Asian Aviation (No Pictures, Only News)

[the glimpser]

Highlighted are those flights going and coming to Asia:

World's Longest Flights
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/worlds...211655905.html

8. New York to Hong Kong on Cathay Pacific (Tie)
-- Miles: 8,059
-- Scheduled Duration: 16 Hours

8. Dallas-Fort Worth to Brisbane on Qantas (Tie)
-- Miles: 8,584
-- Scheduled Duration: 16 Hours

8. Johannesburg to New York on South African Airways (Tie)
-- Miles: 7,970
-- Scheduled Duration: 16 Hours

8. Newark to Hong Kong on United Airlines (Tie)
-- Miles: 8,065
-- Scheduled Duration: 16 Hours

6. Atlanta to Johannesburg on Delta Airlines (Tie)
-- Miles: 8,433
-- Scheduled Duration: 16 Hours 15 Minutes

6. Doha to Houston on Qatar Airways (Tie)
-- Miles: 8,047
-- Scheduled Duration: 16 Hours 15 Minutes

5. Dubai to Houston on Emirates Airlines
-- Miles: 8,164*
-- Scheduled Duration: 16 Hours 20 Minutes

4. Dubai to Los Angeles on Emirates Airlines
-- Miles: 8,335*
-- Scheduled Duration: 16 Hours 30 Minutes

3. Los Angeles to Bangkok on Thai Airways
-- Miles: 8,260*
-- Scheduled Duration: 17 Hours 30 Minutes

2. Newark to Singapore on Singapore Airlines
-- Miles: 10,371
-- Scheduled Duration: 18 Hours

1. Los Angeles to Singapore, Singapore Airlines
-- Miles: 9,500
-- Scheduled Duration: 18 Hours 30 Minutes

[AsianDragons]

AirAsia is boosting its connectivity from Kuala Lumpur to Vientiane, Laos, by introducing additional flight frequencies starting 27 May 2012.

With the new additional frequencies, flights from Kuala Lumpur – Vientiane have been increased from 3 times weekly (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday) to 7 times weekly (add-on: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday).

In conjunction with the additional Kuala Lumpur – Vientiane flight frequencies, AirAsia is offering a special promo fare of RM139 one way. This promo fare is only valid for the new additional flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

The booking period for this exclusive promotion is until 1 April 2012, for travel from 27 May to 30 September 2012. Terms and conditions apply.

AirAsia Regional Head of Commercial, Kathleen Tan, said, “With the launch of the additional frequencies, guest can enjoy further convenience and superior choice of flight times to Vientiane from Kuala Lumpur. Together with this great promotion, we feel very optimistic that it will be well received by our guests and we expect to see good passenger loads soon.”

Passengers are encouraged to book their value-added services such as Baggage Supersize, Hot Seats, Pick-A-Seat and AirAsia Insure online together with their flights as they are able to save up to 50%.

As for inflight meals, travellers can now pre-book more than one meal on board, and at lower prices as well with the recent reduction of inflight pre-book meal prices. AirAsia has also recently reduced its processing fees from RM8 per guest per sector, to only RM5 per guest per sector. Processing fees are not applicable for BIG Visa card users.

Counter check-in fees are also waived for international bound guests across all of its hubs and stations throughout the route network.

http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news12/303-AirAsia.shtml

[the glimpser]

PAL flies to Bali April 28

MANILA, Philippines–Philippine Airlines (PAL) will fly to Bali starting April 28, re-establishing direct air links between Manila and Indonesia’s prime holiday destination.

“With the new service, passengers can look forward to experiencing full-service, hassle-free trip to Bali for their vacation,” said PAL President Jaime J. Bautista in a statement sent to the media.

The new Bali service, utilizing the bi-class Airbus A320 aircraft, will operate twice weekly, departing Manila every Wednesday and Saturday at 9:45 p.m. Arrival at Denpasar International Airport – Bali’s provincial capital is at 1:25 a.m. the following day.

The return flight, PR 538, departs Denpasar on Thursday and Sunday at 2:25 a.m. and will arrive in Manila at 6:10 a.m.

Bali is PAL’s second destination in Indonesia, following Jakarta, the country’s capital, where the flag carrier flies five times a week direct from Manila and four times a week via Singapore.

Bali will become PAL’s 26th destination in its international route network. PAL flies to 20 domestic stations using an all-jet fleet. PAL is the only domestic airline offering business class service.

http://business.inquirer.net/51971/p...-bali-april-28

[Vrooms]

Source:http://news.xin.msn.com/en/singapore...mentid=6086184

Updated: Fri, 06 Apr 2012 10:32:42 GMT | By Channel NewsAsia
Last call for flight SQ747
Last call for flight SQ747



SINGAPORE: Singapore Airlines on Friday bade farewell to its Boeing 747 aircraft, with special commemorative flights between Singapore and Hong Kong.

