Philippine Aviation Thread 2017

Devilfish · Wed Sep 20, 2017 11:24 pm

piedmontf284000 wrote:
It's true you that one would have to connect if they going to MNL from ORD or IAH. The issue becomes if that if one is using PR to travel to southeast Asia and not just the Philippines then it becomes an exhausting experience...and that's if one is originating out of ORD or IAH.

No more exhausting if one were to travel with other airlines who offer two-stop options with lengthy layovers for 'dirt cheap' fares.

piedmontf284000 wrote:
Now imagine if someone from Kentucky Missouri Oklahoma Louisiana etc was using UA to interconnect with PR to travel to Vietnam or some other southeastern Asia destination. Now it's a three stop journey. Very time consuming.

Obviously, the traveler would choose that which hurt his wallet or his body less, depending on his circumstances.

piedmontf284000 wrote:
So based on that, it would seem to me that PR is banking on just O&D traffic out of ORD and IAH, which doesn't seem like there is enough demand.

According to a poster in the other thread, bookings from IAH were in MNL's favor. Not surprising since Filipino presence there is not too far below NY/NJ areas.

piedmontf284000 wrote:
In addition if one has to stop in YVR to get to MNL on PR then what's the incentive of using them (outside of price or schedule) when they can take any number of the existing Asian carriers, UA or AA and then connect in HKG PEK NRT etc.

Same plane convenience -- especially for the elderly? In addition to service standards, are there any other more compelling reasons besides these?

piedmontf284000 wrote:
Add to that the amount of Asian carriers already at ORD and the yields will be awful.

People were saying the same things when PR launched the tag-ons to YYZ and JFK. Those are now upgauged to 77Ws. Soon both will be flown nonstop with 77W and A359 respectively. Other carriers' "garbage fares" as another poster put it, may be PR's golden ticket. Why let the competition have unfettered run of your market and get your custom when you can give them a taste of their own medicine?

And if Airbus were successful in making the mooted 251T A339neo truly TPAC capable, then there's the lower capex equipment that would make MNL-YVR/ORD/IAH more sustainable. Who knows, a similar A338 weight variant might finally make MNL-SAN nonstop viable, even if it would need to go via YVR westbound should it not be able to fill tanks on the return due to runway/terrain issues. :cheerful:

After immigration officers, more welcome news for NAIA.....

https://businessmirror.com.ph/wp-conten ... 96x464.jpg

http://businessmirror.com.ph/government ... t-at-naia/

Quote:
"Airport authorities have recruited new air traffic controllers (ATCs) to replace some of the retirees, now reportedly in their 70s and 80s, who were rehired by the government in the past due to the lack of licensed ATCs.

Some 20 newly trained ATCs were dispatched across the four airport passenger terminals of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) this month to undergo further hands-on training, according to sources. These ramp controllers were initially trained by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap) under a “special arrangement”. Naia General Manager Ed Monreal said that, as far as he knows, the trainees started work last week of August."

maortega15 · Wed Sep 20, 2017 11:32 pm

IMO, they really need to get rid of MNL's T4 and put a new terminal in between 1 and 2 or next to 3.

Devilfish · Thu Sep 21, 2017 5:49 pm

maortega15 wrote:
IMO, they really need to get rid of MNL's T4 and put a new terminal in between 1 and 2 or next to 3.

Yes...it's really frustrating that the rest of the country are getting brand new terminals constructed while the main international gateway has a rundown domestic facility to connect at. Putting a new one between T1 and T2 may be problematic because the fuel dock and cargo facility will need to be removed and new ones built elsewhere (fine if they could convert T4 to handle cargo and cheaply relocate the fuel dock to the mx area). Also, the area fronting it is very limited and the one across the service road is heavily built-up so there isn't enough space for parking and access driveways. OTOH, the maintenance and hangar areas at the end of T3 will have ample room once GenAv is transferred to Sangley and the NAIA rationalization plan is in place.....(would it ever be :confused:

).....

https://40.media.tumblr.com/831995ae1b8 ... 1_1280.jpg

As the photoshopped image above shows, a new domestic (not necessarily square) terminal at top center next to T3 could have a generous vehicle parking area and easier access to NAIAX and Newport City via the rotunda. Evidently, the guy who did this work was determined to expand T2 not only by building on the refueling and freight areas but occupying T1's apron space too. Though it seems he had other plans for Nayong Pilipino and PVH when he squeezed in a new parallel runway to Rwy 13-31 to boot. :wink2:

In the meantime, delegates to the Global Airport Developments conference had a tour of MCIA T2 nearing its final construction stage.....(from SkyscraperCity).....

https://scontent-mxp1-1.cdninstagram.co ... 7088_n.jpg

https://scontent-mxp1-1.cdninstagram.co ... 0816_n.jpg

Devilfish · Fri Sep 22, 2017 9:17 pm

RP-C3438 flew far from its home base to repatriate Filipinos affected by hurricane Irma and bring relief goods... :thumbsup:

...

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/pin ... ean/story/

Glad that this ex-IB bird still gets to fly the flag on humanitarian missions before it is retired. :praise:

Devilfish · Fri Sep 22, 2017 10:00 pm

And another bit of good news...5J now offers the 20% discount and the 12% VAT exemption for senior citizens and PWDs on all its booking systems..... :bigthumbsup:

.....

http://business.inquirer.net/237341/sen ... ng-systems

ElmerJrG · Fri Sep 22, 2017 10:26 pm

Devilfish wrote:
And another bit of good news...5J now offers the 20% discount and the 12% VAT exemption for senior citizens and PWDs on all its booking systems..... .....

http://business.inquirer.net/237341/sen ... ng-systems

PR has been doing this for so long.. Glad to see them catching up though..

Devilfish · Sat Sep 23, 2017 4:15 am

PAL reduces frequency while upgauging equipment on MNL-CNS-AKL to deal with the fuel situation in AKL.....

