Manila Bulletin
December 15, 2012
AirAsia, the largest low cost airline in Asia, has placed a new order with Airbus for 100 more A320 Family aircraft. The contract covers an additional 64 A320neo and 36 A320ceo aircraft for operation across the carrier’s network.
The order was announced during a visit by British Prime Minister David Cameron to the Airbus wing manufacturing facility at Broughton in the UK, where Mr Cameron witnessed the signing of documents by Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, Group Chief Executive Officer, AirAsia and Fabrice Brégier, President & CEO, Airbus.
The contract reaffirms AirAsia’s position as the largest A320 Family airline customer in the world. Altogether, the carrier has now ordered 475 single aisle aircraft from Airbus, comprising 264 A320neo and 211 A320ceo. Over 100 aircraft have already been delivered to the airline and are flying out of its bases in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Manila and Tokyo.
Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, Group Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia said during the signing: “We have three gold mines in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. On the other hand, Philippines and Japan have enormous potential growth. With these added aircraft, it goes in-line with our strategy to further build our already extensive network through new routes and added frequencies and allow AirAsia to maintain its market leadership."
“AirAsia is one of the great success stories of recent years in the airline business,” said Fabrice Brégier, President & CEO, Airbus. “The repeated confidence the airline places in the A320 is a clear endorsement of the reliability, efficiency and unbeatable operating economics offered by the world’s most modern single aisle product line.”
AirAsia’s all-A320 fleet currently flies to some 70 destinations on a route network spanning 20 countries across Asia. In addition, affiliate AirAsia X operates widebody A330-300s on longer services from Kuala Lumpur to Northern Asia and Australia.
The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling and most modern single aisle aircraft Family. To date, more than 8,800 aircraft have been ordered and over 5,300 delivered to more than 380 customers and operators worldwide.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Singapore Airlines to focus on Asia after Virgin divestment
Philippine Daily Inquirer
December 13, 2012
By Martin Abbugao
Agence France-Presse
SINGAPORE—Singapore Airlines’ sale of its 49-percent stake in Virgin Atlantic will allow the cash-rich Asian carrier to focus resources on its fast-growing regional market, analysts said Wednesday.
The Singapore carrier’s tie-up with British billionaire Richard Branson’s Virgin Atlantic never really took off since the alliance began 12 years ago when the stake was bought for 600 million pounds ($966.5 million).
Singapore Airlines (SIA) on Tuesday said it will sell the stake to Delta Air Lines of the United States for $360 million in cash in a deal to be completed next year.
SIA said it “had been evaluating strategic options for the stake for some time, as the investment has not performed to expectations and the synergies the parties originally hoped for have not materialized.”
Analysts said SIA, consistently one of the world’s most profitable airlines, had little say in how Virgin Atlantic was run by the flamboyant Branson, and the sale allows it to exit an underperforming investment in the troubled European market.
“SIA can now focus on investments in the Asia Pacific region,” Brendan Sobie, a Singapore-based analyst with industry consultancy Centre for Aviation, told AFP.
Sobie said it made more sense for Delta to have a strategic stake in Virgin Atlantic as there are more synergies in their trans-Atlantic network.
Jason Hughes, an analyst with IG Markets Singapore, said that despite the higher acquisition price paid by SIA, the $360 million “will go down as a profit, as losses had already been accounted for in previous years”.
SIA shares closed 1.12 percent higher at Sg$10.87 as investors cheered the divestment.
Malaysian bank CIMB said in a note that the sale would give SIA a “short-term boost” but urged investors to focus on the long-term challenges posed by Middle Eastern carriers and budget airlines.
Shukor Yusof, an aviation analyst with Standard & Poor’s Equity Research, said SIA can use the extra cash to “redefine its business strategy on top of beefing up its regional subsidiaries”.
“It’s also good to exit out of Europe because the market conditions there are quite atrocious,” he told AFP.
Shukor said conflicting management styles with Branson was one of the chief reasons why the alliance failed to prosper beyond a code-sharing agreement.
“Branson remained the controlling shareholder and he called the shots,” he said.
Virgin Atlantic also did not have enough slots at London’s high-traffic Heathrow airport for SIA to latch on in its bid to gain a share of the lucrative trans-Atlantic route to New York, Shukor added.
Analysts said SIA’s decision to buy the stake in Virgin Atlantic in March 2000 was a good move at the time because Asia was just emerging from the 1997-1998 financial crisis.
But the center of global economic power has since shifted to Asia, sparking a travel boom in the region.
Passenger traffic in the Asia Pacific is forecast to account for 33 percent of the global market in 2016, up from 29 percent in 2011, according to trade body International Air Transport Association (IATA).
“This makes the region the largest regional market for air transport, ahead of North America and Europe which each represent 21 percent,” IATA said in a statement on their latest industry forecast.
SIA has been investing both in the premium travel segment, where it faces competition from Middle East carriers, and in the low-cost market where it is challenged by budget airlines.
SIA in June launched a long-haul budget wing called Scoot while maintaining a substantial stake in low-fare carrier Tiger Airways. It also operates a regional wing, SilkAir.
SIA and Scoot in October announced orders for 45 Airbus and Boeing aircraft. The orders came after SilkAir in August said it would buy 54 new Boeing planes with an option to buy a further 14 aircraft.
December 13, 2012
By Martin Abbugao
Agence France-Presse
SINGAPORE—Singapore Airlines’ sale of its 49-percent stake in Virgin Atlantic will allow the cash-rich Asian carrier to focus resources on its fast-growing regional market, analysts said Wednesday.
The Singapore carrier’s tie-up with British billionaire Richard Branson’s Virgin Atlantic never really took off since the alliance began 12 years ago when the stake was bought for 600 million pounds ($966.5 million).
Singapore Airlines (SIA) on Tuesday said it will sell the stake to Delta Air Lines of the United States for $360 million in cash in a deal to be completed next year.
SIA said it “had been evaluating strategic options for the stake for some time, as the investment has not performed to expectations and the synergies the parties originally hoped for have not materialized.”
Analysts said SIA, consistently one of the world’s most profitable airlines, had little say in how Virgin Atlantic was run by the flamboyant Branson, and the sale allows it to exit an underperforming investment in the troubled European market.
“SIA can now focus on investments in the Asia Pacific region,” Brendan Sobie, a Singapore-based analyst with industry consultancy Centre for Aviation, told AFP.
Sobie said it made more sense for Delta to have a strategic stake in Virgin Atlantic as there are more synergies in their trans-Atlantic network.
Jason Hughes, an analyst with IG Markets Singapore, said that despite the higher acquisition price paid by SIA, the $360 million “will go down as a profit, as losses had already been accounted for in previous years”.
SIA shares closed 1.12 percent higher at Sg$10.87 as investors cheered the divestment.
Malaysian bank CIMB said in a note that the sale would give SIA a “short-term boost” but urged investors to focus on the long-term challenges posed by Middle Eastern carriers and budget airlines.
Shukor Yusof, an aviation analyst with Standard & Poor’s Equity Research, said SIA can use the extra cash to “redefine its business strategy on top of beefing up its regional subsidiaries”.
“It’s also good to exit out of Europe because the market conditions there are quite atrocious,” he told AFP.
Shukor said conflicting management styles with Branson was one of the chief reasons why the alliance failed to prosper beyond a code-sharing agreement.
“Branson remained the controlling shareholder and he called the shots,” he said.
Virgin Atlantic also did not have enough slots at London’s high-traffic Heathrow airport for SIA to latch on in its bid to gain a share of the lucrative trans-Atlantic route to New York, Shukor added.
Analysts said SIA’s decision to buy the stake in Virgin Atlantic in March 2000 was a good move at the time because Asia was just emerging from the 1997-1998 financial crisis.
But the center of global economic power has since shifted to Asia, sparking a travel boom in the region.
Passenger traffic in the Asia Pacific is forecast to account for 33 percent of the global market in 2016, up from 29 percent in 2011, according to trade body International Air Transport Association (IATA).
“This makes the region the largest regional market for air transport, ahead of North America and Europe which each represent 21 percent,” IATA said in a statement on their latest industry forecast.
SIA has been investing both in the premium travel segment, where it faces competition from Middle East carriers, and in the low-cost market where it is challenged by budget airlines.
SIA in June launched a long-haul budget wing called Scoot while maintaining a substantial stake in low-fare carrier Tiger Airways. It also operates a regional wing, SilkAir.
SIA and Scoot in October announced orders for 45 Airbus and Boeing aircraft. The orders came after SilkAir in August said it would buy 54 new Boeing planes with an option to buy a further 14 aircraft.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Alpha Aviation Gets Simulator Accreditation
Manila Bulletin
December 12, 2012
Aviation training provider Alpha Aviation Group Philippines (AAG Philippines) announced the accreditation of its A320 Full Flight Simulator by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).
EASA granted AAG the Flight Simulation Training Device (FSTD) Qualification Certificate, while CAAP awarded the Flight Simulator Accreditation. EASA incorporates and monitors safety rules as well as type-certification of aircrafts and components, among others.
Meanwhile, CAAP is responsible for establishing policies on Philippine civil aviation as well as implementing rules and regulations for aircraft and air facilities in the country.
AAG Philippines' Airplane Simulator Training Device includes a course on the A320-200, including initial, recurrent, and refresher trainings.
"Our EASA certificate and CAAP accreditation mark another milestone for AAG Philippines and our mission of delivering quality aviation training services to our partners in the airline industry," said Merit Gabriel, Vice President-Commercial, AAG Philippines.
The FSTD Qualification Certificate is awarded when an organization's roles and responsibilities satisfy industry standards. There are four types of FSTDs, namely, the full flight simulator, flight training device, flight navigation procedures trainer, and basic instrument training device.
To ensure safety and excellent training of pilots, FSTD standards undergo periodic evaluations. This strengthens the credibility of the international criteria that sustains trainings within UK Type Rating Training Organizations as per the Civil Aviation Authority International (CAAI).
These standards oversee the consistent quality of the device and simulator operator through regular technical evaluation, quality system assessment, and standard audits within regulatory requirements.
"We are very proud of this achievement, which reinforces our commitment to global civil aviation standards," said AAG general manager Nigel Harris.
December 12, 2012
Aviation training provider Alpha Aviation Group Philippines (AAG Philippines) announced the accreditation of its A320 Full Flight Simulator by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).
EASA granted AAG the Flight Simulation Training Device (FSTD) Qualification Certificate, while CAAP awarded the Flight Simulator Accreditation. EASA incorporates and monitors safety rules as well as type-certification of aircrafts and components, among others.
Meanwhile, CAAP is responsible for establishing policies on Philippine civil aviation as well as implementing rules and regulations for aircraft and air facilities in the country.
AAG Philippines' Airplane Simulator Training Device includes a course on the A320-200, including initial, recurrent, and refresher trainings.
"Our EASA certificate and CAAP accreditation mark another milestone for AAG Philippines and our mission of delivering quality aviation training services to our partners in the airline industry," said Merit Gabriel, Vice President-Commercial, AAG Philippines.
The FSTD Qualification Certificate is awarded when an organization's roles and responsibilities satisfy industry standards. There are four types of FSTDs, namely, the full flight simulator, flight training device, flight navigation procedures trainer, and basic instrument training device.
To ensure safety and excellent training of pilots, FSTD standards undergo periodic evaluations. This strengthens the credibility of the international criteria that sustains trainings within UK Type Rating Training Organizations as per the Civil Aviation Authority International (CAAI).
These standards oversee the consistent quality of the device and simulator operator through regular technical evaluation, quality system assessment, and standard audits within regulatory requirements.
"We are very proud of this achievement, which reinforces our commitment to global civil aviation standards," said AAG general manager Nigel Harris.
CEB Dominates Local Cargo Market
Manila Bulletin
December 12, 2012
The country's largest national flag carrier, Cebu Pacific (CEB) dominated the domestic cargo market, with a 48% share from January to September 2012, according to Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) data.
CEB carried 70.4 million kilograms in cargo in the first nine months of 2012, more than the 62 million kilograms combined cargo loads of Philippine Airlines and Airphil Express, the carrier announced.
"This highlights Cebu Pacific's extensive domestic route network and preferred cargo services," CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog pointed out. "With multiple daily flights to most key cities in the Philippines, cargo forwarders and shippers trust CEB to link islands together in the fastest time."
CEB also led the domestic cargo market in 2011 with close to 89.5 million kilos carried for the full year.
"We currently serve more than 2,000 accounts, tailor-fitting cargo products to our clients' domestic and international cargo needs. This includes express cargo service, seamless transshipment and 16 interline partnerships for worldwide reach," Iyog added.
CEB Cargo has partnered with the GMA Kapuso Foundation in shipping relief goods to families affected by typhoon "Pablo" in Cebu, Surigao and Compostela Valley.
It remains a consistent partner of the GMA Kapuso Foundation for its Give-A-Gift: Alay sa Batang Pinoy project, where customized Christmas packages are given to underprivileged children all over the Philippines.
CEB currently operates 10 Airbus A319, 23 Airbus A320 and 8 ATR-72 500 aircraft. Its fleet of 41 aircraft is the one of the most modern fleets in the world.
Between 2013 and 2021, Cebu Pacific will take delivery of 19 more Airbus A320 and 30 Airbus A321neo aircraft orders. It is slated to begin long-haul services in the 3rd quarter of 2013, with the arrival of 2 Airbus A330 aircraft.
December 12, 2012
The country's largest national flag carrier, Cebu Pacific (CEB) dominated the domestic cargo market, with a 48% share from January to September 2012, according to Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) data.
CEB carried 70.4 million kilograms in cargo in the first nine months of 2012, more than the 62 million kilograms combined cargo loads of Philippine Airlines and Airphil Express, the carrier announced.
"This highlights Cebu Pacific's extensive domestic route network and preferred cargo services," CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog pointed out. "With multiple daily flights to most key cities in the Philippines, cargo forwarders and shippers trust CEB to link islands together in the fastest time."
CEB also led the domestic cargo market in 2011 with close to 89.5 million kilos carried for the full year.
"We currently serve more than 2,000 accounts, tailor-fitting cargo products to our clients' domestic and international cargo needs. This includes express cargo service, seamless transshipment and 16 interline partnerships for worldwide reach," Iyog added.
CEB Cargo has partnered with the GMA Kapuso Foundation in shipping relief goods to families affected by typhoon "Pablo" in Cebu, Surigao and Compostela Valley.
It remains a consistent partner of the GMA Kapuso Foundation for its Give-A-Gift: Alay sa Batang Pinoy project, where customized Christmas packages are given to underprivileged children all over the Philippines.
CEB currently operates 10 Airbus A319, 23 Airbus A320 and 8 ATR-72 500 aircraft. Its fleet of 41 aircraft is the one of the most modern fleets in the world.
Between 2013 and 2021, Cebu Pacific will take delivery of 19 more Airbus A320 and 30 Airbus A321neo aircraft orders. It is slated to begin long-haul services in the 3rd quarter of 2013, with the arrival of 2 Airbus A330 aircraft.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Hong Kong Air Seeks A380 Order Swap for Smaller Aircraft
Manila Bulletin
December 11, 2012
By Jasmine Wang
Hong Kong Airlines, holder of the biggest backlog of Airbus SAS A380 orders in Asia, is seeking to swap some planes for smaller models because of a new focus on short-haul routes.
The carrier is discussing changing at least some of its 10 on-order A380s for A330s, and delaying deliveries, President Yang Jianhong said by phone yesterday, without giving a timeframe for when talks may be concluded. Airbus doesn’t comment on negotiations with customers, said spokesman Sean Lee.
Hong Kong Air, which is backed by China’s HNA Group, said in August it was reviewing the A380 orders after a slump in long-haul travel caused by slower growth in Europe. The slowdown has also forced Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. (293), Hong Kong’s biggest carrier, to pare capacity and begin a cost-cutting drive.
“We won’t resume long haul routes in the short term,” Yang said. “Now, we are trying to do a better job in operations.”
Airbus, based in Toulouse, France, held 168 orders for A380s at the end of October, based on data on its website. That included the 10 from Hong Kong Air and five from Indian carrier Kingfisher Airlines Ltd. (KAIR), which suspended services in October. The double-decker plane carries about 525 passengers and has an average list price of $389.9 million.
Regional Focus
Hong Kong Air’s focus on regional services means it will make a profit this year, Yang said, without giving a detailed forecast. The closely held carrier is also winning back customers after disruptions during a typhoon, he said. Hong Kong’s aviation regulator capped the size of the airline’s fleet after the cancelations because of concerns about the carrier’s ability to manage a larger operation. There are no safety issues about its current size.
Hong Kong Air is also seeing “pretty good” travel demand for the Christmas period, except for Japan, Yang said. Cathay Pacific is facing possible industrial action by cabin crew then because a pay dispute.
Hong Kong Air ended an all-business class service to London earlier this year as it withdrew from long-haul routes. It has also delayed the arrival of six Boeing Co. (BA) 777 freighters to at least mid-2014 from next year. The carrier and affiliate Hong Kong Express fly to about 30 cities, mainly in China, based on its website.
Hong Kong Express will complete its transformation into a low-cost carrier by May or June, Yang said. The carrier will compete with Qantas Airways Ltd. (QAN) and China Eastern Airlines Corp.’s Jetstar Hong Kong, which is due to start flying in the first half of next year. Spring Airlines Co., China’s biggest privately-owned carrier, is also considering a venture in Hong Kong as part of an overseas expansion push.
December 11, 2012
By Jasmine Wang
Hong Kong Airlines, holder of the biggest backlog of Airbus SAS A380 orders in Asia, is seeking to swap some planes for smaller models because of a new focus on short-haul routes.
The carrier is discussing changing at least some of its 10 on-order A380s for A330s, and delaying deliveries, President Yang Jianhong said by phone yesterday, without giving a timeframe for when talks may be concluded. Airbus doesn’t comment on negotiations with customers, said spokesman Sean Lee.
Hong Kong Air, which is backed by China’s HNA Group, said in August it was reviewing the A380 orders after a slump in long-haul travel caused by slower growth in Europe. The slowdown has also forced Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. (293), Hong Kong’s biggest carrier, to pare capacity and begin a cost-cutting drive.
“We won’t resume long haul routes in the short term,” Yang said. “Now, we are trying to do a better job in operations.”
Airbus, based in Toulouse, France, held 168 orders for A380s at the end of October, based on data on its website. That included the 10 from Hong Kong Air and five from Indian carrier Kingfisher Airlines Ltd. (KAIR), which suspended services in October. The double-decker plane carries about 525 passengers and has an average list price of $389.9 million.
Regional Focus
Hong Kong Air’s focus on regional services means it will make a profit this year, Yang said, without giving a detailed forecast. The closely held carrier is also winning back customers after disruptions during a typhoon, he said. Hong Kong’s aviation regulator capped the size of the airline’s fleet after the cancelations because of concerns about the carrier’s ability to manage a larger operation. There are no safety issues about its current size.
Hong Kong Air is also seeing “pretty good” travel demand for the Christmas period, except for Japan, Yang said. Cathay Pacific is facing possible industrial action by cabin crew then because a pay dispute.
Hong Kong Air ended an all-business class service to London earlier this year as it withdrew from long-haul routes. It has also delayed the arrival of six Boeing Co. (BA) 777 freighters to at least mid-2014 from next year. The carrier and affiliate Hong Kong Express fly to about 30 cities, mainly in China, based on its website.
Hong Kong Express will complete its transformation into a low-cost carrier by May or June, Yang said. The carrier will compete with Qantas Airways Ltd. (QAN) and China Eastern Airlines Corp.’s Jetstar Hong Kong, which is due to start flying in the first half of next year. Spring Airlines Co., China’s biggest privately-owned carrier, is also considering a venture in Hong Kong as part of an overseas expansion push.