Flight SQ747 departed Singapore’s Changi Airport at 8.30am.

It is due to arrive in Hong Kong at about 1.15pm before returning to Singapore.

On board the flight are more than 350 customers and crew members, as well as members of the media and other invited guests.

They include SIA’s first B747 pilot, retired captain Kenneth Toft, as well as renowned wine connoisseur, Ms Jeannie Cho Lee, who is a member of SIA’s distinguished Wine Panel.

Twenty students and guardians from Singapore’s Chaoyang School are also on the flight, bound for a weekend in Hong Kong, courtesy of SIA.

It is the first flight experience for most of the students.

Each customer will receive a unique certificate as well as a B747 aircraft model and limited—edition memorabilia.

Singapore Airlines executive vice—president, Commercial Mak Swee Wah, who is leading the festivities on board, said: "The 747 was truly the jewel in our fleet for nearly four decades, and we would not be the airline that we are today if we had not made the bold decision in 1972 to purchase this iconic jetliner.

"The jumbo enabled us to fly from Singapore to destinations that we could not previously reach.

"It also allowed us to do things that were previously unimaginable on a commercial aircraft, giving us the opportunity to provide our customers new standards in space and comfort."

— CNA/wk

[the glimpser]

PAL, AirPhil set refleeting programs that can cost up to $1B

MANILA, Philippines—Philippine Airlines, which recently took in the San Miguel Corp as a new investor, is seen investing as much as $1 billion for a fleet modernization program that will make the storied flag carrier more competitive.

Ramon S. Ang, president of SMC who signed a deal last week to acquire 49 percent each of PAL Holdings and Air Philippines Corp., said the conglomerate welcomed “the opportunity to participate in the refleeting and modernization plans of the two airlines.”

In a text message, Ang said the fleet modernization would cost at least $500 million to as much as $1 billion.

The $500-million minimum requirement is what SMC is infusing into several holding firms that will result in its equity investment in PAL and AirPhil, where the conglomerate is expected to exercise management control even if the majority stake would remain with the group of taipan Lucio Tan.

In a statement jointly issued by the Lucio Tan group and SMC, the two groups said the new partnership would “allow the two airlines to strengthen operations and stay competitive with the implementation of PAL and AirPhil’s fleet modernization program.”

Industry sources explained that because SMC’s entry into PAL and AirPhil would involve the issuance of new shares, new money would flow into the carriers. For capital spending beyond $500 million, the source said the airlines could fund this through debt rather than equity so as not to disrupt the existing capital structure.

http://business.inquirer.net/52909/p...-cost-up-to-1b

[the glimpser]

Boeing Explores Aircraft Parts Sourcing

MANILA, Philippines — Boeing, the world’s second largest aircraft manufacturer, is sending a team to the country this month to explore sourcing of aircraft parts and components while Taiwanese-owned Air Asia is looking at the Philippines for the expansion of its aircraft maintenance operation.

An official source said that Boeing officials are arriving April 15 to talk with the Board of Investments of their plan to source aircraft parts and components from existing aircraft parts producers in the country.

Airbus, Boeing’s competitor, has also expressed keen interest to source some of its parts requirements in the Philippines. Airbus, however, has yet to send a mission here.

On the part of Air Asia, which should not be mistaken for the Malaysian commercial airline firm, this Taiwanese firm plans to put up a new aircraft maintenance facility in the country.

Air Asia Company Limited, a subsidiary of Taiwan Aerospace, is the most diversified and experienced aircraft maintenance facility in Asia. In half a century, its maintenance accomplishment in military aircraft and civil transport aircraft has gained high reputation. The greatest competitive advantage of Air Asia is its OEM's (original equipment manufacturer) authorization. Boeing Airplane Group, Bell Helicopter TEXTRON Inc., Raytheon Aircraft Co., and Sikorsky Aircraft Co. have all nominated Air Asia as their authorized service center for aircraft/helicopter maintenance.

Air Asia raised its for expansion in the Philippines during a recent Taiwan investment mission headed by Senator Edgardo J. Angara and Trade and Industry Undersecretary Cristino L. Panlilio.

Panlilio cited that most of the electronics firms in the country are suppliers of aviation companies of the world, including Boeing.

“We are tapping manufacturers and assemblers of aircraft components to enhance their operations here,” he said.