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/160437 ... ew-zealand

Quote:
"Last Sept. 19 and Sept. 21, PAL A320 planes departing from Auckland (for the AKL-CNS-MNL flight) were loaded up with substantial fuel tonnage for the Auckland – Brisbane journey. Refueling was carried out in Brisbane before heading for Cairns.

PAL will be implementing twice weekly Manila – Cairns – Auckland operations from the current four times weekly frequency utilizing the wide-body 363-seater A330.

[.....]

Utilizing the A330 will enable PAL to load up at Cairns Airport to cover the Cairns- Auckland-Cairns route."

A new CAPA analysis is out on PR's moves in the Middle East.....

http://centreforaviation.com/insights/a ... ats-365107

Quote:
"Philippine Airlines (PAL) is resuming expansion to the Middle East after adjusting its strategy for competing in the intensely competitive Philippines-Middle East market. The flag carrier is introducing business class on all Middle East routes after serving the market for nearly four years with all-economy aircraft.

PAL will be operating 33 weekly nonstop flights to seven destinations in the Middle East in Dec-2017, compared to 24 weekly nonstop flights to four destinations in Dec-2016. Seat capacity will be up 22%.

PAL will need to overcome intensifying competition from Middle East airlines, which will be operating 101 weekly flights to the Philippines in Dec-2017, compared to 76 frequencies in Dec-2015. PAL has benefited from Cebu Pacific’s recent suspension of three Middle East routes but the LCC’s decision to cut capacity to the region highlights how difficult it is for a Philippine carrier to be profitable in the Middle East market."

jteruel06 · Mon Sep 25, 2017 1:16 am

According to Australian government data, Cebu Pacific leads in terms of passenger traffic between Manila and Sydney. It currently serves MNL-SYD 5 times a week, with plans for x7 flights between December/January 2018. I wonder how PAL and CEB are faring.

http://www.flightsinasia.com/articles/2802

Devilfish · Mon Sep 25, 2017 3:05 pm

jteruel06 wrote:
According to Australian government data, Cebu Pacific leads in terms of passenger traffic between Manila and Sydney. It currently serves MNL-SYD 5 times a week, with plans for x7 flights between December/January 2018. I wonder how PAL and CEB are faring.

How ever PR and 5J may be faring, both will need more space at congested NAIA to accommodate their increased frequencies..... :crowded:

.....

http://www.philstar.com/business/2017/0 ... not-people

https://farm5.static.flickr.com/4403/36 ... 9764_b.jpg

Devilfish · Wed Sep 27, 2017 4:47 pm

The plot thickens..... :stirthepot:

.....

http://business.inquirer.net/237572/rod ... ional-fees

http://business.inquirer.net/237570/dot ... almost-p7b

Didn't PAL recently get a ~P300M tax refund...couldn't the government have held back its issuance and applied same to pay for a portion of PR's arrears :confused:

http://business.inquirer.net/233593/pal ... tax-refund

VolvoBus · Fri Sep 29, 2017 8:54 am

Devilfish wrote:
The plot thickens..... .....

http://business.inquirer.net/237572/rod ... ional-fees

http://business.inquirer.net/237570/dot ... almost-p7b

Didn't PAL recently get a ~P300M tax refund...couldn't the government have held back its issuance and applied same to pay for a portion of PR's arrears

http://business.inquirer.net/233593/pal ... tax-refund

Typical Duterte bluster and BS. Note that in the second article DOTr sent letters dated 27th effectively giving 30 days notice of legal action to recover the claimed arrears. Quite how ethical sending copies to the media is I leave to individual's opinions. Pres Duterte says he will shut T2 in 10 days. Nothing about how the arrears were allowed to build up and what steps are being taken to prevent a repeat in any other government department. Nothing will happen and Lucio Tan will just let the college law fraternity brods allow the court proceedings to creep forward until they can reach a settlement a la Mighty Tobacco.

As a matter of interest, how long did Fraport have to wait to get paid their arbitration settlement over Terminal 3 ?

Devilfish · Fri Sep 29, 2017 4:44 pm

This latest issue seems interesting enough that another thread was started only to be locked. :smile:

VolvoBus wrote:
Quite how ethical sending copies to the media is I leave to individual's opinions.

Well, PR sort of had a hand in it when they released statements to the media seeking mediation to allow them to build an "Annex" for T2. Come to think of it, @ P50:$1.00, P7.0B is ~ $140,000,000. Enough to finish PAL's proposed terminal addition or go as down payment for their initial A321LRs. :dollarsign:

VolvoBus wrote:
Nothing about how the arrears were allowed to build up and what steps are being taken to prevent a repeat in any other government department.

Those would likely be the subject of the negotiation, and frankly, asking for a blanket reform in the bureaucracy is very optimistic.....

http://business.inquirer.net/237650/pal ... le-arrears

http://www.philippineairlines.com/en/ab ... nav-charge

VolvoBus wrote:
Nothing will happen and Lucio Tan will just let the college law fraternity brods allow the court proceedings to creep forward until they can reach a settlement a la Mighty Tobacco.

Now, you're being pessimistic. Maybe something positive will come out of it as the welfare of the traveling public and the government's economic/tourism programs are on the line. :old:

So, for something to buoy the spirits...MCIA T2 work on the loading bridges, departure podium piers and access ramps...(from SkyscraperCity)..... :cheerful:

.....