Manila Aviation Safety Improvement Recognized
Manila Bulletin
December 11, 2012
The European Commission (EC) has recognized the efforts of the safety oversight authority of the Philippines in reforming the civil aviation system and improve safety guarantee that international safety standards are effectively and consistently applied.
The EC is ready to provide active further support for these reforms in cooperation with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), EU member-states and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in order to help some countries to get off the list of carriers banned from operating in the European Union.
The EC has committed to supporting better compliance with international safety standards whenever possible and has mandated EASA to carry out a series of technical assistance missions to support the competent authorities of a number of states in their efforts to enhance safety.
It has adopted the 20th update of the European list of air carriers which are subject to an operating ban or operational restrictions within the European Union, better known as "the EU air safety list."
Because of important safety concerns, air carriers certified in Eritrea have been added to the list.
On the other hand, following improvement in the safety situation in Mauritania , it was possible to remove from the list all air carriers certified in Mauritania .
The same was true for the Jordan carrier Jordan Aviation, which was also removed from the list. Progress was also noted in Libya but the Libyan authorities agreed that Libyan carriers would not be permitted to operate to Europe until they are fully recertified to the satisfaction of the EC.
EC vice president Siim Kallas, responsible for transport, said: "The Commission is ready to spare no effort to assist countries affected by the safety list in building technical and administrative capacity to overcome the difficulties in the area of safety as quickly and as efficiently as possible."
"I am glad that one country and several airlines have been removed from the list. This is important progress. But safety must always come first and we cannot accept any compromise in this area, hence the decision on Eritrea."
December 11, 2012
The European Commission (EC) has recognized the efforts of the safety oversight authority of the Philippines in reforming the civil aviation system and improve safety guarantee that international safety standards are effectively and consistently applied.
The EC is ready to provide active further support for these reforms in cooperation with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), EU member-states and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in order to help some countries to get off the list of carriers banned from operating in the European Union.
The EC has committed to supporting better compliance with international safety standards whenever possible and has mandated EASA to carry out a series of technical assistance missions to support the competent authorities of a number of states in their efforts to enhance safety.
It has adopted the 20th update of the European list of air carriers which are subject to an operating ban or operational restrictions within the European Union, better known as "the EU air safety list."
Because of important safety concerns, air carriers certified in Eritrea have been added to the list.
On the other hand, following improvement in the safety situation in Mauritania , it was possible to remove from the list all air carriers certified in Mauritania .
The same was true for the Jordan carrier Jordan Aviation, which was also removed from the list. Progress was also noted in Libya but the Libyan authorities agreed that Libyan carriers would not be permitted to operate to Europe until they are fully recertified to the satisfaction of the EC.
EC vice president Siim Kallas, responsible for transport, said: "The Commission is ready to spare no effort to assist countries affected by the safety list in building technical and administrative capacity to overcome the difficulties in the area of safety as quickly and as efficiently as possible."
"I am glad that one country and several airlines have been removed from the list. This is important progress. But safety must always come first and we cannot accept any compromise in this area, hence the decision on Eritrea."
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Cathay Union threatens action in absence of talks on wages
Business Mirror
December 5, 2012
CATHAY Pacific Airways Ltd.’s flight attendants union, which represents more than 5,800 airline cabin crew members, threatened industrial action if the carrier doesn’t agree to hold wage talks by 3 p.m. on Tuesday.
The Flight Attendants Union will set up a preparation committee for possible action, including work to rule or a strike, if the carrier declined the demand, Tsang Kwok-fung, a spokesman, said by phone on Tuesday. Elin Wong, a spokesman for the airline, didn’t immediately respond to an e-mail seeking comment.
More than 100 flight attendants staged a rally at Hong Kong’s airport on Monday after the company said last week it would raise salaries by about 2 percent next year, less than the 5 percent sought by the workers’ union.
Cathay on Monday reiterated its position on pay increments and urged the union to remain calm and put the interest of the public first.
Shares of the carrier fell 0.8 percent to HK$13.30 as of 11:40 a.m. in Hong Kong on Tuesday. The city’s benchmark Hang Seng Index was little changed.
Cathay Chief Executive Officer John Slosar told staff last month the airline faces a “very challenging year” and must cut expenses as it contends with rising fuel costs, declining fares and a cargo slump caused by the economic slowdown.
Hong Kong’s government last month increased its forecast for the city’s full-year inflation rate for 2012 to 3.9 percent from 3.7 percent, citing higher global food prices, the impact of quantitative easing in advanced economies and a renewed pickup in housing rental costs. The CPI increased 3.8 percent in October from a year earlier.
Cathay, which reported a first-half loss, has unveiled cost-cutting measures, including banning spending on festive gatherings, scrapping a management conference and cutting entertainment spending to a “bare minimum.”
December 5, 2012
CATHAY Pacific Airways Ltd.’s flight attendants union, which represents more than 5,800 airline cabin crew members, threatened industrial action if the carrier doesn’t agree to hold wage talks by 3 p.m. on Tuesday.
The Flight Attendants Union will set up a preparation committee for possible action, including work to rule or a strike, if the carrier declined the demand, Tsang Kwok-fung, a spokesman, said by phone on Tuesday. Elin Wong, a spokesman for the airline, didn’t immediately respond to an e-mail seeking comment.
More than 100 flight attendants staged a rally at Hong Kong’s airport on Monday after the company said last week it would raise salaries by about 2 percent next year, less than the 5 percent sought by the workers’ union.
Cathay on Monday reiterated its position on pay increments and urged the union to remain calm and put the interest of the public first.
Shares of the carrier fell 0.8 percent to HK$13.30 as of 11:40 a.m. in Hong Kong on Tuesday. The city’s benchmark Hang Seng Index was little changed.
Cathay Chief Executive Officer John Slosar told staff last month the airline faces a “very challenging year” and must cut expenses as it contends with rising fuel costs, declining fares and a cargo slump caused by the economic slowdown.
Hong Kong’s government last month increased its forecast for the city’s full-year inflation rate for 2012 to 3.9 percent from 3.7 percent, citing higher global food prices, the impact of quantitative easing in advanced economies and a renewed pickup in housing rental costs. The CPI increased 3.8 percent in October from a year earlier.
Cathay, which reported a first-half loss, has unveiled cost-cutting measures, including banning spending on festive gatherings, scrapping a management conference and cutting entertainment spending to a “bare minimum.”
Saturday, November 24, 2012
AirAsia Posts 3rd Quarter Profit
Manila Bulletin
November 24, 2012
By Chong Pooi Koon (Bloomberg)
AirAsia Bhd., the region's biggest discount carrier founded by Chief Executive Tony Fernandes, posted its third straight increase in quarterly profit as a surge in passenger numbers helped offset higher fuel costs.
Net income increased 3.6 percent to 157.8 million ringgit ($52 million) in the three months ended Sept. 30 from 152.3 million ringgit a year earlier, the Sepang, Malaysia-based carrier said in a statement yesterday. Revenue rose 15 percent to 1.24 billion ringgit.
The airline's main Malaysian unit carried 9 percent more passengers and expanded capacity 10 percent as the region's economic growth spurred travel demand. AirAsia group will take delivery of 11 more Airbus SAS A320s this quarter, it said.
"They are putting a lot of capacity into their fleet," said Ahmad Maghfur Usman, an analyst at OSK Holdings Bhd. in Kuala Lumpur. "That shows they are expecting demand to grow despite new competition in the market."
Shares of AirAsia fell 0.4 percent to 2.85 ringgit in Kuala Lumpur yesterday before the earnings were released. The stock has fallen 24 percent this year, compared with a 6 percent advance in the benchmark FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI Index.
Net operating profit in the quarter rose 18 percent to 205 million ringgit, the carrier said. The company had additional deferred tax charge of 96.9 million ringgit in the period.
AirAsia is facing more competition in its home market with Indonesia's PT Lion Mentari Airlines set to start low-cost flights in Malaysia next year. Asia's total air-travel may expand 6.4 percent a year through 2031 because of economic growth, according to Boeing Co.
"We will continue to launch more routes and add more frequencies to cater to the high demand," AirAsia chief Executive Officer Aireen Omar said in a separate statement.
The group, which currently has a fleet of 112 A320s, plans to take delivery of 266 more planes by 2026. AirAsia said it's also in talks to purchase 100 more aircraft to support the growth in Asia.
AirAsia will hedge fuel prices at the "opportune" time, Aireen said. Jet kerosene prices averaged $126.43 a barrel in Singapore trading in the period, compared with $125.76 a year earlier, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
November 24, 2012
By Chong Pooi Koon (Bloomberg)
AirAsia Bhd., the region's biggest discount carrier founded by Chief Executive Tony Fernandes, posted its third straight increase in quarterly profit as a surge in passenger numbers helped offset higher fuel costs.
Net income increased 3.6 percent to 157.8 million ringgit ($52 million) in the three months ended Sept. 30 from 152.3 million ringgit a year earlier, the Sepang, Malaysia-based carrier said in a statement yesterday. Revenue rose 15 percent to 1.24 billion ringgit.
The airline's main Malaysian unit carried 9 percent more passengers and expanded capacity 10 percent as the region's economic growth spurred travel demand. AirAsia group will take delivery of 11 more Airbus SAS A320s this quarter, it said.
"They are putting a lot of capacity into their fleet," said Ahmad Maghfur Usman, an analyst at OSK Holdings Bhd. in Kuala Lumpur. "That shows they are expecting demand to grow despite new competition in the market."
Shares of AirAsia fell 0.4 percent to 2.85 ringgit in Kuala Lumpur yesterday before the earnings were released. The stock has fallen 24 percent this year, compared with a 6 percent advance in the benchmark FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI Index.
Net operating profit in the quarter rose 18 percent to 205 million ringgit, the carrier said. The company had additional deferred tax charge of 96.9 million ringgit in the period.
AirAsia is facing more competition in its home market with Indonesia's PT Lion Mentari Airlines set to start low-cost flights in Malaysia next year. Asia's total air-travel may expand 6.4 percent a year through 2031 because of economic growth, according to Boeing Co.
"We will continue to launch more routes and add more frequencies to cater to the high demand," AirAsia chief Executive Officer Aireen Omar said in a separate statement.
The group, which currently has a fleet of 112 A320s, plans to take delivery of 266 more planes by 2026. AirAsia said it's also in talks to purchase 100 more aircraft to support the growth in Asia.
AirAsia will hedge fuel prices at the "opportune" time, Aireen said. Jet kerosene prices averaged $126.43 a barrel in Singapore trading in the period, compared with $125.76 a year earlier, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Aviation industry in a rut gives us a bad image
The Philippine Star
Introspective
November 21, 2012
By Tony Katigbak
It is a sad commentary on the state of our aviation industry when agencies in the United States and Europe claim that our Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines as doing so poor a job, that it is necessary to classify our airport in the Category 2 status as given to us five years ago, because we did not comply with world safety standards. And then, back at the start of this year, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) still found 23 “critical elements” that the CAAP has to address before we can be given a Category 1 ranking.
In 2007, the FAA conducted an International Aviation Safety Assessment on the Philippines and downgraded the country’s status to Category 2. This essentially means that the Philippines does not comply with world safety standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and cannot expand its services into international airports, but must lease from other operators with Category 1 status. Then in 2009, ICAO conducted its own audit that resulted in more safety concern findings, strengthening the FAA results. It cited unmet issues on the implementation of air safety oversight, deficiencies in registration, and inadequate security systems. To add to the growing concern, in 2010, the European Union, following in the FAA’s lead also blacklisted the Philippines and banned Philippine carriers from flying to Europe.
Another visit is to be set by the US early next year to determine if we have adequately upgraded our airports enough to warrant a category upgrade. However, this seems like a long shot considering the amount of time left to implement so many more changes, and the turtle pace of our government aviation officials in moving towards improving the aviation image in our country and upgrading the prehistoric conditions of our airports and runways.
It seems to be an on-going nightmare when it comes to Philippine aviation. While many of our Asian neighbors, namely Hong Kong, Singapore, and South Korea, have invested billions of dollars to modernize their main international gateways, the international airport in the Philippines is in a sorry state, lacking in repair and innovations, another reason why the Philippines continues to get a bad rap.
Last year, a web blog that ranks global airports and is interactive with consumers and readers, branded the country’s Terminal 1 as the world’s worst facility. This is based on a non-official opinion, but rather the reviews of travelers and customers who have experienced the airport firsthand. They complained of poor facilities, uncomfortable seating, safety issues, and lack of cleanliness among others. And in the social media world in general, where complaints can move at the speed of light, people just continue to talk about our airport facilities, especially in comparison to airports they travel to around the world. In the same article that landed the Philippines as the worse airport, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia were ranked among the best.
Indeed, it is not just the passenger ranking that hurts the country’s aviation industry, but our current Category 2 ranking is continuing to plague the entire aviation industry in the country. And that’s not all, it has also given the Philippines a bad image as a hospitable destination for foreign business, investment, and travel and undermined the country’s position against its Asian neighbors.
What’s frustrating is that the new and more modern Terminal 3 was completed several years ago and is not being fully utilized because of contractual disputes and issues. It does not house any international carriers. At the same time, safety concerns continue to mount at our older Terminal 1 and 2. This is especially true for Terminal 1, which is the international hub in our country. Due to ongoing problems concerning their facilities, they have had to house several flights on too few operational runways. This results in aircraft having to wait in “traffic” while being cleared to land and can cause an average delay of 30-50 minutes, unnecessary fuel usage, and higher potential for air traffic accidents. Not to mention the delays caused here ripple throughout the entire day causing delays in departures and arrivals alike. Coupled with problems on radar issues and other safety concerns, just seems like a Herculean task to dig ourselves out of this rut.
Poor infrastructure, aging radar systems, and ancient technology all work together to cause problems at the airport including delays and passenger gridlock. These, along with other concerns, have sent international airlines heading for the hills. This year we lost our last and only direct flight to Europe as we bid farewell to Air France-KLM flights from Manila to Amsterdam and other European carriers left long ago.
Which brings us to the country’s current state. In many ways it’s a world of contradictions as the Department of Tourism has successfully launched and pushed its agenda of promoting the Philippines as the “more fun” to visit destination, while actually getting to the Philippines remains a headache. Airlines have even had to re-route to Clark and Subic on occasion due to airport problems. This is an ongoing concern and must be addressed if the country wants to reach its full potential as a tourist and business investment destination. More and more recognition are being given to the Philippines as social media and traditional media continue to push the “It’s more fun in the Philippines” slogan for the country, and I feel this would truly take off more if our airport once and for all, modernize its facilities, address the safety and technical issues and become a world class airport for global passengers.
It’s not an impossible idea, it just needs to be fully addressed by the right officials. Although Category 2 ranking is still in effect, the CAAP receive some positive reviews during a recent validation mission conducted by ICAO. Officials from CAAP claim that the exit interview, on the whole, was positive and was a step in the right direction. They claim that ICAO remains positive that remaining problems could be resolved in the very near future. While they have yet to come out with a final report, CAAP has expressed confidence that corrective measures would be in place for remaining concerns by February 2013.
I am hopeful but also pragmatic about these claims. While it is good to remain positive, we must also be thorough and hardworking to get back Category 1 status and uplift our aviation industry once again. It has been long, past five years, and while much deterioration has happened, it is not too late to turn things around. We just need the funding and the full cooperation of all agencies involved to achieve results. After all, isn’t it time we catch up with the rest of the world when it comes to aviation standards? If we can achieve this, it will truly be more fun in our country.
Introspective
November 21, 2012
By Tony Katigbak
It is a sad commentary on the state of our aviation industry when agencies in the United States and Europe claim that our Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines as doing so poor a job, that it is necessary to classify our airport in the Category 2 status as given to us five years ago, because we did not comply with world safety standards. And then, back at the start of this year, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) still found 23 “critical elements” that the CAAP has to address before we can be given a Category 1 ranking.
In 2007, the FAA conducted an International Aviation Safety Assessment on the Philippines and downgraded the country’s status to Category 2. This essentially means that the Philippines does not comply with world safety standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and cannot expand its services into international airports, but must lease from other operators with Category 1 status. Then in 2009, ICAO conducted its own audit that resulted in more safety concern findings, strengthening the FAA results. It cited unmet issues on the implementation of air safety oversight, deficiencies in registration, and inadequate security systems. To add to the growing concern, in 2010, the European Union, following in the FAA’s lead also blacklisted the Philippines and banned Philippine carriers from flying to Europe.
Another visit is to be set by the US early next year to determine if we have adequately upgraded our airports enough to warrant a category upgrade. However, this seems like a long shot considering the amount of time left to implement so many more changes, and the turtle pace of our government aviation officials in moving towards improving the aviation image in our country and upgrading the prehistoric conditions of our airports and runways.
It seems to be an on-going nightmare when it comes to Philippine aviation. While many of our Asian neighbors, namely Hong Kong, Singapore, and South Korea, have invested billions of dollars to modernize their main international gateways, the international airport in the Philippines is in a sorry state, lacking in repair and innovations, another reason why the Philippines continues to get a bad rap.
Last year, a web blog that ranks global airports and is interactive with consumers and readers, branded the country’s Terminal 1 as the world’s worst facility. This is based on a non-official opinion, but rather the reviews of travelers and customers who have experienced the airport firsthand. They complained of poor facilities, uncomfortable seating, safety issues, and lack of cleanliness among others. And in the social media world in general, where complaints can move at the speed of light, people just continue to talk about our airport facilities, especially in comparison to airports they travel to around the world. In the same article that landed the Philippines as the worse airport, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia were ranked among the best.
Indeed, it is not just the passenger ranking that hurts the country’s aviation industry, but our current Category 2 ranking is continuing to plague the entire aviation industry in the country. And that’s not all, it has also given the Philippines a bad image as a hospitable destination for foreign business, investment, and travel and undermined the country’s position against its Asian neighbors.
What’s frustrating is that the new and more modern Terminal 3 was completed several years ago and is not being fully utilized because of contractual disputes and issues. It does not house any international carriers. At the same time, safety concerns continue to mount at our older Terminal 1 and 2. This is especially true for Terminal 1, which is the international hub in our country. Due to ongoing problems concerning their facilities, they have had to house several flights on too few operational runways. This results in aircraft having to wait in “traffic” while being cleared to land and can cause an average delay of 30-50 minutes, unnecessary fuel usage, and higher potential for air traffic accidents. Not to mention the delays caused here ripple throughout the entire day causing delays in departures and arrivals alike. Coupled with problems on radar issues and other safety concerns, just seems like a Herculean task to dig ourselves out of this rut.
Poor infrastructure, aging radar systems, and ancient technology all work together to cause problems at the airport including delays and passenger gridlock. These, along with other concerns, have sent international airlines heading for the hills. This year we lost our last and only direct flight to Europe as we bid farewell to Air France-KLM flights from Manila to Amsterdam and other European carriers left long ago.
Which brings us to the country’s current state. In many ways it’s a world of contradictions as the Department of Tourism has successfully launched and pushed its agenda of promoting the Philippines as the “more fun” to visit destination, while actually getting to the Philippines remains a headache. Airlines have even had to re-route to Clark and Subic on occasion due to airport problems. This is an ongoing concern and must be addressed if the country wants to reach its full potential as a tourist and business investment destination. More and more recognition are being given to the Philippines as social media and traditional media continue to push the “It’s more fun in the Philippines” slogan for the country, and I feel this would truly take off more if our airport once and for all, modernize its facilities, address the safety and technical issues and become a world class airport for global passengers.