Aside from the electronics companies, there are three major aircrafts components manufacturers in the country, including MOOGS in Baguio Economic Zone and another British firm that makes galley fixtures.

Panlilio further said that Texas Instruments even supplies instrumentation parts for Boeing and Airbus. There are probably 100,000 parts in the Boeing plane from switches, wire harness and motors.(BCM)

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/356767...parts-sourcing

[the glimpser]

PAL opens Hong Kong-Kalibo route

MANILA, Philippines–Tourists who visit Hong Kong will soon just be a short plane ride away to the world-famous, fine sand beaches of Boracay as Philippine Airlines (PAL) opens a direct Hong Kong-Kalibo flight starting April 27.

The twice weekly service – aimed at further boosting market demand for Boracay – will utilize PAL’s bi-class Airbus A320 aircraft that seats 12 in Business class and 144 in Economy.

PAL flight PR289 leaves Hong Kong every Tuesday and Friday at 1:20 p.m., arriving in Kalibo at3:50 p.m.

The return flight, PR290, departs Kalibo at 4:50 p.m., arriving in Hong Kong at 7:20 p.m.

Special introductory fare for round-trip, economy tickets is being offered at 1,350 Hong Kong dollars.

Only PAL offers Business class and full service on all its narrow-body fleet of 14 A320 jets.

http://business.inquirer.net/53361/p...g-kalibo-route

[Vrooms]

Source:http://finance.yahoo.com/news/sias-s...055904767.html

SIA's Scoot to fly to Bangkok, competes with Tiger
Reuters – 8 hours ago

SINGAPORE, April 24 (Reuters) - Scoot, the new medium-to-long-haul budget carrier of Singapore Airlines Ltd , said on Tuesday it will serve the Singapore-Bangkok route from July, putting it head on with its bigger sister Tiger Airways Holdings Ltd.

Tiger Airways is the short-haul budget unit of Singapore Airlines, the world's second-largest carrier by market value.

"It is to provide more connectivity for our guests, so our guests from Australia and China can go to Bangkok as well via Singapore," Scoot's spokeswoman See Lingling said.

She said the routes would help the carrier make the most of its Boeing 777-200 aircraft.

Scoot is offering a promotion of S$88 ($70.42) for a Singapore-Bangkok return trip, cheaper than the current fare of around S$200 from Tiger Airways.

Scoot will make its inaugural flight on June 26, with Sydney the first destination.
Last year, Singapore Airlines announced the set-up of Scoot as part of its strategy to capture the fast-growing budget market in Asia, which has been dominated by Malaysia's AirAsia Bhd and Indonesia's Lion Air.($1 = 1.2497 Singapore dollars)(Reporting by Harry Suhartono)

[the glimpser]

SMC chief details plan to revive PAL fortunes

“Like buying a headache” is one of the most common descriptions used to describe San Miguel Corp.’s recent acquisition of a 49-percent stake, along with management control, in Philippine Airlines.

“Why would anyone want to buy PAL?” is the other question commonly asked by observers incredulous over the diversified conglomerate’s $500-million buy-in of the flag carrier.

But SMC president Ramon Ang—a tycoon as well as a certified pilot—has some unorthodox ideas about how to turn around the airline. For him, the prospects for PAL is “CAVU”—aeronautic jargon for “ceiling and visibility unlimited,” meaning ideal flying conditions.

At the top of Ang’s to-do list for PAL is the restructuring of its flight operations alongside that of its sister firm Air Philippines, which SMC also bought into.

In particular, PAL’s new boss wants Air Philippines to take over all domestic and short-haul international routes using the low-cost carrier model, to allow the airline to compete directly with the likes of Cebu Pacific and Zest Air, the former in particular, having eaten significantly into PAL’s market share over the last decade.

With Air Philippines taking over the short-haul routes, PAL will concentrate on long-haul routes like regional flights of greater than three hours’ duration, where passengers are more willing to pay a premium for service and comfort.

Along with this, Ang unveiled plans to acquire up to 100 new aircraft for both PAL and Air Philippines over the next half decade, as well as for SMC to invest in a new international airport that will have up to four runways and can accommodate up to 100 million passengers annually on a 4,000-hectare site.

“This is one of the proposals we will put forward to the government,” he said, adding that the proposed airport would be closer to Metro Manila than Clark, and will only be “five to 10 minutes’ drive from EDSA.”

This statement has led to speculation that the site will be somewhere in Bulacan, immediately north of Manila.

The SMC chief also committed the resources of PAL to help the government in its effort to regain Category 1 status for the country from the US Federal Aviation Administration, since this is crucial for the airline’s profitability and eventual expansion.

http://business.inquirer.net/56541/s...e-pal-fortunes

[patchay]

Last few days is a big news in the aviation world. A clear indication that somehow premium airlines and low-cost airlines don't really made out.