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DK4ZcDVVoAAzqNY.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DK4ZcDbU8AAe_lb.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DK4ZcDeVAAEUqqb.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DK4ZcDWUMAAc44R.jpg

Is it me or do the steel frames have a built-in sag? :scratchchin:

Devilfish · Sat Sep 30, 2017 7:53 pm

On second thought, the government could use the total outstanding amount to build a new domestic terminal as shown in #153 above to replace T4. They just have to lop off the last two gates nearest the road to reduce the building footprint and allow more setback for vehicle parking - as it's nearly equal the floor area of T3 minus the concourses. Also, they could make the two corner positions swing gates - to handle domestic A321s. Combined with T2, that should be adequate capacity to address near-term domestic growth until MNL could have its new international gateway. :airplane:

Or, the money could fund the upgrade of runway 06-24, but it'd require an extended downtime. Since they didn't want to close 13-31, particularly intriguing is if they might realign it to be exactly midway between T2's proposed Annex and T3, to allow equal clearance on both sides. 13-31 operating prevents much higher buildings along the glide path, that's why some people want it closed.....

5J's latest ATR 72-600 photo in the data base.....

Devilfish · Sat Oct 07, 2017 1:24 am

As expected, the Government and PAL have reached agreement on the unsettled accounts of the airline..... :thumbsup:

.....

http://business.inquirer.net/238106/pal ... -lucio-tan

Quote:
"A row between the Duterte administration and flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) over supposedly unpaid fees was resolved on Friday, meeting a 10-day deadline set by the President.

In a joint statement with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), PAL announced that the government accepted its offer to pay P6 billion worth of navigational fees, and other charges. The whole amount was expected to be paid within the year, a government spokesperson said."

Hopefully, it would turn out as their holiday gift for the people. :present:

Per this report, NAIA will be improved and CRK is now designated as the country's second major gateway... :airplane:

...

http://business.inquirer.net/237902/cla ... rt-roadmap

Quote:
"Also, Japanese financial giant Nomura said in a Sept. 29 note to clients that the Philippine government announced in Tokyo last week that it would soon roll out big-ticket infrastructure projects, including the development of Clark as the second major airport as well as the construction of a 655-kilometer spine expressway on Luzon island.

In a statement, Jica said the follow-up to the Roadmap for Transport Infrastructure Development for Metro Manila and its Surrounding Areas approved by the Philippine government in 2014 would be ready next month.

[.....]

In line with the ambitious 'Build, Build, Build' program aimed at ushering in 'the golden age of infrastructure,' economic managers disclosed that 'the Ninoy Aquino International Airport will be improved and Clark International Airport will be developed as the second major airport (expected to be fully operational by 2020),' Nomura said."

Does this mean NAIA's P74B PPP upgrade can proceed immediately, and will this now allow PAL to demolish PVH and build its proposed Annex in the Nayong Pilipino area :?:

jteruel06 · Tue Oct 10, 2017 2:11 am

Philiippine Airlines has announced a new direct Cebu-Bangkok flight starting December 2. Good news for those in the Central Visayas who want to travel to Thailand without having to go through Manila.

http://www.flightsinasia.com/articles/3012

atal17 · Tue Oct 10, 2017 8:23 am

jteruel06 wrote:
Philiippine Airlines has announced a new direct Cebu-Bangkok flight starting December 2. Good news for those in the Central Visayas who want to travel to Thailand without having to go through Manila.

http://www.flightsinasia.com/articles/3012

Did Thai Smile never go ahead with their plans to commence Bangkok-Cebu..?

Devilfish · Tue Oct 10, 2017 4:13 pm

Plenty of aviation related news to munch on.....

.....

http://www.philstar.com/business/2017/1 ... ly-managed

http://business.inquirer.net/238172/uk- ... mic-growth

http://www.philstar.com/business/2017/1 ... -pal-offer

http://www.manilatimes.net/developer...roject/355367/

The country already have a surfeit of these legal/political/obstructionist maneuverings. It's way past due that definite and concrete actions are taken! :hissyfit:

Planned RET scheme for NAIA rwy 06-24 (from SkyscraperCity).....

http://i.imgur.com/itV4Lor.png

http://i.imgur.com/WXyeFFM.png

VolvoBus · Wed Oct 11, 2017 2:36 pm

Devilfish wrote:
Plenty of aviation related news to munch on..... .....

http://www.philstar.com/business/2017/1 ... ly-managed

http://business.inquirer.net/238172/uk- ... mic-growth

http://www.philstar.com/business/2017/1 ... -pal-offer

http://www.manilatimes.net/developer...roject/355367/

The country already have a surfeit of these legal/political/obstructionist maneuverings. It's way past due that definite and concrete actions are taken!

Planned RET scheme for NAIA rwy 06-24 (from SkyscraperCity).....

http://i.imgur.com/itV4Lor.png

http://i.imgur.com/WXyeFFM.png

Quite agree that action is well overdue, but I am beginning to doubt whether there is any government appointee/employee who is capable of running anything bigger than a fish-and-chip shop.

Boo Chanco's rant in the first link is true, but in fairness to Sec. Tugade he has enough problems on his desk without worrying about the minutiae of running an airport. Whether he has the capacity to handle any or all of them is a matter of opinion. Monreal appears to have got the job on the strength of having been employed by Cathay Pacific, but if he had been Station Manager I would expect it to have been mentioned, so he cannot have been too far up the food chain. Again,trying to be fair, there is a culture of throwing mud at anybody who spends money that has not been specifically included in their budget, so I can understand why, allied with the sluggish pace of procurement procedures, it takes so long to replace a light bulb.

With regard to PAL's proposed annex to T2, there is also a typical occurrence that I recall reading elsewhere that s not mentioned in the other Philstar article. Part of the required land is already leased to PAL by Philippines Amusement and Gaming Corp (PAGCOR),but restricted to parking of aircraft.In this lease PAGCOR warrants that it is the legal and registered owner of the land and has full capacity to dispose of it. An additional part of the same property is required by PAL for the annex, but PAGCOR now claim they do not have the capacity to dispose of the land and must consult with the Attorney-General !!!

