that helped develop and build the airplane," Fancher added.

ANA is expected to receive its first 787 Dreamliners during the fourth quarter of 2010. The Japanese airliner has ordered 55 of the aircraft.

De Gaulle or Orly?

degaulle

anung airlines ulit ung lilipad papuntang Kathmandu, Nepal?

^^ SM (Spirit of Manila Airlines) supposedly.

chicago too:lol: theyre usually havethe cheapest airfare from this side. dont know why tho but it just is. cheaper than nw or whatever delta now, way cheaper than korean air . siguro ika-cut nila yung free stay and breakfast sa nikko hotel, nakauwi pako dun ng kimonong libre:lol:

kasi daming connections from ORD to NRT, used to be NWA hub. di katulad sa LAX, mahal kasi ang PAL from LAX-MNL most of the time compared to the other Asian carriers like KE, OZ, etc. kasi direct yung routing ng PAL maski sabihin mo na may tech stop sa Guam. Mura yung mga ibang carriers kasi yung stop over sa home airport nila for connection/transition, pero top notch naman ang service nila. so most of the time if your trying to save money, mas mura ang JL, KE, OZ, EVA etc. compared to PR.

^^ SM (Spirit of Manila Airlines) supposedly.

Kikita kaya yung route na yon (Manila - Kathmandu v.v.)

^^ It's supposed to be CRK-KTM-KWI, if I'm not mistaken.

by Tetch Torres


MANILA, Philippines—A civil suit for P5 million in damages was filed Thursday against Cebu Pacific for offloading a mother and her son December last year.

Lawyer Salvador Panelo, counsel for Teresita Alcantara, said the suit filed before the Antipolo City Regional Trial Court is “for compelling mother and child to get off the plane last year.”

He said refusing to convey a passenger with disability is a violation of Article 3 Section 6 of the 1987 Constitution which provides that “the liberty of abode and of changing the same within the limits prescribed by law shall not be impaired except upon lawful order of the court. Neither shall the right to travel be impaired except in the interest of national security, public safety, or public health, as may be provided by law.”

Panelo said the airline also violated Republic Act 7277 or The Magna Carta for Disabled Persons which considers “discrimination for the franchisees or operators and personnel of sea, land, and air transportation facilities to charge higher fare or to refuse to convey a passenger by reason of his disability."

Panelo added that there is also a violation of Republic Act 7610 or the Anti-Child Abuse Law which protects a child against any form of discrimination, among others.

Teresita Alcantara and her 10-year-old son with Down Syndrome were asked by Cebu Pacific to get off the plane because the airline allegedly disallows “mentally ill” passengers.

Delivery Flight for Philippine Airlines' Second B777-300ER
RP-C7776

RDwIDpAgRu0

P5M civil suit vs CebPac for offloaded child

By Tetch Torres
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 12:08:00 01/21/2010

Filed Under: Air Transport, Children, Human Rights, Consumer Issues, Laws

MANILA, Philippines—A civil suit for P5 million in damages was filed Thursday against Cebu Pacific for offloading a mother and her son December last year.

Lawyer Salvador Panelo, counsel for Teresita Alcantara, said the suit filed before the Antipolo City Regional Trial Court is “for compelling mother and child to get off the plane last year.”

He said refusing to convey a passenger with disability is a violation of Article 3 Section 6 of the 1987 Constitution which provides that “the liberty of abode and of changing the same within the limits prescribed by law shall not be impaired except upon lawful order of the court. Neither shall the right to travel be impaired except in the interest of national security, public safety, or public health, as may be provided by law.”

Panelo said the airline also violated Republic Act 7277 or The Magna Carta for Disabled Persons which considers “discrimination for the franchisees or operators and personnel of sea, land, and air transportation facilities to charge higher fare or to refuse to convey a passenger by reason of his disability."

Panelo added that there is also a violation of Republic Act 7610 or the Anti-Child Abuse Law which protects a child against any form of discrimination, among others.

Teresita Alcantara and her 10-year-old son with Down Syndrome were asked by Cebu Pacific to get off the plane because the airline allegedly disallows “mentally ill” passengers.

PAL gets new 777 jet

By Paolo Montecillo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 20:09:00 01/20/2010


MANILA, Philippines--Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) will take delivery Thursday of its second 370-seater Boeing 777 jet as part of efforts to modernize its fleet to cope with an increasingly competitive market.

In a statement, PAL said it would launch a seat sale for select domestic and international routes to mark the event and drum up interest in its new flagship aircraft.

“PAL is offering deeply discounted, short-term promotional fares on flights to all its domestic jet destinations and most major international points as the flag carrier marks the arrival of its second Boeing 777-300ER aircraft,” the Lucio Tan-led carrier said in a statement.

Dubbed “Valentine Special,” the promo drops PAL fares to a flat rate of P777 for a one-way flight on Fiesta Class (economy) between Manila and any point in Luzon or Visayas, and between Cebu and Davao.

For one-way flights on Fiesta Class between Manila and any point in Mindanao, the promo fare is P1,777.

Covered by the promo are PAL-operated flights between Manila and Bacolod, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Cotabato, Davao, Dipolog, Dumaguete, General Santos, Iloilo, Kalibo, Laoag, Legazpi, Ozamiz, Puerto Princesa, Roxas, Tacloban, Tagbilaran and Zamboanga, as well as between Cebu and Davao.

International tickets will also be cut, the airline said, but did not specify how big the discounts were going to be.

The fares are available for ticketing until Jan. 25 and are valid for travel from Feb. 1 to March 15.

The company said the new aircraft would be used for flights to Brisbane, Hong Kong and Tokyo, the same flights that the first 777 delivered last year is serving.

The deal to acquire a total of six Boeing 777s was sealed in 2006, with PAL originally planning to lease two aircraft to be delivered in 2009 and 2010.

Four brand-new 777s were scheduled to arrive from 2010 to 2012, but due to mounting losses, PAL had asked Boeing to push back the delivery to 2013 and 2014.

The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) noted that PAL might not be able to enjoy the benefits of the new and more efficient Boeing 777s, originally planned for use for its bread-and-butter routes from Manila to North America.

The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) earlier downgraded the country’s safety standards to Category 2 from Category 1. The lower grade means local airlines will not be allowed to add more flights to the United States.

Delivery Flight for Philippine Airlines' Second B777-300ER
RP-C7776

RDwIDpAgRu0

nice..

The second nail of coffin is already delivered...

anong oras pala dadating mamaya ang 2nd PAL 777? As of now active runway ang runway 24 for landing.

same as before, 8PM ETA (pero yung si C7777 1930+ nagland na), rwy24 yung nasa SLEX ba? Pag gabi ata rwy ng banda multinational ave ang for landing.

anong oras pala dadating mamaya ang 2nd PAL 777? As of now active runway ang runway 24 for landing.

eto ang flight status of now..
Click here (http://www.flightstats.com/go/FlightStatus/flightStatusByFlight.do?id=181843696&airlineCode=PR&flightNumber=8)

^^ Thanks, sakto out ako sa office tonight 7pm. kaso lang wla ako kasama kaya baka hindi na rin ako makapunta and as of now around 2pm today hindi na active ang runway 24 for landing, nakita ko nag take off ang C7777 around 3:19pm today, balik ba ulit sya sa HK?

Nope hindi HK, Tokyo NRT si C7777 today, inggit nga ako kasi nandun yung friend ko...Sabi nya 747 daw ang naka taxi kanina...tapos sabi ko I have a strong feeling na triple 7 ang aircraft nyo...Hola...I was right :) Kaya ito, inggit mode muna ako :lol:

I just want to share something...and I'm thinking of doing it by tomorrow...LOLS! :D

The legacy of flying budget
Today at 20:50 By: Stanley Palisada |

In the 2003 Gwyneth Paltrow starrer “View from the Top”, Candice Bergen who played accomplished Flight Attendant Sally Weston said “Gone are the days when people traveled in style”.

In the era of budget airlines, people take a plane as though it was just a bus. Flying today is like riding a pedicab or a PUJ where comfort or service does not matter as long as the airline delivers its promise to “get you there”-- and in one piece (literally, as you’re dead broke per additional baggage).

In the age of legacy airlines, air travel was a holiday in itself. People looked forward to flying to experience pampering in the sky, courtesy of well-screened flight attendants who exude the warmth and hospitality of the countries or cultures they represent. They made the flyer fall in love at 30,000 feet in those days (and I mean that in the most non-mile-high-club way).

In-flight meals were prepared by top (Frenchy) chefs and the aperitif, selected meticulously to please the most Britishly-discriminating traveler. Linen sheets, hot towels, newspapers of all sorts and in-flight entertainment were all part of the legacy airline experience.

Today, flights take off as unceremoniously as the printing of the eTicket. People are loaded up in packed cabins as airlines value profits in “seat cost per mile”--- more than passengers succumbing to Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) after being held for hours on an indecently cramped seat built for people with no legs. Travel is nowhere near “tranquil” as their safety card suggests.

Blame it on the fuel crisis, terrorism and the airlines’ unrelenting hunger for survival.

Passengers these days can only be thankful that their planes did not slam into iconic buildings or explode mysteriously over the ocean. Thanks to well-maintained planes (there goes your in-flight lunch) and the invasiveness of today’s airport security whose x-ray machines are built to detect man’s biggest (or smallest) secrets. Add to that the frisking and occasional “cupping” which makes me want to sue for acts of lasciviousness or slight physical injuries (for rough searches). As a frequent traveler, I go through all these airport molestations habitually.

And gone are the days of full service airlines as everyone’s going for ultra low fare. Again the fuel crisis has severed many of the privileges travelers once enjoyed. Planes need to fly light to save on fuel thus passengers should either be stick-thin or they travel naked.

Baggage allowance has decreased to almost nil. Okay, I know Filipinos are not light travelers but promo fares that only allow 7 kilos of baggage (which weighs just about as light as the nation’s self-esteem) is blatantly un-Filipino.

Nowadays many are forced to travel light or they “pay per succeeding kilo” upon check-in, which actually stalls the long queues in that yellow airline’s counter. On another airline an Econolite passenger’s seat gets a round sticker to indicate (with utmost humiliation) that his ticket is super cheap. The stickers tell flight attendants not to give newspapers or serve snacks that are exclusively for those who paid more.

But not to worry, the snacks they’re serving would really cost less than 20 pesos from a neighborhood sari sari store (you may buy on the way to the airport) as it’s merely soda crackers and water--- or menu befitting yoyo dieters and anorexic super models.

The other airline also does not serve free snacks. One has to buy from their trolley-full of Jack n Jill products (big fan of Chippy here but not at airborne prices) or a very expensive bottle of C2--- unaffordable even to their supposed budget-challenged guests. Apparently this low fare, great value airline wants to promote its other products at passengers’ expense. Literally.

Meantime the other emerging orange juice airline serves—well---orange juice (in doy pack) to its passengers, free of charge. It’s reminiscent of yellow airline’s free chiz curls and pepsi days when it was just starting up. Orange juice air serves free juice in-flight to attract a following. And it’s been a while since I last saw their juice brand outside a memorial park. It’s finally refreshing to have that brand associated with happier times!

Now back to that legacy airline also dabbling in budgetry… I once took its noontime flight to Cagayan De Oro and a group traveling on Econolite brought meals knowing that they will not be served anything on the plane.

The cabin reeked of Chicken Joy for the entire duration of the flight. The rest of us watched (mouth watering with envy) as the Econoliters devoured their lunch of 2-piece-fried-chicken-with-rice-coke-and-peach-mango-pie--- while the rest of us reluctantly finished off our sachet of Happy peanuts, gulping it down with a cup of coffee as bland as sugar crisis.