It’s not an impossible idea, it just needs to be fully addressed by the right officials. Although Category 2 ranking is still in effect, the CAAP receive some positive reviews during a recent validation mission conducted by ICAO. Officials from CAAP claim that the exit interview, on the whole, was positive and was a step in the right direction. They claim that ICAO remains positive that remaining problems could be resolved in the very near future. While they have yet to come out with a final report, CAAP has expressed confidence that corrective measures would be in place for remaining concerns by February 2013.
I am hopeful but also pragmatic about these claims. While it is good to remain positive, we must also be thorough and hardworking to get back Category 1 status and uplift our aviation industry once again. It has been long, past five years, and while much deterioration has happened, it is not too late to turn things around. We just need the funding and the full cooperation of all agencies involved to achieve results. After all, isn’t it time we catch up with the rest of the world when it comes to aviation standards? If we can achieve this, it will truly be more fun in our country.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
China’s Comac Wins C919 Orders
Manila Bulletin
November 20, 2012
Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China Ltd. announced 50 commitments for the C919, the nation’s first large passenger jet, as it tries to break Boeing Co. and Airbus SAS’s stranglehold on the global aircraft market.
The agreements include five firm orders and five options from General Electric Co., doubling the backlog of the US company’s leasing arm. Two domestic carriers, Hebei Aviation Group and JoyAir, also reached agreements for 20 planes each, according to a statement distributed at the Zhuhai airshow in China.
The accords boost Shanghai-based Comac’s backlog for the 168-seat C919 to as many as 380, with contracts from state-backed Chinese companies masking a shortage of overseas orders. Boeing and Airbus have won a combined total of about 2,500 orders for new planes announced in the past two years that compete with the C919.
“Comac has a long way to go,” said David Wei, an aerospace analyst with Shanghai Securities Co. “Most foreign airlines will wait for overseas certification before considering the aircraft.”
The planemaker reiterated today that it expects the C919 to make its first flight in 2014 with deliveries starting two years later. At the same time, it said its smaller ARJ21 may not enter service for another two years. The regional jet, which has won orders from overseas carriers, is already about five years late.
The plane has been delayed by issues including the weather and difficulties in certification, Comac’s Chief Financial Officer Tian Min told reporters, without elaboration.
“The ARJ21 is a non-plane,” Richard Aboulafia, vice president at industry research Teal Group, in Fairfax, Virginia, said before the show. “It will never enter service.”
November 20, 2012
Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China Ltd. announced 50 commitments for the C919, the nation’s first large passenger jet, as it tries to break Boeing Co. and Airbus SAS’s stranglehold on the global aircraft market.
The agreements include five firm orders and five options from General Electric Co., doubling the backlog of the US company’s leasing arm. Two domestic carriers, Hebei Aviation Group and JoyAir, also reached agreements for 20 planes each, according to a statement distributed at the Zhuhai airshow in China.
The accords boost Shanghai-based Comac’s backlog for the 168-seat C919 to as many as 380, with contracts from state-backed Chinese companies masking a shortage of overseas orders. Boeing and Airbus have won a combined total of about 2,500 orders for new planes announced in the past two years that compete with the C919.
“Comac has a long way to go,” said David Wei, an aerospace analyst with Shanghai Securities Co. “Most foreign airlines will wait for overseas certification before considering the aircraft.”
The planemaker reiterated today that it expects the C919 to make its first flight in 2014 with deliveries starting two years later. At the same time, it said its smaller ARJ21 may not enter service for another two years. The regional jet, which has won orders from overseas carriers, is already about five years late.
The plane has been delayed by issues including the weather and difficulties in certification, Comac’s Chief Financial Officer Tian Min told reporters, without elaboration.
“The ARJ21 is a non-plane,” Richard Aboulafia, vice president at industry research Teal Group, in Fairfax, Virginia, said before the show. “It will never enter service.”
Etihad, Air Seychelles HK Code-Sharing
Manila Bulletin
November 20, 2012
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, will commence code-share services to Hong Kong in February, 2013 in partnership with Air Seychelles, subject to regulatory approval.
The three weekly return services between Abu Dhabi and Hong Kong will be operated by the airline’s equity and codeshare partner, Air Seychelles. The new codeshare expands Etihad Airways’ network in Greater China, following the launch of services to Beijing in March, 2008, to Chengdu in December, 2011, and Shanghai in March this year.
James Hogan, Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “Hong Kong’s fast growing economy and booming middle class have brought a remarkable increase in the number of travellers in recent years. The new service connects two of the world’s leading international financial and tourism centres, a move we believe will stimulate the growth of commerce and trade between the UAE and China, the UAE’s second largest trading partner.”
The flight schedule will provide leisure and business passengers from Hong Kong with seamless connectivity through Etihad Airways’ hub in Abu Dhabi, to key destinations across the GCC and to key destinations in Europe including the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Ireland.
The schedule also allows two-way connectivity between Hong Kong and the Seychelles, supporting a booming tourism industry on the archipelago.
“With our 40 per cent equity stake in Air Seychelles, it makes strong commercial sense for us to work together on opportunities where cooperation is possible. The resulting synergies bring about significant efficiency benefits for both Etihad Airways and Air Seychelles,” Hogan added.
Air Seychelles will operate an A330-200 aircraft in a two-class configuration on the route, with 18 Pearl Business class and 236 Coral Economy class seats.
Etihad Cargo, a division of Etihad Airways, currently operates a three times weekly service from its hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport to Hong Kong.
November 20, 2012
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, will commence code-share services to Hong Kong in February, 2013 in partnership with Air Seychelles, subject to regulatory approval.
The three weekly return services between Abu Dhabi and Hong Kong will be operated by the airline’s equity and codeshare partner, Air Seychelles. The new codeshare expands Etihad Airways’ network in Greater China, following the launch of services to Beijing in March, 2008, to Chengdu in December, 2011, and Shanghai in March this year.
James Hogan, Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “Hong Kong’s fast growing economy and booming middle class have brought a remarkable increase in the number of travellers in recent years. The new service connects two of the world’s leading international financial and tourism centres, a move we believe will stimulate the growth of commerce and trade between the UAE and China, the UAE’s second largest trading partner.”
The flight schedule will provide leisure and business passengers from Hong Kong with seamless connectivity through Etihad Airways’ hub in Abu Dhabi, to key destinations across the GCC and to key destinations in Europe including the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Ireland.
The schedule also allows two-way connectivity between Hong Kong and the Seychelles, supporting a booming tourism industry on the archipelago.
“With our 40 per cent equity stake in Air Seychelles, it makes strong commercial sense for us to work together on opportunities where cooperation is possible. The resulting synergies bring about significant efficiency benefits for both Etihad Airways and Air Seychelles,” Hogan added.
Air Seychelles will operate an A330-200 aircraft in a two-class configuration on the route, with 18 Pearl Business class and 236 Coral Economy class seats.
Etihad Cargo, a division of Etihad Airways, currently operates a three times weekly service from its hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport to Hong Kong.
Hawaiian Airlines Marks 83rd Anniversary
Manila Bulletin
November 20, 2012
Hawai‘i’s hometown airline and the pioneering carrier of the Pacific, Hawaiian Airlines marked its 83rd anniversary of continuous service in Hawai‘i.
“We take great pride in being ‘Hawai‘i’s airline’ and the distinguished place our company holds in aviation history is a tribute to our hard-working employees and loyal customers,” said Mark Dunkerley, Hawaiian’s president and CEO. “After 83 years, Hawaiian is becoming a global carrier, and one that remains comprehensively focused on Hawaii. As we continue building on this legacy of service to our islands, we owe a debt of gratitude to all those who have made this milestone possible.”
Hawai‘i’s introduction to the age of commercial air transportation began on November 11, 1929, when the inaugural flight of Inter-Island Airways (renamed Hawaiian Airlines in 1941) departed from John Rodgers Field (now Honolulu International Airport) bound for Hilo with thousands looking on.
The Sikorsky S-38 amphibian biplane, one of only two in the new fleet, was filled to capacity that day with eight passengers and two crewmembers. With a top cruising speed of 110 MPH, the inaugural flight took more than three hours to complete, which included a stopover on Maui. The first flight to Kaua‘i took place the next day and soon all the islands were receiving air service on a regular basis.
In 1930, its first full year of operations, the new airline carried more than 10,000 passengers – a total that Hawaiian today exceeds daily – and the growing company soon began adding newer, larger, and more aircraft and hiring more employees to improve its quality of service for Hawai‘i, a commitment that is ongoing.
Today, Hawaiian is the largest it has ever been with more flights to more destinations, more aircraft and more employees than at any other time in its history. The airline currently operates more than 200 flights daily serving 11 gateway cities in North America, six in Asia, two in the South Pacific, and one in Oceania with new services planned for Brisbane, Australia (November 27) and Auckland, New Zealand (March 13, 2013). Hawaiian has been providing nonstop service, four times weekly, between Manila and Honolulu since April 2008, and is the only US carrier offering nonstop service on the route.
Continued growth into new and existing markets outside Hawai‘i is planned. Dunkerley noted, “Our long term plan is focused on expansion into markets that have the greatest potential for growth in visits to Hawai‘i, and we look forward to bringing many more visitors to our islands in the months and years ahead as we continue to expand our operations and carry the Hawai‘i brand to more places.”
November 20, 2012
Hawai‘i’s hometown airline and the pioneering carrier of the Pacific, Hawaiian Airlines marked its 83rd anniversary of continuous service in Hawai‘i.
“We take great pride in being ‘Hawai‘i’s airline’ and the distinguished place our company holds in aviation history is a tribute to our hard-working employees and loyal customers,” said Mark Dunkerley, Hawaiian’s president and CEO. “After 83 years, Hawaiian is becoming a global carrier, and one that remains comprehensively focused on Hawaii. As we continue building on this legacy of service to our islands, we owe a debt of gratitude to all those who have made this milestone possible.”
Hawai‘i’s introduction to the age of commercial air transportation began on November 11, 1929, when the inaugural flight of Inter-Island Airways (renamed Hawaiian Airlines in 1941) departed from John Rodgers Field (now Honolulu International Airport) bound for Hilo with thousands looking on.
The Sikorsky S-38 amphibian biplane, one of only two in the new fleet, was filled to capacity that day with eight passengers and two crewmembers. With a top cruising speed of 110 MPH, the inaugural flight took more than three hours to complete, which included a stopover on Maui. The first flight to Kaua‘i took place the next day and soon all the islands were receiving air service on a regular basis.
In 1930, its first full year of operations, the new airline carried more than 10,000 passengers – a total that Hawaiian today exceeds daily – and the growing company soon began adding newer, larger, and more aircraft and hiring more employees to improve its quality of service for Hawai‘i, a commitment that is ongoing.
Today, Hawaiian is the largest it has ever been with more flights to more destinations, more aircraft and more employees than at any other time in its history. The airline currently operates more than 200 flights daily serving 11 gateway cities in North America, six in Asia, two in the South Pacific, and one in Oceania with new services planned for Brisbane, Australia (November 27) and Auckland, New Zealand (March 13, 2013). Hawaiian has been providing nonstop service, four times weekly, between Manila and Honolulu since April 2008, and is the only US carrier offering nonstop service on the route.
Continued growth into new and existing markets outside Hawai‘i is planned. Dunkerley noted, “Our long term plan is focused on expansion into markets that have the greatest potential for growth in visits to Hawai‘i, and we look forward to bringing many more visitors to our islands in the months and years ahead as we continue to expand our operations and carry the Hawai‘i brand to more places.”
Philippine AirAsia Adds Flights From Clark To Taipei, HK, Singapore
Manila Bulletin
November 20, 2012
By Emmie V. Abadilla
For the Christmas holidays, Philippine AirAsia is adding more regional flights from Clark International Airport with new daily flights to Taipei, Singapore and an extra 3 times a week service to its daily flights to Hong Kong starting December 15.
AirAsia will be the only carrier operating daily scheduled services on Clark International Airport – Taipei route with flights departing at 12:05 p.m. and arriving at Taoyuan International Airport at 2 p.m.
Taipei is the low fare airline’s fifth and newest regional destination following Clark-Singapore which will commence on December 15 with daily flights departing at 6:10 a.m. and arriving Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 at 9:40 a.m.
To push the new routes, AirAsia offers one way promo fare of P888 for Clark-Taipei and P1,699 for Clark-Singapore. All promo fares are available for booking on AirAsia’s website www.airasia.com from 12-25 November 2012, and the travel period will be from December 15-September 30, 2013.
Aside from Taipei, Singapore and Hong Kong, Philippines’ AirAsia also flies daily to Kuala Lumpur, Kalibo (Boracay) and 4x a week or every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday to Davao.
Metro Manila passengers can also buy seats through AirAsia Travel & Service Centers (ATSC) located in SM North EDSA in Quezon City and in Mall of Asia in Pasay City.
Those in Pampanga and nearby provinces in Central Luzon can go to the ariline’s ATSC in Barangay Malabanias, Angeles City, Pampanga. Davao guests may visit our ATSC in Gaisano Mall.
November 20, 2012
By Emmie V. Abadilla
For the Christmas holidays, Philippine AirAsia is adding more regional flights from Clark International Airport with new daily flights to Taipei, Singapore and an extra 3 times a week service to its daily flights to Hong Kong starting December 15.
AirAsia will be the only carrier operating daily scheduled services on Clark International Airport – Taipei route with flights departing at 12:05 p.m. and arriving at Taoyuan International Airport at 2 p.m.
Taipei is the low fare airline’s fifth and newest regional destination following Clark-Singapore which will commence on December 15 with daily flights departing at 6:10 a.m. and arriving Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 at 9:40 a.m.
To push the new routes, AirAsia offers one way promo fare of P888 for Clark-Taipei and P1,699 for Clark-Singapore. All promo fares are available for booking on AirAsia’s website www.airasia.com from 12-25 November 2012, and the travel period will be from December 15-September 30, 2013.
Aside from Taipei, Singapore and Hong Kong, Philippines’ AirAsia also flies daily to Kuala Lumpur, Kalibo (Boracay) and 4x a week or every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday to Davao.
Metro Manila passengers can also buy seats through AirAsia Travel & Service Centers (ATSC) located in SM North EDSA in Quezon City and in Mall of Asia in Pasay City.
Those in Pampanga and nearby provinces in Central Luzon can go to the ariline’s ATSC in Barangay Malabanias, Angeles City, Pampanga. Davao guests may visit our ATSC in Gaisano Mall.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Full flatbed seat installation complete on Delta’s 747-400 aircraft
The Philippine star
November 19, 2012
MANILA, Philippines - Delta Air Lines has completed the renovation of all 16 Boeing 747-400 aircraft to include full flatbed seats in the BusinessElite cabin and offering more personal space and individual in-seat entertainment throughout the Economy cabin.
Delta operates daily service between Manila and New York’s JFK airport via the Tokyo-Narita hub and 5X weekly service to Detroit via Nagoya using 747-400 aircraft. At the Narita hub, customers can connect to eight other gateways in addition to JFK.
Business elite
Each 747 has 48 BusinessElite full flatbed seats featuring direct aisle access for every seat, USB port and a personal LED reading lamp. In addition, each seat comes with a 15.4-inch widescreen video monitor with instant access to more than 1,000 entertainment options — including more than 300 films, 88 hours of television programming, nearly 100 hours of premium programming from HBO and Showtime, 27 video games and more than 5,000 digital music tracks.
“Our best customers want a full flatbed seat with direct aisle access and the new BusinessElite configuration of our 747s provides them with an industry-leading experience as they fly across the globe,” said Jeff Bernier, managing director Asia Pacific. “The days of having to step over a sleeping customer in the seat next to you are over. These upgrades will make the 747 the premier aircraft in our international fleet and customers will immediately notice the improved experience.”
“We are pleased to deliver this news to our customers in the Philippines” said Steven Crowdey, general manager-Philippines, Australia, and Micronesia. “The product enhancement is part of Delta’s $3 billion investment in improved global products, services, and airport facilities.”
Lifestyle Feature ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1
Economy comfort
Like all of Delta’s international fleet, the 747s feature the Economy Comfort product, which includes up to four additional inches of legroom for 35 full inches of seat pitch and 50 percent more recline. Delta’s 747 aircraft each have 42 Economy Comfort seats.
In addition to more leg room and recline, customers seated in Economy Comfort will enjoy priority boarding and complimentary spirits throughout the flight. These benefits are in addition to Delta’s standard international Economy class amenities, including complimentary meals, beer, wine, entertainment, blankets and pillows.
Economy
Changes to the Economy cabin are immediately evident as Delta transitions to new seats, providing customers with additional knee clearance. All seats feature a headrest with adjustable wings, height and tilt, USB power and an industry-leading nine-inch touchscreen featuring personal on-demand entertainment, including the same extensive library of entertainment choices as those offered in BusinessElite.
Flight schedule
Delta operates daily service to Japan using a 747-400 aircraft. DL 172 from Manila (MNL) to New York (JFK) via Tokyo (NRT) departs at 8 a.m., arriving at NRT at 1:15 p.m. and JFK at 1:45 p.m. the same day.
DL 173 departs JFK at 12:45 p.m., arrives at NRT at 4:50 p.m. the next day, then arrives in Manila at 10:30 p.m. that evening.
DL 630 from Manila to Detroit (DTW) via Nagoya (NGO) departs MNL at 6:05 a.m., arriving in NGO at 10:40 a.m. and DTW at 10:25 a.m.
DL 629 from Detroit to Manila departs DTW at 3:30 p.m., arrives at NGO at 7:05 p.m. and MNL at 12:05 a.m. plus one day.
November 19, 2012
MANILA, Philippines - Delta Air Lines has completed the renovation of all 16 Boeing 747-400 aircraft to include full flatbed seats in the BusinessElite cabin and offering more personal space and individual in-seat entertainment throughout the Economy cabin.
Delta operates daily service between Manila and New York’s JFK airport via the Tokyo-Narita hub and 5X weekly service to Detroit via Nagoya using 747-400 aircraft. At the Narita hub, customers can connect to eight other gateways in addition to JFK.
Business elite
Each 747 has 48 BusinessElite full flatbed seats featuring direct aisle access for every seat, USB port and a personal LED reading lamp. In addition, each seat comes with a 15.4-inch widescreen video monitor with instant access to more than 1,000 entertainment options — including more than 300 films, 88 hours of television programming, nearly 100 hours of premium programming from HBO and Showtime, 27 video games and more than 5,000 digital music tracks.
“Our best customers want a full flatbed seat with direct aisle access and the new BusinessElite configuration of our 747s provides them with an industry-leading experience as they fly across the globe,” said Jeff Bernier, managing director Asia Pacific. “The days of having to step over a sleeping customer in the seat next to you are over. These upgrades will make the 747 the premier aircraft in our international fleet and customers will immediately notice the improved experience.”
“We are pleased to deliver this news to our customers in the Philippines” said Steven Crowdey, general manager-Philippines, Australia, and Micronesia. “The product enhancement is part of Delta’s $3 billion investment in improved global products, services, and airport facilities.”
Lifestyle Feature ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1
Economy comfort
Like all of Delta’s international fleet, the 747s feature the Economy Comfort product, which includes up to four additional inches of legroom for 35 full inches of seat pitch and 50 percent more recline. Delta’s 747 aircraft each have 42 Economy Comfort seats.
In addition to more leg room and recline, customers seated in Economy Comfort will enjoy priority boarding and complimentary spirits throughout the flight. These benefits are in addition to Delta’s standard international Economy class amenities, including complimentary meals, beer, wine, entertainment, blankets and pillows.
Economy
Changes to the Economy cabin are immediately evident as Delta transitions to new seats, providing customers with additional knee clearance. All seats feature a headrest with adjustable wings, height and tilt, USB power and an industry-leading nine-inch touchscreen featuring personal on-demand entertainment, including the same extensive library of entertainment choices as those offered in BusinessElite.