I have no doubt the company objecting to the Clark development will be able to find a compliant judge in Pampanga province, but I am also in no doubt that they may have a valid case.

Maybe, if Filipino lawyers concentrated on learning some law, and how to draw up watertight contracts, instead of beating fraternity plebes to death, things might go more smoothly.

jteruel06 · Thu Oct 12, 2017 8:09 am

Last news from Thai Smile, it's been pushed back to an unknown date. Apparently its been held back due to regulatory issues.

https://www.pressreader.com/thailand/bangkok-post/20170328/281998967290454

atal17 wrote:
jteruel06 wrote:
Philiippine Airlines has announced a new direct Cebu-Bangkok flight starting December 2. Good news for those in the Central Visayas who want to travel to Thailand without having to go through Manila.

http://www.flightsinasia.com/articles/3012

Did Thai Smile never go ahead with their plans to commence Bangkok-Cebu..?

Devilfish · Mon Oct 23, 2017 1:07 am

jteruel06 wrote:
Maybe, if Filipino lawyers concentrated on learning some law, and how to draw up watertight contracts, instead of beating fraternity plebes to death, things might go more smoothly.

Hiring more competent technical consultants and listening to them may actually be more conducive to that. :yes:

Lord knows they already have an excess of legal minds to mire down the projects in TRO bogland. :spin:

PR's latest Q400 sports a very interesting msn... :goodvibes:

...

With the recent talk about BBD selling the Q400 program, who would then handle the aircraft's after-sales support.....ATR :?:

As reported earlier, PR's nonstop MNL-AKL A340 service is due to start 6 Dec 2017.....

http://usa.inquirer.net/5944/pal-launch ... nd-flights

Would they be interested in a refreshed 763ER (as discussed in another thread) for this and other routes if new frames were built and made available to all airlines at significantly less than a brand-new, end-of-line A332 or the upcoming A338?

http://www.airbus.com/content/dam/corpo ... .1280.jpeg

For sure, this will complicate their fleet lineup, crewing flexibility and have marginally better fuel efficiency and lower trip costs than the A340s. But it would give them a right-sized, longer-ranged equipment for the mission (should that thrive) with enough growth built-in (which their ordered A321LRs fall short of). And it would afford PR years of headache-free maintenance while the MOM solution is a long time away yet. Maybe the combined upsides could justify the investment and convince the management? :crossfingers:

And speaking of airports, the SkyscraperCity has these photo updates on MCIA (CEB) and Caticlan (MPH).....

https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/ ... e=5A85B724

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4416/364 ... d47c_c.jpg

https://s1.postimg.org/7y5lkfsigv/22448 ... 4727_n.jpg

Just a little more patience. :old:

jteruel06 · Fri Oct 27, 2017 2:26 am

anshabhi wrote:
Hey is any Indian or Filipino Airline planning any India-Philliphines flight?

Btw, Indian economy is the fastest growing major economy at 7%, and in January 2017 tourist arrivals grew by 22% in India!

Cebu Pacific is one that's looking to Mumbai. Few years ago Philippine Airlines had flights to Delhi via Bangkok, but they ended it.
http://news.abs-cbn.com/business/10/25/17/cebu-pacific-unit-eyes-india-flights-says-executive

Devilfish · Fri Oct 27, 2017 4:14 pm

I suppose these give a hint why the process of improvements at NAIA has been moving at a snail's pace.....

http://business.inquirer.net/239372/san ... rotropolis

Quote:
"Conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) obtained a coveted original proponent status for its proposal to build a P700 billion 'aerotropolis' in Bulacan province, giving it a big advantage ahead of a bidding process yet to be approved by the government.

This was confirmed on Friday by Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade, who spoke to reporters at the sidelines of the Philippine Aviation Day business forum in Makati City.

Tugade said a final decision will be made by board of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), chaired by President Rodrigo Duterte.

An original proponent status gives a firm a key advantage should the project be auctioned off under a Swiss challenge, a type of bidding process that allows rivals to submit competing offers. In case another group submit a better offer, the original proponent has the right to match those terms and win the project."

http://www.philstar.com/business/2017/1 ... liberation

The above and Airbus' acquisition of the CSeries program from BBD remind me of SMC's plan to launch its own airline.....

http://www.philstar.com/business/2017/0 ... rline-capa

Quote:
"MANILA, Philippines - San Miguel Corp. (SMC) may launch its own airline operations to cater to international routes as well as domestic points from Caticlan Airport near Boracay, according to think tank Center for Aviation (CAPA).

In a report, CAPA said SMC is considering the possibility of establishing its own airline and acquiring aircraft which are capable of operating longer international routes.

'The new airline would be based in Caticlan and focus on international routes of up to four or five hours. The new airline could also potentially compete in the domestic market,' CAPA said.

CAPA said SMC has been in talks with Boeing for the 737 MAX 7.

It said Embraer would likely promote the use of the E190, and the C Series for Bombardier, to be used by SMC."

Would love to see the CS100 at MPH.....though other airlines may have reservations about the airport operator competing with them too.

http://commercialaircraft.bombardier.co ... s/original

In the meantime, PAL has just released a new ad campaign.....

http://business.inquirer.net/239337/pal ... d-campaign

While Cebu Pacific announced their $25M pilot training program.....

http://www.philstar.com/business/2017/1 ... ing-school

I guess that will reduce voluntary pilot attrition in the air force. :smile:

Devilfish · Fri Oct 27, 2017 8:47 pm

Was PAL pre-empted :confused:

.....

http://www.reuters.com/article/pal-hldg ... SL4N1N223V

Devilfish · Mon Oct 30, 2017 3:50 am

IATA recommends to prioritize infrastructure at NAIA.....

http://centreforaviation.com/members/di ... ion-379858

Quote:
"Infrastructure: Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has capacity for 30 million passengers p/a but currently handles nearly 40 million. IATA director general and CEO Alexandre de Juniac said: 'There is an urgent need for an airport master plan to accommodate the growing demand for connectivity.' IATA's top priorities are:

*Urgently implementing proposals to enhance runway and terminal capacity at Manila Airport to provide capacity until a new airport is ready;
*Further developing Clark International Airport as a secondary airport for Manila;
*Quickly deciding on a site within reasonable proximity to metro Manila for construction of a two runway airport with room for expansion. IATA said physical constraints at Manila Airport and Clark Airport's distance from Manila prevent either from filling this role;

Mr de Juniac said: 'There is no time to lose – every landing that cannot be accommodated is lost money and opportunity for the Philippine economy. Siting, designing, building and financing a new airport and the connecting infrastructure can easily be a ten-year project. Even the most aggressive possible incremental capacity expansion plan of NAIA will not be able to adequately cope with the growing demand'."

More accurately, so much time was lost already! :hissyfit:

Hopefully, Philippine officialdom will heed this latest call and act decisively. :listen:

Devilfish · Tue Oct 31, 2017 4:37 pm

The Inquirer reports that 5J has put its plan to launch HNL in the freezer..... :cold:

.....

http://business.inquirer.net/239608/ceb ... y-honolulu

Quote:
"Cebu Pacific Air is rethinking its long-haul strategy, shelving—for now—plans to fly to Honolulu in the United States.

The low cost carrier, controlled by the Gokongwei family’s JG Summit Holdings Inc., is instead keen on expanding operations within the Philippines and neighboring areas in Asia, CEO Lance Gokongwei said in a recent interview.

It was also keeping alive the possibility of flying to Melbourne, its second destination in Australia after Sydney.

'We would rather focus our resources on meeting existing demand for regional and domestic flights,' Gokongwei said."

Much better than when it cut its ME operations too late in the game and could no longer stand the "desert heat". :hot:

Very brave and optimistic then that they're sticking with their 39 A321ceo/neo orders for delivery until 2022. :optimist:

cityairline · Tue Oct 31, 2017 7:19 pm

Not only today, but this very evening Juneyao Airlines launches three new routes between China and the Philippines!

*Nanjing-Kalibo 3 weekly
*Shanghai-Kalibo 6 weekly
*Shanghai-Cebu 3 weekly

Also, Okay Airways launched a new route this evening.

*Xian-Cebu 3 weekly

All four aircraft took off during the past hours...

Devilfish · Sat Nov 04, 2017 11:19 pm

PAL paid its P6 billion arrears to the government..... :dollarsign:

.....

http://business.inquirer.net/239890/bre ... terminal-2

Quote:
"PAL president Jaime Bautista said last week the payment would be financed by added debt.

'We have to borrow money to pay for it,' Bautista said. 'There is a facility that we can tap.'

Bautista also appealed to the government to address infrastructure constraints, including Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the country’s congested main gateway."

Will PAL now be allowed to build the T2 Annex or will the government now pursue NAIA's improvement diligently and with greater haste themselves :?:

As an aside, PAL also got a new Cabin Fire and Smoke Trainer for its crew.....

http://business.inquirer.net/239970/pal ... ke-trainer

5J is reviewing its fuel hedging strategy after a substantial loss.....

http://www.philstar.com/business/2017/1 ... ing-policy

A comment in one column said lack of immigration staff enthusiasm (in addition to poor sales - perhaps attributable to unrest in Marawi) might have been a factor too in the scrapping of 5J's proposed ZAM-SDK route before it even started.....

http://www.gcmap.com/mapui?P=ZAM-SDK&MS=wls&DU=nm

http://www.philstar.com/business/2017/1 ... metropolis

Quote:
"Government is also less than supportive when the local airlines open new routes in response to market demand. A proposed new route from Zamboanga to Sandakan was scrapped because the immigration people in Zamboanga were not willing to take the extra load."

http://philippineairspace.blogspot.com/

Skyjet has pulled its Holiday Rush Sale (exp Nov 3) ad with amazing deals and now just have their regular promo on offer.....

http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/277240/sk ... seat-sale/

Wish they would acquire newer RJ100s instead. :crossfingers:

idp5601 · Sat Nov 18, 2017 5:06 am

With PAL saying that its deal with the (as of now) yet-unnamed foreign carrier is expected to be finalized next year, who do you guys think the airline they're negotiating with is? (money's on CX, AF-KLM, NH, or LH) And more importantly: will this mean PR will finally get a chance to join *A, OW, or ST?

Sent from my F3115 using Tapatalk

Devilfish · Sun Nov 19, 2017 11:51 pm

PAL's recent declaration of a substantial loss may not be too auspicious for its quest of a foreign partner.

New unsolicited proposal for Clark airport development raises reaction from other proponents.....

http://business.inquirer.net/240854/agg ... kes-rivals

More construction update photos of MCIA T2 posted on page 1059 of SkyscraperCity.....

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthrea ... &page=1059

In hindsight, non-winning Changi's MCIA T2 conceptual proposal seems to be better suited to NAIA's more metropolitan setting.....

https://s26.postimg.org/6ms6a95bd/image.jpg

With some modifications to increase the number of gates to address projected demand and enhance functionality, site adapting the concept to tone down the most garish features could give PAL's minimalist/industrial character T2 Annex a run for its money. Of course a revised design may cost more, but nobody would want to see that hideous control tower in the background. :wink2:

amadorE175 · Thu Nov 23, 2017 5:13 am

https://businessmirror.com.ph/pal-holdings-to-launch-airlines-longest-flight/

Nothing very new in this article but the one thing that caught my attention was "The rest of the A350 would be fielded to any of the following United States locations: Seattle, Chicago, Miami and San Diego." I don't think we've seen Miami thrown into the mix in this thread before. Surely that would be a tag on flights to ORD, SEA, or SAN.

