And for a passing glance at the lighter side of Philippine aviation and politics.....

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/897906/smc ... -a-jet-but

Quote:
"DAVAO CITY — Businessman Ramon Ang offered to buy President Duterte a private jet upon learning Mr. Duterte continues to take commercial flights even after winning the presidency last year.

The President himself revealed the offer in a speech at the groundbreaking of the Biyaya ng Pagbabago Housing Project at Tugbok district here.

'[Ang] said it was not safe. It was OK when I was still mayor but not anymore because I am the President already,' Mr. Duterte told his audience, which included Ang, who was seated a few feet away.

He said Ang, majority owner of conglomerate San Miguel Corp., offered to buy him a Gulfstream jet, costing from $21 million to $65 million.

'His offer was he would buy me a Gulfstream but I declined. I said I’m fine with commercial flights. I told him he was owner of (Philippine Airlines) before so he knew PAL is working efficiently,' Mr. Duterte said."


Western sensitivities will surely be aghast at such gestures of generosity to people in power but it was just a day in doing business in the country.

Two aviation related news features.....

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/mciaa- ... nd-runway/

While cynics view this as a maneuver to gain control of the funds, it's also undeniable that money is needed to expropriate properties adjacent to the airport as the remaining land is too tight for an additional runway and required separation distances and safety zones for simultaneous widebody operations.....


http://oi157.photobucket.com/albums/t63 ... Mactan.jpg


For those decrying the terminal transfer experience at NAIA.....

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/govt-t ... n-3-years/

Have we the patience for another three years?


And some businessmen will surely be dissapointed.....

http://business.inquirer.net/230084/5-r ... emoved-ppp

With 5J ending three routes in mid-June (KWI) and early-July (DOH & RUH), with their A330 services to BKK & ICN starting on 1 June and with a new A330 just delivered, is there any word on what they intend to do with the 'spare' / 'new' A330 capacity? New routes? Additional frequencies on existing routes?

DeltaB717 wrote:

With 5J ending three routes in mid-June (KWI) and early-July (DOH & RUH), with their A330 services to BKK & ICN starting on 1 June and with a new A330 just delivered, is there any word on what they intend to do with the 'spare' / 'new' A330 capacity? New routes? Additional frequencies on existing routes?

5J's VP for Corporate Affairs had only this to say.....

http://www.philstar.com/business/2017/0 ... ast-routes

Quote:
"'The entry of Cebu Pacific into these markets benefitted passengers with lower fares and more choices. Of late, other carriers have aggressively added more flights, which has resulted in substantial oversupply of seats and fares that are so low, hence making the routes unsustainable,' Paterno Mantaring, vice president for corporate affairs at Cebu Pacific said.

He said Cebu Pacific continues to review the routes being served to ensure they are viable.

'At this point, it makes more sense for us to redeploy the aircraft used for our Riyadh, Doha and Kuwait service to routes where we can further stimulate demand and sustain our low fare offers,' Paterno said."


5J would retain their other long-haul services, expecting to increase their frequencies to Dubai, UAE and Sydney in the future.



Bird's eye view rendering of a finished MCIA Terminal 2 project.....


http://www.ida-hk.com/wp-content/upload ... 00x760.jpg



Meanwhile, PR offers refunds for flights to Mindanao affected by recent events.....

http://www.philstar.com/metro/2017/05/2 ... ao-flights

When will PAL 773 RP-C7772 get its engine cowlings painted white? It's had one gray section on both engines for close to several years.

QANTAS747-438 wrote:

When will PAL 773 RP-C7772 get its engine cowlings painted white? It's had one gray section on both engines for close to several years.

It has had the gray middle cowling cover for only eight months now...as both engines were all-white until August 2016.....




I doubt that PAL would bother with the gray paint unless MSN 38719 has some maintenance coming up for the engines or thrust reversers. And speaking of PAL.....

http://business.inquirer.net/230182/pal ... nao-issues

cebu pacific adds another MNL DPL MNL flight 5J705/5J706
starting october 1st this year.

5J705 mnl dpl 0510 0635
5J706 dpl mnl 0705 0835

i am already booked for the inaugural 5J706.

this should vastly improve options for international itineraries from dpl.

i hope PR follows suit.

so ang himself considers it unsafe for the president to fly pal?

Devilfish wrote:

And for a passing glance at the lighter side of Philippine aviation and politics.....

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/897906/smc ... -a-jet-but

Quote:
"DAVAO CITY — Businessman Ramon Ang offered to buy President Duterte a private jet upon learning Mr. Duterte continues to take commercial flights even after winning the presidency last year.

The President himself revealed the offer in a speech at the groundbreaking of the Biyaya ng Pagbabago Housing Project at Tugbok district here.

'[Ang] said it was not safe. It was OK when I was still mayor but not anymore because I am the President already,' Mr. Duterte told his audience, which included Ang, who was seated a few feet away.

He said Ang, majority owner of conglomerate San Miguel Corp., offered to buy him a Gulfstream jet, costing from $21 million to $65 million.

'His offer was he would buy me a Gulfstream but I declined. I said I’m fine with commercial flights. I told him he was owner of (Philippine Airlines) before so he knew PAL is working efficiently,' Mr. Duterte said."


Western sensitivities will surely be aghast at such gestures of generosity to people in power but it was just a day in doing business in the country.

