Manila Bulletin
October 6, 2012
NEW DELHI (AFP) - India's cash-strapped Kingfisher Airlines will remain grounded for another week after employees who have not been paid for the last seven months refused to go back to work, the company said.
All Kingfisher flights have been cancelled since Monday as the airline tries to persuade employees to go back to work, but talks to resolve the crisis ended without making any headway on Thursday.
Kingfisher spokesman Prakash Mirpuri voiced "regret' that the staff had refused to return to work, "thereby continuing cripple and paralyze the working of the entire airline".
The airline was extending what it called a "partial lock-out" to October 12, Mirpuri added in a statement released late on Thursday.
A new report by the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation, a leading aviation consultancy, has cast doubt on the management's efforts to turn the company around, saying Kingfisher's debts now totalled $2.49 billion.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Asia Pacific Passenger Traffic Grows By 6.7% In August 2012
Manila Bulletin
October 4, 2012
MANILA, Philippines — The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) has sustained an increase in international air passenger traffic in August 2012 in contrast to continued weakness in air freight markets.
Asia Pacific airlines carried an aggregate total of 18.5 million international passengers in August, a 6.8% increase compared to the same month last year, led by relatively strong demand for regional travel.
International passenger traffic, measured in revenue passenger kilometre (RPK) terms, grew more by 5.3%. Offered seat capacity expanded by 3.5%, resulting in a 1.4 percentage point increase in the average international passenger load factor to 80.3% for the month.
Air freight markets remain depressed, as a result of weakening consumer confidence in the major developed economies leading to a corresponding slowdown in exports from Asia.
International air cargo demand, as expressed in freight ton kilometre (FTK) terms, was 4.4% lower in August compared to the same month last year.
Combined with a 4.1% reduction in offered freight capacity, the average international air cargo load factor was almost unchanged, at 64.6%.
Commenting on the results, Mr. Andrew Herdman, AAPA director general said: “The overall trend in international air travel demand remains encouraging, as reflected in the 7.9% increase in the number of passengers carried by Asia Pacific based airlines during the first eight months of this year.”
“While the overall pace of global economic activity is clearly slowing, Asian economies have so far remained relatively resilient with domestic demand still supporting business and leisure related travel.”
“However, we are still seeing persistent weakness in air cargo markets, with Asian carriers posting a 4.4% decline in international air cargo demand during the first eight months of the year, with no sign of any upturn.”
“Notwithstanding the evident slowdown in the global economy, oil prices remain high, averaging US$112 per barrel so far this year, further pressuring airline margins and industry profitability,” Herdman added.
October 4, 2012
MANILA, Philippines — The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) has sustained an increase in international air passenger traffic in August 2012 in contrast to continued weakness in air freight markets.
Asia Pacific airlines carried an aggregate total of 18.5 million international passengers in August, a 6.8% increase compared to the same month last year, led by relatively strong demand for regional travel.
International passenger traffic, measured in revenue passenger kilometre (RPK) terms, grew more by 5.3%. Offered seat capacity expanded by 3.5%, resulting in a 1.4 percentage point increase in the average international passenger load factor to 80.3% for the month.
Air freight markets remain depressed, as a result of weakening consumer confidence in the major developed economies leading to a corresponding slowdown in exports from Asia.
International air cargo demand, as expressed in freight ton kilometre (FTK) terms, was 4.4% lower in August compared to the same month last year.
Combined with a 4.1% reduction in offered freight capacity, the average international air cargo load factor was almost unchanged, at 64.6%.
Commenting on the results, Mr. Andrew Herdman, AAPA director general said: “The overall trend in international air travel demand remains encouraging, as reflected in the 7.9% increase in the number of passengers carried by Asia Pacific based airlines during the first eight months of this year.”
“While the overall pace of global economic activity is clearly slowing, Asian economies have so far remained relatively resilient with domestic demand still supporting business and leisure related travel.”
“However, we are still seeing persistent weakness in air cargo markets, with Asian carriers posting a 4.4% decline in international air cargo demand during the first eight months of the year, with no sign of any upturn.”