Originally Posted by patchay

Tony would probably want to cut Malaysia Airlines (MAS) workforce by a huge margin, but its Union protested. MAS is too inefficient to be having such a large workforce with so low gross margin thus potential doubt if it can make money.

But too bad. Tony lost today.



Breaking News: Khazanah, Tune Air terminate share swap agreement, Tony resigns from Malaysia Airlines board
By Joseph Chin | TheStar | Wednesday May 2, 2012 MYT 8:35:00 PM
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story...3&sec=business

KUALA LUMPUR: Khazanah Nasional Bhd and Tune Air, the major shareholders of Malaysian Airline System Bhd (MAS) and AirAsia Bhd respectively had on Wednesday agreed to terminate their share swap agreement.

Following the termination of the agreement, Khazanah will take back the 685.14 million MAS shares representing a 20.50% stake in MAS held by Tune Air, according to announcements made by MAS and AirAsia to Bursa Malaysia.

Similarly, Tune Air will take back 277.65 million ordinary shares of 10 sen each in AirAsia held by Khazanah, representing approximately 9.99% equity interest in AirAsia.

Following the termination of share swap, the boards of MAS and AirAsia had agreed to mutually terminate the proposed warrants exchange and the warrants exchange agreement on Oct 21, 2011.

With the latest development, the respective focus areas of MAS, AirAsia and AirAsia X Sdn Bhd as stated in the earlier collaboration agreement would cease. (will MAS now come out to set up a LCC to fight AirAsia???)

The earlier focus areas were that MAS would focus on being a full-service premium carrier; AirAsia to focus on being a regional low-cost carrier (LCC); and AAX to focus on being a medium-to-long haul LCC.

Now, the airlines had entered into a supplemental collaboration agreement to explore areas of mutual-need to realise savings and boost efficiencies.

This would see both MAS and AirAsia jointly exploring the setting up of a joint-venture company by MAS, AirAsia and AirAsia X to provide aircraft component maintenance support and repair services.

They would also establish the broad set of business principles for the three parties to set up a special purposed vehicle (SPV) to improve value for money and to increase competitiveness and benefits to customers through procurement synergies

The shareholding of the SPV would see MAS holdings a 50% stake, AirAsia 35% and AAX 15%.

The SPV will provide services to MAS, AirAsia and AAX primarily comprising strategic sourcing services involving the design, strategy and conduct of procurement processes directed at achieving overall efficiencies and improved value for money for identified goods and services.

Meanwhile, the major shareholders of AirAsia, Tan Sri Tony Fernandes and Datuk Kamarudin Meranun have resigned as directors from MAS board.

MAS said that their resignations were pursuant to the letters of resignation as directors dated April 30 which it had it received on Wednesday.

Khazanah's representative on AirAsia board, Datuk Mohamed Azman Yahya had also resigned from AirAsia board.


Malaysia Airlines-AirAsia share swap off, what's next?
Business Times | May 2, 2012
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_New...cle/index_html

Now that the share swap deal between Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia is off, what does the future hold for both the national premium service carrier and low-cost carrier?

The share swap deal was put together nine months ago as one of the many initiatives to help boost Malaysia Airlines, whose financial performance has lagged in the last two years or so.

But several months down the road, it has been discerned that the move has not gone down well with the majority of the 26,000 workforce at Malaysia Airlines.

The concern of the disgruntled employees is understandable: they just do not want Malaysia Airlines to be led by the nose and benefit the other party.

Now that they have been cut loose from a seemingly unpalatable partnership, they would have to roll up their sleeves and start helping the revival of Malaysia Airlines. (well many of them are not even helping MAS???, if so pay cut anyone???)

And they should heed the words of their group managing director Ahmad Jauhari Yahya as their clarion call: "It's about survival and winning back the customers again."

They would have to help him stem the losses at Malaysia Airlines and make the national carrier the preferred choice of many travellers.

For AirAsia, it has to stay competitive and ward off many other low-cost airlines snapping at its heels.

If it can keep its fares low, service levels high and yet roll in the money, it should continue to be a role model for other low-cost carriers.

Although the share swap deal is now history, both the national aviation champions can still collaborate.

They need not scuttle each other's businesses as they are in different business segments -- one in premium, the other low cost.

They can collaborate on a need basis on various fronts like joint
procurement of parts and spares to give more bang to the buck, so to speak.