Passengers in the age of budget travel can really fight back at some of the airlines’ inequities.

After lunching the Econoliters handed over to the flight attendants their trash, plastics, spoons, forks, straws, empty Jollibee upsized cups, styrofoam packs with piles of chicken bones and dripping gravy.

Afterall Econolite does not mean airline will not take your trash as well. Mabuhay!

^^ :lol:

"airborne prices"
"7 kilos of baggage which weighs just about as light as the nation’s self-esteem"
"a cup of coffee as bland as sugar crisis"

:lol:

I have experienced the Econolight fare of PAL. There's the discount all right. But for the FAs to tag your seat to distinguish you from the rest, that's a deliberate humiliation imo. I think PAL still maintains the Econolight fare but they don't discriminate the passengers anymore. Meaning you can enjoy the privileges everybody else at the higher class enjoys. I'm not very sure. I think I've seen it in my ticket last month.

^^ The revamped Econolight came at a price: PAL's food offerings are no longer as "bountiful" as they once were. In addition, ticket prices reportedly went up.

"7 kilos of baggage which weighs just about as light as the nation’s self-esteem"

That one made my day =)

Dagdag ko lang sa post ko, 773 na pala talaga ang ginagamit for MNL-NRT except for Mondays in w/c A330 ang gamit...I wonder saan na divert ang mga 744?

During the height of the PEA Amari scame, the PCIJ reported that the cost of reclamation per square meter is PhP 2,000 to 5,000. In today's money, that might be PhP 10k.

I think we need to consider only the hydrography of Manila Bay, which doesn't go deeper than 50m at its deepest portion. Yet we are just talking about the vicinity of Sangley, so I don't think it would go deeper than 20m.

Now, @ 10k/sqm for reclamation, versus buying or appropriating land in and around DMIA for railway and expansion of existing runways and taxiways, then factor in the cost of the highway and high-speed rail link, I think we can have a good picture which project will be more logical to pursue.

We can also consider the selling of the prime land of NAIA to buy or fund the project for expansion of DMIA, or the new NAIA in Sangley.

Hmm sounds interesting numbers you got there Bootkin.

A historical tid bit I was unaware of until now.

Brad

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

A brief history of Japan Airlines
By The Associated Press


Japan Airlines Corp., which filed for bankruptcy Wednesday, was the country's first airline and the largest carrier in Asia. The following is a brief history of the company, also known as JAL:

--1951: JAL is founded in Tokyo while Japan is still under U.S. occupation. The company begins service with a DC 3 borrowed from Philippine Airlines. It offers domestic service with Northwest Airlines (now part of Delta) overseeing flight operations.

Mga Sirs, tanong lang po sana ako. Nagpurchase kasi ako ng ticket online sa Cebu pacific for an international flight. May natangap ako na iterenary via email, iyong print out lang ba noong iterenary ang kelangan ko ipresent sa airport? I tried to call cebu pacific call center several times pero sobrang tagal ng queing ng calls nila..hayz

Thanks!

^^ yes, plus valid ID.

^^ It's an international flight, so they will ask for your passport.

A historical tid bit I was unaware of until now.

Brad

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

A brief history of Japan Airlines
By The Associated Press


Japan Airlines Corp., which filed for bankruptcy Wednesday, was the country's first airline and the largest carrier in Asia. The following is a brief history of the company, also known as JAL:

--1951: JAL is founded in Tokyo while Japan is still under U.S. occupation. The company begins service with a DC 3 borrowed from Philippine Airlines. It offers domestic service with Northwest Airlines (now part of Delta) overseeing flight operations.

Yes, Japan Airlines began with a PAL DC-3 named "Kinsei".

^^ yes, plus valid ID.

^^ It's an international flight, so they will ask for your passport.



Thanks for the reply! :)

^^ It's an international flight, so they will ask for your passport.



Yes, Japan Airlines began with a PAL DC-3 named "Kinsei".

Awesome, thanks for adding the name to it.

Brad

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab335/kin_toy/photo-PAL.jpg

^^ Alphabetically speaking? Yes! :lol:










Corny pills! :bash:

^^ :lol:

http://www.pangasinanpasalubong.com/images/lingayen/chichacorn.jpg

^^ Hahaha. Literal! :lol::cheers:

^^
Was it the other way around? PR already did what JL is doing now 12 years ago.

^^

I don't think PR will follow JL's lead. Consider this: PR is doing considerably well despite the economic downturn. It managed to increase frequencies to certain destinations. I think it is Cat2 that caused it to dent in terms of profit potential.

^^ And yet they say JAL is Asia's first airline bankruptcy. :ohno:

Potential that is, until it was saved again and again and again. Unfortunately, its not a cat with 9 lives. By now they must have understood already the word "ENOUGH".

Mga Sirs, tanong lang po sana ako. Nagpurchase kasi ako ng ticket online sa Cebu pacific for an international flight. May natangap ako na iterenary via email, iyong print out lang ba noong iterenary ang kelangan ko ipresent sa airport? I tried to call cebu pacific call center several times pero sobrang tagal ng queing ng calls nila..hayz

Thanks!

For online transactions, airlines usually require your credit card upon check-in. so be ready with that as well.

@ Kintoy: Here is the online article you posted yesterday. :)

Apologies if I posted the whole article.

Will PAL follow JAL? (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=542665&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
DEMAND AND SUPPLY By Boo Chanco (The Philippine Star) Updated January 22, 2010 12:00 AM

The bankruptcy filing of Japan Airlines this week should drive more than enough sense into the skulls of the union leaders of Philippine Airlines who are still opposing necessary measures to make our national carrier viable in today’s market. It is clear to me that unless they do so, PAL will likely follow the path towards bankruptcy protection of JAL for the second time in 10 years.

Japan Air Lines filed the fourth-largest bankruptcy protection in Japanese history under a ¥900 billion ($10 billion) turnaround plan after four government bailouts failed to revive Asia’s most indebted carrier. The carrier’s problems are shared by many other airlines: debt, overstaffing compared to budget carriers, massive pension obligations, rising fuel costs, unprofitable routes and a history of management woes.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Japan Airlines is launching a bankruptcy restructuring that will significantly shrink its operations. JAL plans to cut 31 routes, 53 planes (including all of its 747-400s) and almost a third of its workforce after winning state funds to help restructure. The carrier will ax 14 international routes and 17 domestic ones by the end of March 2013.

Some 15,700 JAL employees are expected to lose their jobs. JAL will also sell dozens of non-core businesses and, through bankruptcy court, force its banks to write off much of its ¥1,440 billion in gross interest-bearing debt. Retirees have already accepted an average 30-percent reduction in pension payouts, and current workers’ benefits will fall by half.

JAL, with losses in three of the past four years, has struggled to fill planes amid the worst recession in six decades and domestic competition from bullet trains and low-cost carrier Skymark Airlines Inc. On domestic routes, JAL sold less than 68 percent of seats every month since November 2008.

I caught a CNN report where a reporter flew a nearly empty JAL plane to an obscure domestic point in Japan. She said JAL flies near empty planes to that point twice a day because of pressure from politicians and there are many such domestic destinations.

Overseeing JAL’s rehabilitation is the government-backed Enterprise Turnaround Initiative Corp. of Japan, which will inject ¥300 billion ($3.3 billion) into JAL so that it can continue operations. The ETIC and the state-backed Development Bank of Japan will also provide JAL with a ¥600 billion credit line.

The massive use of government funds is a cause of concern for JAL’s competitor, All Nippon Airways (ANA). ANA worries that such government aid will compromise competitiveness in the market. “We believe it is important to secure customer convenience by the injection of public funding,” says ANA. “However, we are also highly concerned that the fair and competitive environment would not be secured under the financial support and injection of public funding,” it adds.

I guess PAL’s union members are hoping that our government will infuse funds to keep PAL flying. Our government and our GFIs cannot do what the Japanese government is now doing to support JAL. Our government is even now struggling with a pretty large fiscal deficit problem and definitely does not have the financial wherewithal to infuse into PAL even if Ate Glue wants to. It also does not make sense, policy wise, because as ANA complained vis-à-vis JAL’s bailout, such government intervention results in unfair competition.

Philippine Airlines has earlier announced plans to outsource a number of jobs in the airline in an attempt to improve its profitability and chances of survival. But the union vigorously opposed the plan. The problem is… Lucio Tan has apparently seen the folly of continually putting billions of pesos of good money after bad in the airline. He may no longer be inclined to provide a bottomless pit of money for PAL. “The airline,” he said, “is bad news” when I asked him about it during a recent visit of the taipan to the Tuesday Club.

The good news is … it seems the leadership of the PAL union is apparently seeing the problem very clearly now. I just received a copy of a letter of the union president to its members and I sense a readiness to work with management to save the airline.

The letter signed by union president Edgardo Oredina reports that they attended an international conference of airline unions held recently in Sri Lanka. The conference participants exchanged notes on the situation in their countries and the common view is that legacy airlines like PAL are finding it difficult to compete in today’s market where the budget airlines like Cebu Pacific and Air Asia reign.

The PAL union officers found out that most legacy airlines in the world are resorting to the same sort of things to survive: retrenchment, reduction of working hours, pay cuts and outsourcing to meet the challenge of low cost airlines. The country reports they heard, the union officer said, makes it imperative for airline unions to be more dynamic, proactive, innovative and aggressive in adapting to the current changes in the industry. I might add they must be more creative.

Government, on the other hand, can help PAL improve its chances of survival by truly working to regain top rating for NAIA from the US Federal Aviation Administration. The downgrade of NAIA over two years ago is preventing PAL from flying into new cities in the US. It is also preventing PAL from using its new and more fuel efficient long range planes that were recently delivered by Boeing.

Ate Glue promised to regain our rating and had placed the DOTC Secretary personally responsible for the effort. But the DOTC Secretary is too busy cooking up deals (RFID, etc.) to have the time and the inclination to get this done. The problem with accomplishing what FAA requires of us is that for our bureaucrats, walang pagkakakitaan doon... just drastic improvements in management practices. So PAL suffers in the meantime. Even Cebu Pacific, whose patriarch has expressed a desire to fly to California, cannot expand its route to cover the US until we regain our FAA rating.

Well, a PAL union ready to work with PAL management will buy the airline some time. Union and management working together should help save as much of the jobs as they can and also improve PAL’s chances from following JAL’s footsteps. A recalcitrant union whose leaders and members cannot take a fresh and creative look into PAL’s financial dilemma will just make things worse.

The airline business environment has changed drastically. Legacy airlines must adapt to the new rules of the game by changing their business models to match the efficiency of budget airlines or like JAL suffer the ignominy of going to bankruptcy court. And unless PAL employees give the impression that they will not resort to destructive tactics like what they did in the recent past, potential passengers will protect themselves by buying tickets from other airlines.

As I have experienced, getting stranded in foreign soil because PAL employees went on strike is a most unpleasant and expensive predicament. Right now, if I am planning to travel in three or six months, I will hesitate to buy a PAL ticket unless the cloud of doubt is removed on its future ability to fly.

OT:

Gibo's new TV ad was in 747-400 cockpit.. Sa PAL ba yun..?

@ Kintoy: Here is the online article you posted yesterday. :)

Apologies if I posted the whole article.


cool, thanks. I didnt see the online version :D

^^ more or less, since PAL is the only operator of 744 in the country unless the tv ad was shot in another country

OT:

Gibo's new TV ad was in 747-400 cockpit.. Sa PAL ba yun..?