Flight schedule
Delta operates daily service to Japan using a 747-400 aircraft. DL 172 from Manila (MNL) to New York (JFK) via Tokyo (NRT) departs at 8 a.m., arriving at NRT at 1:15 p.m. and JFK at 1:45 p.m. the same day.
DL 173 departs JFK at 12:45 p.m., arrives at NRT at 4:50 p.m. the next day, then arrives in Manila at 10:30 p.m. that evening.
DL 630 from Manila to Detroit (DTW) via Nagoya (NGO) departs MNL at 6:05 a.m., arriving in NGO at 10:40 a.m. and DTW at 10:25 a.m.
DL 629 from Detroit to Manila departs DTW at 3:30 p.m., arrives at NGO at 7:05 p.m. and MNL at 12:05 a.m. plus one day.
Singapore Airlines And Singapore Tourism Board Launch New Holiday Packages
Manila Bulletin
November 19, 2012
Singapore Airlines (SIA), in cooperation with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), gives more reasons to celebrate the holiday season in the Lion City with the launch of its all-inclusive, value-loaded and memorable holiday packages.
The merrymaking season can be best enjoyed by families, barkadas and couples through some of Asia’s most highly anticipated experiences and events that can only be found in Singapore. Filipinos can visit and be amazed by the “Supertrees” at the iconic Gardens By The Bay, get dazzled by the yearly “Christmas Light Up” in Orchard Road, or dive into marine wonders at the world’s largest oceanarium, Marine Life Park. But beyond the sights, sounds and experiences, the city is sure to bring unforgettable bonding memories that visitors can bring back home.
“This season, we invite you to celebrate your holidays in Singapore and your holiday starts the moment you board Singapore Airlines,” Ranjan Jha, SIA general manager for the Philippines, Guam and USTT, announced.
Onboard SIA’s wide-body Boeing 777 aircraft, flying four times daily from Manila to Singapore, passengers will enjoy SIA’s spacious seats, experience the state-of-the-art KrisWorld in-flight entertainment system featuring more than 1,000 entertainment options, World Gourmet Cuisine and the multi-awarded inflight service.
Three New Packages
The three new packages come with a round-trip Economy Class ticket from Manila, Cebu or Davao via SIA or SilkAir (a full-service carrier); round-trip airport transfers; two-night, twin-share hotel accommodation with daily breakfasts; selected tour or attraction; taxes and fuel surcharges.
Starting at $575 per person, friends looking for a holiday adventure can take advantage of the Barkada Fun package, which lets passengers choose one from any of six Singapore Original Walks. Singapore Original Walks is led by unconventional researcher-guides who take travelers off the beaten track to the city’s best-kept secret haunts. For instance, a certified barkada hit would be The Tipple Exchange, which features a pub crawl at charming pubs with the sunset as the backdrop. Travelers also enjoy drink discounts.
Other walks that can be availed for an extra SGD20 to SGD25 per person include the Colonial Walk, Market Walk, Sultans and Spice Walk, and Secrets of the Red Lantern Walk.
Meanwhile, the Family Getaway package starts at $618 per person and includes a Noon Play Pass to Sentosa. Dubbed as Asia’s Favorite Playground, Sentosa is home to an exciting array of themed attractions, award-winning spa retreats, lush rainforests, golden sandy beaches, resort accommodations, world-renowned golf-courses and a deep-water yachting marina spread over 500 hectares. The first 100 passengers to book a Family Getaway package will get an upgrade from a Noon Play Pass to a Day Play Pass. A Noon Play Pass is valid from 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. and allows admission to four of 17 attractions such as Skyline Luge, Wave House and the Maritime Experiential Museum.
Finally, the Romantic Escapade package, which starts at $648 per person, includes a Reserve B ticket to the Tony-award winning musical “Jersey Boys,” a musical based on the story of one of the most successful 1960s rock ’n roll groups, The Four Seasons. The show will run from November 20 to February 17, 2013. Since opening on Broadway in 2005, Jersey Boys has been well-received in various stages around the world.
Passengers who avail of any of the three packages also get a 14 percent discount on the Singapore Tripper Pass, a sightseeing Smart Card that gives visitors the flexibility of exploring up to 20 of Singapore’s exciting attractions (including Universal Studios and Night Safari) at discounted rates and on their own time. It also functions as an EZ-Link card for use on public transport.
SIA and SilkAir passengers also get up to 20 percent discount with the Boarding Pass Privileges program in participating stores and attractions within seven days of travel, and a 50 percent discount on the SIA Hop-on Bus by presenting their boarding pass.
Packages may be purchased until January 31, 2013. Travel must be completed by March 31, 2013. Peak period surcharge applies.
To cap off these amazing treats from Singapore Airlines, the Singapore Tourism Board is also launching its year-round online photo contest entitled, “Share Your Singapore Moments.” Starting this November, monthly contest themes will be announced on Singapore Tourism Board’s Facebook page, YourSingaporePhilippines, and one lucky winner every month will walk away with a special Singapore item.
“We at Singapore Tourism Board are constantly looking for ways to give back to our loyal Filipino travelers and what could be a better way than to launch an online photo contest that involves three of Filipinos’ favorite things: Facebook, Photos and Singapore,” says Sherina Chan, Singapore Tourism Board area director for the Philippines and Brunei.
Visit singaporeair.com, call the SIA Tours Desk at (2) 753-5151 to 52, 756-8899 extension 7001 or 7002, or call your local travel agent for more details. For more information on Singapore, visit yoursingapore.com and www.facebook.com/YourSingaporePhilippines.
November 19, 2012
Singapore Airlines (SIA), in cooperation with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), gives more reasons to celebrate the holiday season in the Lion City with the launch of its all-inclusive, value-loaded and memorable holiday packages.
The merrymaking season can be best enjoyed by families, barkadas and couples through some of Asia’s most highly anticipated experiences and events that can only be found in Singapore. Filipinos can visit and be amazed by the “Supertrees” at the iconic Gardens By The Bay, get dazzled by the yearly “Christmas Light Up” in Orchard Road, or dive into marine wonders at the world’s largest oceanarium, Marine Life Park. But beyond the sights, sounds and experiences, the city is sure to bring unforgettable bonding memories that visitors can bring back home.
“This season, we invite you to celebrate your holidays in Singapore and your holiday starts the moment you board Singapore Airlines,” Ranjan Jha, SIA general manager for the Philippines, Guam and USTT, announced.
Onboard SIA’s wide-body Boeing 777 aircraft, flying four times daily from Manila to Singapore, passengers will enjoy SIA’s spacious seats, experience the state-of-the-art KrisWorld in-flight entertainment system featuring more than 1,000 entertainment options, World Gourmet Cuisine and the multi-awarded inflight service.
Three New Packages
The three new packages come with a round-trip Economy Class ticket from Manila, Cebu or Davao via SIA or SilkAir (a full-service carrier); round-trip airport transfers; two-night, twin-share hotel accommodation with daily breakfasts; selected tour or attraction; taxes and fuel surcharges.
Starting at $575 per person, friends looking for a holiday adventure can take advantage of the Barkada Fun package, which lets passengers choose one from any of six Singapore Original Walks. Singapore Original Walks is led by unconventional researcher-guides who take travelers off the beaten track to the city’s best-kept secret haunts. For instance, a certified barkada hit would be The Tipple Exchange, which features a pub crawl at charming pubs with the sunset as the backdrop. Travelers also enjoy drink discounts.
Other walks that can be availed for an extra SGD20 to SGD25 per person include the Colonial Walk, Market Walk, Sultans and Spice Walk, and Secrets of the Red Lantern Walk.
Meanwhile, the Family Getaway package starts at $618 per person and includes a Noon Play Pass to Sentosa. Dubbed as Asia’s Favorite Playground, Sentosa is home to an exciting array of themed attractions, award-winning spa retreats, lush rainforests, golden sandy beaches, resort accommodations, world-renowned golf-courses and a deep-water yachting marina spread over 500 hectares. The first 100 passengers to book a Family Getaway package will get an upgrade from a Noon Play Pass to a Day Play Pass. A Noon Play Pass is valid from 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. and allows admission to four of 17 attractions such as Skyline Luge, Wave House and the Maritime Experiential Museum.
Finally, the Romantic Escapade package, which starts at $648 per person, includes a Reserve B ticket to the Tony-award winning musical “Jersey Boys,” a musical based on the story of one of the most successful 1960s rock ’n roll groups, The Four Seasons. The show will run from November 20 to February 17, 2013. Since opening on Broadway in 2005, Jersey Boys has been well-received in various stages around the world.
Passengers who avail of any of the three packages also get a 14 percent discount on the Singapore Tripper Pass, a sightseeing Smart Card that gives visitors the flexibility of exploring up to 20 of Singapore’s exciting attractions (including Universal Studios and Night Safari) at discounted rates and on their own time. It also functions as an EZ-Link card for use on public transport.
SIA and SilkAir passengers also get up to 20 percent discount with the Boarding Pass Privileges program in participating stores and attractions within seven days of travel, and a 50 percent discount on the SIA Hop-on Bus by presenting their boarding pass.
Packages may be purchased until January 31, 2013. Travel must be completed by March 31, 2013. Peak period surcharge applies.
To cap off these amazing treats from Singapore Airlines, the Singapore Tourism Board is also launching its year-round online photo contest entitled, “Share Your Singapore Moments.” Starting this November, monthly contest themes will be announced on Singapore Tourism Board’s Facebook page, YourSingaporePhilippines, and one lucky winner every month will walk away with a special Singapore item.
“We at Singapore Tourism Board are constantly looking for ways to give back to our loyal Filipino travelers and what could be a better way than to launch an online photo contest that involves three of Filipinos’ favorite things: Facebook, Photos and Singapore,” says Sherina Chan, Singapore Tourism Board area director for the Philippines and Brunei.
Visit singaporeair.com, call the SIA Tours Desk at (2) 753-5151 to 52, 756-8899 extension 7001 or 7002, or call your local travel agent for more details. For more information on Singapore, visit yoursingapore.com and www.facebook.com/YourSingaporePhilippines.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Qatar Airways Flies First Dreamliner
Manila Bulletin
November 18, 2012 Sunday
DOHA, Qatar- Qatar Airways celebrated on Wednesdayyet another historic milestone as its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner landed on home turf in Doha greeted by hundreds of cheering onlookers.
Important personalities, media, airline and airport staff, together with passengers watched with excitement as Qatar Airway's brand-new state-of-the-art Dreamliner swooped into Doha International Airport marking the start of a new era in Middle East aviation.
Qatar Airways is the region's 787 launch customer with 60 aircraft on order for delivery in phases over the next few years.
Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker, who was onboard the delivery flight, was joined by almost 100 passengers priviledge to be on the maiden 13-hour journey direct from Seattle, the US west coast home of American aircraft manufacturer Boeing. Those onboard included international media, senior management from Qatar Airways and Boeing, as well as third party suppliers from companies involved in the 787 project.
The 787 will spend a few days positioned at Doha International Airport giving staff an opportunity to tour the aircraft before it enters commercial service for a few weeks on selected Doha- Dubai flights from November 20 and then deployed long-haul on one of the five daily London Heathrow services.
As more 787s join the fleet over the next few weeks, the aircraft will be inducted on other long-haul routes including Zurich, Frankfurt and Delhi.
Upon arrival in Doha, Al Baker hosted a press conference at which he spoke of his pride and joy on behalf of Qatar Airways of the world's most advanced passenger aircraft joining the airline's rapidly growing fleet that now totals 112 jetliners.
"This truly is an historic moment for our country, our people and our airline and on behalf of Qatar Airways, a great privilege to be standing here having flown our newest aircraft," he said.
Al Baker credited the development of Qatar Airways into the world's best airline to the vision of the Emir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al THani, and outlined the role the new 787s would play in the fulfillment of that vision:
"Through the inspired vision of our country's leader The Emir, Qatar Airways has rapidly evolved into a world-class international airline that has set new standards in service and excellence mirroring the country's ambitions, aggressive growth and rapid development.
"The 787s are next generation aircraft that allow us to maximise long-haul route opportunities with greater fuel and cost efficiency and, importantly offer our passengers a different travel experience with new levels of space and comfort."
November 18, 2012 Sunday
DOHA, Qatar- Qatar Airways celebrated on Wednesdayyet another historic milestone as its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner landed on home turf in Doha greeted by hundreds of cheering onlookers.
Important personalities, media, airline and airport staff, together with passengers watched with excitement as Qatar Airway's brand-new state-of-the-art Dreamliner swooped into Doha International Airport marking the start of a new era in Middle East aviation.
Qatar Airways is the region's 787 launch customer with 60 aircraft on order for delivery in phases over the next few years.
Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker, who was onboard the delivery flight, was joined by almost 100 passengers priviledge to be on the maiden 13-hour journey direct from Seattle, the US west coast home of American aircraft manufacturer Boeing. Those onboard included international media, senior management from Qatar Airways and Boeing, as well as third party suppliers from companies involved in the 787 project.
The 787 will spend a few days positioned at Doha International Airport giving staff an opportunity to tour the aircraft before it enters commercial service for a few weeks on selected Doha- Dubai flights from November 20 and then deployed long-haul on one of the five daily London Heathrow services.
As more 787s join the fleet over the next few weeks, the aircraft will be inducted on other long-haul routes including Zurich, Frankfurt and Delhi.
Upon arrival in Doha, Al Baker hosted a press conference at which he spoke of his pride and joy on behalf of Qatar Airways of the world's most advanced passenger aircraft joining the airline's rapidly growing fleet that now totals 112 jetliners.
"This truly is an historic moment for our country, our people and our airline and on behalf of Qatar Airways, a great privilege to be standing here having flown our newest aircraft," he said.
Al Baker credited the development of Qatar Airways into the world's best airline to the vision of the Emir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al THani, and outlined the role the new 787s would play in the fulfillment of that vision:
"Through the inspired vision of our country's leader The Emir, Qatar Airways has rapidly evolved into a world-class international airline that has set new standards in service and excellence mirroring the country's ambitions, aggressive growth and rapid development.
"The 787s are next generation aircraft that allow us to maximise long-haul route opportunities with greater fuel and cost efficiency and, importantly offer our passengers a different travel experience with new levels of space and comfort."
2012 Is A Pivotal Year For Global Air Transport Industry
by Edu Lopez
Manila Bulletin
November 18, 2012 Sunday
The reshaping of the global air transport has moved forward dramatically over the past 12 months, with enterprising Asia Pacific carriers at the forefront of developments.
The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) noted that the change prevailing across the region, in the form of strategic realignments and multi-faceted airline offerings, sees all carriers looking beyond traditional business models.
During the recent AAPA assembly in Kuala Lumpur, it was revealed that the shift of global economic power eastwards is continuing, driven by the rapid development of China and India, with added momentum from other dynamic Asian economics including Indonesia. Korea, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand.
Steadily rising incomes are driving sustained growth in travel demand, which is being met by innovative Asian airlines using a variety of business models.
"2012 is providing to be a pivotal year for the global air transport industry, with enterprising carriers from the Asia Pacific region at the forefront of major developments,"said AAPA director general Andrew Herdman.
"Ground breaking deals that would have been unimaginable even a year ago are rapidly turning previous rivals into long-term strategic partners. The new competitive landscape is providing consumers with a wide variety of new travel options and adding tremendous momentum to the rise os Asian carriers in the global industry," said Herdman.
Not withstanding this bright and exciting outlook for the future, the industry faces more immediate challenges, including a very weak cargo market, and the presistent impact of high fuel prices.
The global economic slowdown has had a dramatic impact on air freight, which has remained depressed as a result of weak consumer confidence in Europe and the United States, with a corresponding slowdown of exports from Asia.
As Asian carriers operate large freighter fllets and account for approximately 40% of global air cargo traffic, they have been particularly hard hit by the current cargo market weakness.
On a more positive note, passenger traffic remains relatively robust, with carriers looking to sustain high load factors, whilst strictly controlling unit operating costs to keep air travel affordable.
Manila Bulletin
November 18, 2012 Sunday
The reshaping of the global air transport has moved forward dramatically over the past 12 months, with enterprising Asia Pacific carriers at the forefront of developments.
The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) noted that the change prevailing across the region, in the form of strategic realignments and multi-faceted airline offerings, sees all carriers looking beyond traditional business models.
During the recent AAPA assembly in Kuala Lumpur, it was revealed that the shift of global economic power eastwards is continuing, driven by the rapid development of China and India, with added momentum from other dynamic Asian economics including Indonesia. Korea, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand.
Steadily rising incomes are driving sustained growth in travel demand, which is being met by innovative Asian airlines using a variety of business models.
"2012 is providing to be a pivotal year for the global air transport industry, with enterprising carriers from the Asia Pacific region at the forefront of major developments,"said AAPA director general Andrew Herdman.
"Ground breaking deals that would have been unimaginable even a year ago are rapidly turning previous rivals into long-term strategic partners. The new competitive landscape is providing consumers with a wide variety of new travel options and adding tremendous momentum to the rise os Asian carriers in the global industry," said Herdman.
Not withstanding this bright and exciting outlook for the future, the industry faces more immediate challenges, including a very weak cargo market, and the presistent impact of high fuel prices.
The global economic slowdown has had a dramatic impact on air freight, which has remained depressed as a result of weak consumer confidence in Europe and the United States, with a corresponding slowdown of exports from Asia.
As Asian carriers operate large freighter fllets and account for approximately 40% of global air cargo traffic, they have been particularly hard hit by the current cargo market weakness.
On a more positive note, passenger traffic remains relatively robust, with carriers looking to sustain high load factors, whilst strictly controlling unit operating costs to keep air travel affordable.
Thai Airways Profit falls 28%
Manila Bulletin
November 18, 2012 Sunday
BANGKOK (Reuters)- Thai Airways International Pcl reported a 28 percent drop in quarterly net profit, but core earnings jumped after passenger numbers rose helped by tourism and marketing campaigns. The country's flag carrier posted a net profit of 1.75 billion baht ($75 million), down from 2.45 billion baht a year earlier when it booked a 2.3 billion baht gain from foriegn exchange. Wednesday's numbers marked a turnaround from a net loss of 1.53 billion in the previous quarter.
November 18, 2012 Sunday
BANGKOK (Reuters)- Thai Airways International Pcl reported a 28 percent drop in quarterly net profit, but core earnings jumped after passenger numbers rose helped by tourism and marketing campaigns. The country's flag carrier posted a net profit of 1.75 billion baht ($75 million), down from 2.45 billion baht a year earlier when it booked a 2.3 billion baht gain from foriegn exchange. Wednesday's numbers marked a turnaround from a net loss of 1.53 billion in the previous quarter.
Friday, November 16, 2012
Philippines, Thailand agree to increase flights
Philippine Daily Inquirer
November 16, 2012
By Paolo G. Montecillo
The Philippines and Thailand have agreed to increase the number of allowed flights between key cities to support the growth in air travel in the region.
The new flight entitlements were approved following two days of negotiations this week in Bangkok between the Philippine Air Panel and Thai counterparts.
Both sides agreed on a 27-percent increase in allowed flights between Manila and Bangkok to 6,880 seats per week.
“This is enough to cover the growth in traffic, which is about three percent per year,” Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) executive director and air panel vice chairman Carmelo Arcilla said in a text message.
The panel was led by Transportation Undersecretary Jose Perpetuo Lotilla.
Currently, flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) and budget airline Cebu Pacific are the only local firms with routes to Thailand, one of Southeast Asia’s biggest tourist draws.
Both sides also agreed to allow for unlimited flights between all points outside Manila and all points to Thailand outside Bangkok, “in line with (Executive Order) 29.”
Executive Order 29 outlines the Aquino administration’s pocket “open skies” policy, which liberalizes the air rights regime in cities outside Manila. The policy aims to promote the growth of minor air hubs and promote trade and tourism in the provinces.