One issue: PR hasn't ordered the ULR version of the A350, right? They've only ordered a higher weight variant.

Devilfish · Thu Nov 23, 2017 4:18 pm

The piece has all the hallmarks of a filler article. One thing new is first delivery in March 2018 versus middle of 2018. That might be in time for the soft opening of MCIA T2 and the resumption of CEB-LAX flights? :scratchchin:

amadorE175 wrote:
the one thing that caught my attention was "The rest of the A350 would be fielded to any of the following United States locations: Seattle, Chicago, Miami and San Diego."

It is a very indefinite statement...a report on the status of route applications could give a better indication which of the four potential destinations would go ahead first. This rehash of old information doesn't add substance but only fuel consternation especially at SAN.

amadorE175 wrote:
I don't think we've seen Miami thrown into the mix in this thread before. Surely that would be a tag on flights to ORD, SEA, or SAN.

MIA had been mentioned before...although I think it may have a better chance as a tag to YVR or YYZ.....

http://www.gcmap.com/mapui?P=MNL-YVR-MI ... -MIA&DU=nm

amadorE175 wrote:
One issue: PR hasn't ordered the ULR version of the A350, right? They've only ordered a higher weight variant.

Airbus confirmed that the 278T weight version was sufficient for MNL-JFK nonstop so there shouldn't be an issue if PR would just tag MIA onto either polar route. I very much doubt that MNL-MIA is viable as a nonstop on its own. That said, there was talk that later A359 production would all be based off the 280T frame.

amadorE175 · Fri Nov 24, 2017 3:02 am

Devilfish wrote:
MIA had been mentioned before...although I think it may have a better chance as a tag to YVR or YYZ.....

Did those MIA posts in this thread get deleted or was that discussion in one of the other Asia/PR Destination-type threads? I'd like to read them but I can't seem to find them searching for MIA or Miami in this thread.

Yahnih · Fri Nov 24, 2017 8:19 am

Would it be feasible for them to do.. MNL - ICN - SAN?

RTWin10 · Fri Nov 24, 2017 12:00 pm

amadorE175 wrote:
https://businessmirror.com.ph/pal-holdings-to-launch-airlines-longest-flight/

Nothing very new in this article but the one thing that caught my attention was "The rest of the A350 would be fielded to any of the following United States locations: Seattle, Chicago, Miami and San Diego." I don't think we've seen Miami thrown into the mix in this thread before. Surely that would be a tag on flights to ORD, SEA, or SAN.

One issue: PR hasn't ordered the ULR version of the A350, right? They've only ordered a higher weight variant.

Disappointing to see IAH not mentioned. Anyone have any insights as to the omission?

jteruel06 · Mon Nov 27, 2017 1:50 am

Philippines AirAsia is adding flights from Clark to Iloilo, Palawan, and Tacloban.

CLK-ILO and CLK-PPS (x3 weekly), CLK-TAC (x4 weekly) starting January 26, 2018.

I wonder why there isn't a CLK-CEB flight from Z2 yet.

http://www.flightsinasia.com/articles/3712

amadorE175 · Mon Nov 27, 2017 3:01 am

RTWin10 wrote:
Disappointing to see IAH not mentioned. Anyone have any insights as to the omission?

It's probably just a function of the article being a bit of a puff piece. IAH is probably as much in play as any of the rest of the destinations listed. I just hope that if they actually want to serve any of these places that they hurry up and apply so we could definitively say.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2017/11/05/jal-executive-eyes-clark-narita-flights-573059

Sometimes I forget that MNL and PR are not the only games in town. CRK has picked up a lot more service and it'd be nice to have a connection to NRT via JAL/Jetstar Japan. I'd much prefer getting to CRK from NRT rather than having to go down to HKG and double back so I hope they start this soon. Does anyone know if you can book a ticket on JAL with segments on Jetstar?

Devilfish · Mon Nov 27, 2017 7:44 pm

jteruel06 wrote:
CLK-ILO and CLK-PPS (x3 weekly), CLK-TAC (x4 weekly) starting January 26, 2018.

I wonder why there isn't a CLK-CEB flight from Z2 yet.

Perhaps due to CLK being in Oklahoma? :wink2:

I think this deserves a spot here too. From the PAL new livery thread.....

LN1534 | RP-C7781

Source: Twitter/ @AeroimagesChris

Lastly, a video update of MCIA T2 from SkyscraperCity.....

https://youtu.be/TdgCLFe_qOo

Based on the photos, the jetbridges are already delivered and being installed. :thumbsup:

And just as a reminder, PR's nonstop MNL-YYZ service starts on 16 Dec 2017. In time for the holidays! :santahat:

Devilfish · Tue Nov 28, 2017 9:11 pm

Saw this in another thread.....

Preview: Re: Textron launches Beech 1900-sized SkyCourier with FedEx order

PR and 5J are in the midst of deploying new-build Q400s and ATR72-600s for their secondary domestic operations. However, the SkyCourier pax variant (I assume robust rough & short field performance) presents a unique opportunity to replace the rugged (and junked) Let410s on the more spartan, new adventurous backpacking destinations here. Perhaps some enterprising souls would resurrect the old AsianSpirit or Seair brand and order a few frames to start services to those less accessible places.....

http://txtav.com//-/media/textron-aviat ... 1-216.ashx

From the Textron link: "The efficient 19-passenger variant will include crew and passenger doors for smooth boarding, as well as large cabin windows for great natural light and views. Both configurations will offer single-point pressure refueling to enable faster turnarounds."