^^
http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs184.snc3/19178_255494141047_537156047_3394189_8263031_n.jpg
http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs184.snc3/19178_255505551047_537156047_3394206_3585418_n.jpg
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs164.snc3/19178_255506046047_537156047_3394208_7685561_n.jpg
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs164.snc3/19178_255590691047_537156047_3394351_8078353_n.jpg
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs164.snc3/19178_255590126047_537156047_3394350_2071968_n.jpg
*credits to the owners

ang galing ni gibo... lawyer na, commercial pilot pa. i hope aviation in the philippines would improve if he becomes president :D

Well, no word to say but "I LOVE GIBO"

^^
http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs184.snc3/19178_255494141047_537156047_3394189_8263031_n.jpg
http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs184.snc3/19178_255505551047_537156047_3394206_3585418_n.jpg
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs164.snc3/19178_255506046047_537156047_3394208_7685561_n.jpg
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs164.snc3/19178_255590691047_537156047_3394351_8078353_n.jpg
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs164.snc3/19178_255590126047_537156047_3394350_2071968_n.jpg
*credits to the owners

who's the owner?

who's the owner?

of the pics?

IDK, sa pex ko lang yan nakita, at walang sinabing source yung nag-post ng pics sa pex :D kaya credits to the owners na lang :D

Delivery Flight for Philippine Airlines' Second B777-300ER
RP-C7776

RDwIDpAgRu0

SEE YOU IN MANILA!

January 23, 2010
PAL PHOTO RELEASE

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j55/extra_kurt/PAL2ndB777300ER.jpg

PAL'S 2ND B777-300ER. Philippine Airlines' second Boeing 777-300ER aircraft that arrived January 21 direct from Boeing's production plant in Seattle, Washington state, will soon fly to Hong Kong and Tokyo where the first B777-300 is currently deployed. Photo shows the luxurious new airplane - tagged as the world’s largest long-range twin-engine jetliner - at the Lufthansa Technik Philippines maintenance facility during simple blessing ceremony last Jan. 22.

from pex :D

OT:

Mas ok sana kung sa Airbus A343 or A333 sila nag shooting... Mas modern look ang dating.. 747-400 is already an history na kasi.. LOL..

Pero message ni Gibo parang may patama din sa karibal nya... no need to ask na... LOL :D

Ate Glue promised to regain our rating and had placed the DOTC Secretary personally responsible for the effort.

The thing is: there are around 5 months left in her administration. Her appointed successor is unlikely to win under a clean election. If we flunk Cat2, what does it matter to the DOTC secretary, much less the president?

It has been exactly two years since the downgrade by the FAA to fly into the United States.

I still can not believe Tan cannot solve the problem in two years. There is something going on we don't know. Flying to the USA was the big income making flights for PAL. There was written how the new 777 were going to allow for further expansion into America.

What is really going on???????? Still no solution in the immediate future.

congratulations PAL, 2nd PAL Boeing 777ER

http://www.danwei.org/Air_China-1_1-thumb.jpg

Service starts on March 29, 2010 with three flights a week utilizing Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

Air China is agressively advertising in different Filipino American newspaers about this new service to Manila. Passengers from San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York and Vancouver will have convenient connections to Manila from Beijing. Air China is even offering a free overnight stay in Beijing as a 'come on'.

Service to Manila from Beijing is on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Outbound service to Beijing from Manila is scheduled for Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

Philippine Airlines currently flies to Beijing utilizing A320 aircraft four times a week. Philippine budget carried Cebu Pacific plans to fly the route now that the Philippine Civial Aeronautical Board (CAB) has approved its application. Cebu Pacific however still needs the get the go signal from Chinese aviation authority to fly the route.

It has been exactly two years since the downgrade by the FAA to fly into the United States.

I still can not believe Tan cannot solve the problem in two years. There is something going on we don't know. Flying to the USA was the big income making flights for PAL. There was written how the new 777 were going to allow for further expansion into America.

What is really going on???????? Still no solution in the immediate future.

It's not with Tan, but the CAAP

^^ Correct. Lucio Tan has nothing to do with that downgrade. Better check first before you put someone into blame. :ohno:

^^

Also, PR as a carrier was at the time of the downgrade was the only airline that passed an IATA audit.

^^

One more question on aviation jargon. I understand why F stands for first class and somehow understand why Y stands for economy class. But why is business class usually referred to as C?

^^ Actually, business class is J. C is business class when there is no first class.

^^

Which continues to beg the question why is business called short-handedly C/J class? I understand Economy is called Y because Y is the last letter of that word.

Also, since that 744 in the picture appears RP-C8168, what does the "refurbished" version look like?

For online transactions, airlines usually require your credit card upon check-in. so be ready with that as well.

Always bring your valid ID and the credit card used to purchase online ticket. if you bought these for other persons or your loved ones, have these photocopied so they can present these at the check in counter in case airlines staff ask for it :)

US airlines raise domestic fares
January 24, 2010, 12:16pm

CHICAGO, Jan. 24 (Reuters) – AMR Corp.'s American Airlines has raised domestic fares and some competitors have matched as the industry struggles to gain pricing power and rebound from the 2009 downturn, an AMR spokesman said.

The fare hike, initiated on Tuesday, spurred increases from Continental Airlines and Delta Air Lines on Wednesday. UAL Corp.'s United Airlines matched the late on Thursday.

''This increase represents the first attempted domestic hike of 2010 compared to four in 2009, 15 in 2008 and 17 in 2007,'' said Rick Seaney, Chief Executive of Farecompare.com.

The airline industry was battered in 2009 by an economic recession that eroded travel demand – especially business travel.
Major airlines, however, have been reporting a return of business travel demand and some predict better demand going forward.

Seaney said American hiked fares on 9,000 routes between cities by as much as $16 round-trip, covering most of American's domestic route system.

Any flight schedules or ticket office they have in manila?

http://www.danwei.org/Air_China-1_1-thumb.jpg

Service starts on March 29, 2010 with three flights a week utilizing Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

Air China is agressively advertising in different Filipino American newspaers about this new service to Manila. Passengers from San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York and Vancouver will have convenient connections to Manila from Beijing. Air China is even offering a free overnight stay in Beijing as a 'come on'.

Service to Manila from Beijing is on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Outbound service to Beijing from Manila is scheduled for Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

Philippine Airlines currently flies to Beijing utilizing A320 aircraft four times a week. Philippine budget carried Cebu Pacific plans to fly the route now that the Philippine Civial Aeronautical Board (CAB) has approved its application. Cebu Pacific however still needs the get the go signal from Chinese aviation authority to fly the route.

Which continues to beg the question why is business called short-handedly C/J class? I understand Economy is called Y because Y is the last letter of that word.

First class codes - F, A, P, R

On USA domestic flights, F commonly indicates first class on a two-cabin plane. If a three-cabin aircraft is used, P (for "premium") may be used to distinguish the higher level of service in first class. The R code indicated supersonic transport and was no longer used after the retirement of the Concorde, however with the introduction of the new Airbus A380, Singapore Airlines and Qantas have re-introduced the R class to distinguish a higher class than regular First Class. The A and P codes may indicate a first class ticket whose fare is reduced due to restrictions on refunds, advance reservation requirements, or other terms.

The codes in short:

F = Full-Fare First Class
P = First Class (some airlines use this code for Business class. Jet Airways of India, for instance)
A = First Class Discounted
R = First Class Suites (currently only Airbus A380), and formerly Supersonic (Concorde)

**A lowercase "n" after any class code indicates Night Service


Business class codes - C, J, D, I, Z

On many airlines, C or J indicate full fare business class, whereas discounted and thus restricted and typically non-upgradeable fares are represented by D, I or Z.

The codes in short:

C, J = Full-fare Business Class,
D, I, Z = Business Class Discounted,

**A lowercase "n" after any class code indicates Night Service


Economy class codes

Full fare: Y, B
Standard fare: M, H
Special or discount fares: G, K, L, N, O, Q, S, T, U, V, W, X


On most airlines, unrestricted economy ticket is booked as a Y fare. Full fare tickets with restrictions on travel dates, refunds, or advance reservations are commonly classed as B, H, or M, although some airlines may use H, V, or others. Heavily discounted fares, commonly O, T or X, will not permit cabin upgrades, refunds, or reservation changes, may restrict frequent flyer program eligibility, and/or impose other restrictions. Other fare codes such as X are restricted for use by consolidators, group charters, or travel industry professionals. However on some airlines W or X is used for frequent flier program award redemptions.

Airlines that offer premium economy cabins have also specified certain codes for fares in the upgraded economy cabin, which are usually S (which in this case often stands for 'Supercomfort'), W, or E.


Premium economy codes - E, H, K, O, U, W, T

Most low-cost carriers have greatly simplified the fare classes they use to a handful of cases, unlike the dozens employed by a traditional airline. While some traditional carriers have followed, others continue to utilize price discrimination over commoditization.

The codes in short:

B and Q = Economy/Coach Discounted

The thing is: there are around 5 months left in her administration. Her appointed successor is unlikely to win under a clean election. If we flunk Cat2, what does it matter to the DOTC secretary, much less the president?

There's politics and protectionism involved here. Whenever there are restrictions imposed on countries it's not all truly about "security, safety" etc.

just wanna share, some parts of copenhagen airport during my stay at hopenhagen summit. i apologize for cropping the pics. im not that pogi to post it anyway :lol:as you can see, they were taken at terminal 3
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b84/tigidig14/001.jpg
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b84/tigidig14/002.jpg
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b84/tigidig14/008.jpg
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b84/tigidig14/011.jpg
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b84/tigidig14/014.jpg

PAL flies RP medical team to Haiti
Contributes to relief effort!


PHILIPPINE Airlines (PAL) will fly a team of Filipino medical specialists on the trans-Pacific legs of its journey to Haiti on Monday, where they will aid in treating survivors of the devastating January 12 earthquake.

The 21-member team, organized by the Department of Health and comprising of trauma experts, surgeons, anesthesiologists and nurses, will depart Manila at 10:30 p.m. on flight PR 104 to San Francisco, where they will board a connecting flight to Miami and then to Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic.

From there, the team will travel to Port-au-Prince, capital of Haiti, where they will join an international corps of medical specialists and aid workers already on the ground helping the disaster-shocked population recover from the worst natural calamity to hit the Caribbean nation.

The Philippine contingent will stay for just over two weeks in Haiti. They will return to Santo Domingo on February 11 for Miami and San Francisco, where they will board PAL flight PR 105 at 9:05 p.m. local time. The team will arrive in Manila at 5:25 a.m. on February 13.

The cost of transporting the Philippine medical mission to and from Haiti will be borne by PAL as the flag carrier’s contribution to the international relief effort for the battered country.

There's politics and protectionism involved here. Whenever there are restrictions imposed on countries it's not all truly about "security, safety" etc.

I argued that there may be politics involved but I was rebutted by other users saying that there were warnings by the FAA. Also, I'm not sure if the other users agree but the only politics involved here are the internal politics that keep the Philippines from having high standards (i.e. corruption).

Ready for take off na!

http://www.catuira.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/GIBO-AIR-copy-300x225.jpg

Hmm....is this even for real? :sly:

BEIRUT – An Ethiopian Airlines plane carrying 90 people crashed into the Mediterranean Sea early Monday just minutes after takeoff from Beirut, Lebanon's transportation minister said.

The cause was not immediately known. But police ruled out terrorism and said the crash was likely weather-related. Beirut has seen heavy rain and lightning since Sunday.

The Boeing 737-800 took off around 2:30 a.m. (7:30 p.m. EST) for the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, said Ghazi Aridi, the public works and transportation minister.