“Notwithstanding the evident slowdown in the global economy, oil prices remain high, averaging US$112 per barrel so far this year, further pressuring airline margins and industry profitability,” Herdman added.
EASA To Amend Rules On Flight & Duty Time Limitations
Manila Bulletin
October 4, 2012
By Edu Lopez
MANILA, Philippines — The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has proposed some changes in the current EU rules on flight and duty time limitations and rest requirements (FTL) for commercial air transport.
The proposed rules contain more than 30 safety improvements compared to current requirements and introduce new limitations to the way crews can be scheduled.
EASA said the proposed rules take full account of the fact that fatigue is one of the main factors affecting human performance and makes no provision for increased pilot flight hours.
On the contrary, allowed duty periods at night are reduced, rest for flights with time zone crossings is significantly increased, and new rules are introduced for limiting crew standby.
These FTL rules are the final step in a fully transparent rulemaking process, with unprecedented scientific input and public consultation. More than 50 scientific studies were analysed, while all concerned stakeholder groups including flight and cabin crew organizations, airlines and member-state representatives were consulted throughout the process.
Commenting on the proposed rules, EASA Executive Director, Patrick Goudou, said: “These harmonized flight crew duty time rules are based on scientific evidence, risk assessment and best practice. EASA proves once again its commitment to make no compromise with the safety of air passengers in Europe and throughout the world.”
The proposed rules would be finalized by the European Commission and must be approved by member-states, with Parliamentary scrutiny. The new rules are expected to be adopted into EU law after mid-2013 and fully implemented by the end of 2015.
October 4, 2012
By Edu Lopez
MANILA, Philippines — The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has proposed some changes in the current EU rules on flight and duty time limitations and rest requirements (FTL) for commercial air transport.
The proposed rules contain more than 30 safety improvements compared to current requirements and introduce new limitations to the way crews can be scheduled.
EASA said the proposed rules take full account of the fact that fatigue is one of the main factors affecting human performance and makes no provision for increased pilot flight hours.
On the contrary, allowed duty periods at night are reduced, rest for flights with time zone crossings is significantly increased, and new rules are introduced for limiting crew standby.
These FTL rules are the final step in a fully transparent rulemaking process, with unprecedented scientific input and public consultation. More than 50 scientific studies were analysed, while all concerned stakeholder groups including flight and cabin crew organizations, airlines and member-state representatives were consulted throughout the process.
Commenting on the proposed rules, EASA Executive Director, Patrick Goudou, said: “These harmonized flight crew duty time rules are based on scientific evidence, risk assessment and best practice. EASA proves once again its commitment to make no compromise with the safety of air passengers in Europe and throughout the world.”
The proposed rules would be finalized by the European Commission and must be approved by member-states, with Parliamentary scrutiny. The new rules are expected to be adopted into EU law after mid-2013 and fully implemented by the end of 2015.
Cebu Air confirms offer to look at Zest Airways
Business Mirror
October 4, 2012
By Lenie Lectura
CEBU AIR Inc. said on Tuesday it was offered to take a look at possibly acquiring Zest Airways Inc.
“Cebu Pacific has been approached to indicate its interest in this opportunity. However, any interest which the company may have at this point is at best indicative and non-binding. The company is presently not [conducting] any due diligence on Zest Air,” said the airline in a disclosure to the stock exchange.
Zest Air chairman Ambassador Donald Dee earlier said there are local and foreign carriers interested to invest in Zest Air but nothing has been finalized.
Aside from Cebu Pacific, other airlines are reportedly taking a look at possibly investing into Zest Air are AirAsia Bhd. and Philippine Airlines.
But AirAsia president Maan Hontiveros said, in a chance interview at the Civil Aeronautics Board’s 65th anniversary yesterday, that AirAsia has “nothing to say” [on any possible Zest Air buy-in].
“I haven’t gotten such report. We haven’t done anything. We have nothing to say. I have no comment about the issue. It’s better to ask Zest Air,” she said.
For his part, Cebu Pacific (CEB) president Lance Gokongwei said the Gokongwei-controlled airline will “consider any opportunity” but stressed the airline is not involved in any current discussions.