AirAsia can also overhaul its aircraft at Malaysia Airlines' maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities to save on foreign exchange outflows. (places like in the Philippines are offering AirAsia cheaper MRO, will AirAsia now turn to MAS???)

Upon hindsight, there are many areas where they can partner each other without having to cross-hold each other's shares or have boardroom representation.

In the final analysis, both Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia should know and should do what they do best -- filling up their aircraft with satisfied customers. They need to show "Malaysia Boleh". -- Bernama

[AsianDragons]

looks like MAS is going to go bankrupt if the government doesnt inject money into the airline, didnt MAS nearly went bankrupt years ago

[patchay]

Originally Posted by AsianDragons

looks like MAS is going to go bankrupt if the government doesnt inject money into the airline, didnt MAS nearly went bankrupt years ago

A business loss is not equals to bankrupt.

In fact, Malaysia Airlines is buying more planes to replaced its aging fleet and will start to operate the Airbus A380 in June.

[the glimpser]

Airphil Express expands to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur

Rosa Ocampo, Manila, May 2, 2012

AIRPHIL Express, the budget arm of Philippine Airlines, is adding Singapore and Kuala Lumpur to its regional network, which is currently limited to Hong Kong.

Starting May 17, the LCC will begin thrice-weekly services from Clark International Airport to Singapore. This will be followed by thrice-weekly flights from Manila to Kuala Lumpur from June 21. Both routes will be operated using Airbus A320 aircraft.

Airphil Express is also set to grow its Hong Kong connections. The airline will launch four-weekly flights from Clark to Hong Kong starting May 17. This comes after its recent doubling of Cebu-Hong Kong services from two to four times a week.

http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3553

[the glimpser]

Dragonair to introduce Hong Kong-Clark flights

DRAGONAIR will begin daily services from Hong Kong to Clark International Airport, effective May 29.

Using an Airbus 320 aircraft with no business-class seats, the flight will be in direct competition with Cebu Pacific, SEAir and AirPhil Express, which already serve the route with lost-cost fares.

“The service is into a destination outside of the traditional gateways Manila and Cebu. By featuring Clark, Dragonair is giving travellers one more destination to choose from,” said Philippine Department of Tourism assistant secretary, Benito Bengzon, Jr.

Clark is Dragonair’s second destination in the Philippines. The carrier already flies five times weekly to Manila.

http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3536


Cebu Pacific magazine among world's best

MANILA, Philippines – The in-flight magazine of budget carrier Cebu Pacific is among the world’s best airline magazines, according to travel website CNNGo.

Cebu Pacific’s magazine, Smile, created by Singapore’s Ink Publishing, was ranked No. 7 in the list, which was released on Wednesday.

“Smile proves in-flights don’t need to pretend to be Esquire or The Economist -- just to capture the spirit of the places they serve,” CNNGo said of the magazine, which earned top marks for its capsule city guides that include slang and breakfast tips from locals.

CNNGo, which called the magazine “a chipper little underdog,” admitted it was surprised that Smile made the cut, but said its “youthful (and authentically Filipino) charm won us over.”

However, CNNGo criticized the airline magazine for its layout, which it said “smacks of a US teen magazine.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/lifestyle...ng-worlds-best

[the glimpser]

France Backs Airbus' Philippine Plan

MANILA, Philippines - The French government has vowed to bring some operations of Airbus and its parts and components suppliers to the Philippines in its strong support for the government’s bid to further strengthen the country’s existing capability as aircraft components manufacturing hub.

Hubert Testard, deputy minister and counselor for economics and finance affairs of the French embassy in Singapore, has informed Trade and Industry Undersecretary Cristino L. Panlilio in a phone call.

According to Panlilio, Mr. Testard has assured Panlilio that Airbus, the world’s biggest aircraft manufacturer based in France, is going to send a delegation of its parts and components suppliers here to pursue such possibilities.

“France is helping us get the Airbus and its suppliers to put up operations here for export back to France,” Panlilio said

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/359089...hilippine-plan


Cleaning Lady Returns Pouch With P1.2 Million

MANILA, Philippines - Few people could have resisted such temptation.

In her hands, cleaning lady Mary Jennifer Doroga held an amount that could have made her an instant millionaire and answer for the medical needs of her ailing mother.

But as Doroga, 32, returned the pouch full of foreign denominations to the airport's lost and found section, her luck was farthest from her mind.

Instead, she worried for the pouch owner, who might have been listlessly searching for the lost bank notes - all P1.2 million worth of it.

MANILA, Philippines - Few people could have resisted such temptation.

In her hands, cleaning lady Mary Jennifer Doroga held an amount that could have made her an instant millionaire and answer for the medical needs of her ailing mother.