Yahoo News (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100125/ap_on_re_mi_ea/lebanon_plane_crash;_ylt=AojtQbbhgItekAJt6QYQJ1is0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTNqdDFiaXJqBGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMTAwMTI1L2xlYmFub25fcGxhbmVfY3Jhc2gEY2NvZGUDbW9zdHBvcHVsYXIEY3BvcwMxBHBvcwMyBHB0A2hvbWVfY29rZQRzZWMDeW5fdG9wX3N0b3J5BHNsawNldGhpb3BpYW5wbGE-)

Ready for take off na!

http://www.catuira.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/GIBO-AIR-copy-300x225.jpg


Wow! panalo sa adds gimik si PAPA GIBO :banana::banana: real ba yan?

Marinduque Airport Terminal (Boac, Marinduque)


Tarmac side

http://i826.photobucket.com/albums/zz189/dyollnarud/marinduqueairport1.jpg


Facade

http://i826.photobucket.com/albums/zz189/dyollnarud/marinduqueairport2.jpg

Offices

http://i826.photobucket.com/albums/zz189/dyollnarud/marinduqueairport3.jpg



^^Luv the terminal building of Marinduque, simple yet elegant in style as she ooze the charm that define the trace of philippine architecture...one character though it has resemblance with the old Davao airport terminal...but nevertheless lab it....:cheers::cheers::cheers:

Ready for take off na!

http://www.catuira.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/GIBO-AIR-copy-300x225.jpg
I'm sure the opposition would complain of bias for this. Painting a PAL 744 into his campaign colors. :D

eh kung mananalo si gibo, siya siguro lilipad sa sarili niya gamit ng chartered na PAL. commercial pilot kasi eh :D

Marinduque Airport Terminal (Boac, Marinduque)


Tarmac side

http://i826.photobucket.com/albums/zz189/dyollnarud/marinduqueairport1.jpg


Facade

http://i826.photobucket.com/albums/zz189/dyollnarud/marinduqueairport2.jpg

Offices

http://i826.photobucket.com/albums/zz189/dyollnarud/marinduqueairport3.jpg



^^Luv the terminal building of Marinduque, simple yet elegant in style as she ooze the charm that define the trace of philippine architecture...one character though it has resemblance with the old Davao airport terminal...but nevertheless lab it....:cheers::cheers::cheers:

The airport is actually in Gasan, not Boac. Boac is one barangay away from the airport. (Oddly, those pictures must be old, as the airport entrance should say "Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines", not "Air Transportation Office".)

What concerns me with MRQ is two things: one, the botched runway extension project, and two, the expansion of nearby Cawit Port in Boac. However, at least it's nice now that two airlines are serving the airport: I still remember when the airport was only served by PAL, then Asian Spirit, then when we had to fly a private plane in because no airline flew there.

Hope you had a wonderful time in Marinduque. :okay:

I know this may be a stupid question but why are flight simulator sessions quite expensive as in 5-digits per hour? I can understand 1-2K per hour but not 20K especially since you're not in a real aircraft or real fuel isn't consumed.

And if I noticed that SQ uses a 772 or 77E based on the published schedule between MNL and SIN. Will any of these aircraft have AVOD because the last time I took SQ, it was just rolling IFE.

^^AFAIK, SQ's 772/Es have the older Wiseman 3000i KrisWorld IFE system but it's already equipped with AVOD.

I know this may be a stupid question but why are flight simulator sessions quite expensive as in 5-digits per hour? I can understand 1-2K per hour but not 20K especially since you're not in a real aircraft or real fuel isn't consumed.

And if I noticed that SQ uses a 772 or 77E based on the published schedule between MNL and SIN. Will any of these aircraft have AVOD because the last time I took SQ, it was just rolling IFE.

^^AFAIK, SQ's 772/Es have the older Wiseman 3000i KrisWorld IFE system but it's already equipped with AVOD.

Not all of them have AVOD.

The earlier-build 772s in the 9V-SQ* and ~SR* series only have rolling IFE as mentioned. I'm not sure they were ever upgraded at any time, and many of them have already been sold. The later deliveries have AVOD.

I think this is also true for the ~SY* (773) series, although 9V-SYA has already been refurbished with (modified) Givenchy interiors.

All the 9V-SV* (77Es) and ~SW* (77W) series have AVOD.

One of my old NBSA photos taken Nov. 2009
http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/2748/dscf1095.jpg

Zest Air check in counter in NBSA Nov. 2009
http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/5717/dscf1045z.jpg

I argued that there may be politics involved but I was rebutted by other users saying that there were warnings by the FAA. Also, I'm not sure if the other users agree but the only politics involved here are the internal politics that keep the Philippines from having high standards (i.e. corruption).

There are lobby groups to protect their markets. There is no such thing as "free trade." Countries can circumvent WTO through "barriers". This is not the first time that the Philippines has been subjected to stringent measures by FAA. There was a time when the PAL airbus 340 couldn't land in the US, only Boeing 747. Check the ICAO airport categories etc.

This morning I saw a blackhawk with a presidential livery flying with the old presidential Helicopter, May bago bang presidential Helicopter?

I think you mean those are the Sikorsky S-70A of Presidential Airlift Wing. Its not actually a Blackhawk (UH-60) since S-70 is an export version of it.

Subic International airport to close
As SBMA mulls converting airport
to logistics center

January 26, 2010

Quick Facts:

* 250 million pesos annual expense for airport operations;
* 200 million pesos annual income in 2008, 150 of which comes from Fedex;
* earns 30 million pesos only in 2009, 25 million of which comes from Fedex until February;


SUBIC -- The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is thinking of giving up its international airport as it has reduced itself into a white elephant since the departure of US transportation giant Federal Express.

SBMA administrator Armand C. Arreza told reporters here that SBMA is eyeing the conversion of the Subic international airport into a logistics center because of the massive development of the much bigger Clark airport.

Arreza said Subic’s seaport facilities would complement the airport services of Clark which is just an hour away with the Subic-Clark-Tarlac expressway. "We cannot have two airports in areas which are just an hour apart," Arreza said.

Arreza said SBMA shoulders up to P250 million annually to have the airport running, P150 million in debt service and another P100 million for maintenance cost.

To break even, he said, the airport should be able to mount 12 to 15 flights a day.

"Even when Fedex was here, we were breaking even, and now with Fedex gone, the airport is losing money," he said.

Another advantage of Clark airport is that its landing and parking fees are free.

"We cannot compete with Clark. It is acceptable that there is another airport, so we are looking at it on the economic point of view. We are evaluating the airport," Arreza added.

Fedex pulled out its AsiaOne hub in Subic in February last year to transfer to China.

Subic airport now caters to very few charter flights and training schools.

The airport served as a secondary airport and a main diversion airport of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. This airport used to be the Naval Air Station Cubi Point of the United States Navy.

^^

Who has pictures of the interior of SBMA airport?

Subic International airport to close
As SBMA mulls converting airport
to logistics center

January 26, 2010

Quick Facts:

* 250 million pesos annual expense for airport operations;
* 200 million pesos annual income in 2008, 150 of which comes from Fedex;
* earns 30 million pesos only in 2009, 25 million of which comes from Fedex until February;


SUBIC -- The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is thinking of giving up its international airport as it has reduced itself into a white elephant since the departure of US transportation giant Federal Express.

SBMA administrator Armand C. Arreza told reporters here that SBMA is eyeing the conversion of the Subic international airport into a logistics center because of the massive development of the much bigger Clark airport.

Arreza said Subic’s seaport facilities would complement the airport services of Clark which is just an hour away with the Subic-Clark-Tarlac expressway. "We cannot have two airports in areas which are just an hour apart," Arreza said.

Arreza said SBMA shoulders up to P250 million annually to have the airport running, P150 million in debt service and another P100 million for maintenance cost.

To break even, he said, the airport should be able to mount 12 to 15 flights a day.

"Even when Fedex was here, we were breaking even, and now with Fedex gone, the airport is losing money," he said.

Another advantage of Clark airport is that its landing and parking fees are free.

"We cannot compete with Clark. It is acceptable that there is another airport, so we are looking at it on the economic point of view. We are evaluating the airport," Arreza added.

Fedex pulled out its AsiaOne hub in Subic in February last year to transfer to China.

Subic airport now caters to very few charter flights and training schools.

The airport served as a secondary airport and a main diversion airport of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. This airport used to be the Naval Air Station Cubi Point of the United States Navy.

I hope SFS will return to its booming state... so sad to see that FedEx transferred to Guangzhou. :(
Well, CRK is the hub for UPS why not convince DHL to expand their presence in Asia.

^^ DHL's East Asian operations are handled by Air Hong Kong, to which it has a 40% stake. It also has agreements with Malaysia's Transmile Air Services.

by Grant Martin on Jan 25th, 2010 at 5:15PM (gadling.com (http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/25/breaking-air-new-zealand-to-offer-lie-flat-seats-in-transpacifi/))

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab335/kin_toy/economy-skycouch-young-couple-stret.jpg

After three years of waiting, the announcement is finally live: Air New Zealand will be reconfiguring their Boeing 777 cabins to incorporate lie flat seats in economy, a revolutionary change to transpacific travel and a godsend to long haul passengers. Traditionally, the comfort of lie-flat seats is only reserved for travelers in business or first class, but with these new configurations, even economy travelers will be able to stretch out for a good night's sleep.

The novelty comes with a redesign to the way that economy seats mate together. The combination of a smooth interface between each seat, moveable armrests and an extension to the seats effectively makes a sideways bed onto which a few travelers can lie.

Changes to premium economy and business class will also be redesigned for better space utilization.

Our own blogger Kent Wein is on the ground in Auckland as we type, collecting photos, videos and all of the fine details of the new cabin configurations. Stay tuned to Gadling over the course of this evening for real-time updates, videos, pictures and to take part in the the revolution of transpacific travel as we know it.

Ready for take off na!

http://www.catuira.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/GIBO-AIR-copy-300x225.jpg

How about this one? :D
S8mRmbOAbLM

^^ Here's the commercial of Gibo. Does he know what he's turning or pressing on the cockpit? Parang natatakot ako pakialamanan ung ibang buttons dun ah, hehe! :D

advantage lang ito sa mga mag syota or mag asawa...hmmmm paano kung di magkakilala ng katabi mo sus...:lol:

by Grant Martin on Jan 25th, 2010 at 5:15PM (gadling.com (http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/25/breaking-air-new-zealand-to-offer-lie-flat-seats-in-transpacifi/))

After three years of waiting, the announcement is finally live: Air New Zealand will be reconfiguring their Boeing 777 cabins to incorporate lie flat seats in economy, a revolutionary change to transpacific travel and a godsend to long haul passengers. Traditionally, the comfort of lie-flat seats is only reserved for travelers in business or first class, but with these new configurations, even economy travelers will be able to stretch out for a good night's sleep.

The novelty comes with a redesign to the way that economy seats mate together. The combination of a smooth interface between each seat, moveable armrests and an extension to the seats effectively makes a sideways bed onto which a few travelers can lie.

diba licensed commercial pilot si gibo? so if ever manalo sya, tipid dahil sya na mismo ang piloto ng eroplano papuntang ibang bansa :lol:

advantage lang ito sa mga mag syota or mag asawa...hmmmm paano kung di magkakilala ng katabi mo sus...:lol:

Please don't tell me the accompanying photo is the prototype. Frankly I can get that seat anywhere else by buying-out the adjacent seats.

Not all of them have AVOD.

The earlier-build 772s in the 9V-SQ* and ~SR* series only have rolling IFE as mentioned. I'm not sure they were ever upgraded at any time, and many of them have already been sold. The later deliveries have AVOD.