I've noticed that the 75th anniversary stickers on the PR 777s have begun to be removed.

frobozzelectric wrote:

cebu pacific adds another MNL DPL MNL flight 5J705/5J706 starting october 1st this year.

I guess one member would be pleased by this.

frobozzelectric wrote:

so ang himself considers it unsafe for the president to fly pal?

In the context that a dedicated government aircraft is much safer than a public airline. Except that the proffered aircraft may be too rich for the image they were trying to convey. Perhaps the other camp could come up with the right balance of safety and utilitarianism... ...


http://www.scac.ru/en/wp-content/upload ... _2-gov.jpg

.....seeing how they were all over a visiting warship after news of tax evasion charges made the headlines once more. Whether GTF engines would complete its western transformation and overcome the tail control issues is another matter altogether.

And talk of how an incident could ruin the official NAIAX opening night.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1hmWtXz6A8

QANTAS747-438 wrote:

I've noticed that the 75th anniversary stickers on the PR 777s have begun to be removed.

It follows given that the anniversary year has passed.


Now for a look at how things are shaping up down at CEB (photos purloined from SkyscraperCity).....


http://scontent-mxp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t ... e=59B6E430



//uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2017052 ... 3c8b47.jpg


Skylight and sunshine attenuation details.....

http://www.ida-hk.com/wp-content/upload ... ylight.jpg


http://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t ... e=599089A9


Access ramp supports.....

http://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t ... e=5987BC3A



http://scontent-mxp1-1.cdninstagram.com ... 4640_n.jpg


I think they were trying to apply the same approach for NAIA.....


http://www.airportsites.net/lambert-stl ... ations.jpg


http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QY6DEMY39Jo/U ... nways4.jpg

But it was not specified what aircraft are allowed for these independent operations.



http://scontent-mxp1-1.cdninstagram.com ... 3616_n.jpg

Cebu Pacific to add 7 A321CEO
https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news ... r-deferral

TheGeordielad wrote:

Cebu Pacific to add 7 A321CEO

http://www.airbus.com/typo3temp/_proces ... 59b673.jpg


According to a local blog, the new A321s will replace 5J's A320s at its MNL hub (doubtless to also address congestion there).....

http://philippineairspace.blogspot.com/ ... lanes.html

Quote:
"Philippine low cost carrier Cebu Pacific (CEB) has placed an order with aircraft manufacturer Airbus for an additional seven A321CEO planes for delivery from March 2018 for domestic expansion plans from its hub at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

The aircraft will replace and upgrade existing A320 services from NAIA to major points across the country and regional destinations next year.

Meanwhile, A320 services is set to be relegated to other hubs of the airline in the country."


Is it known if the A321s will come from a lessor or somebody else's order? Doubtless the lower CAPEX for the ceos also helps 5J's current cash flow in view of the additional A330.



I wonder if recent events in the Middle East wouldn't affect their A330 addition?


In the meantime.....

http://business.inquirer.net/230847/hig ... nning-2022

http://business.inquirer.net/230764/biz ... rport-fray

Any photos of PR's new A330 cabin interior?

I saw a photo of the Premium Economy seat on their website which is in gray instead of brown which was first released and I think the gray looks much better.

Now, the 777's should get aisle access along with the upcoming A350's.

maortega15 wrote:

Any photos of PR's new A330 cabin interior?

According to the blog below, these would be the new configurations when RP-C8784 debuts on their MNL-HNL service two days from now.....

http://philippineairspace.blogspot.com/ ... light.html


http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oquh1UBBuxU/W ... 330_84.PNG

Business Class

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VFIlwaOzF48/W ... 0_84_j.JPG


http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gkfmsfbtRoM/W ... _84_j2.JPG

Premium Economy

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jK50K6pje40/W ... _84_y1.JPG


http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rN7ZbREDFGU/W ... 0_84_y.JPG

maortega15 wrote:

Now, the 777's should get aisle access along with the upcoming A350's.

From the photo upthread (#12), it looks like it's going to be 2-3-2 for Premium Economy...and maybe 1-3-1 for Business?


Meanwhile, the race to finish the roof and curtain walls of MCIA's T2 is on with the onset of the rainy season... ...


http://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4210/35232 ... 221d_b.jpg

.....(seems photoshopped) .....even as GMR Megawide proposes to expand the project's scope.....

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthrea ... 7&page=999

Video of PAL's reconfigured A330 cabins..... .....

http://twitter.com/cnnphilippines/statu ... 1197398016

However, the Economy section was not featured clearly.


On the airline front, 5J upgauges certain domestic points to its 180-seat A320s, and launches new inter-island services with their ATR72s.....

http://www.philstar.com/business/2017/0 ... al-flights

For all the government's talk about the need to decongest NAIA, they don't seem to feel any urgency in addressing its myriad problems... ...


http://www.philstar.com/business/2017/0 ... -expansion

Quote:
"I am sure Sec. Tugade was enthusiastic about the PAL proposal. He is always enthusiastic about projects like this, as he should be. The problem is translating that enthusiasm into action. February to May should be enough time for a feedback. According to Usec Skee, he just received the letter from Monreal the other day. Bagal ng mail service nila.