But as Doroga, 32, returned the pouch full of foreign denominations to the airport's lost and found section, her luck was farthest from her mind.

Instead, she worried for the pouch owner, who might have been listlessly searching for the lost bank notes - all P1.2 million worth of it.

http://ph.news.yahoo.com/cleaning-la...132628191.html

[the glimpser]

Manila-Jinjiang City Direct Flight Inaugurated

15 May 2012- Filipino airline Zest Air launched its maiden flight to Jinjiang City in China's Fujian province. The flight arrived from Manila at 11:30 a.m. on April 26 at the Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport. The arrival was followed by a formal press conference at the Marco Polo Hotel Jinjiang and a luncheon for special guests.

This flight brings to four, the total of flights from the Philippines to Fujian province.

Jinjiang is a county-level city under the jurisdiction of Quanzhou Municipality and is about one and a half hours drive away from Xiamen. It is the hometown of a great majority of Filipinos of Chinese descent.

http://dfa.gov.ph/main/index.php/new...t-inaugurated-


Zest Air to start direct flights to Shanghai

Traveling to Shanghai, China, will be a lot cheaper when Zest Air launches its Manila-Shanghai direct service in June with an introductory fare of P1,488 (exclusive of applicable taxes, surcharges and Philippine travel tax).

Zest Air will fly direct from Manila to Shanghai five times weekly every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturdays. Departure time is 8:10 in the evening, except Saturdays when departure is an hour earlier at 7 p.m. Flying time is three and a half hours.

Zest Air will use its Airbus 320, which seats 180 passengers.

Shanghai is a major financial center. It has overtaken Singapore last year as the busiest container port in the world. It has been described as a showcase of the booming economy of China.

http://business.inquirer.net/59853/z...ts-to-shanghai


Honesty pays (P50,000) for airport cleaner

MANILA, Philippines—For her honesty, airport janitor Mary Jennifer Doroga is reaping rewards.

Doroga, 32, was about to go home on April 26 when she saw a plastic bag at the arrival customs counter at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 1.

She opened the bag and saw it contained cash in various currencies.

Instead of keeping it, Doroga turned the bag of money over to airport authorities.

On Thursday, Doroga received a check for P50,000 from the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Associations Foundation Inc. (FFCAFI).

According to Manny Dy, the association’s honorary president, the group decided to reward Doroga to recognize her exemplary honesty.

http://business.inquirer.net/59853/z...ts-to-shanghai

[the glimpser]

Development of secondary airports across Asia are helping to spread travel demand to emerging destinations
TTG Asia, May 18, 2012

Philippines - Kalibo

The Philippine Department of Transport and Communications has earmarked P1.6 billion (US$37.9 billion) for an upgrade that will see a new terminal by mid-2013, a runway extension to at least 2.5km (now 2.2km), a runway widening to accommodate 45m-wide aircraft (it can now receive aircraft the size of Airbus A320s and A321s), and a new ramp to facilitate parking for up to eight aircraft. After expansion, the airport should be able to handle up to a million passengers.

Ernesto Brion, managing director of Cordym Tours and Travel noted that Kalibo was “currently small for its purpose”.

Insigne said the added capacity would help. “Planes are fully booked...but there are still empty rooms in Boracay,” she added. The upcoming Boracay Newcoast will further add 2,500 keys (four hotels) to the island’s 7,100-room inventory.


Vietnam - Danang

The introduction of more international routes to Danang is fuelling travel to the area, which is already seeing rising visitor numbers attracted to its myriad attractions and growing array of luxury resorts and golf courses.

“Our business has increased by 30 per cent – much of that has to do with the new route from Malaysia,” said Pham Ha, managing director, Luxury Travel Vietnam. “Danang is going to boom – we will open an office to meet the increased demand.”

New routes from Japan, Thailand and Hong Kong are also on the cards.


Myanmar - Mandalay

According to a spokesperson from DCA, Bangkok Airways, Thai AirAsia and Thai Smile Air are considering direct services from Bangkok, and at least one is likely to launch flights by year end. Direct flights between Mandalay and Chiang Mai were also a possibility, he said. Air Mandalay previously operated that route.

Meanwhile, China Eastern has doubled its capacity on its daily Mandalay-Kunning route by using Boeing 737-300 aircraft since March.

There are plans to partially privatise Mandalay International Airport, although details are not available at press time.

“Tour operators have expressed their wish to put the Mandalay airport into use, so that they will be able to create new products starting from Mandalay to other parts of Myanmar,” said Phyoe Wai Yar Zar, managing director of All Asia Exclusive Travel and secretary of Myanmar Marketing Committee. It will also ease Yangon’s congested hotel situation, he added.