I think this is also true for the ~SY* (773) series, although 9V-SYA has already been refurbished with (modified) Givenchy interiors.

All the 9V-SV* (77Es) and ~SW* (77W) series have AVOD.
One of the older 772s (9V-SQA) with the non-AVOD IFE have already been sold to Biman Bangladesh Airlines. The 773s are now currently being refitted with the new Regional product.

How about this one? :D
S8mRmbOAbLM

^^ Here's the commercial of Gibo. Does he know what he's turning or pressing on the cockpit? Parang natatakot ako pakialamanan ung ibang buttons dun ah, hehe! :D

diba PAF reserve din si Gibo?

hmmm parang may kinakabukasan na ang PAF ah:)
hmmm mukhang magkakaroon ng bagong airlines...

Please don't tell me the accompanying photo is the prototype. Frankly I can get that seat anywhere else by buying-out the adjacent seats.

it's for families and couples:

"The coach seats have been completely re-designed by Recaro, including eleven rows of three seats on each side of the cabin dubbed "Skycouches" that are available for families and couples who want the ability to buy an entire row. Couples who buy the third seat will only play need to pay half the price for the third seat."

more here (http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/25/coach-cabin-revolution-air-new-zealand-adds-beds-in-economy/)

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab335/kin_toy/air-nz-interior03-1264473454.jpg

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab335/kin_toy/580-skycouch1.jpg

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab335/kin_toy/air-nz-interior09-1264473327.jpg

I wonder why they did not use PAL's 77W in Gibo's commercial? :D

it's for families and couples:

"The coach seats have been completely re-designed by Recaro, including eleven rows of three seats on each side of the cabin dubbed "Skycouches" that are available for families and couples who want the ability to buy an entire row. Couples who buy the third seat will only play need to pay half the price for the third seat."

more here (http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/25/coach-cabin-revolution-air-new-zealand-adds-beds-in-economy/)

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab335/kin_toy/air-nz-interior03-1264473454.jpg

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab335/kin_toy/580-skycouch1.jpg

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab335/kin_toy/air-nz-interior09-1264473327.jpg
But will they still have standard economy class?

OT: If he's not a licensed pilot, let's not hope he crashes the country along with his presidency and that aircraft. haha!

I am presuming the aircraft was on a B-check as it was a waste of ground time.

Going back to the topic, I might get a chance to ride on the 77W as I could be going to HKG on 26 February. Let's hope the schedule is still correct then as I just looked it up.

^^You're lucky! Many friends of mine who have been on the 77W said that it was a really nice plane, and the IFE was good, although they said movie selection is quite poor. But maybe it's because of the length of the flight.

^^

That's probably where the memory stick port comes into play. Plus I usually go after the live map.

In case the 77W won't be used as announced on the website, what are the chances I won't get RP-C8168 as the assigned aircraft?

^^I don't really know. If you can't get a 77W, then they will probably assign a refitted 744 or an A330. Or even an A320.

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab335/kin_toy/hkiaps301262010.jpg

Waiting at the airport can be a drag. It appears that the management at Hong Kong International Airport knows this as they have added fourteen PS3 kiosks throughout the airport which travelers can use for free.

Hong Kong International Airport is one of the world’s busiest airports, ranking fourth in international air traffic. According to an article at The Moodie Report, passengers at Hong Kong International regularly wait for three hours after passing through security. The addition of PS3’s throughout the airport, then, should help make the wait much, much easier.

The PS3’s feature Uncharted 2, Assassin’s Creed 2, Final Fantasy XIII and James Cameron’s Avatar: The Game. The promotional picture also shows the PS3 sporting Gran Turismo HD Concept.

Paris’ Charles de Gaulle airport installed 14 PS3 kiosks in addition to 80 PS2s in 2007. I had a chance to play on one of those PS3s while waiting for my flight to Montreal and can attest to the fact that gaming always trumps staring at the planes on the tarmac. Hopefully Sony will make deals with more airports in the future to bring gaming to bored passengers. Imagine how quickly a 27-hour delay would go if you could play through Uncharted 2 while waiting?

via Terminal Gamer (http://terminalgamer.com/2010/01/25/hong-kong-international-airport-adds-ps3s-for-passengers/)

^^Nice! This is making me like HKIA more! :D

^^Nice! This is making me like HKIA more! :D

Starting April 1, 2010 the management of NAIA Terminal 1 will start distributing sungka and flipflops and cans (for tumbang preso) to passengers waiting in the terminal. These will help amuse stranded passengers and promote Philippine native games to visitors.

An small lot in the tarmac will be designated tumbang preso gaming area


:lol:

Starting April 1, 2010 the management of NAIA Terminal 1 will start distributing sungka and flipflops and cans (for tumbang preso) to passengers waiting in the terminal. These will help amuse stranded passengers and promote Philippine native games to visitors.

An small lot in the tarmac will be designated tumbang preso gaming area


:lol:
Well, at least it's for cultural purposes! :lol:
(Or maybe they're just making excuses because we can't afford putting PS3 gaming stations at NAIA.)

It will be debatable whether politics is involved in the imposition of Cat2. On the other hand, if it was indeed involved, why aren't American carriers flying to the Philippines? Does this practically mean no flights at all between the US and Philippines?

And I think if politics is involved, why not impose the same on Asian carriers who have far more leverage in flying between their respective home cities and the US? From a business standpoint, these 4-5 star Asian carriers are more of a threat to US carriers than PR is as it can't even mount east coast flights on its own.

The reason why we don't get too much American carriers here in MNL is because of load factors. Most of MNL traffic is just VFR (Visting Friends and Relatives) and there's not much business traffic. The only American airline that is flying to MNL is Northwest (or Delta now) It's also because of our economy. If our economy was brighter, more business traffic, more airlines. That's the reason why airports like SIN and HKG flourished.

^^

And as I have been fearing, it won't be far fetched that DL may pull the plug on MNL in the future. Unlike NW, I can't see how DL sees value in its MNL route.

^^ With the JAL brouhaha, it may be that JAL will be the one cutting MNL rather than Delta, since the latter can fly here more cheaply than JAL. JAL has one of the highest CASMs in the industry.

The reason why we don't get too much American carriers here in MNL is because of load factors. Most of MNL traffic is just VFR (Visting Friends and Relatives) and there's not much business traffic. The only American airline that is flying to MNL is Northwest (or Delta now) It's also because of our economy. If our economy was brighter, more business traffic, more airlines. That's the reason why airports like SIN and HKG flourished.

It's not loads. The more appropriate term is yields. The back of the plane is always full, but up front, where the real money is made, the loads are decent at best, and dismal at worst.

^^

I have to agree it's about yields. Try playing AirwaySim. I get a better idea of how running an airline company, as well as how industry works.

For instance, I have an almost fully loaded A330. As at my last check in a particular game world, here are figures from routes where flight times are almost the same:

MNL-PUS-MNL: 90.4% load but the net profit is $45,484 (Y load is around 96-97% but C load is threading around 50% and F load is close to 0%).
MNL-KUL-MNL: 93.6% load with net profit at $56,189 (Y load is 94-97% but C load is approximately 83% and F load is around 38%)

Mind you, my tickets for the MNL-KUL-MNL flights are slightly cheaper than MNL-PUS-MNL.

^^You're right. I should've used the term "yields."
IMO, If JAL will jump ship and join SkyTeam, i feel that only DL will be advantageous. It's obvious that DL doesn't want JAL, all they want is JAL's large NRT hub, which means DL will have leading market share on the Trans-Pacific route. JAL, meanwhile, is ailing badly. And i don't think joining SkyTeam will help them. It would be better if they will just be alliance-less. Also, I'm sure DL-JL will have a hard time getting ATI approval. If the Government does approve them, then BA and AA can contest, and call it unfair because BA-AA was not given ATI approval. This is a very hard situation for JAL.

^^

I wish I can see the day a US carrier will fly nonstop between MNL and the mainland, even just 1 that doesn't have to be daily. DL has the leverage to do that especially with reopening east asia-DTW/ATL flights.

^^You're right. I should've used the term "yields."
IMO, If JAL will jump ship and join SkyTeam, i feel that only DL will be advantageous. It's obvious that DL doesn't want JAL, all they want is JAL's large NRT hub, which means DL will have leading market share on the Trans-Pacific route. JAL, meanwhile, is ailing badly. And i don't think joining SkyTeam will help them. It would be better if they will just be alliance-less. Also, I'm sure DL-JL will have a hard time getting ATI approval. If the Government does approve them, then BA and AA can contest, and call it unfair because BA-AA was not given ATI approval. This is a very hard situation for JAL.

The AA/BA case is very different from the DL/JL case, and they shouldn't be compared to one another. Try reading the very long-winding discussions on A.Net about it.

As I understand though, the reason why AA is willing to fight for JAL is because it will lose Asian feed with no other carrier to replace them (some have floated around CA or MU, but China's already too far for that). DL on the other hand is looking to get rid of the NRT hub. The Japanese government supports DL's bid; the ball is now in the Americans' court.

^^

If DL is looking to get rid of its NRT hub, then it's bad news for MNL.

^^ The thing there is that Delta can fly to Manila cheaper than JAL can. If there will be a DL/JL tie-up, some routes would have to be surrendered by Delta to JAL, while JAL will need to surrender some routes to Delta.

^^

In your opinion, what incentive does DL have to want to fly to MNL assuming the route wasn't just inherited from NW? Other than the cost efficiency, I can't see how else MNL is a value added to the DL network.

^^ MNL may be a low-yielding destination, but in comparison to other Southeast Asian stations of a similar nature (like SGN, BKK or even KUL), MNL is higher-yielding. There's money to be made hauling all that extra cargo in addition to all those people going back and forth between the U.S. and the Philippines.

^^

Since you've mentioned cargo, I think there is UPS that takes care of that. I'm more concerned with passenger traffic.

Having said that, it's FedEx's departure frankly that ultimately cost Subic Bay airport the rest of its useful life.

^^ I meant cargo in terms of overweight bags and loads of balikbayan boxes being brought home by MNL-bound passengers.

^^
The reason why we don't get too much American carriers here in MNL is because of load factors. Most of MNL traffic is just VFR (Visting Friends and Relatives) and there's not much business traffic. The only American airline that is flying to MNL is Northwest (or Delta now) It's also because of our economy. If our economy was brighter, more business traffic, more airlines. That's the reason why airports like SIN and HKG flourished.

They don't have the right to be here. Landing that is!

^^

And as I have been fearing, it won't be far fetched that DL may pull the plug on MNL in the future. Unlike NW, I can't see how DL sees value in its MNL route.

We've been discussing that issue two years ago on this thread why some other US carriers are not on Philippine soil. Remember, the Japanese connection of US airlines in the Philippines?

Had northwest and delta not merged, delta has no chance of being here.

ariane, ma aapprove na ba ang open skies agreement with other ASEAN countries this coming months or so?!?

We've been discussing that issue two years ago on this thread why some other US carriers are not on Philippine soil. Remember, the Japanese connection of US airlines in the Philippines?

Had northwest and delta not merged, delta has no chance of being here.

Let's assume for the sake of argument that the Philippines gives the green light to US carriers to land here. I mean besides the composition of who is on such flights, how different is a nonstop flight from HKG, SIN, TPE or PEK to a US city by a US carrier from a nonstop flight from MNL to a US city by the same? Japan-US flights will probably survive without passengers coming from the RP.

Although in fairness BKK, KUL and CGK don't have non-stop flights between them and the US (at least not using a US carrier) but I suspect that is more of a function of distance and aircraft capabilities rather than who is on-board. I mean DL has a 77L which means it can go non-stop CGK-ATL if it wants to.