According to the letter, Philippine Airlines presented to Tugade and Tamayo preliminary development plans for improving T2 and the expansion to the north of T2 to develop a modern passenger terminal complex. This will accommodate more than a dozen new long-range wide-body aircraft that PAL has ordered and will be delivered later this year.

The proposed new terminal complex is estimated to cost P20 billion. It will have 18-17 gates and its construction is of utmost urgency to PAL and the airline’s passengers. Bautista is confident that with government support, they can break ground by December 2017 and complete the new terminal by December 2020.

The proposal involves MIAA leasing needed properties to PAL. The request was made as early as March 13, 2015, followed up April 10, May 22 and October 21 in 2015 (all during Abaya’s watch at DOTC) and on Feb. 17, 2017 to Tugade."


Hence, people are left wondering why it has not responded till now to a proposal put to it a long time ago by PAL to undertake Terminal 2's expansion themselves.

Not quite as expected but close enough.....



http://philippineairspace.blogspot.com/ ... ivery.html

Quote:
"Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is pushing back delivery of its Airbus A321 NEO (new engine option) orders to January next year due to engine supply issue with Pratt and Whitney's PW1100G-JM geared-turbofan that will be used for the aircraft. PAL ordered 21 A321 NEOs, which was supposed to begin delivery by November 2017 says PAL President Jaime J. Bautista.

'Our first aircraft delivery of the NEO will be January 2018 from November this year, so it’s three months delayed,' he said.

[.....]

According to Bautista, unlike the current A321, the NEO aircraft is embedded with backseat IFE's comprising business, premium economy and economy class seats meant for regional destinations and will replace old A320s and A321s flying regional routes.

The new plane is expected also to fly new international points from the Philippines to be announced next year, particularly India and two other key cities in Australia.

Mr. Bautista said PAL is however on target with the delivery of its Q400NG turboprops from Bombardier Commercial Aircraft starting July until November for its Cebu hub, and two more Boeing 777-300ER in December and January 2018 for North America and European destinations, followed by first A350 delivery in June of 2018 from SMBC Aviation Capital for direct flights to New York."

All the more reasons to rush the expansion of NAIA T2.



https://planefinder.net/images/5983902:Photo:922670.jpg

And speaking of the A330...PAL has shifted its two-class A330 to the ME.....

http://philippineairspace.blogspot.com/

Quote:
"Philippine Airlines (PAL) has relaunched its business class service on flights to Dubai (RP-C8760) in a bid to improve product services to the Gulf region Thursday.

PAL has started flying its 368-seater bi-class A330-300 plane to the gulf region after launching new tri-class product to Hawaii yesterday.

[.....]

Velasquez said that Doha, Kuwait, Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam will also have business-class services in the next five months as another A330 is rolled out in July, August, September, October and November.

The airline took over the Manila to Dubai route from its low-cost subsidiary, PAL Express, in 2014 using a monoclass 402 seater A330-300 aircraft."


With AirAsia now converting its A339 order to the full 440 seat limit version, PAL would now only have to contend with the ME3 for nonstop, lower fare services to/fro MNL.

However, in fairness to the Government, the DOTr plans to extend the mooted Mega Manila Subway all the way to NAIA.....

http://www.philstar.com/business/2017/0 ... ila-subway

Devilfish wrote:

However, in fairness to the Government, the DOTr plans to extend the mooted Mega Manila Subway all the way to NAIA.....

http://www.philstar.com/business/2017/0 ... ila-subway

As Taguig is only 2 or 3 kms from Terminal 3, you have to wonder why running it through to the airport was not part of the original plan.

Being operational by the end of Du30's term is pie in the sky. I doubt it would be operational if they started breaking ground now, always assuming they will have any trains to run on it.

VolvoBus wrote:

As Taguig is only 2 or 3 kms from Terminal 3, you have to wonder why running it through to the airport was not part of the original plan.

As is often the case, it's likely more of a lip service to distract from the fact that nothing is moving (or moving way too slow) for NAIA. You have to wonder instead which would come first, the subway or the vitally needed airport upgrade


Clearer pictures of PAL's A330 J and W seating here.....

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articl ... 00-438283/

Aren't the W seats actually wider than the J seats


It seems PR is swimming against the tide...they're going upmarket when a lot of other airlines are moving downmarket.

Hello friends.
I was looking for some information about MNL airport. I have business group arriving into T1 on JAL and T3 on CX. Both groups staying near Mall of Asia. Whats best way to access - via taxi?
Anything special we need to know? I understand T3 is much nicer facility compared to T1.
Thank you in advance.

mercure1 wrote:

I was looking for some information about MNL airport. I have business group arriving into T1 on JAL and T3 on CX. Both groups staying near Mall of Asia. Whats best way to access - via taxi?

You could try uberXL.....not luxurious but would probably have sufficient room for your group and their luggage (if traveling light, you might ask for an upgrade when you book).....

http://newsroom.uber.com/philippines/ub ... t-matters/

It would be a short 15-20 minute ride from the airport to the Mall of Asia area via the new NAIA expressway (barring any untoward incident) - the most convenient way of getting to and from the airport to the foreshore reclamation developments.

mercure1 wrote:

Anything special we need to know? I understand T3 is much nicer facility compared to T1.

Your party could be picked up at designated points outside T1 and T3's arrival halls. T1 has improved much after refurbishment and the transfer of the big airlines to T3. The better hotels have shuttle services to/fro the airport if you're staying in them.