Flights connecting Laos and Cambodia would also appeal to tourists visiting the Mekong region who often look to combine multiple cities, said industry sources.


Cambodia - Sihanoukville

Local tour operators say the airport’s relaunch will mark a turning point in Sihanoukville’s development.

ANA Travel owner, Mick Spencer, said: “We’ve not seen huge numbers yet, as there’s a maximum capacity of 67 passengers per flight, but the biggest impact will be felt in the high season.”

Expanding routes to international destinations is the next step, which will boost Sihanouville’s appeal as a new destination, particularly for high-end tourism, said Mohan Gunti, Cambodian Association of Travel Agents advisor. A number of regional carriers, including Air Asia, have already expressed interest in mounting flights.

However, Spencer added that airlines interested to fly to Sihanoukville should commit to a one-year schedule to enable travel companies to market and sell the destination better.


India - Karaikal

“A lot of airlines have shown interest to operate from the airport. We are negotiating with a few, but it will be premature to divulge names,” said K Ramalingam, managing director, Super Airport Infrastructure.

The company also plans to further expand the airport with a 2.6km runway and a terminal building boasting 500 PHP capacity in about five years.

Gopal Krishnan, owner of Pondicherrytours.com, said: “The new airport will be a boon to tourists and pilgrims visiting Karaikal and the neighbouring district of Nagapattinam. We expect tourist arrivals to increase after the airport becomes fully operational.”

“The new airport will help us to market our packages to attract high-end tourists who want to visit Karaikal for religious purposes but are sceptical due to the lack of air connectivity,” said Vikram Dolia, director, Chetak Travels.


Laos - Attapeu

Attapeu governor, Khamphanh Phommathat, said the new airport is expected to improve the province’s tourism prospects and provide a shot in the arm for the local economy.

Erenfeld agreed: “It will boost tourism in the area and open up Laos, together with North-eastern Thailand, which is still quite a remote area due to logistical constraints.”

However, other challenges such as high airfares to Laos in general in comparison with its neighbours still hinder tourism development, he added.

http://ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3646

[BEERUSIK]

Suvarnabhumi Phase II development contract signed



Airports of Thailand Plc today successfully had the consulting and management contract for the second phase development of Suvarnabhumi Airport, which would require a total investment of Bt62.5 billion.

AOT President Aniruth Thanomkulabutr said after the contract signing with EPM Consortium that upon completion in 2017, the expanded Suvarnahbumi Airport will be able to accommodate a total of 60 million passengers per annum. EPM Consortium’s contract is worth Bt809.9 million.

Last year, the airport which was opened in 2006 catered services to 48 million passengers, despite its maximum capacity of 45 million. Aniruth said that the number of passengers is expected to rise to 51 million this year and there is no end in sight.

The Suvarnabhumi Phase II project will cover four main areas.

1. It entails a secondary concorde with 216,000 square metres in usable space. It is equipped with 28 near-terminal parking bays and the remote parking bay with 960,000 square metres in space. This will also encompass a southern tunnel and passenger transportation system.

2. The construction of a new passenger terminal on the east of the airport, an airline office building and a parking building.

3. The designing and construction of infrastructure system.

4. The project management

"EPM Consortium is primarily tasked to manage the project, which includes the finalising of project details, the selection of a designing team, and the oversight on designing and construction," Aniruth said.

Under the 70-month contract, EPM will start its job from June 1.

EPM Consortium was involved in the Suvarnabhumi Phase I development project.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/busi...-30183151.html

[the glimpser]

Metrojet opens P1.75B (US$40M) aircraft maintenance facility in Clark

The second billion-peso aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility at Clark Freeport, Pampanga, opens this week, solidifying the country’s position as a global hub for aviation services.

In a statement on Monday, Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) announced that Hong Kong’s Metrojet Engineering is opening its P1.75-billion MRO facility on three hectares of land at the former US military base.

“Metrojet will start catering Fixed Based Operations for Corporate Jets in its first MRO facility that will also service various types of aircraft and capacities at the aviation complex,” CIAC president and CEO Victor Luciano said in a statement.

Metrojet’s hangar is the third MRO facility to open in the country.

The first was Lufthansa Technik Philippines’ facility at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila. Lufthansa Technik is a joint venture between Philippine Airlines (PAL) affiliate MacroAsia Corp. and Germany’s Lufthansa group.

The second was Singapore Engineering Philippines, Clark’s first MRO locator, which caters to wide-bodied aircraft.