The Philippine Air Panel is composed of representatives from the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
The DOT expects 4.5 million foreign travelers to visit the Philippines this year, up from 3.9 million last year.
By 2016, the government wants foreign travelers to reach 10 million.
Last September, the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) said international traffic to the Philippines rose 7.41 percent with 8.63 million travelers, including locals, going in and out of the country from 8.03 million last year.
November 16, 2012
By Paolo G. Montecillo
The Philippines and Thailand have agreed to increase the number of allowed flights between key cities to support the growth in air travel in the region.
The new flight entitlements were approved following two days of negotiations this week in Bangkok between the Philippine Air Panel and Thai counterparts.
Both sides agreed on a 27-percent increase in allowed flights between Manila and Bangkok to 6,880 seats per week.
“This is enough to cover the growth in traffic, which is about three percent per year,” Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) executive director and air panel vice chairman Carmelo Arcilla said in a text message.
The panel was led by Transportation Undersecretary Jose Perpetuo Lotilla.
Currently, flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) and budget airline Cebu Pacific are the only local firms with routes to Thailand, one of Southeast Asia’s biggest tourist draws.
Both sides also agreed to allow for unlimited flights between all points outside Manila and all points to Thailand outside Bangkok, “in line with (Executive Order) 29.”
Executive Order 29 outlines the Aquino administration’s pocket “open skies” policy, which liberalizes the air rights regime in cities outside Manila. The policy aims to promote the growth of minor air hubs and promote trade and tourism in the provinces.
The Philippine Air Panel is composed of representatives from the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
The DOT expects 4.5 million foreign travelers to visit the Philippines this year, up from 3.9 million last year.
By 2016, the government wants foreign travelers to reach 10 million.
Last September, the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) said international traffic to the Philippines rose 7.41 percent with 8.63 million travelers, including locals, going in and out of the country from 8.03 million last year.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Emirates Doubles Profits To $463M
Manila Bulletin
November 15, 2012, Thursday
DUBAI (Reuters)- Emirates airline, Dubai's flagship carrier, reported that its profits doubled in the first half of its fiscal year as fuel costs eased and it carried more passengers.
The government-owned airline said net profit was 1.7 billion dirhams ($462.8 million) in the six months to Sept. 30, up from 836 million dirhams in the prior-year period. Its financial year ends on March 31.
The airline carried 18.7 million passengers since April 1, up 15.4 percent from a year ago.
"Emirates remained focused on its growth and global expansion despite ongoing fluctuating exchange rates and ever lingering high fuel prices which accounted for 39 percent of our expenditures, down 2 percentage points from last year," Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al-Maktoem, the airline's chairman and chief executive, said in a statement.
Revenue, including operating income, was 35.4 billion dirhams, up 17 percent on the same period last year.
Emirates, along with other statebacked Gulf carriers Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways, have forged ahead with expansion even as Western airlines cut costs and shelve growth plans to combat high fuel costs and a global market slowdown.
Emirates is betting that its location- a third of the world's population is within a four-hour flight radius- will continue to attract passenger traffic away from other global hubs such as London, New York and Singapore.
November 15, 2012, Thursday
DUBAI (Reuters)- Emirates airline, Dubai's flagship carrier, reported that its profits doubled in the first half of its fiscal year as fuel costs eased and it carried more passengers.
The government-owned airline said net profit was 1.7 billion dirhams ($462.8 million) in the six months to Sept. 30, up from 836 million dirhams in the prior-year period. Its financial year ends on March 31.
The airline carried 18.7 million passengers since April 1, up 15.4 percent from a year ago.
"Emirates remained focused on its growth and global expansion despite ongoing fluctuating exchange rates and ever lingering high fuel prices which accounted for 39 percent of our expenditures, down 2 percentage points from last year," Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al-Maktoem, the airline's chairman and chief executive, said in a statement.
Revenue, including operating income, was 35.4 billion dirhams, up 17 percent on the same period last year.
Emirates, along with other statebacked Gulf carriers Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways, have forged ahead with expansion even as Western airlines cut costs and shelve growth plans to combat high fuel costs and a global market slowdown.
Emirates is betting that its location- a third of the world's population is within a four-hour flight radius- will continue to attract passenger traffic away from other global hubs such as London, New York and Singapore.
Alpha Aviation Group Appoints CEO
Manila Bulletin
November 15, 2012, Thursday
Alpha Aviation Group (AAG), a world leader in Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) training, announced the appointment of Tim Shattock as Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
With over 30 years of experience in the aviation industry in a number of operational and senior management roles, Shattock is expected to further strenghten the company's commitment to quality aviation training and chart the company's future growth in the aviation training marketplace.
Commenting on his appointmnet, Shattock said, "As the demand for professional airline pilots of the future continues to grow, I look forward to ensuring that all the team at Alpha Aviation Group delivers the highest quality training to our customers in our markets in Asia, Middle East and Europe."
Prior to joining AAG, Shattock oversaw the succesful launch of Bahrain based Gulf Aviation Academy as Chief Executive Officer from May 2010 until August of this year. Shattock was also Chief Executive Officer of Dublin-based Parc Aviation Ltd. for 12 years, prior to his GAA role and steered Parc to considerable international success, growth and a number of export and excellence awards and was key to its sale in 2008 to Oxford Aviation Academy.
Alpha Aviation Group is a global group of companies providing specialist training solutions to the aviation marketplace from bases in the Philippines, UAE and the UK. With a focus on innovation, AAG is the world leader in Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) training. The company is also an Approved Training Organization (ATO) and a certified Type Rating Training Organization (TRTO) operating A320 and B737NG Full Flight Simulators.
AAG Philippines is the leading training academy in the Philippines, located at Clark International Airport, capable of providing a comprehensive suite of airline-standard pilot training programs.
November 15, 2012, Thursday
Alpha Aviation Group (AAG), a world leader in Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) training, announced the appointment of Tim Shattock as Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
With over 30 years of experience in the aviation industry in a number of operational and senior management roles, Shattock is expected to further strenghten the company's commitment to quality aviation training and chart the company's future growth in the aviation training marketplace.
Commenting on his appointmnet, Shattock said, "As the demand for professional airline pilots of the future continues to grow, I look forward to ensuring that all the team at Alpha Aviation Group delivers the highest quality training to our customers in our markets in Asia, Middle East and Europe."
Prior to joining AAG, Shattock oversaw the succesful launch of Bahrain based Gulf Aviation Academy as Chief Executive Officer from May 2010 until August of this year. Shattock was also Chief Executive Officer of Dublin-based Parc Aviation Ltd. for 12 years, prior to his GAA role and steered Parc to considerable international success, growth and a number of export and excellence awards and was key to its sale in 2008 to Oxford Aviation Academy.
Alpha Aviation Group is a global group of companies providing specialist training solutions to the aviation marketplace from bases in the Philippines, UAE and the UK. With a focus on innovation, AAG is the world leader in Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) training. The company is also an Approved Training Organization (ATO) and a certified Type Rating Training Organization (TRTO) operating A320 and B737NG Full Flight Simulators.
AAG Philippines is the leading training academy in the Philippines, located at Clark International Airport, capable of providing a comprehensive suite of airline-standard pilot training programs.
US House Passes Bill Protecting Airlines From EU Emissions Tax
Jim Abrams
Manila Bulletin
November 15, 2012, Thursday
WASHINGTON (AP)- Congress on Tuesday stepped in to protect US airlines from having to pay into a European Union (EU) program to cut emissions that its critics say is unilateral and illegal.
House action to pass the bill came a day after the EU, facing protests from numerous countries and a possible trade war, said it was postponing enforcement for non-EU airlines.
Lawmakers, while welcoming the EU action, said it was still necessary for Congress to ensure that US airlines won't get taxed by the EU in the future. "The EU's announcement still does not recognize that its system is illegal and that a global solution, not just one deemed acceptable by the EU, must be the path forward," said Sen. John Thune, who co-sponsored the bill in the Senate with Sen. Claire McCaskill.
"We want a long-term solution" to the emissions problem, said House Transportation Committee Chairman John Mica. "But we will not allow the Unites States to be held hostage."
The house originally passed the bill a year ago. The modified Senate bill, which gives the transportation secretary authority to exempt US carriers from the EU Emissions Trading Scheme it it is in the public interest, passed in September, and Monday's voice vote by the House to accept the Senate bill sends it to President Barack Obama for his signature.
The EU cap-and-trade program began in 2005 with the capping of carbon dioxide emissions from power plants, refineries, steel mills and other industrial producers. From January this year it was expanded to include all airlines flying into and out of Europe. Airlines are issued permits to emit a certain amount of carbon dioxide. They can buy more credits if they emit more than their allotted amount or sell credits if they use less.
US airlines complained that they would be charged even for the emissions discharged over the Unites States or the Atlantic on their way to European destinations. The US industry says it would cost them some $3.1 billion between 2012 and 2020. The airlines have begun reporting and setting aside allocations under the program, but actual payments were to have started next April, a date now extended because of the EU's announcement on Monday.
The EU's proposed freeze on applying the program will continue past an October meeting of the International Civil Aviation Organization, where it is hoped that a global agreement on aviation emissions will be reached.
Capt. Lee Moak, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, International, welcomed the EU decision but said it doesn't change the need for Congress to put in place a more permanent shield for Us carriers.
"We remained deeply concerned with the unilateral nature of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme and its disregard for the sovereignty of non-EU nations."
Manila Bulletin
November 15, 2012, Thursday
WASHINGTON (AP)- Congress on Tuesday stepped in to protect US airlines from having to pay into a European Union (EU) program to cut emissions that its critics say is unilateral and illegal.
House action to pass the bill came a day after the EU, facing protests from numerous countries and a possible trade war, said it was postponing enforcement for non-EU airlines.
Lawmakers, while welcoming the EU action, said it was still necessary for Congress to ensure that US airlines won't get taxed by the EU in the future. "The EU's announcement still does not recognize that its system is illegal and that a global solution, not just one deemed acceptable by the EU, must be the path forward," said Sen. John Thune, who co-sponsored the bill in the Senate with Sen. Claire McCaskill.
"We want a long-term solution" to the emissions problem, said House Transportation Committee Chairman John Mica. "But we will not allow the Unites States to be held hostage."
The house originally passed the bill a year ago. The modified Senate bill, which gives the transportation secretary authority to exempt US carriers from the EU Emissions Trading Scheme it it is in the public interest, passed in September, and Monday's voice vote by the House to accept the Senate bill sends it to President Barack Obama for his signature.
The EU cap-and-trade program began in 2005 with the capping of carbon dioxide emissions from power plants, refineries, steel mills and other industrial producers. From January this year it was expanded to include all airlines flying into and out of Europe. Airlines are issued permits to emit a certain amount of carbon dioxide. They can buy more credits if they emit more than their allotted amount or sell credits if they use less.
US airlines complained that they would be charged even for the emissions discharged over the Unites States or the Atlantic on their way to European destinations. The US industry says it would cost them some $3.1 billion between 2012 and 2020. The airlines have begun reporting and setting aside allocations under the program, but actual payments were to have started next April, a date now extended because of the EU's announcement on Monday.
The EU's proposed freeze on applying the program will continue past an October meeting of the International Civil Aviation Organization, where it is hoped that a global agreement on aviation emissions will be reached.
Capt. Lee Moak, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, International, welcomed the EU decision but said it doesn't change the need for Congress to put in place a more permanent shield for Us carriers.
"We remained deeply concerned with the unilateral nature of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme and its disregard for the sovereignty of non-EU nations."
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
First Pacific’s air arm applies for permit
Business World
November 13, 2012
A COMPANY formed to manage aircraft assets of the First Pacific group has applied for a permit to operate charter flights, a document from the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) showed.
“Notice is hereby given that Pacific Global One Aviation Co., Inc. has filed with the Civil Aeronautics Board a petition for issuance of Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) to operate domestic non-scheduled (air taxi) air transportation,” the CAB document read.
The hearing for the petition has been set on Nov. 22 at the CAB office in Pasay City, it added.
Pacific Global One Aviation President Rene G. Bañez, who is also Supply Chain, Asset Protection and Management Group head of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT), said the CPCN is needed for the company to charge fees for the use of its aircraft.
“For many years, PLDT already had these choppers, which are being used by the MVP (Manuel V. Pangilinan) group,” Mr. Bañez said in a telephone interview yesterday, referring to the local companies under Hong Kong-based First Pacific Co. Ltd.
Mr. Pangilinan, who heads PLDT as chairman, is the managing director and chief executive officer (CEO) of First Pacific.
“And to do the right charging, we have to secure the right permit from the government, which is a CPCN,” Mr. Bañez said, noting that present transactions are done at “arm’s length rates.”
The group, which now has two helicopters and a fixed-wing KingAir craft, is “planning to acquire a newer chopper to replace the old one next year”, he added.
Mr. Bañez, who said Pacific Global One Aviation was formed “to cater to the aviation requirements of the MVP Group,” said the company is open to servicing other firms not part of the First Pacific group. “It depends. Principally, the intent is really to serve the aviation requirements of the group,” he said, when asked on this possibility.
“We will consider that in the future, we are looking into that.”
First Pacific controls 25.6% of PLDT; 59% of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) and 31.3% of Philex Mining Corp., according to its Web site.
MPIC’s subsidiaries, meanwhile, include Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC); power distributor Manila Electric Co. (Meralco); water distributor, Maynilad Water Services, Inc.; and investments in various hospitals in the country.
Pacific Global One Aviation was incorporated last year by PLDT President and CEO Napoleon L. Nazareno, MPIC President and CEO Jose Ma. K. Lim, Meralco Chief Operating Officer Oscar S. Reyes, MPTC President and CEO Ramoncito S. Fernandez, PLDT Chief Financial Advisor Christopher H. Young, First Pacific Executive Director Robert Charles Nicholson, First Pacific Executive Vice-President and Financial Comptroller Richard L. Beacher, and Mr. Bañez.
Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, has a minority stake in BusinessWorld. -- Cliff Harvey C. Venzon
November 13, 2012
A COMPANY formed to manage aircraft assets of the First Pacific group has applied for a permit to operate charter flights, a document from the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) showed.
“Notice is hereby given that Pacific Global One Aviation Co., Inc. has filed with the Civil Aeronautics Board a petition for issuance of Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) to operate domestic non-scheduled (air taxi) air transportation,” the CAB document read.
The hearing for the petition has been set on Nov. 22 at the CAB office in Pasay City, it added.
Pacific Global One Aviation President Rene G. Bañez, who is also Supply Chain, Asset Protection and Management Group head of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT), said the CPCN is needed for the company to charge fees for the use of its aircraft.
“For many years, PLDT already had these choppers, which are being used by the MVP (Manuel V. Pangilinan) group,” Mr. Bañez said in a telephone interview yesterday, referring to the local companies under Hong Kong-based First Pacific Co. Ltd.
Mr. Pangilinan, who heads PLDT as chairman, is the managing director and chief executive officer (CEO) of First Pacific.
“And to do the right charging, we have to secure the right permit from the government, which is a CPCN,” Mr. Bañez said, noting that present transactions are done at “arm’s length rates.”
The group, which now has two helicopters and a fixed-wing KingAir craft, is “planning to acquire a newer chopper to replace the old one next year”, he added.
Mr. Bañez, who said Pacific Global One Aviation was formed “to cater to the aviation requirements of the MVP Group,” said the company is open to servicing other firms not part of the First Pacific group. “It depends. Principally, the intent is really to serve the aviation requirements of the group,” he said, when asked on this possibility.
“We will consider that in the future, we are looking into that.”
First Pacific controls 25.6% of PLDT; 59% of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) and 31.3% of Philex Mining Corp., according to its Web site.
MPIC’s subsidiaries, meanwhile, include Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC); power distributor Manila Electric Co. (Meralco); water distributor, Maynilad Water Services, Inc.; and investments in various hospitals in the country.
Pacific Global One Aviation was incorporated last year by PLDT President and CEO Napoleon L. Nazareno, MPIC President and CEO Jose Ma. K. Lim, Meralco Chief Operating Officer Oscar S. Reyes, MPTC President and CEO Ramoncito S. Fernandez, PLDT Chief Financial Advisor Christopher H. Young, First Pacific Executive Director Robert Charles Nicholson, First Pacific Executive Vice-President and Financial Comptroller Richard L. Beacher, and Mr. Bañez.
Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, has a minority stake in BusinessWorld. -- Cliff Harvey C. Venzon
First Pacific’s air arm applies for permit
Business World
November 13, 2012
A COMPANY formed to manage aircraft assets of the First Pacific group has applied for a permit to operate charter flights, a document from the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) showed.
“Notice is hereby given that Pacific Global One Aviation Co., Inc. has filed with the Civil Aeronautics Board a petition for issuance of Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) to operate domestic non-scheduled (air taxi) air transportation,” the CAB document read.
The hearing for the petition has been set on Nov. 22 at the CAB office in Pasay City, it added.
Pacific Global One Aviation President Rene G. Bañez, who is also Supply Chain, Asset Protection and Management Group head of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT), said the CPCN is needed for the company to charge fees for the use of its aircraft.
“For many years, PLDT already had these choppers, which are being used by the MVP (Manuel V. Pangilinan) group,” Mr. Bañez said in a telephone interview yesterday, referring to the local companies under Hong Kong-based First Pacific Co. Ltd.
Mr. Pangilinan, who heads PLDT as chairman, is the managing director and chief executive officer (CEO) of First Pacific.
“And to do the right charging, we have to secure the right permit from the government, which is a CPCN,” Mr. Bañez said, noting that present transactions are done at “arm’s length rates.”
The group, which now has two helicopters and a fixed-wing KingAir craft, is “planning to acquire a newer chopper to replace the old one next year”, he added.
Mr. Bañez, who said Pacific Global One Aviation was formed “to cater to the aviation requirements of the MVP Group,” said the company is open to servicing other firms not part of the First Pacific group. “It depends. Principally, the intent is really to serve the aviation requirements of the group,” he said, when asked on this possibility.
“We will consider that in the future, we are looking into that.”
First Pacific controls 25.6% of PLDT; 59% of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) and 31.3% of Philex Mining Corp., according to its Web site.
MPIC’s subsidiaries, meanwhile, include Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC); power distributor Manila Electric Co. (Meralco); water distributor, Maynilad Water Services, Inc.; and investments in various hospitals in the country.
Pacific Global One Aviation was incorporated last year by PLDT President and CEO Napoleon L. Nazareno, MPIC President and CEO Jose Ma. K. Lim, Meralco Chief Operating Officer Oscar S. Reyes, MPTC President and CEO Ramoncito S. Fernandez, PLDT Chief Financial Advisor Christopher H. Young, First Pacific Executive Director Robert Charles Nicholson, First Pacific Executive Vice-President and Financial Comptroller Richard L. Beacher, and Mr. Bañez.
Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, has a minority stake in BusinessWorld. -- Cliff Harvey C. Venzon
November 13, 2012
A COMPANY formed to manage aircraft assets of the First Pacific group has applied for a permit to operate charter flights, a document from the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) showed.
“Notice is hereby given that Pacific Global One Aviation Co., Inc. has filed with the Civil Aeronautics Board a petition for issuance of Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) to operate domestic non-scheduled (air taxi) air transportation,” the CAB document read.
The hearing for the petition has been set on Nov. 22 at the CAB office in Pasay City, it added.
Pacific Global One Aviation President Rene G. Bañez, who is also Supply Chain, Asset Protection and Management Group head of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT), said the CPCN is needed for the company to charge fees for the use of its aircraft.
“For many years, PLDT already had these choppers, which are being used by the MVP (Manuel V. Pangilinan) group,” Mr. Bañez said in a telephone interview yesterday, referring to the local companies under Hong Kong-based First Pacific Co. Ltd.