Needless to say, the usual diligence is always advisable.

Perhaps feeling the heat of people's frustrations at Government's inaction regarding the country's international gateway, the agencies in-charge have announced their strategy for solving the intractable congestion and other problems at NAIA... ...

http://business.inquirer.net/231635/pri ... e-backseat

Quote:
"The Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) Greater Manila airport strategy is taking shape and the plans so far exclude massive private sector offers meant to replace the busy Ninoy Aquino International Airport, a government official said.

Manuel Antonio Tamayo, DOTr undersecretary for aviation, told reporters that the government would proceed with its own plans to decongest Naia, including developing a portion of the nearby Sangley Point, Cavite air base and Clark International Airport in Pampanga as alternative gateways.

[.....]

It is the same government-backed plan for the Clark Airport, albeit on a much larger scale.

Tamayo said Clark Airport, whose development is being led by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, would adopt the master plan provided by France’s Aeroport De Paris.

This called for the initial doubling of Clark’s capacity to 8 million passengers a year by 2019. Clark Airport handles only about a quarter of its present four-million passenger capacity.

[.....]

For Sangley, Tamayo said the DOTr and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines would spend about P700 million to rehabilitate the Sangley air base. The objective is to transfer general aviation activities and some domestic flights from Naia to Sangley."


http://www.philstar.com/business/2017/0 ... w-airports

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/govt-n ... y-airport/


Here's hoping that serious work would begin in earnest now following these announcements...and that no further intervention from vested interest groups and big money would derail the program. But are they upgrading NAIA

Devilfish wrote:

.

Thank you for the information.

Unfortunately a few colleagues were a bit concerned about the experience they might look forward to at MNL, and certainly reading these threads over the years did not do much to reassure me.

I will pass on the information and look forward to visiting for the first time.

Devilfish wrote:

Clearer pictures of PAL's A330 J and W seating here.....

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articl ... 00-438283/

Aren't the W seats actually wider than the J seats

I was looking at them ad thinking the same thing. Worth the W price, but that J seat would squeeze me a bit too much to deal with. The Mrs. would love it though.

Per PAL's website https://www.philippineairlines.com/en/about%20us/newsandevents/new-a330

"PAL selected the Thompson Vantage XL brand for its 18 business class seats with a legroom of 44 inches, width of 23-24 inches and a full-flat recline with a bed length of 78 inches. Seats on this section have an all-aisle access. The Zodiac 5810 brand was selected for the 24 premium economy class seats with a legroom of 38 inches, width of 19 inches and a recline of 8 inches,"

The photos in the Flightglobal article might be giving some weird optical illusion but, according to the airline, the PE seats are not as wide as the business class seats.

I just passed through T3 over the weekend.

Not just MNL is a disgrace, but the entire country also to be honest. Everything appears to be cheaply made. The signage, the building itself and even the ID's of employees which seems to be handwritten along with the cameras used in the immigration counter as well as the computers. They are using A4 tech cameras along with a computer built from scratch. Not like HP, Dell or any major computer manufacturer. The body scanners were not being used. Paint was literally peeling, so many defects in every aspect of the building and you can even see exposed waste pipes.

There has been no improvement in the HVAC system since I first passed there in 2015. You can feel the heat and humidity as soon your first step off the aircraft. Not really a good first impression for first time visitors. I used the Cathay Pacific lounge and they were using Dyson fans. It's embarrassing to have a luxurious airline lounge, but without a properly running HVAC system in a tropical country.

The internet connection was slightly better than last year, but still needs major improvement.

The Philippines especially MNL is being left behind by its neighbors. HKG is expanding and it's comparable to building a brand new airport. Work has started and should be done by 2024! BKK is also expanding and Vietnam is currently building a new airport to replace SGN. I'm not going to even mention SIN. Mentioning SIN in the same sentence with MNL is blasphemous.

PH - full of never ending studies along with politicians who neither can't make up their minds or just don't know what the hell they're doing.

From the 2017 PAS N&O thread, PR has firmed all its seven Q400 options... ...


http://www.bombardier.com/content/dam/W ... s/original

http://www.bombardier.com/en/media/news ... ercom.html

Quote:
"Bombardier Commercial Aircraft announced today, from the International Paris Air Show, that it has signed an agreement with Philippine Airlines, Inc. for the exercise of its seven Q400 aircraft purchase rights. This latest rights exercise brings Philippine Airlines’ total firm order to twelve Q400 aircraft. The original order for five firm Q400 with purchase rights for an additional seven was previously announced on December 8, 2016.

[.....]

Based on the list price of the Q400 aircraft, the firm order is valued at approximately US $ 235 million. The flag carrier of the Philippines is expected to take delivery of the world’s first dual-class, 86-seat Q400 aircraft in July 2017."


Increased seating to 86 pax, dual-class? Must be some very creative cabin space management with the lavs and galleys to pull this off

Starting today, PAL's Middle East flights (except Dubai) will fly in and out of NAIA Terminal 1.....

http://www.philippineairlines.com/en/ab ... ry-mideast

Hopefully, it would help smooth operations at T2 and also prepare for the arrival of their new, ordered aircraft. This while CIAC's president and CEO urges airlines to use CRK instead.....

http://business.inquirer.net/232244/fli ... nia-pushed

But how could they convince the carriers to do so when the existing international terminal only has two jetbridges and a new hangar was constructed where a vital terminal bay extension for another jetbridge could be built?