^^

As I understand though, the reason why AA is willing to fight for JAL is because it will lose Asian feed with no other carrier to replace them (some have floated around CA or MU, but China's already too far for that). DL on the other hand is looking to get rid of the NRT hub. The Japanese government supports DL's bid; the ball is now in the Americans' court.

You got it wrong. Its actually complicated. But I will explain it in simple terms.
Don't confused the arrangements based on airline alliances alone. Alliances is very dependent on bilateral treaty. Remember the recent bilateral agreements between US and Japan? The open skies treaty? The deal is dependent on reciprocity, which means that legally only 2 US airlines are allowed to operate in Japan. But most US airlines are operating on alliances, and one of them is allied to ANA which belongs to the same alliance STAR. There you will find United, Continental and US airways, while JAL used to belong to oneworld which has American on its belt. Meanwhile, the oddman out which is Skyteam has Delta and Northwest on board. Unfortunately, Northwest has grandfather rights to fly Japan and beyond, the other one being United which got its license from PAN AM. Northwest would surely want their right to be respected which means the Japanese has to let them fly notwithstanding the recent bilateral. American however has acquired it right recently in 1982 bilaterals in exchange for Nippon Cargo and it doesn't have rights to fly Asia. Between the two, decision is not that difficult to the Japanese. But if you let the hub and alliance system play into the system, aggravated by JAL's problems, then it becomes a confusing proposition where decisions can be a headache when actually what the US airlines are battling is the right to fly Japan and beyond with one of the Japanese airline in tow.



^^ariane, ma aapprove na ba ang open skies agreement with other ASEAN countries this coming months or so?!?

April. But capital cities only.

Sorry! no Zamboanga yet.:)


^^

Let's assume for the sake of argument that the Philippines gives the green light to US carriers to land here. I mean besides the composition of who is on such flights, how different is a nonstop flight from HKG, SIN, TPE or PEK to a US city by a US carrier from a nonstop flight from MNL to a US city by the same? Japan-US flights will probably survive without passengers coming from the RP.

Although in fairness BKK, KUL and CGK don't have non-stop flights between them and the US (at least not using a US carrier) but I suspect that is more of a function of distance and aircraft capabilities rather than who is on-board. I mean DL has a 77L which means it can go non-stop CGK-ATL if it wants to.

I don't think it will happen. PAL would be the first to object. Seriously though, if Japan deemed reciprocal service paramount, how much more our country. Have you forgotten too that US airlines pioneered the hub and spoke system? That means they have to fly to their hub, and Manila is not one of them. And unless Japan becomes a territory of the US, that will not happen.

I mean, come to think of it this way, our country has only one big airline while US has 7 major airlines. Tell me how would you compete fairly on this scenario?

just wanna share, some parts of copenhagen airport during my stay at hopenhagen summit. i apologize for cropping the pics. im not that pogi to post it anyway :lol:as you can see, they were taken at terminal 3
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b84/tigidig14/002.jpg


copenhagen means merchant's port ... you should have taken some pictures of their port(s) ... i was there too last hopenhagen :cheers:

^^

I mean, come to think of it this way, our country has only one big airline while US has 7 major airlines. Tell me how would you compete fairly on this scenario?

The thing is the other US airlines are not even interested in setting-up shop here.

I understand the hub-and-spoke system but what I still don't get is why other east asian destinations get non-stop services. For instance HKG gets service to SFO and ORD from UA and Mainland China has or will be getting service from DL and UA. HKG only has 1 major carrier.

^^ Hong Kong has the yields which can support multiple carriers flying to the U.S., in part due to it being a major financial center. Manila is nowhere near Hong Kong in that regard.

^^

I think one thing is beginning to become clear to me when it comes to commercial passenger aviation: the key ingredient in being a well-known airline such as BA, CX, AA, SQ etc. is to cater to the business traveller and to go to financial centres. BKK however is hardly a financial centre yet it probably has bulk of the flights of a major airline in Asean.

The thing is the other US airlines are not even interested in setting-up shop here.

I understand the hub-and-spoke system but what I still don't get is why other east asian destinations get non-stop services. For instance HKG gets service to SFO and ORD from UA and Mainland China has or will be getting service from DL and UA. HKG only has 1 major carrier.

But didn't you forgot that Hong Kong was only part of China in 1998. Before that it was part of the British empire and didn't you realized that they can't fly the Japan-Hongkong sector due to the opposition of China? Are you even aware of the one-china policy? Did you also know that BA and other British-owned airlines has the right to fly to the US from HK?

And do please take note that China-US bilateral is no more than 10 years old.

By the way, United and Continental did fly to our country before until they changed the ASA in 2004.

^^

I'm aware of that. UA flew here until 1998. CO still flies here as Continental Micronesia. What is it in the ASA that constrains them from mounting flights on their own directly to the mainland? It's funny that US carriers want the right of flying here but the carriers don't use those rights on their own initiative.

As an economics student, I am sure of this thing: competition among carriers will be a passenger's best friend. It will provide us options of finding flights at a lower cost.

I told you already. the airlines that have the right to go and land here adopts the hub and spoke system.

^^

So you're saying they don't have the right to fly directly here from the mainland because they don't want to violate their existing ASA with Japan that provides reciprocity?

^^not only nice looking, classy interior as well:cheers::cheers::cheers:


Malinis pa ang CRs. :) Hehehe

^^
what i'm saying is they have the right to fly direct but opts to use the hub

^^

Ok. So am I correct in saying that my understanding about the US-JP ASA is that US carriers have the same rights and privileges as a Japanese carrier as far as operating out of a Japanese port is concerned?

Yes. With respect to mainland destinations.
No. With respect to points in Asia, except as I said the grandfather rights of Northwest and Panam, which is still respected by our country but subject to service rule which means you must be using the right until now in order not to forfeit it.

^^



^^

April. But capital cities only.

Sorry! no Zamboanga yet.:)


^^






what do you mean by capital cities only? dba isa lang ang capital ng pI and that is ncr?

Kuwait's Kharafi Unit Bids For $1.2 Bln Philippines Project

Kuwait's Al-Mal Investment Co, said it has bid for a tender to develop an airport in the Philippines, valued at about $1.2 billion. The firm is controlled by the family-owned conglomerate Kharafi Group.

"The firm notifies that it has bid for a tender to develop Clark airport with a cost close to $1.2 billion," Al-Mal said in a statement on the Kuwaiti bourse website on Sunday.

It said it was still in negotiations with the concerned authorities in the Philippines. - Reuters

BKK however is hardly a financial centre yet it probably has bulk of the flights of a major airline in Asean.

Yields to BKK are low as it is because most airlines flying there cater to tourists and not business travelers. Hence why airlines are hesitant to fly to Bangkok: yields will be diluted further as more airlines serve the city, especially from Europe.

But the fact is, in the Asean region, more European airlines serve BKK. LH, BA, AF, Austrian Air, KL, SK and Air Berlin. In fact, SK has to stopover at BKK enroute to SIN. When most EU carriers were operating here, they had to stopover at BKK.

^^ Yes, but what drives them to Bangkok? It's not business demand, but rather lower-yielding tourist demand. Most people on those flights are backpackers, vacationers and tourists, not businessmen.

^^ Yes, but what drives them to Bangkok? It's not business demand, but rather lower-yielding tourist demand. Most people on those flights are backpackers, vacationers and tourists, not businessmen.

Also dont forget that Bangkok is a major gateway to Southeast Asia and a lot of planes pass through their airport.

Asian flag carriers fight to survive in no-frills era
January 27, 2010, 2:19pm

BANGKOK (dpa) – Asian flag carriers, once proud symbols of unique cultures, dynamic economies and exotic tourist destinations, are looking more like national albatrosses this year.

In an industry hard hit by a host of horrors in the past two years, including record-high oil prices, pandemics, recession and declining exports, Asia's national carriers have fared worse than many of their not so nationalistic rivals.

Japan Airlines Corp (JAL), once Asia's biggest airline in terms of revenues and currently the biggest regional debtor owing a whopping US$25.6 billion, was on January 19 forced to declare bankruptcy as part of its rehabilitation strategy. This is its fifth bailout in nine years.

In China, the government in January injected US$1 billion in China Eastern Airlines Co to buy out Shanghai Airlines Co, as part of efforts to consolidate the country's aviation scene under three state-owned airlines - China Southern Airlines Co, China Eastern and Air China Ltd.

The government had already injected 2 billion dollars into China Eastern last year and may soon have to help Air China – which announced a loss of 1.35 billion dollars for 2008 – take over Shenzhen Airlines.

India's aviation sector posted a combined loss of $2 billion in the fiscal year to March 2009, of which more than half was accounted for by the pathetic performance of national flag carrier Air India, which notched up losses of $1.2 billion.

While private airlines such as Jet, Kingfisher IndiGo and Spicejet are expecting to return to profit in the new financial year, Air India anticipates a similar sea of red ink.

An estimated 1 billion dollars will be required to keep the Indian flag carrier afloat.

Even South-East Asia's serviceoriented, award-winning national carriers – Singapore Airlines Ltd, Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and Thai Airways International – have flown into rough weather.

In the first and second quarters of this fiscal year, Singapore's national carrier posted losses of US$212.7 million and $114 million, respectively.

Singapore Airlines said that for the period from April 2009 to March 2010 it would reduce capacity by 11 per cent and decommission a total of 16 passenger aircraft. It has also reached an agreement with Airbus to delay the delivery of eight A380 superjumbo jets by six to 12 months.

MAS chalked up a US$88.6-million loss as of September 30, and Thai posted a net loss of $636 million in 2008, its first loss in 43 years. Although by year-end 2009 it was back in the black with a modest profit.

The losses are hardly unique to Asian airlines.

''Projected losses for 2009 are about 11 billion dollars worldwide,'' said Andrew Herdman, director-general for the Association of Asia-Pacific Airlines. ''For Asia-Pacific-based carriers losses in 2008 were US$4.8 billion and 2009 will be similar, about 4 billion.''

AirAsia introduces self check-in service
By EDU H. LOPEZ
January 26, 2010, 2:25pm

AirAsia is revolutionizing the aviation fraternity with the inclusion of its web and self check-In service.

These new self check-in kiosk facilities are currently in place at the LCCT airport and selected regional airports, providing guests with a quicker and more convenient way of checking-in. For added comfort and convenience, guests could also utilize our web-based check-in service.

AirAsia said this major initiative is part of the airline’s on-going mission of using the ICT forefront to exploit technology and practice cost efficiency.

By adopting a cost effective service and liberating guests traveling experience, this innovative service will also avoid airport congestions, long queues and reduce waiting time at no extra cost.

However, guests could still opt to check-in the conventional way at AirAsia’s check-in counters at the airport with our fun and friendly guest service staff.

Potential potholes hinder Clark's expansion plan
Suffers connection and likability problems

January 27, 2010

Manilla's Clark International airport has embarked on a 550 million pesos ($12 million) expansion plan to attract more carriers and become the second international gateway into the Philippines.

To be completed in May, the expansion will add a second storey, arrival and departure lounges, and three aerobridges to the terminal building. "We want to attract more airlines, particularly full-service carriers, but they want amenities like lounges," says Clark's president and chief executive Victor Jose Luciano.

Most of the seven passenger airlines serving Clark are low-cost carriers. The expansion will boost Clark's capacity to five million from two million.

A second terminal for Clark is also planned. The airport is evaluating proposals from potential joint venture partners and expects to make an announcement soon. It will take two years to construct a second terminal, says Luciano.