Textron might offer a pressurized cabin and retractabIe gears on later pax production frames. I could see local seaplane operator AirJuan being interested in it to upgrade their fleet...the 900nm nominal range and 19-seat capacity are very well suited for land-based charter and commuter operations.....

http://cessna.txtav.com/-/media/cessna/ ... FE97D3F25D

Devilfish · Wed Nov 29, 2017 5:41 pm

amadorE175 wrote:
Did those MIA posts in this thread get deleted or was that discussion in one of the other Asia/PR Destination-type threads? I'd like to read them but I can't seem to find them searching for MIA or Miami in this thread.

Those could be in the earlier Philippine Aviation threads if not in some of the links on the three previous pages of this one.

amadorE175 wrote:
IAH is probably as much in play as any of the rest of the destinations listed. I just hope that if they actually want to serve any of these places that they hurry up and apply so we could definitively say.

Depending on the final price relative to the A359, real world year-round range and actual fuel burn, PR may finally find the right aircraft (assuming serial production) for those secondary routes that have long been bandied about, including "future" European destinations.....

https://airbus-h.assetsadobe2.com/is/im ... &fit=fit,1

https://airbus-h.assetsadobe2.com/is/im ... &fit=fit,1

http://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-re ... embly.html

Quote:
"With its 242-tonne Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) as base variant, the A330-800 can operate routes of up to 7,500nm and with the recently launched 251-tonne MTOW variant the aircraft can operate ultra-long-range routes of up to 8,150nm."

It would be a cheaper 1:1 replacement for their old A340s and a good fit for CEB-LAX, MNL-SEA, MNL-SAN (disregarding for a moment the 8-ton elephant in the room), and the tag-ons to IAH, ORD and MIA from YVR, provided there is sufficient demand. Heck, the 251T variant could theoretically do even MNL-YYZ nonstop, though I suppose PR would want the A359 on that route and on LHR as well eventually. PR is on record that they may still need 3-5 A330s and also has options for six A359s...why couldn't those be the A338neo?

http://www.gcmap.com/mapui?P=MNL-LHR/SA ... -LAX&DU=nm

cityairline · Sat Dec 02, 2017 11:05 am

MNL pax figures during the first 10 months of the year:

Domestic: 17,552,507 (+2,3%)
International: 17,285,001 (+10,5%)
Total: 34,837,508 (+6,2%)

If the growth keeps up during Nov/Dec, the full year will land at 42,000,000 passengers

It's a shame to see the domestic growth being almost flat for several years now. In a country with an annual 7% GDP growth and limited options (boats and buses), the domestic growth in air travel should be around 10-15% yearly...
Hope the government will move faster for a solution!

inferno · Sat Dec 02, 2017 11:49 am

cityairline wrote:
MNL pax figures during the first 10 months of the year:

Domestic: 17,552,507 (+2,3%)
International: 17,285,001 (+10,5%)
Total: 34,837,508 (+6,2%)

If the growth keeps up during Nov/Dec, the full year will land at 42,000,000 passengers

It's a shame to see the domestic growth being almost flat for several years now. In a country with an annual 7% GDP growth and limited options (boats and buses), the domestic growth in air travel should be around 10-15% yearly...
Hope the government will move faster for a solution!

I think most of the domestic growth rate is happening in other cities like Cebu (+13.5%), Clark (+9.46%), Kalibo (+12.28%) in 2016 and of course Caticlan. Not a totally bad thing to develop regions aside from Manila. Also, MNL has too much congestion restraint. MNL is a good international gateway for Manila if Manila is your destination but airports in the provinces are getting a fair share of their direct international flights so travelers to the provinces no longer need to have a connecting in MNL.

qf789 · Sat Dec 02, 2017 11:54 am

PR's latest 77W RP-C7781 had its first test flight overnight

https://twitter.com/JenSchuld/status/936729858591170560

APettyJ · Sat Dec 02, 2017 12:43 pm

Any rumors in the wind concerning DVO? Is it likely this airport will ever have service to the US?

cityairline · Sat Dec 02, 2017 2:55 pm

inferno wrote:
cityairline wrote:
MNL pax figures during the first 10 months of the year:

Domestic: 17,552,507 (+2,3%)
International: 17,285,001 (+10,5%)
Total: 34,837,508 (+6,2%)

If the growth keeps up during Nov/Dec, the full year will land at 42,000,000 passengers

It's a shame to see the domestic growth being almost flat for several years now. In a country with an annual 7% GDP growth and limited options (boats and buses), the domestic growth in air travel should be around 10-15% yearly...
Hope the government will move faster for a solution!

I think most of the domestic growth rate is happening in other cities like Cebu (+13.5%), Clark (+9.46%), Kalibo (+12.28%) in 2016 and of course Caticlan. Not a totally bad thing to develop regions aside from Manila. Also, MNL has too much congestion restraint. MNL is a good international gateway for Manila if Manila is your destination but airports in the provinces are getting a fair share of their direct international flights so travelers to the provinces no longer need to have a connecting in MNL.

I agree that it's great that other regional airports are growing in the country, and I'm very well aware as I follow the statistics of those aswell.
But other than that, I don't see your point. Manila is a market of its own, and is the economic power house of the the country, and will always be. How does it help the 25 million people around Manila (and everyone that wants to travel to/from), that CEB and KLO are growing?
Like I said, it's great that tourists are being flown direct to the provinces, but it doesn't change the fact that there is a HUGE local O/D market between Manila and the rest of the country...

cityairline · Sat Dec 02, 2017 3:11 pm

inferno wrote:
cityairline wrote:
MNL pax figures during the first 10 months of the year:

Domestic: 17,552,507 (+2,3%)
International: 17,285,001 (+10,5%)
Total: 34,837,508 (+6,2%)

If the growth keeps up during Nov/Dec, the full year will land at 42,000,000 passengers

It's a shame to see the domestic growth being almost flat for several years now. In a country with an annual 7% GDP growth and limited options (boats and buses), the domestic growth in air travel should be around 10-15% yearly...
Hope the government will move faster for a solution!