And even the proposed MNL-CRK railway is not expected to open until 2020 (if at all).....

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/908941/tug ... way-system


MCIA is way ahead of the game with a prepared master plan.....


http://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/files ... irport.jpg


Do NAIA and CRK have similar revised, updated master plans.....or are the authorities simply withholding release of those to the public to suit some entities' agenda


Meanwhile, Embraer has picked Clark-based SIAEP as its authorized service provider for their E-Jets in the region.....

http://www.philstar.com/business/2017/0 ... -servicing

Highcroft wrote:

The photos in the Flightglobal article might be giving some weird optical illusion but, according to the airline, the PE seats are not as wide as the business class seats.

This branded content from the Inquirer will allow a better appreciation of PAL's cabin offerings.....

http://usa.inquirer.net/4866/pal-rolls- ... um-economy


Anxious for PR to reveal their upcoming 2x77W's and 6xA359's interior fitments. According to them, the seat choices came too late for the 77Ws delivered in December 2016.

The fabric, pattern and colors are not really my taste. Then again, by looking at the website of the designer they worked with, the airlines they work with aren't that great either.

But looking at the photos, the padding looks thick which should be a big plus for comfort.

Their business class seat is a big step up compared to CX's regional configured A330's.

How many A330's have been reconfigured so far?

The early 77W's with the old product really need a refit. Aisle access in Business along with a true premium economy product as well as an upgrade in economy.

Still a long way to go to be considered luxurious. But at least they are taking baby steps.

It seems that LH is considering a return to MNL

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php ... &id=147807

maortega15 wrote:

How many A330's have been reconfigured so far?

I believe only one so far.

maortega15 wrote:

It seems that LH is considering a return to MNL

Looks that way.....

http://www.philstar.com/business/2017/0 ... anila-anew


Should LH finally do, their pilots must be extra careful when landing lest their gears get damaged by potholes..... .....

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/911734/nai ... s-to-clark

Any reason why Cebu Pacific temporarily suspended flights from Manila to Laoag? The fares on Philippine Airlines have since sky-rocketed as they have a monopoly on the route

Hywel wrote:

Any reason why Cebu Pacific temporarily suspended flights from Manila to Laoag? The fares on Philippine Airlines have since sky-rocketed as they have a monopoly on the route

CEBGO did not give a reason when they announced the service interruption.....

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/863167/new ... aoag-route

Although it could be that yields were not as they expected despite the good load factors cited so the planes were deployed elsewhere.


Meanwhile, work goes on at MCIA Terminal 2....(compliments of Skyscraper City)... ...


https://instagram.fmnl4-3.fna.fbcdn.net ... 2400_n.jpg


Please excuse the unedited image, but I figured the guy wouldn't mind if he was okay being photographed on the job.

PAL takes delivery of its first BBD Q400NG..... .....



https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ugir6Cw0pSM/ ... Q4_New.png


http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articl ... 00-439527/

Quote:
"Bombardier has delivered its first dual-class 86-seat Q400 turboprop, handing over the aircraft to Philippine Airlines on 20 July.

PAL became the first customer for the configuration in December 2016 when it signed deals that included firm order for five 86-seat Q400s and purchase rights for an additional seven aircraft. The carrier recently converted those seven options to firm orders at the Paris air show.

PAL has chosen to outfit their aircraft with 10 premium seats with 33in pitch and 76 economy seats with 29in pitch."


So both PR and 5J now have new turboprops to duke it out on the domestic scene. Although densely configured, it is good for business and passengers will appreciate the fresh cabins. The Y+ section gives PR a differentiator in its offering.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DFNCIgCVwAEzJj7.jpg

I have to add.....the delivery route though exhausting - is very interesting..... .....



http://www.gcmap.com/mapui?P=YYR-REK-OR ... =wls&DU=nm

The multiple stops must be to avoid installing removable fuel tanks. I'm sure plenty of A.nutters would love to be on the ferry flights... ...msn4561 will enter revenue service in two weeks



http://www.philstar.com/business/2017/0 ... ivery-q400

Devilfish wrote:

Highcroft wrote:

The photos in the Flightglobal article might be giving some weird optical illusion but, according to the airline, the PE seats are not as wide as the business class seats.

This branded content from the Inquirer will allow a better appreciation of PAL's cabin offerings.....

http://usa.inquirer.net/4866/pal-rolls- ... um-economy


Anxious for PR to reveal their upcoming 2x77W's and 6xA359's interior fitments. According to them, the seat choices came too late for the 77Ws delivered in December 2016.

Wait where have u read that about the seat choices.?? The 77W really needs a retrofit.. a flagship like the 77W to be overshadowed by their a330s is so sad. Please PAL also choose a new designer... LiFT just seems so.. inexperienced on providing a true quality design PAL deserves. Look at Vietnam and Garuda.. all SEAsia airlines that have beautiful interiors that reflect their livery and beauty of their country. PALs 77W just scream cheap and plastic. The a330 is an upgrade but i wouldve expected PAl to include at least some wood grain here and there of bamboo etc or etchings of banana leaves into the design. You can still do high class without being overly tropical na dtouristy like a LLC. PAL do better!