“We would look at any opportunity if it makes sense with the company and our shareholders. We are not in current discussions with Zest Air,” said Gokongwei.
When he was informed about the statement of Cebu Pacific posted at the stock exchange yesterday Gokongwei said, “This reflects the corporate position of the airline.”
When asked if consolidation in the aviation industry was inevitable amid rising fuel jet prices, Gokongwei took time to explain the situation being faced by the airlines.
“The airline industry is growing very quickly. At the same time, it is very difficult because the price of fuel has gone up tremendously. There’s intense competition given that there are six commercial carriers. But at the end, it’s beneficial to the consumers. That is what it’s all about. The government’s liberalization has created clear benefits to the consumer,” said Gokongwei.
As this developed, CEB said it is set to launch four domestic routes, effectively increasing connectivity within the Philippines.
CEB began thrice weekly Cebu to Coron (Busuanga) services on October 4, providing foreign and local tourists from Cebu and neighboring areas direct access to Coron.
Today, it will launch four times weekly services each from Davao to Butuan and to Dipolog, linking three trade and government centers in Mindanao with approximately hour-long flights.
CEB will also launch thrice weekly flights from Iloilo to Tacloban, kicking off the first of five routes the airline will launch from Iloilo in the second half of 2012. These new routes will utilize CEB’s ATR 72-500 airplanes.
“We are very pleased to expand our Philippine network, especially since these direct flights will boost travel, tourism and trade in different regions of the country. With its trademark low fares and seat sales, Cebu Pacific will continue to enable even more Juans to travel by air to reach their destinations,” said Candice Iyog, vice president for marketing and distribution.
October 4, 2012
By Lenie Lectura
CEBU AIR Inc. said on Tuesday it was offered to take a look at possibly acquiring Zest Airways Inc.
“Cebu Pacific has been approached to indicate its interest in this opportunity. However, any interest which the company may have at this point is at best indicative and non-binding. The company is presently not [conducting] any due diligence on Zest Air,” said the airline in a disclosure to the stock exchange.
Zest Air chairman Ambassador Donald Dee earlier said there are local and foreign carriers interested to invest in Zest Air but nothing has been finalized.
Aside from Cebu Pacific, other airlines are reportedly taking a look at possibly investing into Zest Air are AirAsia Bhd. and Philippine Airlines.
But AirAsia president Maan Hontiveros said, in a chance interview at the Civil Aeronautics Board’s 65th anniversary yesterday, that AirAsia has “nothing to say” [on any possible Zest Air buy-in].
“I haven’t gotten such report. We haven’t done anything. We have nothing to say. I have no comment about the issue. It’s better to ask Zest Air,” she said.
For his part, Cebu Pacific (CEB) president Lance Gokongwei said the Gokongwei-controlled airline will “consider any opportunity” but stressed the airline is not involved in any current discussions.
“We would look at any opportunity if it makes sense with the company and our shareholders. We are not in current discussions with Zest Air,” said Gokongwei.
When he was informed about the statement of Cebu Pacific posted at the stock exchange yesterday Gokongwei said, “This reflects the corporate position of the airline.”
When asked if consolidation in the aviation industry was inevitable amid rising fuel jet prices, Gokongwei took time to explain the situation being faced by the airlines.
“The airline industry is growing very quickly. At the same time, it is very difficult because the price of fuel has gone up tremendously. There’s intense competition given that there are six commercial carriers. But at the end, it’s beneficial to the consumers. That is what it’s all about. The government’s liberalization has created clear benefits to the consumer,” said Gokongwei.
As this developed, CEB said it is set to launch four domestic routes, effectively increasing connectivity within the Philippines.
CEB began thrice weekly Cebu to Coron (Busuanga) services on October 4, providing foreign and local tourists from Cebu and neighboring areas direct access to Coron.
Today, it will launch four times weekly services each from Davao to Butuan and to Dipolog, linking three trade and government centers in Mindanao with approximately hour-long flights.