Mr. Pangilinan, who heads PLDT as chairman, is the managing director and chief executive officer (CEO) of First Pacific.
“And to do the right charging, we have to secure the right permit from the government, which is a CPCN,” Mr. Bañez said, noting that present transactions are done at “arm’s length rates.”
The group, which now has two helicopters and a fixed-wing KingAir craft, is “planning to acquire a newer chopper to replace the old one next year”, he added.
Mr. Bañez, who said Pacific Global One Aviation was formed “to cater to the aviation requirements of the MVP Group,” said the company is open to servicing other firms not part of the First Pacific group. “It depends. Principally, the intent is really to serve the aviation requirements of the group,” he said, when asked on this possibility.
“We will consider that in the future, we are looking into that.”
First Pacific controls 25.6% of PLDT; 59% of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) and 31.3% of Philex Mining Corp., according to its Web site.
MPIC’s subsidiaries, meanwhile, include Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC); power distributor Manila Electric Co. (Meralco); water distributor, Maynilad Water Services, Inc.; and investments in various hospitals in the country.
Pacific Global One Aviation was incorporated last year by PLDT President and CEO Napoleon L. Nazareno, MPIC President and CEO Jose Ma. K. Lim, Meralco Chief Operating Officer Oscar S. Reyes, MPTC President and CEO Ramoncito S. Fernandez, PLDT Chief Financial Advisor Christopher H. Young, First Pacific Executive Director Robert Charles Nicholson, First Pacific Executive Vice-President and Financial Comptroller Richard L. Beacher, and Mr. Bañez.
Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, has a minority stake in BusinessWorld. -- Cliff Harvey C. Venzon
Monday, November 12, 2012
SAS slashes jobs, pay in 'final call' savings plan
Yahoo Finance
By Jan M. Olsen
November 12, 2012
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Scandinavia's tri-nation airline SAS AB plans to cut 6,000 jobs — 40 percent of its work force — through asset sales and layoffs while reducing pensions and salaries for remaining staff in a plan the CEO called the "final call" for the troubled carrier.
SAS is struggling to compete with budget airlines, which are increasingly dominating European air travel, despite a series of cost-cutting drives in the past decade.
The airline will renegotiate employment terms and pensions for its staff and slash about 800 jobs in a savings plan aimed at cutting costs by $3 billion kronor ($440 million) annually. Gustafson said his own salary would be cut by up to 15 percent.
"We are demanding a lot but there is no other way. This truly is our final call if there is to be an SAS in the future," Gustafson said.
In addition, the company plans to raise 3 billion kronor by selling Norwegian subsidiary airline Wideroe, ground handling services and other assets. The moves would see SAS' workforce shrink from 15,000 to 9,000 employees.
The governments of Sweden, Denmark and Norway own 50 percent of SAS, with the rest owned by private shareholders including Sweden's powerful Wallenberg family.
The announcement came as SAS presented its third-quarter results, which showed net profit doubling to 434 million kronor ($64 million) and sales rising 5 percent to 11.1 billion kronor ($1.6 billion).
The company's shares rose 2.3 percent to 6.60 Swedish kronor (98 cents) in afternoon trading in Stockholm.
SAS was pressed to make forceful cuts to ensure credit lines from the Scandinavian governments and major banks. The earnings report had been due last week, but the company postponed it as it negotiated extending a crucial credit facility.
On Monday, SAS said it had reached a deal to expand the credit facility by 400 million kronor to 3.5 billion kronor and extended its term until March 2015, providing it can agree on the savings cuts with labor unions.
"We haven't made money in a number of years and we cannot continue to operate if we do not demonstrate that we can earn money and make a profit," Gustafson said in Stockholm, where the company is headquartered. "Our credit providers have said that we give you this chance to turn the company around."
Bente Sorgenfrey, of the FTF union which represents most of the 2,000 cabin and ground crew in Denmark, called the plan "violent." In Norway, union spokesman Asbjoern Wikestad told broadcaster NRK that it was "not possible to cut more."
SAS has been hurt by a combination of sagging demand due to a global economic downturn, high costs and competition from low-cost carriers. Last week, Norwegian Air Shuttle, which has competed with SAS in northern Europe, announced it will start next May its first long-haul flights to New York and Bangkok from Oslo and Stockholm.
Norwegian Air Shuttle has aggressively been challenging SAS rather than trying to compete with other low-cost airlines.
SAS is not the only airline to be struggling, particularly in Europe, where the financial crisis has been hurting business. Last week, the International Airlines Group warned its Spanish carrier, Iberia, would cut 4,500 jobs, 25 aircraft and cut salaries.
"Like the rest of the aviation industry SAS is going through a very difficult period. The economic crisis, high fuel prices and tough competition has for several years pushed earnings," Danish Finance Minister Bjarne Corydon, said. "The implementation of (the plan) is an indispensable prerequisite for SAS' future."
By Jan M. Olsen
November 12, 2012
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Scandinavia's tri-nation airline SAS AB plans to cut 6,000 jobs — 40 percent of its work force — through asset sales and layoffs while reducing pensions and salaries for remaining staff in a plan the CEO called the "final call" for the troubled carrier.
SAS is struggling to compete with budget airlines, which are increasingly dominating European air travel, despite a series of cost-cutting drives in the past decade.
The airline will renegotiate employment terms and pensions for its staff and slash about 800 jobs in a savings plan aimed at cutting costs by $3 billion kronor ($440 million) annually. Gustafson said his own salary would be cut by up to 15 percent.
"We are demanding a lot but there is no other way. This truly is our final call if there is to be an SAS in the future," Gustafson said.
In addition, the company plans to raise 3 billion kronor by selling Norwegian subsidiary airline Wideroe, ground handling services and other assets. The moves would see SAS' workforce shrink from 15,000 to 9,000 employees.
The governments of Sweden, Denmark and Norway own 50 percent of SAS, with the rest owned by private shareholders including Sweden's powerful Wallenberg family.
The announcement came as SAS presented its third-quarter results, which showed net profit doubling to 434 million kronor ($64 million) and sales rising 5 percent to 11.1 billion kronor ($1.6 billion).
The company's shares rose 2.3 percent to 6.60 Swedish kronor (98 cents) in afternoon trading in Stockholm.
SAS was pressed to make forceful cuts to ensure credit lines from the Scandinavian governments and major banks. The earnings report had been due last week, but the company postponed it as it negotiated extending a crucial credit facility.
On Monday, SAS said it had reached a deal to expand the credit facility by 400 million kronor to 3.5 billion kronor and extended its term until March 2015, providing it can agree on the savings cuts with labor unions.
"We haven't made money in a number of years and we cannot continue to operate if we do not demonstrate that we can earn money and make a profit," Gustafson said in Stockholm, where the company is headquartered. "Our credit providers have said that we give you this chance to turn the company around."
Bente Sorgenfrey, of the FTF union which represents most of the 2,000 cabin and ground crew in Denmark, called the plan "violent." In Norway, union spokesman Asbjoern Wikestad told broadcaster NRK that it was "not possible to cut more."
SAS has been hurt by a combination of sagging demand due to a global economic downturn, high costs and competition from low-cost carriers. Last week, Norwegian Air Shuttle, which has competed with SAS in northern Europe, announced it will start next May its first long-haul flights to New York and Bangkok from Oslo and Stockholm.
Norwegian Air Shuttle has aggressively been challenging SAS rather than trying to compete with other low-cost airlines.
SAS is not the only airline to be struggling, particularly in Europe, where the financial crisis has been hurting business. Last week, the International Airlines Group warned its Spanish carrier, Iberia, would cut 4,500 jobs, 25 aircraft and cut salaries.
"Like the rest of the aviation industry SAS is going through a very difficult period. The economic crisis, high fuel prices and tough competition has for several years pushed earnings," Danish Finance Minister Bjarne Corydon, said. "The implementation of (the plan) is an indispensable prerequisite for SAS' future."
Cebu Pac launches first int’l flight in Iloilo airport
The Philippine Star
November 12, 2012
By Lawrence Agcaoili
MANILA, Philippines - Cebu Air Inc. (Cebu Pacific) of taipan John Gokongwei launched the first international flight out of the Iloilo International Airport last Nov. 8 making the province the sixth hub in the country.
Cebu Pacific’s maiden Iloilo – Hong Kong flight left the Iloilo International Airport last Nov. 8 and launched the Iloilo – Singapore flight No. 9.
The budget airline is expected to fly to Hong Kong from Iloilo every Thursday and Sunday and would fly to Singapore from Iloilo every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Cebu Pacific vice president for marketing and distribution Candice Iyog said Iloilo is the sixth hub of the airline and other operational hubs include Manila, Cebu, Clark, Kalibo, and Davao.
“With these new routes, Cebu Pacific affirms its commitment to provide connectivity to Iloilo and Western Visayas, by basing an aircraft here, and making Iloilo one of the airline’s operational hubs,” Iyog stressed.
She pointed out that the new international flights would boost the country’s tourist arrivals.
Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1
“Whenever Cebu Pacific opens a new route, we grow and stimulate travel with our trademark lowest fares. We believe that these new international routes will open a lot of tourism and business opportunities to and from Iloilo and its surrounding areas, and we couldn’t be prouder of our contribution to this regional growth,” she added.
Last October, the airline launched direct flights from Iloilo to three more domestic destinations: Tacloban, General Santos and Puerto Princesa. Previously, CEB only flew from Iloilo to Manila, Cebu, Davao and Cagayan de Oro.
“Cebu Pacific and the Philippine Department of Tourism continue to promote fun travel to the Philippines through awareness campaigns in Singapore and Hong Kong. Similarly, offices such as the Singapore Tourism Board also work hand in hand with the airline to grow international traffic from Western Visayas,” she said.
Singapore Tourism Board Area Director for Philippines and Brunei Sherina Chan said the Iloilo-Singapore-Iloilo flights marks the beginning of a steady flow of visitors from the Western Visayas region to Singapore.
“They can easily discover for themselves what a great holiday destination Singapore is,” Chan said.
The inaugural international flights to and from Iloilo also come at an opportune time, as Cebu Pacific’s previously announced market of overseas Filipino workers in both Singapore and Hong Kong go home for the Christmas holidays.
November 12, 2012
By Lawrence Agcaoili
MANILA, Philippines - Cebu Air Inc. (Cebu Pacific) of taipan John Gokongwei launched the first international flight out of the Iloilo International Airport last Nov. 8 making the province the sixth hub in the country.
Cebu Pacific’s maiden Iloilo – Hong Kong flight left the Iloilo International Airport last Nov. 8 and launched the Iloilo – Singapore flight No. 9.
The budget airline is expected to fly to Hong Kong from Iloilo every Thursday and Sunday and would fly to Singapore from Iloilo every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Cebu Pacific vice president for marketing and distribution Candice Iyog said Iloilo is the sixth hub of the airline and other operational hubs include Manila, Cebu, Clark, Kalibo, and Davao.
“With these new routes, Cebu Pacific affirms its commitment to provide connectivity to Iloilo and Western Visayas, by basing an aircraft here, and making Iloilo one of the airline’s operational hubs,” Iyog stressed.
She pointed out that the new international flights would boost the country’s tourist arrivals.
Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1
“Whenever Cebu Pacific opens a new route, we grow and stimulate travel with our trademark lowest fares. We believe that these new international routes will open a lot of tourism and business opportunities to and from Iloilo and its surrounding areas, and we couldn’t be prouder of our contribution to this regional growth,” she added.
Last October, the airline launched direct flights from Iloilo to three more domestic destinations: Tacloban, General Santos and Puerto Princesa. Previously, CEB only flew from Iloilo to Manila, Cebu, Davao and Cagayan de Oro.
“Cebu Pacific and the Philippine Department of Tourism continue to promote fun travel to the Philippines through awareness campaigns in Singapore and Hong Kong. Similarly, offices such as the Singapore Tourism Board also work hand in hand with the airline to grow international traffic from Western Visayas,” she said.
Singapore Tourism Board Area Director for Philippines and Brunei Sherina Chan said the Iloilo-Singapore-Iloilo flights marks the beginning of a steady flow of visitors from the Western Visayas region to Singapore.
“They can easily discover for themselves what a great holiday destination Singapore is,” Chan said.
The inaugural international flights to and from Iloilo also come at an opportune time, as Cebu Pacific’s previously announced market of overseas Filipino workers in both Singapore and Hong Kong go home for the Christmas holidays.
IATA warns vs private investment in airport infra development
The Philippine Star
November 12, 2012
By Lawrence Agcaoili
MANILA, Philippines - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has cautioned countries in Asia Pacific including the Philippines about too much private investment in the development of airport infrastructure to support demand growth in the region.
IATA director general and chief executive officer Tony Tyler said governments in Asia Pacific should take a prudent approach to private investment in airport development projects as the trend emerging across the region particularly the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, and even Korea are all considering the participation of private investors.
“I am not advocating for or against private participation. But there have been enough mistakes made when engaging the private sector in airport development. These should not be repeated,” Tyler warned.
When governments work with private investors to develop infrastructure, he pointed out that these governments should establish an effective economic and service-level regulatory framework to ensure that the national interest is well protected.
“That means ensuring that air connectivity is both cost-effective and efficient,” he said.
The IATA chief cited the case in Delhi Airport where the 46-percent concession fee is making the airport unaffordable for airlines.
Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1
Despite several appeals from the industry, the Airport Economic Regulatory Authority approved an increase of 346 percent.
“Private sector participation was able to build a great hub facility. But the framework for economic regulation is not sufficiently supporting the long-term need for cost-efficient connectivity to fuel economic growth,” Tyler added.
He also noted that when the Hong Kong government looked at airport privatization in 2003 to 2004, the conclusion was to keep Hong Kong International Airport fully under government ownership as the best way to ensure that it delivered maximum benefit to the Hong Kong economy.
The Aquino administration is in the midst of building up the country’s airport infrastructure by constructing new airports and renovating old airports in different parts of the country.
For one, national flag carrier Philippine Airlines that is owned by tobacco and airline magnate Lucio Tan and diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp. is looking at putting up a new airport near Manila as an alternative to the congested Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
PAL is set to build the new international airport in a 2,000 hectare property to accommodate its refleeting program where it intends to acquire 100 new aircraft. So far it has inked a $10 billion contract for the acquisition of about 65 Airbus aircraft.
IATA also urged Asia- Pacific aviation leaders to focus on airport and air traffic management infrastructure as the region’s demand for connectivity continues to grow.
“Aviation is a vital part of Asia’s economy, supporting 24 million jobs and nearly half-a-trillion dollars of gross domestic product,” he said.
Likewise, IATA also pushed cross-border regional thinking for the development of Asia-Pacific’s Air Traffic Management (ATM) infrastructure.
November 12, 2012
By Lawrence Agcaoili
MANILA, Philippines - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has cautioned countries in Asia Pacific including the Philippines about too much private investment in the development of airport infrastructure to support demand growth in the region.
IATA director general and chief executive officer Tony Tyler said governments in Asia Pacific should take a prudent approach to private investment in airport development projects as the trend emerging across the region particularly the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, and even Korea are all considering the participation of private investors.
“I am not advocating for or against private participation. But there have been enough mistakes made when engaging the private sector in airport development. These should not be repeated,” Tyler warned.
When governments work with private investors to develop infrastructure, he pointed out that these governments should establish an effective economic and service-level regulatory framework to ensure that the national interest is well protected.
“That means ensuring that air connectivity is both cost-effective and efficient,” he said.
The IATA chief cited the case in Delhi Airport where the 46-percent concession fee is making the airport unaffordable for airlines.
Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1
Despite several appeals from the industry, the Airport Economic Regulatory Authority approved an increase of 346 percent.
“Private sector participation was able to build a great hub facility. But the framework for economic regulation is not sufficiently supporting the long-term need for cost-efficient connectivity to fuel economic growth,” Tyler added.
He also noted that when the Hong Kong government looked at airport privatization in 2003 to 2004, the conclusion was to keep Hong Kong International Airport fully under government ownership as the best way to ensure that it delivered maximum benefit to the Hong Kong economy.
The Aquino administration is in the midst of building up the country’s airport infrastructure by constructing new airports and renovating old airports in different parts of the country.
For one, national flag carrier Philippine Airlines that is owned by tobacco and airline magnate Lucio Tan and diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp. is looking at putting up a new airport near Manila as an alternative to the congested Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
PAL is set to build the new international airport in a 2,000 hectare property to accommodate its refleeting program where it intends to acquire 100 new aircraft. So far it has inked a $10 billion contract for the acquisition of about 65 Airbus aircraft.
IATA also urged Asia- Pacific aviation leaders to focus on airport and air traffic management infrastructure as the region’s demand for connectivity continues to grow.
“Aviation is a vital part of Asia’s economy, supporting 24 million jobs and nearly half-a-trillion dollars of gross domestic product,” he said.
Likewise, IATA also pushed cross-border regional thinking for the development of Asia-Pacific’s Air Traffic Management (ATM) infrastructure.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Air Seychelles Slates HK Flights
Manila Bulletin
November 10, 2012
Air Seychelles announced that it would introduce services to Hong Kong in February, 2013, subject to regulatory approvals, following the delivery of its second Airbus A330-200 aircraft in January, 2013.
The airline will operate three return services per week from the Seychelles to Hong Kong via Abu Dhabi.
Cramer Ball, Air Seychelles Chief Executive Officer, said: “The Seychelles needs a national carrier which can support the growing number of travellers into the archipelago, not just from our historical markets in Europe, but also the powerful emerging ones. Hong Kong ’s economy is among the fastest growing in the world, supporting a booming middle class with a high disposable income per capita by global standards.”
“These factors have brought a remarkable increase in the number of travellers coming out of the region in recent years. In fact, since 2010, the number of travellers coming to the Seychelles from Hong Kong has more than doubled. We see Hong Kong as a significant driver for future tourism growth in the Seychelles, so we are positioning Air Seychelles to seize the opportunity and support this vital market,” Ball added. The Seychelles is a visa-free destination, meaning all visitors can receive visas on arrival. Citizens of the Seychelles also do not need a visa for travel to Hong Kong.
Further, Hong Kong is a potential gateway to expand the airline’s reach within the region, with convenient connections to more than 30 destinations across mainland China, Japan and Australasia. Guests travelling between the Seychelles and Hong Kong will remain on the same aircraft and keep the same seat for both legs of the journey, allowing a seamless journey over Abu Dhabi.
November 10, 2012
Air Seychelles announced that it would introduce services to Hong Kong in February, 2013, subject to regulatory approvals, following the delivery of its second Airbus A330-200 aircraft in January, 2013.
The airline will operate three return services per week from the Seychelles to Hong Kong via Abu Dhabi.
Cramer Ball, Air Seychelles Chief Executive Officer, said: “The Seychelles needs a national carrier which can support the growing number of travellers into the archipelago, not just from our historical markets in Europe, but also the powerful emerging ones. Hong Kong ’s economy is among the fastest growing in the world, supporting a booming middle class with a high disposable income per capita by global standards.”
“These factors have brought a remarkable increase in the number of travellers coming out of the region in recent years. In fact, since 2010, the number of travellers coming to the Seychelles from Hong Kong has more than doubled. We see Hong Kong as a significant driver for future tourism growth in the Seychelles, so we are positioning Air Seychelles to seize the opportunity and support this vital market,” Ball added. The Seychelles is a visa-free destination, meaning all visitors can receive visas on arrival. Citizens of the Seychelles also do not need a visa for travel to Hong Kong.
Further, Hong Kong is a potential gateway to expand the airline’s reach within the region, with convenient connections to more than 30 destinations across mainland China, Japan and Australasia. Guests travelling between the Seychelles and Hong Kong will remain on the same aircraft and keep the same seat for both legs of the journey, allowing a seamless journey over Abu Dhabi.