If you're trying to achieve 5-Star let alone 4-star get rid of the 2-4-2. I know emirates and Turkish might be getting away with it... but come on..

The new CEB airport is a beautiful reflection of the country.. MNL however is NOT! I fly into MNL every other month.. it's very tragic. I thought T3 was going to be world-class.. half the airport is air conditioned (international) while The domestic side is not.. T2 is just whatever, it reminds me of an old convention center. T1 is improved but still an old building with makeup on it.

I don't want to seem like I'm complaining, but it's crazy how Philippines was the only first world country in Asia and then suddenly just dropping into an abyss. The Philippines have amazing designers and artists and engineers.. I know this is not the best they can think of. I'm really hoping the new Clark terminal actually is nice. I'm just saying.. if BKK, CGK, KUL, SIN, Etc etc can build these world class airports why can't MNL. Aside from the politics (which we know plays a big part) Philippines is a growing region in APAC, ASEAN etc. they're topping the charts in terms of economic growth.

I think you missed the part where the designer goes into great detail, the amount of design and thought to make the cabin distinctly Filipino such as the textile weaving, Capiz shell accents, and elements of barong weaving. I suggest you read this

https://runwaygirlnetwork.com/2017/07/1 ... airlines//

There was also another article in TheDesignAir I believe, quoting Daniel Baron, the head of LIFT that due to time restraints, most likely because these are existing revenue aircraft, they weren't able to incorporate elaborate customization with the industrial elements of the cabin.

In my opinion, I think it reflects Philippines well. It is subtle, and calming. Its not showy, but once you see the little details, you grow a bigger appreciation of the place.

Obviously I haven't been in the cabin, but that is my first impression looking at the cabin.

Yahnih wrote:

Devilfish wrote:

Highcroft wrote:

The photos in the Flightglobal article might be giving some weird optical illusion but, according to the airline, the PE seats are not as wide as the business class seats.

This branded content from the Inquirer will allow a better appreciation of PAL's cabin offerings.....

http://usa.inquirer.net/4866/pal-rolls- ... um-economy


Anxious for PR to reveal their upcoming 2x77W's and 6xA359's interior fitments. According to them, the seat choices came too late for the 77Ws delivered in December 2016.

Wait where have u read that about the seat choices.?? The 77W really needs a retrofit.. a flagship like the 77W to be overshadowed by their a330s is so sad. Please PAL also choose a new designer... LiFT just seems so.. inexperienced on providing a true quality design PAL deserves. Look at Vietnam and Garuda.. all SEAsia airlines that have beautiful interiors that reflect their livery and beauty of their country. PALs 77W just scream cheap and plastic. The a330 is an upgrade but i wouldve expected PAl to include at least some wood grain here and there of bamboo etc or etchings of banana leaves into the design. You can still do high class without being overly tropical na dtouristy like a LLC. PAL do better!

If you're trying to achieve 5-Star let alone 4-star get rid of the 2-4-2. I know emirates and Turkish might be getting away with it... but come on..

fusionliner wrote:

I think you missed the part where the designer goes into great detail, the amount of design and thought to make the cabin distinctly Filipino such as the textile weaving, Capiz shell accents, and elements of barong weaving. I suggest you read this

https://runwaygirlnetwork.com/2017/07/1 ... airlines//

There was also another article in TheDesignAir I believe, quoting Daniel Baron, the head of LIFT that due to time restraints, most likely because these are existing revenue aircraft, they weren't able to incorporate elaborate customization with the industrial elements of the cabin.

In my opinion, I think it reflects Philippines well. It is subtle, and calming. Its not showy, but once you see the little details, you grow a bigger appreciation of the place.

Obviously I haven't been in the cabin, but that is my first impression looking at the cabin.

Yahnih wrote:

Devilfish wrote:

This branded content from the Inquirer will allow a better appreciation of PAL's cabin offerings.....

http://usa.inquirer.net/4866/pal-rolls- ... um-economy


Anxious for PR to reveal their upcoming 2x77W's and 6xA359's interior fitments. According to them, the seat choices came too late for the 77Ws delivered in December 2016.

Wait where have u read that about the seat choices.?? The 77W really needs a retrofit.. a flagship like the 77W to be overshadowed by their a330s is so sad. Please PAL also choose a new designer... LiFT just seems so.. inexperienced on providing a true quality design PAL deserves. Look at Vietnam and Garuda.. all SEAsia airlines that have beautiful interiors that reflect their livery and beauty of their country. PALs 77W just scream cheap and plastic. The a330 is an upgrade but i wouldve expected PAl to include at least some wood grain here and there of bamboo etc or etchings of banana leaves into the design. You can still do high class without being overly tropical na dtouristy like a LLC. PAL do better!

If you're trying to achieve 5-Star let alone 4-star get rid of the 2-4-2. I know emirates and Turkish might be getting away with it... but come on..

Sorry I was referring mainly to the 77W, not the A330. The A330 is still great, but it's not flagship like the 77w/a359 coming..

The Barong incorporation is nice. If u check the YouTube review videos by the Philippine press and various bloggers u can check out more details. The business class is definitely mature and looks great than any current business class they have.