It will offer a range of services such as aircraft charter, comprehensive aircraft management, maintenance, co-ownership programs, aircraft acquisition and sales. The aviation firm’s proposed heavy maintenance for Clark will also include avionics upgrade and exterior paint work for aircraft.

http://business.inquirer.net/63249/m...ility-in-clark


Removal of ‘discriminatory’ taxes seen to boost PH tourism

More airlines from around the world are expected to consider the Philippines as a more attractive destination with the removal of “discriminatory” taxes on foreign carriers.

In a statement, the Board of Airline Representatives (BAR) said the passage of House Bill No. 6022, which aims to remove common carriers taxes (CCT) and gross Philippine billings (GBP), would send signal to the international community that the country was now “truly open to global air business and investments.”

House Bill 6022 was approved on the third and final reading on May 21. Senator Ralph G. Recto, chairman of the ways and means committee, filed a counterpart measure in November last year.

The BAR, which represents the biggest foreign airlines operating in the Philippines, considers both the 3 percent CCT and 2.5 percent GBP as discriminatory taxes that target foreign airlines and give undue advantage to local companies.

“This is indeed positive and exciting news to the international airline community that has been monitoring the progress of the measure,” BAR vice chairman Steven Crowdey said in a statement, referring to House Bill 6022.

The House and Senate bills were filed following Air France/KLM’s decision to stop flights between Amsterdam and Manila—the last direct link of the Philippines to Europe—due to the alleged discriminatory taxes.

http://business.inquirer.net/63245/r...ost-ph-tourism

[patchay]

Tiger Airways buys 40% stake in Philippines' SEAir
Business Times | June 5, 2012

SINGAPORE: Tiger Airways Holdings Ltd has finalised a sale and purchase agreement to acquire a 40 per cent stake in Southeast Asian Airlines (SEAir), Inc.

This stake will be acquired from existing foreign shareholders at US$7 million, less liabilities, to be confirmed in a due diligence review.

Established in 1995, SEAir is a commercial airline based in the Philippines.

Commenting on the acquisition, Tiger's Chief Executive Officer, Chin Yau Seng said: "We are pleased to welcome a new Cub to our family and look forward to nurturing its growth with our Filipino business partners."

The SEAir investment is Tiger's second such joint venture in Asia. Tiger acquired a 33 per cent stake in Mandala Airlines in Indonesia in January 2012.

SEAir operates domestic flights (within the Philippines) and international flights to destinations such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok and Kota Kinabalu.

Read More >>> http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_New...cle/index_html

Plan to list AirAsia X or Indonesian unit this year, to appoint new CEO for AirAsia Bhd
By Bilqis Bahari | Business Times | June 5, 2012

TOKYO: Low-cost carrier AirAsia Bhd might list AirAsia X or AirAsia Indonesia by year end or by the first quarter of next year, said its group chief executive officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes.

He said the listing of AirAsia Indonesia is on track, but the company needs about six months' gap, as it had launched the listing of its other subsidiary, AirAsia Thailand recently.

"The bankers said if we do AirAsia Indonesia and Thailand at the same time, it will be tough for the market. So they decided to put a gap.

"In between we may have AirAsia X. Either AirAsia X or Indonesia will happen this year. One of them will happen this year, X or Indonesia. My guess is X," he told reporters after the launch of AirAsia Japan's direct flight to Sapporo, Fukuoka and Okinawa here recently.

AirAsia had an initial public offering of AirAsia Thailand last week, which received strong demand for its shares.

Meanwhile, speaking on AirAsia's operational centre, Fernandes said Malaysia is still the place to be despite its move to aggressively tap the vast Indonesian market that has a very promising business opportunity for the company.

He refuted news reports claiming that he will relocate the company's Kuala Lumpur headquarters to Jakarta.

Fernandes said a new AirAsia CEO will be appointed to manage the operations in Malaysia while he will be overseeing all AirAsia's operations in various countries like Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Japan.

The new CEO, he said, is part of AirAsia's strategy to build the company into a global brand. "It's been a strategy that I planned for six years with Datuk Kamarudin Meranun and step by step we are doing it," he said.

Fernandes said the move into being an international player was to turn a Malaysian born brand into a global brand.

"Everyone should support this. We are a Malaysian brand, nothing changes. For the rest of our lives, do we want to be a 'kampong' brand or do we want to be a global brand?

"So it is up for people to see it in a positive light. Every time AirAsia's mentioned it is AirAsia from Malaysia. But I am not going to just stick to Malaysia. We have a chance to build.

"This is not about running away from Malaysia or abandoning Malaysia," he said.

AirAsia has become one of the most famous brands in the world as a Malaysian company, Fernandes said.