CEB will also launch thrice weekly flights from Iloilo to Tacloban, kicking off the first of five routes the airline will launch from Iloilo in the second half of 2012. These new routes will utilize CEB’s ATR 72-500 airplanes.
“We are very pleased to expand our Philippine network, especially since these direct flights will boost travel, tourism and trade in different regions of the country. With its trademark low fares and seat sales, Cebu Pacific will continue to enable even more Juans to travel by air to reach their destinations,” said Candice Iyog, vice president for marketing and distribution.
Asia Pacific Passenger Traffic Grows By 6.7% In August 2012
Manila Bulletin
October 4, 2012
MANILA, Philippines — The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) has sustained an increase in international air passenger traffic in August 2012 in contrast to continued weakness in air freight markets.
Asia Pacific airlines carried an aggregate total of 18.5 million international passengers in August, a 6.8% increase compared to the same month last year, led by relatively strong demand for regional travel.
International passenger traffic, measured in revenue passenger kilometre (RPK) terms, grew more by 5.3%. Offered seat capacity expanded by 3.5%, resulting in a 1.4 percentage point increase in the average international passenger load factor to 80.3% for the month.
Air freight markets remain depressed, as a result of weakening consumer confidence in the major developed economies leading to a corresponding slowdown in exports from Asia.
International air cargo demand, as expressed in freight ton kilometre (FTK) terms, was 4.4% lower in August compared to the same month last year.
Combined with a 4.1% reduction in offered freight capacity, the average international air cargo load factor was almost unchanged, at 64.6%.
Commenting on the results, Mr. Andrew Herdman, AAPA director general said: “The overall trend in international air travel demand remains encouraging, as reflected in the 7.9% increase in the number of passengers carried by Asia Pacific based airlines during the first eight months of this year.”
“While the overall pace of global economic activity is clearly slowing, Asian economies have so far remained relatively resilient with domestic demand still supporting business and leisure related travel.”
“However, we are still seeing persistent weakness in air cargo markets, with Asian carriers posting a 4.4% decline in international air cargo demand during the first eight months of the year, with no sign of any upturn.”
“Notwithstanding the evident slowdown in the global economy, oil prices remain high, averaging US$112 per barrel so far this year, further pressuring airline margins and industry profitability,” Herdman added.
October 4, 2012
MANILA, Philippines — The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) has sustained an increase in international air passenger traffic in August 2012 in contrast to continued weakness in air freight markets.
Asia Pacific airlines carried an aggregate total of 18.5 million international passengers in August, a 6.8% increase compared to the same month last year, led by relatively strong demand for regional travel.
International passenger traffic, measured in revenue passenger kilometre (RPK) terms, grew more by 5.3%. Offered seat capacity expanded by 3.5%, resulting in a 1.4 percentage point increase in the average international passenger load factor to 80.3% for the month.
Air freight markets remain depressed, as a result of weakening consumer confidence in the major developed economies leading to a corresponding slowdown in exports from Asia.
International air cargo demand, as expressed in freight ton kilometre (FTK) terms, was 4.4% lower in August compared to the same month last year.
Combined with a 4.1% reduction in offered freight capacity, the average international air cargo load factor was almost unchanged, at 64.6%.
Commenting on the results, Mr. Andrew Herdman, AAPA director general said: “The overall trend in international air travel demand remains encouraging, as reflected in the 7.9% increase in the number of passengers carried by Asia Pacific based airlines during the first eight months of this year.”
“While the overall pace of global economic activity is clearly slowing, Asian economies have so far remained relatively resilient with domestic demand still supporting business and leisure related travel.”
“However, we are still seeing persistent weakness in air cargo markets, with Asian carriers posting a 4.4% decline in international air cargo demand during the first eight months of the year, with no sign of any upturn.”
“Notwithstanding the evident slowdown in the global economy, oil prices remain high, averaging US$112 per barrel so far this year, further pressuring airline margins and industry profitability,” Herdman added.
EASA To Amend Rules On Flight & Duty Time Limitations
Manila Bulletin
October 4, 2012
By Edu Lopez
MANILA, Philippines — The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has proposed some changes in the current EU rules on flight and duty time limitations and rest requirements (FTL) for commercial air transport.