Yahnih wrote:

fusionliner wrote:

I think you missed the part where the designer goes into great detail, the amount of design and thought to make the cabin distinctly Filipino such as the textile weaving, Capiz shell accents, and elements of barong weaving. I suggest you read this

https://runwaygirlnetwork.com/2017/07/1 ... airlines//

There was also another article in TheDesignAir I believe, quoting Daniel Baron, the head of LIFT that due to time restraints, most likely because these are existing revenue aircraft, they weren't able to incorporate elaborate customization with the industrial elements of the cabin.

In my opinion, I think it reflects Philippines well. It is subtle, and calming. Its not showy, but once you see the little details, you grow a bigger appreciation of the place.

Obviously I haven't been in the cabin, but that is my first impression looking at the cabin.

Yahnih wrote:

Wait where have u read that about the seat choices.?? The 77W really needs a retrofit.. a flagship like the 77W to be overshadowed by their a330s is so sad. Please PAL also choose a new designer... LiFT just seems so.. inexperienced on providing a true quality design PAL deserves. Look at Vietnam and Garuda.. all SEAsia airlines that have beautiful interiors that reflect their livery and beauty of their country. PALs 77W just scream cheap and plastic. The a330 is an upgrade but i wouldve expected PAl to include at least some wood grain here and there of bamboo etc or etchings of banana leaves into the design. You can still do high class without being overly tropical na dtouristy like a LLC. PAL do better!

If you're trying to achieve 5-Star let alone 4-star get rid of the 2-4-2. I know emirates and Turkish might be getting away with it... but come on..

Sorry I was referring mainly to the 77W, not the A330. The A330 is still great, but it's not flagship like the 77w/a359 coming..

The Barong incorporation is nice. If u check the YouTube review videos by the Philippine press and various bloggers u can check out more details. The business class is definitely mature and looks great than any current business class they have.

Ahh, well the B777 Interior was introduced when they didnt have a solid brand position ( ie, middle of the road, VFR centric airline) compared with their aspirations now to be premium. Only when they started to make that transition, did they realize they had to be investing in more of the details of the experience. LIFT I'm sure is a competent design house, but I'm sure if they were given a bigger budget, they would be able to produce amazing results. Not to say the A330 refurbish didn't have a budget, They definately incorporated many details!
Heres hoping the A350 unveils a spectacular long haul product for the wide-bodies.

It will be exciting to see in 5 years the products PAL will have. Tri-Class service on the A321, A330, A350, B777, along with lie-flat seats, premium economy, and Inflight entertainment systems, that are above industry standards will certainly see a new era and a renaissance for PAL.

Yahnih wrote:

The new CEB airport is a beautiful reflection of the country.. MNL however is NOT! I fly into MNL every other month.. it's very tragic. I thought T3 was going to be world-class.. half the airport is air conditioned (international) while The domestic side is not.. T2 is just whatever, it reminds me of an old convention center. T1 is improved but still an old building with makeup on it.

The whole thing is in a perpetual flux. PAL is offering to undertake NAIA T2's expansion but the government cannot seem to decide how to proceed.....

http://www.philstar.com/business/2017/0 ... -expansion

Quote:
"MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Airlines has proposed to invest $400 million to expand the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2, citing the need for new capacity given the worsening congestion in the country’s main gateway.

However, PAL president and COO Jaime Bautista said if the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) proceeds with a plan to reshuffle airline operations, PAL may no longer proceed with its proposal to expand T2.

'We proposed to expand NAIA 2 because we need a new airport. But there are new developments now,' Bautista told The Star recently.

The government wants to move the local operations of PAL and Cebu Pacific to T2, currently PAL’s hub for local and international flights.

PAL’s international operations will move to NAIA T1 while other international airlines in NAIA 1 will then move to NAIA T3.

Bautista said PAL has no problem with the proposed reshuffling of terminal operations, which would be easier to implement compared to expanding T2.

'That is easier to do rather than propose a new international terminal, but it is really important to have a new international terminal. We are open to both possibilities for the good of the country,' Bautista said.

He said if PAL does not proceed with the expansion of T2, the government could still proceed with the project or even convert it into a low cost domestic terminal, similar to other airports, which have separate terminals for budget airlines, he said.

'They can convert it into a low cost domestic terminal like other airports, for example, Singapore, which has a budget terminal. That is easier to do,' Bautista said.

But if the reshuffling of terminal operations does not happen, Bautista said PAL would pursue its proposal to expand T2.

PAL has already submitted its unsolicited proposal to the Department of Transportation (DOTR) and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA). If there are no problems, the company may complete the project by 2020."


T2 may be a tad small for both PR and 5J...T1 could be just right but not convenient for connections. International carriers that would be displaced from T1 could transfer to the new terminal that will be built in the Nayong Pilipino area. T2 as suggested may morph into a domestic LCC terminal and a new TP terminal might be put up or remain at T4. For the most part, the whole thing is a simple turf war when one digs to the bottom of it. In contrast, CEB is well on its way (weather permitting) to having a new international terminal their residents can be very proud of and be happy about --- thanks to serious, no-nonsense private business involvement. (from SkyscraperCity).....



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As for CRK, there is this.....

http://www.philstar.com/business/2017/0 ... tro-manila


Re the 77Ws -- the two leased frames yet to be delivered come December may have the upgraded interior...and the A359s due starting 3Q2018 are a shoo-in for those. Hopefully, the older PR owned 77Ws will also receive the updated configuration.