Clark is hoping to become the country's second international gateway. Manila's Ninoy Aquino International airport handled 22 million passengers in 2008, and the industry believes it will soon reach its capacity of 32 million.

However, there are potential potholes on Clark's journey to become the alternative airport.

The airport is a 2 hour drive along congested streets from Manila's business district. While the government has plans to build a high-speed railway to link the two airports, this will take 10 years.

"The railway needs to be there to make Clark into a premier airport. There should be a serious effort from the government to ensure that another international airport is constructed within three to five years," says Philippine Airlines' president Jaime Bautista.

Others have pointed out that launching a wide-ranging expansion might not be the way to go, and they have questioned how quickly Clark will be able to expand its capabilities.

Cebu Pacific chief executive Lance Gokongwei says: "I will be cautious against expanding Clark to something that will not generate adequate returns."

Ninoy Aquino International airport's assistant general manager Tirso Serrano says: "For it to be a viable gateway, you need two major successes: better connectivity to Clark, and industry acceptance."

AirAsia introduces self check-in service
By EDU H. LOPEZ
January 26, 2010, 2:25pm

AirAsia is revolutionizing the aviation fraternity with the inclusion of its web and self check-In service.

These new self check-in kiosk facilities are currently in place at the LCCT airport and selected regional airports, providing guests with a quicker and more convenient way of checking-in. For added comfort and convenience, guests could also utilize our web-based check-in service.

AirAsia said this major initiative is part of the airline’s on-going mission of using the ICT forefront to exploit technology and practice cost efficiency.

By adopting a cost effective service and liberating guests traveling experience, this innovative service will also avoid airport congestions, long queues and reduce waiting time at no extra cost.

However, guests could still opt to check-in the conventional way at AirAsia’s check-in counters at the airport with our fun and friendly guest service staff.

This is a bit of old news. I used AK's online check-in on the night before my flight. I think it should be 3K that should upgrade its service to have web check-in for flights that don't involve AU.

This is a bit of old news. I used AK's online check-in on the night before my flight. I think it should be 3K that should upgrade its service to have web check-in for flights that don't involve AU.

i've tried using this too in KL LCC but their machine cant read my passport's info. had to go and manually check in. pfft

^^

Web check-in is really quick and straightforward as you get to print your boarding pass in-town. It saved my KUL-SIN trip because I was almost late.

^^ Yes, but what drives them to Bangkok? It's not business demand, but rather lower-yielding tourist demand. Most people on those flights are backpackers, vacationers and tourists, not businessmen.
Maybe it's because BKK is a much more convenient airport for other airlines, especially European carriers. MNL is just too far, and too low-yielding for foreign airlines to bother flying to MNL. And, we have some corrupt airport officials who let big airlines pay not just landing fees.

Maybe it's because BKK is a much more convenient airport for other airlines, especially European carriers. MNL is just too far, and too low-yielding for foreign airlines to bother flying to MNL. And, we have some corrupt airport officials who let big airlines pay not just landing fees.

Hhhmmmm.. Source? Most especially your last statement. :sly:

Hhhmmmm.. Source? Most especially your last statement. :sly:
I heard it from a family friend who used to work at NAIA. I'm not really sure though. I didn't mean that all of the airport's officials are corrupt.

Another view of the NBSA Terminal Nov. 2009
http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/9072/dscf1048w.jpg

...another NBSA photo Nov. 2009
http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/2589/dscf1053m.jpg
this is where your P200.00 is collected

^^Whose pics are those hanging on the wall/column? It makes the airport look tacky. What happened to their sense of class? :ohno:

We have long debated why PR can't mount flights to the US East Coast. I think a key to PR having to do it will be to focus more on yields rather than density. That means less passengers but each passenger gets to pay more. Of course, that's not PR's business model.

SQ for instance uses an all-C A345 for its nonstop flights to the US. Tickets typically cost more than USD6,500.

Since this is NAIA Terminal 3, please do expect a lot of Cebu Pacific photos, hehehe!!! :nuts: :lol: :D

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/0/photos/376/600x600/30/MNLBCD30.jpg?et=Xq86%2BwEoHc7ob6jMkzmTNw&nmid=313515166

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/0/photos/376/600x600/31/MNLBCD31.jpg?et=DIcUEnP5H6c9%2Cr%2CRIznJHw&nmid=313515166

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Bombardier Q400
http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/0/photos/376/600x600/54/MNLBCD54.jpg?et=hQgoO9%2C5WVJVSmi3aittVw&nmid=313515166

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http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/0/photos/376/600x600/58/MNLBCD58.jpg?et=42nVSGgslFKv4bo%2BH%2ChnHQ&nmid=313515166

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/0/photos/376/600x600/65/MNLBCD65.jpg?et=%2BKrgLLaKIjFyNoakF%2C0Img&nmid=313515166

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/0/photos/376/600x600/66/MNLBCD66.jpg?et=HwK9VdyR1Z8wqLkogatjmw&nmid=313515166

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Some bad news:

One of Philippine Air Force GAF Nomad plane crashed in Cotabato... :ohno:

http://i.pbase.com/g6/78/737778/2/73817953.dgy2DLse.jpg

In the latest Zest Air timetable, they already left Naga while Tacloban flights was returned to daily frequency and the plan Singapore flight was postponed again. Ano ba tong Zest Air.

Old Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod airports face privatization–DOTC
Wednesday, 27 January 2010 19:14

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) will be putting on the selling block this city’s Lumbia Airport when the Laguindingan International Airport starts operation in a bid to prime the department’s activities.

Besides Lumbia Airport, the DOTC said it was also eyeing to privatize the old Bacolod City Airport in Negros Occidental.

The privatization of the two airports will be carried out through a public process in accordance to Executive Order 323, which covers the rules on the government’s privatization program, the DOTC said in a statement.

With the near opening of the Laguindingan International Airport in nearby Laguindingan town and the new airport facility in Silay City in Negros Occidental, there is no more point for the government to continue its hold on the Lumbia and Bacolod airports, the DOTC said.

“Since these two old airports will now be lying idle and underutilized as a result of the development of the new Bacolod-Silay and Laguindingan airports, the DOTC has decided to dispose of them [so that] the proceeds [of the sale] can be used to finance other government infrastructure programs,” Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza said.

Mendoza said privatizing the Lumbia and Bacolod airports was the only option for their continued optimum use and operation because management and operations will now be handled by the private sector.

repost

^^Bago at maganda pala ang airport ng busuanga:cheers::cheers:


Net find:

Busuanga Airport Terminal (Coron, Plawan)

http://i826.photobucket.com/albums/zz189/dyollnarud/busuangaairport.jpg

Just plugging in my trip report:
The Long Silk Way to L.A. (http://www.wings900.com/vb/1-1-civil-aviation/46341-trip-report-long-silk-way-l-reno.html)

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/0/photos/376/600x600/79/MNLBCD79.jpg?et=Ur0xbjXl9soKoDSqogxkzQ&nmid=313515166

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/0/photos/376/600x600/80/MNLBCD80.jpg?et=2PtS5Qm5QnPGU28dBUBCZQ&nmid=313515166

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http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/0/photos/376/600x600/87/MNLBCD87.jpg?et=mJxPrJyPbbfHYQLut1JIhg&nmid=313515166

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Look closely..:)
http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/0/photos/376/600x600/105/MNLBCD105.jpg?et=ZSqR8sVg6QPHdx59yiIbuQ&nmid=313515166

^^ nice pictures, habagat, I appreciate it... T3 would look spectacular if PR, TG, SQ, CX, HA were parking in the aprons... hay...

^^ nice pictures, habagat, I appreciate it... T3 would look spectacular if PR, TG, SQ, CX, HA were parking in the aprons... hay...

Hehe! Thanks. :D

Anyway, here are some of my take off and landing shots:

Taking off from Iloilo
UVR7CjI9nIo

Landing at Manila NAIA
TNcPwqKLVV0

just wanna share, some parts of copenhagen airport during my stay at hopenhagen summit. i apologize for cropping the pics. im not that pogi to post it anyway :lol:as you can see, they were taken at terminal 3
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b84/tigidig14/001.jpg
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b84/tigidig14/002.jpg
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b84/tigidig14/008.jpg
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b84/tigidig14/011.jpg
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b84/tigidig14/014.jpg

Thanks for sharing these pictures of one of my favourite airports! I love CPH!

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/0/photos/376/600x600/87/MNLBCD87.jpg?et=mJxPrJyPbbfHYQLut1JIhg&nmid=313515166



ah at last these birds realized their jobs are done...and can now take a long rest...

wla lang...feeling a bit of emotion seeing these...

^^Bago at maganda pala ang airport ng busuanga:cheers::cheers:


Net find:

Busuanga Airport Terminal (Coron, Plawan)

http://i826.photobucket.com/albums/zz189/dyollnarud/busuangaairport.jpg

This must be an old picture, since the sign has been updated to say "Francisco B. Reyes Airport".

About 2P's 732s, are they heading for the desert? Or have they been bought by another airline?

I like CPH as well as most EU airports. I find it unbelievable to see why travellers crucify LHR and CDG where in fact I tried LHR once (although arriving at that airport only) and had no problems. It looks very technologically adept, infrastructure is more than adequate.

arianespace and other posters, may I ask what are your thoughts and insights on the article published by PhilStar regarding on ICAO's findings??

^^

The CAAP is just the ATO under a different name. In substance, there is nothing new. If that simple number (28% compliance vs 28 findings) can't be interpreted properly, what more when it comes to compliance with the global standards!?!

The reality of PR being bankrupt is imminent because of the CAAP's shortcomings. They can't fully utilise their new offerings. Worse, we should even consider the fact that we are still allowed to fly to the US as generous because it sounds like the CAAP deserves a Cat3 rating.

ah at last these birds realized their jobs are done...and can now take a long rest...

wla lang...feeling a bit of emotion seeing these...

indeed... It would be more emotional if you see this former Southwest Airlines 732 ended up in boneyard like in Pinal Airpark Arizona

ah at last these birds realized their jobs are done...and can now take a long rest...

wla lang...feeling a bit of emotion seeing these...

^^woow nice mga airplanes na nag rest na rin sa haba ng nilakbay nila mula pa sa ibang bansa at nakapunta ng Pinas.....hope they will just donate it to the Phil Airforce para may airplane na rin ung AIRforce na tin:lol::lol::lol:

^speaking of long rest, this NEW airport has never been operated by any airlines since it was built (only few cargoes once a week).
http://www.imperialglassworks.com/Quickstart/ImageLib/Mid-AmericaAirport2.jpg
http://www.stlcommercemagazine.com/archives/july2003/images/brief_pic4.jpg
http://www.flymidamerica.com/

Aviation chief: Air safety not a one-man job (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=544807&publicationSubCategoryId=63)
(The Philippine Star) Updated January 29, 2010 12:00 AM



MANILA, Philippines - The chief of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said he was not entirely to blame for the poor rating given to the country’s aviation sector by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Ruben Ciron, CAAP director general, was reacting to the CAAP-Employees Union’s pronouncement that he should take the blame for ICAO’s issuance of a significant safety concern or SSC rating on the country’s civil aviation network.

Ciron pointed out that ensuring aviation safety is not a one-man job and that it requires full cooperation of all CAAP personnel.

Ciron also lashed out at Cesar Lucero, vice president of the CAAP-EU, for pushing for his ouster.

“But with CAAP employees like Cesar Lucero - who, from day one, wanted me out of the job - the task of ensuring aviation safety in 80 CAAP-controlled airports all over the country has become doubly difficult,” he stressed.