The proposed rules contain more than 30 safety improvements compared to current requirements and introduce new limitations to the way crews can be scheduled.
EASA said the proposed rules take full account of the fact that fatigue is one of the main factors affecting human performance and makes no provision for increased pilot flight hours.
On the contrary, allowed duty periods at night are reduced, rest for flights with time zone crossings is significantly increased, and new rules are introduced for limiting crew standby.
These FTL rules are the final step in a fully transparent rulemaking process, with unprecedented scientific input and public consultation. More than 50 scientific studies were analysed, while all concerned stakeholder groups including flight and cabin crew organizations, airlines and member-state representatives were consulted throughout the process.
Commenting on the proposed rules, EASA Executive Director, Patrick Goudou, said: “These harmonized flight crew duty time rules are based on scientific evidence, risk assessment and best practice. EASA proves once again its commitment to make no compromise with the safety of air passengers in Europe and throughout the world.”
The proposed rules would be finalized by the European Commission and must be approved by member-states, with Parliamentary scrutiny. The new rules are expected to be adopted into EU law after mid-2013 and fully implemented by the end of 2015.
October 4, 2012
By Edu Lopez
MANILA, Philippines — The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has proposed some changes in the current EU rules on flight and duty time limitations and rest requirements (FTL) for commercial air transport.
The proposed rules contain more than 30 safety improvements compared to current requirements and introduce new limitations to the way crews can be scheduled.
EASA said the proposed rules take full account of the fact that fatigue is one of the main factors affecting human performance and makes no provision for increased pilot flight hours.
On the contrary, allowed duty periods at night are reduced, rest for flights with time zone crossings is significantly increased, and new rules are introduced for limiting crew standby.
These FTL rules are the final step in a fully transparent rulemaking process, with unprecedented scientific input and public consultation. More than 50 scientific studies were analysed, while all concerned stakeholder groups including flight and cabin crew organizations, airlines and member-state representatives were consulted throughout the process.
Commenting on the proposed rules, EASA Executive Director, Patrick Goudou, said: “These harmonized flight crew duty time rules are based on scientific evidence, risk assessment and best practice. EASA proves once again its commitment to make no compromise with the safety of air passengers in Europe and throughout the world.”
The proposed rules would be finalized by the European Commission and must be approved by member-states, with Parliamentary scrutiny. The new rules are expected to be adopted into EU law after mid-2013 and fully implemented by the end of 2015.
Cebu Air confirms offer to look at Zest Airways
Business Mirror
October 4, 2012
By Lenie Lectura
CEBU AIR Inc. said on Tuesday it was offered to take a look at possibly acquiring Zest Airways Inc.
“Cebu Pacific has been approached to indicate its interest in this opportunity. However, any interest which the company may have at this point is at best indicative and non-binding. The company is presently not [conducting] any due diligence on Zest Air,” said the airline in a disclosure to the stock exchange.
Zest Air chairman Ambassador Donald Dee earlier said there are local and foreign carriers interested to invest in Zest Air but nothing has been finalized.
Aside from Cebu Pacific, other airlines are reportedly taking a look at possibly investing into Zest Air are AirAsia Bhd. and Philippine Airlines.
But AirAsia president Maan Hontiveros said, in a chance interview at the Civil Aeronautics Board’s 65th anniversary yesterday, that AirAsia has “nothing to say” [on any possible Zest Air buy-in].
“I haven’t gotten such report. We haven’t done anything. We have nothing to say. I have no comment about the issue. It’s better to ask Zest Air,” she said.
For his part, Cebu Pacific (CEB) president Lance Gokongwei said the Gokongwei-controlled airline will “consider any opportunity” but stressed the airline is not involved in any current discussions.
“We would look at any opportunity if it makes sense with the company and our shareholders. We are not in current discussions with Zest Air,” said Gokongwei.
When he was informed about the statement of Cebu Pacific posted at the stock exchange yesterday Gokongwei said, “This reflects the corporate position of the airline.”
When asked if consolidation in the aviation industry was inevitable amid rising fuel jet prices, Gokongwei took time to explain the situation being faced by the airlines.