Devilfish wrote:

Re the 77Ws -- the two leased frames yet to be delivered come December may have the upgraded interior...and the A359s due starting 3Q2018 are a shoo-in for those. Hopefully, the older PR owned 77Ws will also receive the updated configuration.

I haven't seen any indication that the 77W deliveries will have a different product from what was delivered last year. Do you know where this talk is from?

https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2017/08/03/philippine-airlines-brings-forward-launch-b777-london-manila-route/

And there's this about PAL moving up the start date of 77W service to London. Anyone know if the leased planes are coming sooner than originally stated or are they moving them off other routes?

LurveBus wrote:

I haven't seen any indication that the 77W deliveries will have a different product from what was delivered last year. Do you know where this talk is from?

I made an assumption based on their statement that last year's 77W deliveries were not ordered early enough for those to be fitted with the new seats, hence the "may". Obviously, outfitting the incoming 77Ws with the new product would create inconcistencies with the older frames, thus the "hope" for the latter to be retrofitted.

amadorE175 wrote:

And there's this about PAL moving up the start date of 77W service to London. Anyone know if the leased planes are coming sooner than originally stated or are they moving them off other routes?

It's not very clear from this blog report if PAL would receive their first new 77W from the latest lease agreement in advance. I imagine they'd put it on short regional sectors first to sort out the bugs. The original delivery schedules were December 2017 and January 2018. It could be that PR would simply use one of the two 77Ws delivered last year.



http://philippineairspace.blogspot.com/ ... on-to.html

Quote:
"Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) will fly back the B777-300ER aircraft to London Heathrow beginning September 19 instead of December 16, 2017 but with reduce daily services to 5 times a week.

The flight reduction will be temporary as the airline awaits delivery of another B777 frame by December where it flies back to daily services to LHR.

PAL said it is up-sizing the route from Airbus 340 to enable the airline to bring forward the retirement of some of its current A340-300 fleet which will be fully withdrawn from service in 2018 after arrival of its A350-900."


Elsewhere, PR is resuming its AUH flights starting October 31.....

http://www.philippineairlines.com/en/ab ... abi-resume


In other news, a 5J A333 figured in a minor incident at CEB causing incoming flights to be diverted and outbound flights delayed.....


https://scontent.fceb1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/ ... e=59F39660

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/920464/bre ... e-accident

Quote:
"CEBU CITY – The runway at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) in Lapu-Lapu City was temporarily closed following a minor incident involving a Cebu Pacific aircraft bound for Manila on Friday evening.

In a Facebook post by Cebu Pacific Air, Cebu Pacific Flight 5j570 bound for Manila from Cebu figured in an incident as it was taxing prior to take-off from the MCIA at 6:35 p.m.

'The aircraft’s nose wheel (or front landing gear) went outside the runway,' the post read. As of 8:45 p.m., all 435 passengers, including three infants, were safely deplaned from the aircraft.

The airline said it was working closely with the GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation, operator of the MCIA, to speed up the towing of the aircraft so the runway can be opened as soon as possible."


Meanwhile, work goes on at CEB Terminal 2. From SkyscraperCity.....



https://scontent.fmnl6-1.fna.fbcdn.net/ ... e=59FF5529



https://scontent.fmnl6-1.fna.fbcdn.net/ ... e=59FC4332



https://scontent.fmnl6-1.fna.fbcdn.net/ ... e=5A33E9A9

What do you guys think of Philippine Airlines joining an alliance? Star alliance already expressed theydidnt want them.. what do u think of OW or SkyTeam

Yahnih wrote:

What do you guys think of Philippine Airlines joining an alliance? Star alliance already expressed theydidnt want them.. what do u think of OW or SkyTeam

Any all alliances have Airlines within the area where the Philippines are. If I need to pick one it would be Oneworld however do any Alliance need Philippine airlines.The only thing they would be useful that isn't served already by any of the alliances is connections to the Philippines outside of the main airports to the little less known airports.

Yahnih wrote:

What do you guys think of Philippine Airlines joining an alliance? Star alliance already expressed theydidnt want them.. what do u think of OW or SkyTeam

An alliance is the least of their worries. The trends nowadays are for JVs. They have one with Etihad, and one with ANA. They also partnered with Westjet for more Canadian feed. Their ultimate goal is to get a US carrier for a JV or at least a comprehensive codeshare. They're targeting DL, but the likes of AS would also work well.

Philippines Air Asia is launching tripple daily MNL-ILO starting October 1!

MNL-ILO 03:55-05:05
MNL-ILO 14:15-15:25
MNL-ILO 20:50-22:00

ILO-MNL 05:35-06:45
ILO-MNL 16:10-17:20
ILO-MNL 22:40-23:50

It's been years since I saw an expansion like this at once at MNL, by any of the domestic carriers.
My big question is, where did they get three pairs of slots? They don't seem to reduce any other city?

Also (starting November), Qatar Airways will increase their DOH-MNL from double daily to 16 weekly 77W service. The new flight will arrive/depart during morning hours, as the other two flights arrive/depart during late afternoon and midnight, just like EK and EY.
And my question here is, why the new flight is only twice weekly when the latest agreements between Qatar/Philippines allows them to add four extra flights per week to Manila, for a total of 18 weekly.

/Alex