He said he was not washing his hands of responsibility, but stressed that most of the problems plaguing CAAP - formerly the Air Transportation Office - were due to years of corruption and mismanagement.

“Ironically, these problems were accumulated during the time of previous ATO administrations which Lucero was part of,” Ciron said.

“I merely inherited the burden of repairing the damage when I was appointed director general after the CAAP law was passed in 2008. However, we encountered a lot of birth pains along the way, not to mention uncooperative staff like Lucero,” he said.

He also emphasized that ICAO does not give “pass” or “fail” marks but only “ratios” of compliance with certain protocols.

He said most of the “significant safety concerns” are being decisively addressed and properly communicated with concerned agencies. He said no less than Mohamed Elamiri, chief of the ICAO’s Safety and Security Audits Branch, acknowledged the corrective actions taken by the CAAP.

Lucero earlier revealed to The STAR that an electronic bulletin issued by the ICAO on Dec. 18 last year showed the Philippines among countries on the SSC list, along with Angola, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Congo, Djibouti, Guinea-Bissau, Kazakhstan, Malawi, Rwanda, and Zambia. Rainier Allan Ronda

Just plugging in my trip report:
The Long Silk Way to L.A. (http://www.wings900.com/vb/1-1-civil-aviation/46341-trip-report-long-silk-way-l-reno.html)

:applause: Very nice travel log. :cheers:

Aviation chief: Air safety not a one-man job (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=544807&publicationSubCategoryId=63)
(The Philippine Star) Updated January 29, 2010 12:00 AM



MANILA, Philippines - The chief of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said he was not entirely to blame for the poor rating given to the country’s aviation sector by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Ruben Ciron, CAAP director general, was reacting to the CAAP-Employees Union’s pronouncement that he should take the blame for ICAO’s issuance of a significant safety concern or SSC rating on the country’s civil aviation network.

Ciron pointed out that ensuring aviation safety is not a one-man job and that it requires full cooperation of all CAAP personnel.

Ciron also lashed out at Cesar Lucero, vice president of the CAAP-EU, for pushing for his ouster.

“But with CAAP employees like Cesar Lucero - who, from day one, wanted me out of the job - the task of ensuring aviation safety in 80 CAAP-controlled airports all over the country has become doubly difficult,” he stressed.

He said he was not washing his hands of responsibility, but stressed that most of the problems plaguing CAAP - formerly the Air Transportation Office - were due to years of corruption and mismanagement.

“Ironically, these problems were accumulated during the time of previous ATO administrations which Lucero was part of,” Ciron said.

“I merely inherited the burden of repairing the damage when I was appointed director general after the CAAP law was passed in 2008. However, we encountered a lot of birth pains along the way, not to mention uncooperative staff like Lucero,” he said.

He also emphasized that ICAO does not give “pass” or “fail” marks but only “ratios” of compliance with certain protocols.

He said most of the “significant safety concerns” are being decisively addressed and properly communicated with concerned agencies. He said no less than Mohamed Elamiri, chief of the ICAO’s Safety and Security Audits Branch, acknowledged the corrective actions taken by the CAAP.

Lucero earlier revealed to The STAR that an electronic bulletin issued by the ICAO on Dec. 18 last year showed the Philippines among countries on the SSC list, along with Angola, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Congo, Djibouti, Guinea-Bissau, Kazakhstan, Malawi, Rwanda, and Zambia. Rainier Allan Ronda

Now the country (or more specifically MNL and PR) is now paying for the corrupt bureaucracy that has dominated the landscape for decades. PR will get bankrupt if we can't be restored to Cat 2. We want it to use its 77Ws in the US. We also want to use T3 but it is an IUL (item under litigation) but for both cases because of bureaucracy and politics, it's just pulling us down the drain!!!

Aviation chief: Air safety not a one-man job (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=544807&publicationSubCategoryId=63)
(The Philippine Star) Updated January 29, 2010 12:00 AM



MANILA, Philippines - The chief of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said he was not entirely to blame for the poor rating given to the country’s aviation sector by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Ruben Ciron, CAAP director general, was reacting to the CAAP-Employees Union’s pronouncement that he should take the blame for ICAO’s issuance of a significant safety concern or SSC rating on the country’s civil aviation network.

Ciron pointed out that ensuring aviation safety is not a one-man job and that it requires full cooperation of all CAAP personnel.

Ciron also lashed out at Cesar Lucero, vice president of the CAAP-EU, for pushing for his ouster.

“But with CAAP employees like Cesar Lucero - who, from day one, wanted me out of the job - the task of ensuring aviation safety in 80 CAAP-controlled airports all over the country has become doubly difficult,” he stressed.

He said he was not washing his hands of responsibility, but stressed that most of the problems plaguing CAAP - formerly the Air Transportation Office - were due to years of corruption and mismanagement.

“Ironically, these problems were accumulated during the time of previous ATO administrations which Lucero was part of,” Ciron said.

“I merely inherited the burden of repairing the damage when I was appointed director general after the CAAP law was passed in 2008. However, we encountered a lot of birth pains along the way, not to mention uncooperative staff like Lucero,” he said.

He also emphasized that ICAO does not give “pass” or “fail” marks but only “ratios” of compliance with certain protocols.

He said most of the “significant safety concerns” are being decisively addressed and properly communicated with concerned agencies. He said no less than Mohamed Elamiri, chief of the ICAO’s Safety and Security Audits Branch, acknowledged the corrective actions taken by the CAAP.

Lucero earlier revealed to The STAR that an electronic bulletin issued by the ICAO on Dec. 18 last year showed the Philippines among countries on the SSC list, along with Angola, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Congo, Djibouti, Guinea-Bissau, Kazakhstan, Malawi, Rwanda, and Zambia. Rainier Allan Ronda


Hay nako. Napaka typical na reaksyon ng kahit sinong administrator ng gobyerno sa pinas. Sisihin ang taong hindi na nakaupo sa pwesto at sabihing ganyan na yan dati pa. E kaya nga sha nilagay dyan para masaayos nya ang mga mali kasi nga palpak yung pinalitan nya. Parang inamin na din nya na nagbubutas lang sha ng upuan sa opisina nya at wala din shang kwenta kasi wala pa sha nagagawa sa ilang taon nyang nakaupo. Haayy. nakakahighblood ang mga taong ganito. Wala man lang kahit anong bahid ng humility at aminin na may pagkukulang din sha.

^^arianespace and other posters, may I ask what are your thoughts and insights on the article published by PhilStar regarding on ICAO's findings??

I already shared mine along time ago on this thread. Now, Let the findings speak for itself.

indeed... It would be more emotional if you see this former Southwest Airlines 732 ended up in boneyard like in Pinal Airpark Arizona

hehe...a year ago they were flying...now they're on the ground awaiting their fate (rotting)

http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/4673/sdc12048copy.jpg

...btw, i wish i could buy the 732 fuselage...gawing ice cream parlor :D

Isn't Air Philippines flying again soon?

^^ Rumor: March 2010 when they receive the A320s of PAL. Speculation could be true as they just recently hire flight attendants.

CEB highlights North Luzon flights in
seat sale as low as P699
Extends P699 seats to select Visayas destinations

Cebu Pacific (CEB), the Philippines’ number one domestic carrier, highlights North Luzon flights in a ‘Go Lite’ seat sale as low as P699 to nine destinations this January 30-31, 2010, for travel this February 15 to March 31, 2010.

Passengers traveling from Manila to Cauayan (Isabela), Tuguegarao (Cagayan Valley) and Laoag (Ilocos Norte) can now avail of the ‘Go Lite’ seat sale fare of only P699.

Similarly, P699 seats are also available for flights from Manila to Bacolod, Cebu, Iloilo, Roxas, and Tacloban. Meanwhile, those traveling from Manila to Ozamiz can avail of the ‘Go Lite’ seat sale fare of P999.

Those with check-in luggage will just add P100 upon booking.

“We hope to emphasize our flights to North Luzon as the most convenient form of travel, especially with our trademark low fares and well-timed frequencies. Passengers can now reach their destination sooner, and have more time to explore the various attractions in the area,” said CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog.

She added, “Those who wish to avail of this seat sale can check out www.cebupacificair.com, call the CEB reservation hotlines (02) 7020-888 or (032) 230-8888 or visit the travel agent nearest them.”

Travelers who don’t have credit cards can still book online and pay via CEB partner banks (Metrobank, Robinsons Savings Bank, Banco de Oro, Bancnet and Megalink).

Gokongwei-owned low-cost carrier, CEB flies 1,700 domestic and international flights weekly from its four hubs spread strategically throughout the Philippines: Manila, Cebu, Clark and Davao. It uses the youngest aircraft fleet in the country, composed of 21 Airbus and 8 ATR 72-500 aircraft.

^^ Rumor: March 2010 when they receive the A320s of PAL. Speculation could be true as they just recently hire flight attendants.

I'm hoping these are the older RP-C32xx A320s of PAL. Mainline PAL should continue flying the RP-C86xx series A320s and use its additional options to expand the narrow-body fleet to make up for the loss of the older A320s. At least this way, PAL can have a uniform product on its narrow-body fleet.

I'm hoping these are the older RP-C32xx A320s of PAL. Mainline PAL should continue flying the RP-C86xx series A320s and use its additional options to expand the narrow-body fleet to make up for the loss of the older A320s. At least this way, PAL can have a uniform product on its narrow-body fleet.

the older a320's of pal will be transferred to 2p. the newer ones will be retained.

i posted this a while back after i talked to that vp from pal. however arianespace refuted this. still i would believe the vp since i know the person personally.

^^ So how many old A320 of PR has and new A320 with the new "coastal" and "reflection of light in water" theme?

I am quite confuse on whose side to choose on this issue, PAL will definitely lay-off its employees because of these but at the same time new jobs on the 2P side and it partner, MacroAsia Airport Services.

I'm hoping these are the older RP-C32xx A320s of PAL. Mainline PAL should continue flying the RP-C86xx series A320s and use its additional options to expand the narrow-body fleet to make up for the loss of the older A320s. At least this way, PAL can have a uniform product on its narrow-body fleet.

^^ So how many old A320 of PR has and new A320 with the new "coastal" and "reflection of light in water" theme?

I am quite confuse on whose side to choose on this issue, PAL will definitely lay-off its employees because of these but at the same time new jobs on the 2P side and it partner, MacroAsia Airport Services.

basta what i have been told by the vp is that they will retain about 4 to 5 of those 320's.

^^ It can't be 4-5. PAL has 18 A320s, and the RP-C32xx A320s are way outnumbered by the RP-C86xx A320s. I doubt PAL finds it profitable to give 13-14 A320s away to 2P just to make its domestic operations profitable.

^^ So how many old A320 of PR has and new A320 with the new "coastal" and "reflection of light in water" theme?

I am quite confuse on whose side to choose on this issue, PAL will definitely lay-off its employees because of these but at the same time new jobs on the 2P side and it partner, MacroAsia Airport Services.

There are only two remaining of the original PAL A320s (RP-C3221 and ~3). The remaining 5 of the RP-C32xx series are second-hand (leased?). That makes 7. All of these have only economy seats. The front rows however, could be "converted" into a business class area where the middle seat seatback is brought down to become a sidetable.

All the rest, the RP-C86xx series, were delivered brand-new, and with proper business class seats. ~8600 to 03 are A319s, btw). They have the coastal theme.

I'm hoping these are the older RP-C32xx A320s of PAL. Mainline PAL should continue flying the RP-C86xx series A320s and use its additional options to expand the narrow-body fleet to make up for the loss of the older A320s. At least this way, PAL can have a uniform product on its narrow-body fleet.

Aren't there 4 or 5 more still to be delivered?