I think most of the domestic growth rate is happening in other cities like Cebu (+13.5%), Clark (+9.46%)

I don't know where you got the Clark number from, but domestic passenger growth there during Jan-Jul 2017 was a whooping +675% compared to the same period last year, not +9%...

http://crk.clarkairport.com/downloads/o ... istics.pdf

And this is hardly because Angeles/Pampanga is growing that fast as a region, but because MNL is overcrowded and airlines are forced to move their Manila-growth there.

Devilfish · Sat Dec 02, 2017 6:09 pm

cityairline wrote:
Hope the government will move faster for a solution!

Sweden is offering assistance in that regard.....

http://www.philstar.com/business/2017/1 ... evelopment

Quote:
"MANILA, Philippines — Sweden is offering a partnership with the Philippines for the development of airports in the country, Swedish State Secretary Oscar Stenstrom said.

Stenstrom, deputy minister of trade and EU Affairs, headed a delegation to Manila that visited last week to see the areas where Sweden can collaborate in transportation and aeronautics.

'The main focus of this trip to the Philippines is infrastructure and aeronautics, airport management, infrastructure surrounding the airport and air traffic management,' Stenstrom said. 'We have companies big and small providing both goods and services which is valuable to upgrade airports.'

Sweden is looking at Clark International Airport and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1, 2 and 3 for airport development projects.

Ambassador Harald Fries said Sweden is also looking at other airports being developed and modernized around the country."

So long as those are not entangled in red tape and hamstrung by influence peddlers. :biting:

cityairline wrote:
How does it help the 25 million people around Manila (and everyone that wants to travel to/from), that CEB and KLO are growing?

Well, those flying direct to/from CEB, KLO or elsewhere won't compete for space and time at MNL for one, and that is a good thing. Second, only a slice of those 25 million are using NAIA.

cityairline wrote:
And this is hardly because Angeles/Pampanga is growing that fast as a region, but because MNL is overcrowded and airlines are forced to move their Manila-growth there.

The government should have done it a long time ago if not for the the lack of facilities at, and poor transportation infrastructure to CRK. It's the most sensible hubbing solution for those just transiting for the northern, central and southern regions of the country. Unfortunately, pragmatism is sorely in short supply in the bureaucracy.

APettyJ wrote:
Any rumors in the wind concerning DVO? Is it likely this airport will ever have service to the US?

None at this time except for minor facility improvements. Flights to the U.S. from DVO are unlikely as even the CEB-LAX service is (temporarily) suspended.

qf789 wrote:
PR's latest 77W RP-C7781 had its first test flight overnight

Thank you for posting that. I felt it was taking forever to pull its nose out from the burrow... :nosy:

...

https://twitter.com/mattcawby/status/935326691613745152

Any CAF photo of RP-C7780 or at the delivery center yet? :hyper:

qf789 · Wed Dec 06, 2017 4:02 pm

Devilfish wrote:
Any CAF photo of RP-C7780 or at the delivery center yet?

No havent come across any but here is RP-C7781 and RP-C7782

https://twitter.com/mattcawby/status/937939927785861121

qf789 · Thu Dec 07, 2017 12:00 am

Philippine Airlines 77W RP-C7782 undergoes first flight

https://twitter.com/mattcawby/status/938540057878675456

qf789 · Thu Dec 07, 2017 1:09 am

Philippine Airlines RP-C7781 returning from a test flight

https://twitter.com/AeroimagesChris/sta ... 4452947968

Devilfish · Thu Dec 07, 2017 4:01 am

qf789 wrote:
No havent come across any but here is RP-C7781 and RP-C7782

So they didn't use C7780 for one of the pair. I wonder if PR would preposition one each at LAX and SFO respectively as revenue delivery flights? :scratchchin:

"Oh, there's no place like home for the holidays...When you pine for the sunshine of a friendly day. :santahat:

qf789 wrote:
Philippine Airlines 77W RP-C7782 undergoes first flight

We could soon confirm if PR's latest IFE and seating configurations improve upon the previous two 77W's onboard products received last year. Many thanks again for the pictures.

And our unfulfilled wish for many Christmases past... :crossfingers:

...

From roads to the airport

"When I think about the chaos on our roads, the worsening congestion at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) also comes to mind.

So when I heard that seven conglomerates – the MVP Group, Lucio Tan Group, Ayalas, Gotianuns, Gokongweis, Aboitizes and tycoon Andrew Tan – are planning to band together to vie for the P76 billion upgrade of NAIA, I told a source in one of the conglomerates that I really hope it would happen.

Going through NAIA after all is like running the gauntlet. The chaos starts long before you can even put your bag in the scanner. It starts in the crowded parking lots and in snaking lines at the entrance of the terminals."

David versus Goliath

"But whether or not the super consortium will succeed is still anybody’s guess. As early as now, the dapper boys of construction conglomerate and Cebu airport operator Megawide are thinking of going against the Goliaths and vie for NAIA as well.

'We’re interested. It’s for the Filipino people,' says GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. (GMCAC) president Louie Ferrer.

Will they win against a group of tycoons? They did it in Cebu. But if they want additional guarantee, they can also get President Duterte’s favorite tycoon to join them. And if that happens, the super consortium may not be so super after all.

Whoever wins, I’m keeping my fingers crossed NAIA would finally get the upgrade that’s long overdue."

http://www.philstar.com/business/2017/1 ... la-version

I'm anxious that this could be another case of too many cooks spoiling the broth..... :stirthepot:

From SkyscraperCity.....shiny interior for MCIA T2... :sun:

https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/ ... e=5A946D8B

Bid documents opening for Clark International Airport.....

https://scontent.fmnl4-5.fna.fbcdn.net/ ... e=5AC7EFD4

People are asking if this conceptual design is still in play... :confused:

...

https://i.imgur.com/GG47uDE.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/08FqVBd.jpg

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