IATA: Airline Business Confidence Improves
Manila Bulletin
November 10, 2012
Airline business confidence improved in October with 48% of respondents expecting an increased in profitability over the next 12 months, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
However, IATA noted that the current conditions remain challenging, with responses showing a decline in the past three months, suggesting that the financial results will be down on a year ago.
“This is because respondents saw a resurgence in cost pressures in Q3, with fuel prices rising again, but with no further increase expected in the year ahead,” said IATA.
Moreover, respondents also indicated no improvement in yields in the third quarter but the outlook for both passenger and cargo yields is more positive.
Passenger traffic volumes over the past three months have increased compared to a year ago, and the 12- month outlook has improved slightly since the July survey.
Cargo volumes were reported to have fallen in the second quarter, but the heads of cargo business are expecting an improvement in the year ahead.
Expectations about employment are for a minor reduction in jobs over the next 12 months. Over the last three months, there were slightly more job cuts than those reported in the second quarter as airlines respond to the pressures on profitability, IATA added. (EHL)
November 10, 2012
Airline business confidence improved in October with 48% of respondents expecting an increased in profitability over the next 12 months, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
However, IATA noted that the current conditions remain challenging, with responses showing a decline in the past three months, suggesting that the financial results will be down on a year ago.
“This is because respondents saw a resurgence in cost pressures in Q3, with fuel prices rising again, but with no further increase expected in the year ahead,” said IATA.
Moreover, respondents also indicated no improvement in yields in the third quarter but the outlook for both passenger and cargo yields is more positive.
Passenger traffic volumes over the past three months have increased compared to a year ago, and the 12- month outlook has improved slightly since the July survey.
Cargo volumes were reported to have fallen in the second quarter, but the heads of cargo business are expecting an improvement in the year ahead.
Expectations about employment are for a minor reduction in jobs over the next 12 months. Over the last three months, there were slightly more job cuts than those reported in the second quarter as airlines respond to the pressures on profitability, IATA added. (EHL)
Boeing Lines Up Customers For Stretch Version Of Dreamliner 787
Manila Bulletin
November 10, 2012
CHICAGO, Illinois (Reuters) – Boeing Co. is moving ahead with efforts to sell a long-awaited stretch version of its fuel-efficient 787 Dreamliner that poses a serious threat to Airbus’ best-selling rival.
Boeing’s sales negotiations with airlines and leasing companies could lead to an announcement of an initial customer as early as this month, industry sources said.
Aviation Week reported Wednesday that the new jet would be 18 feet longer than the current 787-9 derivative, providing room for 43 more passengers, for a total of 320. Those specifications coupled with its low operating costs would make it a powerful rival to the popular Airbus A330.
Boeing said it had already been talking with airlines and aircraft leasing companies to define specifications for the 787-10, the biggest version of its revolutionary carbon-composite plane.
“We are beginning to discuss more details about the airplane with customers,’’ the company said Wednesday. It is understood that those details specifically included sales.
Formal launch of the program, which commits Boeing to actually produce the jet, is still “conditioned upon our obtaining final board approval to launch the program at yet-to-be determined date,’’ Boeing said.
“The timing of a decision to launch the program will depend on market response during this next phase of our discussions about the airplane,’’ Boeing said.
The wide-body A330-300 is one of Airbus’s best-selling products but relies on a heavier metallic airframe.
In contrast, the carbon-composite 787-10 will be pitched to airlines for long-haul travel, such as intra-Asian routes.
Although planemakers never publicly discuss discounts, analysts say Airbus is expected to offer the A330 at low enough prices to ensure it is still profitable to airlines to own and operate the plane over its lifetime, even though the lighter Boeing aircraft is likely to boast savings in fuel costs per passenger for an individual trip.
November 10, 2012
CHICAGO, Illinois (Reuters) – Boeing Co. is moving ahead with efforts to sell a long-awaited stretch version of its fuel-efficient 787 Dreamliner that poses a serious threat to Airbus’ best-selling rival.
Boeing’s sales negotiations with airlines and leasing companies could lead to an announcement of an initial customer as early as this month, industry sources said.
Aviation Week reported Wednesday that the new jet would be 18 feet longer than the current 787-9 derivative, providing room for 43 more passengers, for a total of 320. Those specifications coupled with its low operating costs would make it a powerful rival to the popular Airbus A330.
Boeing said it had already been talking with airlines and aircraft leasing companies to define specifications for the 787-10, the biggest version of its revolutionary carbon-composite plane.
“We are beginning to discuss more details about the airplane with customers,’’ the company said Wednesday. It is understood that those details specifically included sales.
Formal launch of the program, which commits Boeing to actually produce the jet, is still “conditioned upon our obtaining final board approval to launch the program at yet-to-be determined date,’’ Boeing said.
“The timing of a decision to launch the program will depend on market response during this next phase of our discussions about the airplane,’’ Boeing said.
The wide-body A330-300 is one of Airbus’s best-selling products but relies on a heavier metallic airframe.
In contrast, the carbon-composite 787-10 will be pitched to airlines for long-haul travel, such as intra-Asian routes.
Although planemakers never publicly discuss discounts, analysts say Airbus is expected to offer the A330 at low enough prices to ensure it is still profitable to airlines to own and operate the plane over its lifetime, even though the lighter Boeing aircraft is likely to boast savings in fuel costs per passenger for an individual trip.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines Expand Tie-Up
Manila Bulletin
November 7, 2012
By Alex Webb and Ercan Ersoy (Bloomberg)
Deutsche Lufthansa AG may seek deeper ties with Turkish Airlines to thwart competition from Gulf rivals and match European peers that already have Mideast partnerships, analysts said after Turkish media reports of talks on a merger.
A full combination could be complicated by European Union rules on ownership and wouldn’t be logical for rapidly growing Turk Hava Yollari, as the Turkish carrier is formally known, said Yan Derocles, an analyst at Oddo & Cie in Paris.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he favored a tighter relationship between the Star Alliance members, state-owned Anatolia news agency reported Nov. 3. The two companies may secure a deeper partnership by buying shares in one another, Financial Times Deutschland reported today.
“A merger would be nonsense for Turkish right now,” said Derocles, who has a “neutral” rating on Lufthansa, Europe’s No. 2 airline. “A strong code-share makes strategic sense.” Code-sharing allows airlines to sell tickets on each other’s flights on chosen routes.
Turkish Airlines, a Star Alliance member since 2008, already attaches its code to Lufthansa services to North America, while the German carrier adds its flight number to THY services to the Middle East. Further scope for cooperation might include operations to Asia.
Air France-KLM Group last month agreed to code-share with Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways, while Qatar Airways Ltd. aims to join International Consolidated Airlines Group SA’s Oneworld alliance within 18 months.
Turkish Airlines – which is 49 percent owned by the Turkish state, according to data compiled by Bloomberg – gained 2.6 percent to 4.29 lira. The stock has doubled this year, valuing the Istanbul-based company at 5.1 billion liras ($2.9 billion).
German Chancellor Angela Merkel suggested bringing Lufthansa and Turkish closer together when Erdogan visited Germany last week, according to Anatolia.
“During our Germany trip, Merkel offered me this: ‘Let’s get Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines into joint operation,” the premier was quoted as saying by Anatolia. “I said: ‘OK. This is already among our projects and God willing our Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa can take a joint step like that.’”
Speaking in Turkish, Erdogan used the word “isletmecilik” to refer to the joint project, which can be translated as either “management” or “operation.” Two Turkish newspapers, Haberturk and Sabah, reported yesterday that a merger between the two airlines is under consideration.
Unlike its competitors, Lufthansa has focused on buying smaller carriers in the past rather than pursuing a merger with a peer. While British Airways merged with Iberia to form IAG in January last year and Air France fused with the Netherlands’ KLM in 2004, Lufthansa has added Swiss International Airlines, Austrian Airlines and BMI – which it sold this year – plus stakes in Brussels Airlines and JetBlue Airways Corp.
The 86-year-old company spent $7.29 billion on acquisitions in the past decade, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. That compares with $7.26 billion at Air France, the region’s biggest carrier, and $3.6 billion at IAG, the No. 3.
“They are perceived to be somewhat vulnerable to Middle Eastern traffic flows,” Stephen Furlong, an analyst at Dublin-based Davy Holdings, said yesterday. “A deal with Turkish would take a lot of the negatives against Lufthansa off the table.”
November 7, 2012
By Alex Webb and Ercan Ersoy (Bloomberg)
Deutsche Lufthansa AG may seek deeper ties with Turkish Airlines to thwart competition from Gulf rivals and match European peers that already have Mideast partnerships, analysts said after Turkish media reports of talks on a merger.
A full combination could be complicated by European Union rules on ownership and wouldn’t be logical for rapidly growing Turk Hava Yollari, as the Turkish carrier is formally known, said Yan Derocles, an analyst at Oddo & Cie in Paris.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he favored a tighter relationship between the Star Alliance members, state-owned Anatolia news agency reported Nov. 3. The two companies may secure a deeper partnership by buying shares in one another, Financial Times Deutschland reported today.
“A merger would be nonsense for Turkish right now,” said Derocles, who has a “neutral” rating on Lufthansa, Europe’s No. 2 airline. “A strong code-share makes strategic sense.” Code-sharing allows airlines to sell tickets on each other’s flights on chosen routes.
Turkish Airlines, a Star Alliance member since 2008, already attaches its code to Lufthansa services to North America, while the German carrier adds its flight number to THY services to the Middle East. Further scope for cooperation might include operations to Asia.
Air France-KLM Group last month agreed to code-share with Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways, while Qatar Airways Ltd. aims to join International Consolidated Airlines Group SA’s Oneworld alliance within 18 months.
Turkish Airlines – which is 49 percent owned by the Turkish state, according to data compiled by Bloomberg – gained 2.6 percent to 4.29 lira. The stock has doubled this year, valuing the Istanbul-based company at 5.1 billion liras ($2.9 billion).
German Chancellor Angela Merkel suggested bringing Lufthansa and Turkish closer together when Erdogan visited Germany last week, according to Anatolia.
“During our Germany trip, Merkel offered me this: ‘Let’s get Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines into joint operation,” the premier was quoted as saying by Anatolia. “I said: ‘OK. This is already among our projects and God willing our Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa can take a joint step like that.’”
Speaking in Turkish, Erdogan used the word “isletmecilik” to refer to the joint project, which can be translated as either “management” or “operation.” Two Turkish newspapers, Haberturk and Sabah, reported yesterday that a merger between the two airlines is under consideration.
Unlike its competitors, Lufthansa has focused on buying smaller carriers in the past rather than pursuing a merger with a peer. While British Airways merged with Iberia to form IAG in January last year and Air France fused with the Netherlands’ KLM in 2004, Lufthansa has added Swiss International Airlines, Austrian Airlines and BMI – which it sold this year – plus stakes in Brussels Airlines and JetBlue Airways Corp.
The 86-year-old company spent $7.29 billion on acquisitions in the past decade, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. That compares with $7.26 billion at Air France, the region’s biggest carrier, and $3.6 billion at IAG, the No. 3.
“They are perceived to be somewhat vulnerable to Middle Eastern traffic flows,” Stephen Furlong, an analyst at Dublin-based Davy Holdings, said yesterday. “A deal with Turkish would take a lot of the negatives against Lufthansa off the table.”
CEB 2nd Most ‘Socially Devoted’ Airline In US Social Media
Manila Bulletin
November 7, 2012
The Philippines’ largest national flag carrier, Cebu Pacific was named 2nd most “Socially Devoted Brand” in the airline industry category by Socialbakers, a leading social media analytics company. The awards event was held recently in New York, as a culmination of Engage 2012: The Socialbakers Conference.
In its blog, Socialbakers cited CEB’s 85.46% response rate on its Facebook page when it ranked the airline 2nd. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Alitalia complete the top three most socially devoted airline category at 1st and 3rd respectively.
The top brands were assessed by Socialbakers Analytics engine, taking into account all pages in Socialbaker’s top Facebook charts worldwide. Key factors in the awards were fan engagement, response rates on wall posts and average response times.
“This recognition fuels our drive to further engage our passengers online, especially when it comes to seat sales, inquiries, weather updates, product innovations and new routes and destinations. We remain committed to bringing the latest news from CEB right to our guests’ mobile phones or computers, for their utmost convenience,” said CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog.
CEB’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/cebupacificair) currently has over 700,000 fans, while its Twitter account (@cebupacificair) has over 417,000 followers. Its YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/cebupacificair) also has over one million views.
The Engage 2012: The Socialbakers Conference was a one-day event focusing on social media, and included speakers from Nestlé, Facebook and Microsoft.
In its 16th year of operations, CEB had flown over 65 million passengers. It provides access to the most extensive network in the Philippines with 32 destinations and hubs in Manila, Cebu, Clark, Kalibo, Iloilo and Davao. It flies to 19 key international destinations: Bangkok, Beijing, Brunei, Busan, Guangzhou, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Hong Kong, Incheon, Jakarta, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, Macau, Osaka, Shanghai, Siem Reap, Singapore, Taipei or Xiamen.
Between 2012 and 2021, CEB will take delivery of 19 more Airbus A320 and 30 Airbus A321neo aircraft orders. It is slated to begin long-haul services in the 3rd quarter of 2013, with the arrival of 4 Airbus A330 aircraft from 2013 to 2014.
November 7, 2012
The Philippines’ largest national flag carrier, Cebu Pacific was named 2nd most “Socially Devoted Brand” in the airline industry category by Socialbakers, a leading social media analytics company. The awards event was held recently in New York, as a culmination of Engage 2012: The Socialbakers Conference.
In its blog, Socialbakers cited CEB’s 85.46% response rate on its Facebook page when it ranked the airline 2nd. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Alitalia complete the top three most socially devoted airline category at 1st and 3rd respectively.
The top brands were assessed by Socialbakers Analytics engine, taking into account all pages in Socialbaker’s top Facebook charts worldwide. Key factors in the awards were fan engagement, response rates on wall posts and average response times.
“This recognition fuels our drive to further engage our passengers online, especially when it comes to seat sales, inquiries, weather updates, product innovations and new routes and destinations. We remain committed to bringing the latest news from CEB right to our guests’ mobile phones or computers, for their utmost convenience,” said CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog.
CEB’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/cebupacificair) currently has over 700,000 fans, while its Twitter account (@cebupacificair) has over 417,000 followers. Its YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/cebupacificair) also has over one million views.
The Engage 2012: The Socialbakers Conference was a one-day event focusing on social media, and included speakers from Nestlé, Facebook and Microsoft.
In its 16th year of operations, CEB had flown over 65 million passengers. It provides access to the most extensive network in the Philippines with 32 destinations and hubs in Manila, Cebu, Clark, Kalibo, Iloilo and Davao. It flies to 19 key international destinations: Bangkok, Beijing, Brunei, Busan, Guangzhou, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Hong Kong, Incheon, Jakarta, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, Macau, Osaka, Shanghai, Siem Reap, Singapore, Taipei or Xiamen.
Between 2012 and 2021, CEB will take delivery of 19 more Airbus A320 and 30 Airbus A321neo aircraft orders. It is slated to begin long-haul services in the 3rd quarter of 2013, with the arrival of 4 Airbus A330 aircraft from 2013 to 2014.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Etihad Airways Expanding Russian Operations
Manila Bulletin
October 30, 2012 Tuesday
Etihad Airways, national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), celebrating this week four years of its non-stop service between Moscow and Abu Dhabi.
The UAE flag carrier commenced operations to the Russian capital on December 1,2008 and since then has carried almost 250,000 travellers and 620 tons of cargo on the route.
Five weekly flights became a daily service in 2009, and load factors have increased in each year of operation.
Speaking at a press conference in Moscow, James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: "The UAE is home to almost 25,000 Russians and 400 Russia-UAE joint venture companies, and a result, the business and cultural ties between the two countries have never been stronger. Moscow-Abu Dhabi has been a tremendous success with a strong load factor and good traffic feeds from our codeshare partner, S7 Airlines. The aim now is to expand services and connectivity over both Abu Dhabi and Moscow with S7."
Etihad Airways codeshares on S7 operated services from Moscow to the Russian cities of Kazan (kZN), Samara (KUF), Krasnodar (KRR) and Saint Petersbug (LED).
S7 codeshares on Etihad Airways' daily Moscow-Abu Dhabi service and onwards to Bangkok. Subject to recieving necessary government approvals, the next phase of Etihad Airways' partnership with S7 will see the Russian carrier's flight code placed on Etihad Airways' flight to Sydney and Melbourne. Mr. Hogan cited that additional expansion opportunities are also being actively evaluated.
Etihad Airways operates a two cabin Airbus A320 aircraft between Abu Dhabi and Moscow. This configuration means 1,904 seats a week-224 in Pearl Business, and 1,680 in Coral Economy.
Guests travelling from Moscow in Pearl Business have access to Etihad Airways' premium complementary door-to-door luxury limousine service, complete with a personal chaffeur (within the Moscow MKAD Ring Road to and fromthe airport).
In recent times Etihad Airways has also made it easier for Russian nationals to obtain a UAE visiting visa, through the TT Services online visa application centre. Hogan concluded: "We remain committed to building the Etihad Airways brand in the Russian market, offering customers great choice, connectivity, and value from what is one of the growing destinations on our network. By year end, Etihad Airways will be a US$5 billion business, we'll have carried more 10 million passengers across our global network, and have 1.8 million Etihad Guest loyalty members.
October 30, 2012 Tuesday
Etihad Airways, national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), celebrating this week four years of its non-stop service between Moscow and Abu Dhabi.
The UAE flag carrier commenced operations to the Russian capital on December 1,2008 and since then has carried almost 250,000 travellers and 620 tons of cargo on the route.
Five weekly flights became a daily service in 2009, and load factors have increased in each year of operation.
Speaking at a press conference in Moscow, James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: "The UAE is home to almost 25,000 Russians and 400 Russia-UAE joint venture companies, and a result, the business and cultural ties between the two countries have never been stronger. Moscow-Abu Dhabi has been a tremendous success with a strong load factor and good traffic feeds from our codeshare partner, S7 Airlines. The aim now is to expand services and connectivity over both Abu Dhabi and Moscow with S7."
Etihad Airways codeshares on S7 operated services from Moscow to the Russian cities of Kazan (kZN), Samara (KUF), Krasnodar (KRR) and Saint Petersbug (LED).
S7 codeshares on Etihad Airways' daily Moscow-Abu Dhabi service and onwards to Bangkok. Subject to recieving necessary government approvals, the next phase of Etihad Airways' partnership with S7 will see the Russian carrier's flight code placed on Etihad Airways' flight to Sydney and Melbourne. Mr. Hogan cited that additional expansion opportunities are also being actively evaluated.
Etihad Airways operates a two cabin Airbus A320 aircraft between Abu Dhabi and Moscow. This configuration means 1,904 seats a week-224 in Pearl Business, and 1,680 in Coral Economy.
Guests travelling from Moscow in Pearl Business have access to Etihad Airways' premium complementary door-to-door luxury limousine service, complete with a personal chaffeur (within the Moscow MKAD Ring Road to and fromthe airport).
In recent times Etihad Airways has also made it easier for Russian nationals to obtain a UAE visiting visa, through the TT Services online visa application centre. Hogan concluded: "We remain committed to building the Etihad Airways brand in the Russian market, offering customers great choice, connectivity, and value from what is one of the growing destinations on our network. By year end, Etihad Airways will be a US$5 billion business, we'll have carried more 10 million passengers across our global network, and have 1.8 million Etihad Guest loyalty members.