“The airline industry is growing very quickly. At the same time, it is very difficult because the price of fuel has gone up tremendously. There’s intense competition given that there are six commercial carriers. But at the end, it’s beneficial to the consumers. That is what it’s all about. The government’s liberalization has created clear benefits to the consumer,” said Gokongwei.
As this developed, CEB said it is set to launch four domestic routes, effectively increasing connectivity within the Philippines.
CEB began thrice weekly Cebu to Coron (Busuanga) services on October 4, providing foreign and local tourists from Cebu and neighboring areas direct access to Coron.
Today, it will launch four times weekly services each from Davao to Butuan and to Dipolog, linking three trade and government centers in Mindanao with approximately hour-long flights.
CEB will also launch thrice weekly flights from Iloilo to Tacloban, kicking off the first of five routes the airline will launch from Iloilo in the second half of 2012. These new routes will utilize CEB’s ATR 72-500 airplanes.
“We are very pleased to expand our Philippine network, especially since these direct flights will boost travel, tourism and trade in different regions of the country. With its trademark low fares and seat sales, Cebu Pacific will continue to enable even more Juans to travel by air to reach their destinations,” said Candice Iyog, vice president for marketing and distribution.
October 4, 2012
By Lenie Lectura
CEBU AIR Inc. said on Tuesday it was offered to take a look at possibly acquiring Zest Airways Inc.
“Cebu Pacific has been approached to indicate its interest in this opportunity. However, any interest which the company may have at this point is at best indicative and non-binding. The company is presently not [conducting] any due diligence on Zest Air,” said the airline in a disclosure to the stock exchange.
Zest Air chairman Ambassador Donald Dee earlier said there are local and foreign carriers interested to invest in Zest Air but nothing has been finalized.
Aside from Cebu Pacific, other airlines are reportedly taking a look at possibly investing into Zest Air are AirAsia Bhd. and Philippine Airlines.
But AirAsia president Maan Hontiveros said, in a chance interview at the Civil Aeronautics Board’s 65th anniversary yesterday, that AirAsia has “nothing to say” [on any possible Zest Air buy-in].
“I haven’t gotten such report. We haven’t done anything. We have nothing to say. I have no comment about the issue. It’s better to ask Zest Air,” she said.
For his part, Cebu Pacific (CEB) president Lance Gokongwei said the Gokongwei-controlled airline will “consider any opportunity” but stressed the airline is not involved in any current discussions.
“We would look at any opportunity if it makes sense with the company and our shareholders. We are not in current discussions with Zest Air,” said Gokongwei.
When he was informed about the statement of Cebu Pacific posted at the stock exchange yesterday Gokongwei said, “This reflects the corporate position of the airline.”
When asked if consolidation in the aviation industry was inevitable amid rising fuel jet prices, Gokongwei took time to explain the situation being faced by the airlines.
“The airline industry is growing very quickly. At the same time, it is very difficult because the price of fuel has gone up tremendously. There’s intense competition given that there are six commercial carriers. But at the end, it’s beneficial to the consumers. That is what it’s all about. The government’s liberalization has created clear benefits to the consumer,” said Gokongwei.
As this developed, CEB said it is set to launch four domestic routes, effectively increasing connectivity within the Philippines.
CEB began thrice weekly Cebu to Coron (Busuanga) services on October 4, providing foreign and local tourists from Cebu and neighboring areas direct access to Coron.
Today, it will launch four times weekly services each from Davao to Butuan and to Dipolog, linking three trade and government centers in Mindanao with approximately hour-long flights.
CEB will also launch thrice weekly flights from Iloilo to Tacloban, kicking off the first of five routes the airline will launch from Iloilo in the second half of 2012. These new routes will utilize CEB’s ATR 72-500 airplanes.
“We are very pleased to expand our Philippine network, especially since these direct flights will boost travel, tourism and trade in different regions of the country. With its trademark low fares and seat sales, Cebu Pacific will continue to enable even more Juans to travel by air to reach their destinations,” said Candice Iyog, vice president for marketing and distribution.
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