Boeing Affirms Delivery Target For Its 787-9 Dreamliner
Mary Schlangenstein and Susanna Ray (Bloomberg)
Manila Bulletin
October 30, 2012 Tuesday
Boeing Co. affirmed the schedule for the service debut of its 787-9 Dreamliner, a stretched version of the new jet, after American Airlines again said its delivery had been delayed past 2014 by "production issues".
The 787-9 is still due to reach its first customer in 2014, and the jet is set for its maiden flight in 2013's second half, said Marc Birtel, a spokesman for Chicago-based Boeing.
The Dreamliner is the first airliner built chiefly of plastic composites rather than the traditional aluminum. The 787-8's late-2011 commercial debut followed more than three years of delays because of the new materials and production processes. Boeing said last month that work was under way on the 787-9, which is 20 feet (6 meters) longer than the 787-8 and will carry 16 percent more passengersas far as 8,500 nautical miles (15,700 kilometers).
"Delays that took place earlier in the plane's development have been resolved and build rates are rising," said Stephen E. Levenson, a Stifel Nicolaus analyst in New York who recommends buying Boeing shares. "The target rate of 10 per month going into 2014 is still likely."
AMR Corp.'s American, which is reorganizing in bankruptcy, mentioned the postponement of its first 787-9 today in a US regulatory filing, as it had in two prior filings dating back to April. When the airline ordered 42 Dreamliners in 2008, deliveries were set to run from 2012 through 2018.
"We are in discussions with Boeing and are working together toward a new delivery schedule," said Andrea Huguely, an American spokeswoman. She declined to say what production issues led to the delay or comment further on the matter.
The shorter 787-8, which entered service late last year, can fly as many as 250 people on routes of as long as 8,200 nautical miles. Air New Zealand Ltd. has said it will be the first carrier to operate the bigger 787-9.
American has the right to buy 58 more of the planes.
Manila Bulletin
October 30, 2012 Tuesday
Boeing Co. affirmed the schedule for the service debut of its 787-9 Dreamliner, a stretched version of the new jet, after American Airlines again said its delivery had been delayed past 2014 by "production issues".
The 787-9 is still due to reach its first customer in 2014, and the jet is set for its maiden flight in 2013's second half, said Marc Birtel, a spokesman for Chicago-based Boeing.
The Dreamliner is the first airliner built chiefly of plastic composites rather than the traditional aluminum. The 787-8's late-2011 commercial debut followed more than three years of delays because of the new materials and production processes. Boeing said last month that work was under way on the 787-9, which is 20 feet (6 meters) longer than the 787-8 and will carry 16 percent more passengersas far as 8,500 nautical miles (15,700 kilometers).
"Delays that took place earlier in the plane's development have been resolved and build rates are rising," said Stephen E. Levenson, a Stifel Nicolaus analyst in New York who recommends buying Boeing shares. "The target rate of 10 per month going into 2014 is still likely."
AMR Corp.'s American, which is reorganizing in bankruptcy, mentioned the postponement of its first 787-9 today in a US regulatory filing, as it had in two prior filings dating back to April. When the airline ordered 42 Dreamliners in 2008, deliveries were set to run from 2012 through 2018.
"We are in discussions with Boeing and are working together toward a new delivery schedule," said Andrea Huguely, an American spokeswoman. She declined to say what production issues led to the delay or comment further on the matter.
The shorter 787-8, which entered service late last year, can fly as many as 250 people on routes of as long as 8,200 nautical miles. Air New Zealand Ltd. has said it will be the first carrier to operate the bigger 787-9.
American has the right to buy 58 more of the planes.
Asian Airlines Cancel Flights
Manila Bulletin
October 30, 2012 Tuesday
HONG KONG- Airlines in the Asia-Pacific region are cancelling flights to New York, after US airlines canceled almost 8,000 flights ahead of Hurricane Sandy's expected landfall on the East Coast of the US.
Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. said in a statement Monday it has decided to cancel a total of eight direct flights between Hong Kong and New York on Monday and Tuesday due to the closure of public transit systems in New York as authorities warned of heavy rains, high winds and flooding when the Category 1 hurricane reaches land late Monday or early Tuesday.
Four flights between Hong kong and New York with a stopover in Vancouver will only operate between Hong Kong and Vancouver on Monday and Tuesday, the Hong Kong based carrier said in a statement.
"It is possible that we may face further disruption," a Cathay Pacific spokesman said.
Singapore Airlines also said Monday that it cancelled all of its flights to Northeastern US Monday and Tuesday.
Japanese and Korean airlines also cancelled services to New York Monday.
A Japan Airlines Corp. spokesman said a flight from Tokyo's Narita Airport that was scheduled to depart at 0210 GMT Monday for New York was cancelled.
The Japanese carrier will delay a Tokyo-New york flight to Wednesday from Tuesday, while All Nippon Airways Co. cancelled four flights between Tokyo and New York Monday.
Korean Air Lines Co. and Asiana Airlines Inc. said flights to the eastern coast of the US Monday will be delayed by as much as 26 hours.
Australia's Qantas Airways Ltd., which operates flights to New York via Loas Angeles, will only operate between Australia and Los Angeles on Monday, a spokeswoman said.
"At the moment we're cancelling the Monday service and then monitoring the situation to see of there's any further impact," the spokeswoman said.
Hundreds of thousands of New York City are residents were ordered to leave their homes Sunday ahead of Hurricane Sandy, a dangerous storm that forced the closure of the nation's largest mass transit system and up-ended daily life for millions.
With Hurricane Sandy looming, US airlines suspended operations at airports from Washington to Boston. Carriers canceled 1,270 flights scheduled for Sunday, according to FlightAware.com, a flight-tracking website. As of Sunday night, airlines also canceled 5,900 flights scheduled for Monday and almost 800 flights Tuesday. FlightAware said it expects airlines to cancel more flights scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday. Many travellers will have to wait until Wednesday to fly.
Airlines usually waive penalty fees for changing reservations due to disruptions cause by inclement weather.
October 30, 2012 Tuesday
HONG KONG- Airlines in the Asia-Pacific region are cancelling flights to New York, after US airlines canceled almost 8,000 flights ahead of Hurricane Sandy's expected landfall on the East Coast of the US.
Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. said in a statement Monday it has decided to cancel a total of eight direct flights between Hong Kong and New York on Monday and Tuesday due to the closure of public transit systems in New York as authorities warned of heavy rains, high winds and flooding when the Category 1 hurricane reaches land late Monday or early Tuesday.
Four flights between Hong kong and New York with a stopover in Vancouver will only operate between Hong Kong and Vancouver on Monday and Tuesday, the Hong Kong based carrier said in a statement.
"It is possible that we may face further disruption," a Cathay Pacific spokesman said.
Singapore Airlines also said Monday that it cancelled all of its flights to Northeastern US Monday and Tuesday.
Japanese and Korean airlines also cancelled services to New York Monday.
A Japan Airlines Corp. spokesman said a flight from Tokyo's Narita Airport that was scheduled to depart at 0210 GMT Monday for New York was cancelled.
The Japanese carrier will delay a Tokyo-New york flight to Wednesday from Tuesday, while All Nippon Airways Co. cancelled four flights between Tokyo and New York Monday.
Korean Air Lines Co. and Asiana Airlines Inc. said flights to the eastern coast of the US Monday will be delayed by as much as 26 hours.
Australia's Qantas Airways Ltd., which operates flights to New York via Loas Angeles, will only operate between Australia and Los Angeles on Monday, a spokeswoman said.
"At the moment we're cancelling the Monday service and then monitoring the situation to see of there's any further impact," the spokeswoman said.
Hundreds of thousands of New York City are residents were ordered to leave their homes Sunday ahead of Hurricane Sandy, a dangerous storm that forced the closure of the nation's largest mass transit system and up-ended daily life for millions.
With Hurricane Sandy looming, US airlines suspended operations at airports from Washington to Boston. Carriers canceled 1,270 flights scheduled for Sunday, according to FlightAware.com, a flight-tracking website. As of Sunday night, airlines also canceled 5,900 flights scheduled for Monday and almost 800 flights Tuesday. FlightAware said it expects airlines to cancel more flights scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday. Many travellers will have to wait until Wednesday to fly.
Airlines usually waive penalty fees for changing reservations due to disruptions cause by inclement weather.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Boeing Sees Challenges After 2012
Manila Bulletin
October 29, 2012
(Bloomberg)- Boeing Co., which has boosted its 2012 profit foercast three times as commercial and military aircraft sales rose, said it expects challenges next year that include a tougher defense market and higher pension expense.
The projected $3.5 billion in pension expense next year will be about $1 billion more than this year's, the planemaker said. The defense unit, source of more than 40 percent of total sales last year, is bracing for cuts in Pentagon spending, according to Boeing, which won't forecast 2013 performance until January.
Those obstacles may temper sales growth from commercial plane deliveries as Chief Executive Officer Jim McNerney takes advantage of a $307-billion backlog, blostered by airlines seeking to trim fuel expenses with more efficient aircraft. Boeing is increasing the division's output by 60 percent in the four years through 2014.
The non-cash pension expense is about $500 million higher than Barclays Plc. had projected and "will weigh on consensus estimates more than we originally expected," Carter Copeland, a New York-based analyst, said in a note to clients after the company's third-quarter earnings report. " We expect this to be the central push-back point on an otherwise strong quarter."
The expense may prompt a reset of 2013 earnings projections, said JP Morgan Chase & Co.'s Joe Nadol, who called it "a whopper." Higher pension costs have also weighed on earnings this year, lowering third-quarter profit by $194 million.
Boeing Chief Financial Officer Greg Smith said the company plans to make voluntary cash pension contributions next year "to proactively manage our liability and expense." He said his top priority is to return cash to shareholders, and he will give an update on share repurchase plans by the end of the year.
Free cash flow in the quarter was $1.17 billion, up from $69 million a year earlier, Chicago-based Boeing said in a statement. The company increased its outlook for operating cash flow this year by $500 million, to more than $5.5 billion. Earnings in 2012 will be $4.80 to $4.95 a share, Boeing said, a projection that exceeds the $4.70 average estimate of 29 analysts in a Bloomberg survey.Third-quarter sales rose 13 percent to $20 billion as shipments of aircraft and equipment to customers climbed 28 percent.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, which accounted for more than half of 2011 sales, is respondingto what McNery termed a "dramatic" replacement cycle, with airlines trying to reduce fuel costs by investing in new planes.
October 29, 2012
(Bloomberg)- Boeing Co., which has boosted its 2012 profit foercast three times as commercial and military aircraft sales rose, said it expects challenges next year that include a tougher defense market and higher pension expense.
The projected $3.5 billion in pension expense next year will be about $1 billion more than this year's, the planemaker said. The defense unit, source of more than 40 percent of total sales last year, is bracing for cuts in Pentagon spending, according to Boeing, which won't forecast 2013 performance until January.
Those obstacles may temper sales growth from commercial plane deliveries as Chief Executive Officer Jim McNerney takes advantage of a $307-billion backlog, blostered by airlines seeking to trim fuel expenses with more efficient aircraft. Boeing is increasing the division's output by 60 percent in the four years through 2014.
The non-cash pension expense is about $500 million higher than Barclays Plc. had projected and "will weigh on consensus estimates more than we originally expected," Carter Copeland, a New York-based analyst, said in a note to clients after the company's third-quarter earnings report. " We expect this to be the central push-back point on an otherwise strong quarter."
The expense may prompt a reset of 2013 earnings projections, said JP Morgan Chase & Co.'s Joe Nadol, who called it "a whopper." Higher pension costs have also weighed on earnings this year, lowering third-quarter profit by $194 million.
Boeing Chief Financial Officer Greg Smith said the company plans to make voluntary cash pension contributions next year "to proactively manage our liability and expense." He said his top priority is to return cash to shareholders, and he will give an update on share repurchase plans by the end of the year.
Free cash flow in the quarter was $1.17 billion, up from $69 million a year earlier, Chicago-based Boeing said in a statement. The company increased its outlook for operating cash flow this year by $500 million, to more than $5.5 billion. Earnings in 2012 will be $4.80 to $4.95 a share, Boeing said, a projection that exceeds the $4.70 average estimate of 29 analysts in a Bloomberg survey.Third-quarter sales rose 13 percent to $20 billion as shipments of aircraft and equipment to customers climbed 28 percent.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, which accounted for more than half of 2011 sales, is respondingto what McNery termed a "dramatic" replacement cycle, with airlines trying to reduce fuel costs by investing in new planes.
August Passenger Traffic Up 6%
Manila Bulletin
October 29, 2012
Asia-Pacific airports continued showing a steady growth in passenger traffic in August 2012 and recorded a 6.6% increase compared to August 2011 while Middle Eastern airports' passenger traffic grew by 16.2% year-on-year, according to the latest ACI Passenger ang Freight Flash Reports.
Year-to-date passenger traffic for the period of January to August 2012 showed an increase of 7.9% and 11.8% respectively for Asia-Pacific and Middle East areas.
Beijing (PEK) handled 7.5 million passengers in August 2012 and remained the airport in the region with the highest passenger throughput. Tokyo Haneda (HND) handled 6.5 million passengers took second place followed by Hong Kong (HKG) with over 5.1 million passengers. The other 2 airports in the top 5 were Dubai (DXB) and Jakarta (CGK), both handled about 4.8 million passengers during the month.
In terms of air cargo traffi, Asia-Pacific and Middle Eastern airports recorded a slight increase of +0.4% and +0.1% respectively in August 2012 compared to August 2011.
Year-to-date cargo traffic showed a decrease of -0.7% in the Asia-Pacific area and an increase of 2.9% in the Middle-East area.
Hong kong (HKG), once again, was the airport in the region with the highest cargo throughput, processing over 328,000 tonnes of cargo in August 2012. Shanghai Pudong (PVG) with 241,000 tonnes, Seoul Incheon (ICN) with 194,000 tonnes as well as Dubai (DXB) and Tokyo Narita (NRT) with almost 191,000 and 157,000 tonnes respectively are the 4 other busiest cargo airports in the region.
Commenting on the August traffic record, ACI Asia-Pacific Regional Director Mrs. Patti Chau said: "With the uncertainty of the global economy still persisting, in particular in the developed countries, air cargo traffic remains flat in August and overall, during the first eight months of the year. With a stronger-than-expected 10% growth in Chinese exports in September, we are hopeful that the cargo traffic for both Asia-Pacific and Middle East will pick up speed again and positive figures will be achieved at the year-end." (EHL)
October 29, 2012
Asia-Pacific airports continued showing a steady growth in passenger traffic in August 2012 and recorded a 6.6% increase compared to August 2011 while Middle Eastern airports' passenger traffic grew by 16.2% year-on-year, according to the latest ACI Passenger ang Freight Flash Reports.
Year-to-date passenger traffic for the period of January to August 2012 showed an increase of 7.9% and 11.8% respectively for Asia-Pacific and Middle East areas.
Beijing (PEK) handled 7.5 million passengers in August 2012 and remained the airport in the region with the highest passenger throughput. Tokyo Haneda (HND) handled 6.5 million passengers took second place followed by Hong Kong (HKG) with over 5.1 million passengers. The other 2 airports in the top 5 were Dubai (DXB) and Jakarta (CGK), both handled about 4.8 million passengers during the month.
In terms of air cargo traffi, Asia-Pacific and Middle Eastern airports recorded a slight increase of +0.4% and +0.1% respectively in August 2012 compared to August 2011.
Year-to-date cargo traffic showed a decrease of -0.7% in the Asia-Pacific area and an increase of 2.9% in the Middle-East area.
Hong kong (HKG), once again, was the airport in the region with the highest cargo throughput, processing over 328,000 tonnes of cargo in August 2012. Shanghai Pudong (PVG) with 241,000 tonnes, Seoul Incheon (ICN) with 194,000 tonnes as well as Dubai (DXB) and Tokyo Narita (NRT) with almost 191,000 and 157,000 tonnes respectively are the 4 other busiest cargo airports in the region.
Commenting on the August traffic record, ACI Asia-Pacific Regional Director Mrs. Patti Chau said: "With the uncertainty of the global economy still persisting, in particular in the developed countries, air cargo traffic remains flat in August and overall, during the first eight months of the year. With a stronger-than-expected 10% growth in Chinese exports in September, we are hopeful that the cargo traffic for both Asia-Pacific and Middle East will pick up speed again and positive figures will be achieved at the year-end." (EHL)
Korean Air Posts Q3 Profit
Manila Bulletin
October 29, 2012
SEOUL (AFP)- Korean Air reported a third quarter net profit, as robust passenger demand on international routes swung the national flag carrier back into the black.
For the three months ended September 30, the airline showed a consilidated net profit of 340 billion ($308 million), compared with a net loss of 536.3 billion won in the same 2011 period.
October 29, 2012
SEOUL (AFP)- Korean Air reported a third quarter net profit, as robust passenger demand on international routes swung the national flag carrier back into the black.
For the three months ended September 30, the airline showed a consilidated net profit of 340 billion ($308 million), compared with a net loss of 536.3 billion won in the same 2011 period.
Friday, October 26, 2012
SIA Ending World’s Longest Flights
Manila Bulletin
October 26, 2012
NEW YORK (AP) – The world’s longest commercial flight - Singapore to Newark, New Jersey - is being cancelled.
Singapore Airlines (SIA) announced Wednesday that it will end its nonstop flight between Singapore and Newark, a distance of about 9,500 miles (15,300 kilometers). A slightly shorter route between Singapore and Los Angeles will also end. The two routes were flown on gas-guzzling Airbus A340-500s.
The airline found the only way to make the routes profitable was by configuring the plane with 98 business class seats that sell for about $8,000 roundtrip. Other airlines operate the same plane with about 250 seats in first, business and economy classes.
The flight from Newark, right outside New York, to Singapore takes about 18 hours. The trip from Los Angeles is about 1,500 miles (2,400 kilometers) shorter but takes 18 hours and 30 minutes.
Headwinds over the Pacific Ocean slow the Los Angeles flight while the Newark flight goes over the North Pole and can fly faster. The Newark flight is the longest distance flight in the world and the Los Angeles one holds the record for duration. The flights started in 2004.
The new titles for longest flights will go to a Qantas route between Sydney and Dallas - which at about 8,500 miles (13,700 kilometers) is the longest route - and a Delta flight between Johannesburg and Atlanta, which at 17 hours will hold the title of longest duration.
Singapore Airlines is selling its five A340-500s back to Airbus as part of a deal announced Wednesday.
October 26, 2012
NEW YORK (AP) – The world’s longest commercial flight - Singapore to Newark, New Jersey - is being cancelled.
Singapore Airlines (SIA) announced Wednesday that it will end its nonstop flight between Singapore and Newark, a distance of about 9,500 miles (15,300 kilometers). A slightly shorter route between Singapore and Los Angeles will also end. The two routes were flown on gas-guzzling Airbus A340-500s.
The airline found the only way to make the routes profitable was by configuring the plane with 98 business class seats that sell for about $8,000 roundtrip. Other airlines operate the same plane with about 250 seats in first, business and economy classes.
The flight from Newark, right outside New York, to Singapore takes about 18 hours. The trip from Los Angeles is about 1,500 miles (2,400 kilometers) shorter but takes 18 hours and 30 minutes.
Headwinds over the Pacific Ocean slow the Los Angeles flight while the Newark flight goes over the North Pole and can fly faster. The Newark flight is the longest distance flight in the world and the Los Angeles one holds the record for duration. The flights started in 2004.
The new titles for longest flights will go to a Qantas route between Sydney and Dallas - which at about 8,500 miles (13,700 kilometers) is the longest route - and a Delta flight between Johannesburg and Atlanta, which at 17 hours will hold the title of longest duration.
Singapore Airlines is selling its five A340-500s back to Airbus as part of a deal announced Wednesday.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)