Philippine Aviation Thread - 2019

SQ22 · Mon Dec 31, 2018 6:00 pm

Welcome to the Philippine aviation thread for 2019. Please continue to post your updates and to add your comments here.

Link to previous thread of 2018:

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1382523

Akiestar · Tue Jan 01, 2019 1:28 am

Happy New Year, everyone!

For our first bit of news, it looks like MRQ (Marinduque) will finally receive regular air service after nearly a decade, with 5J promising to start flights by March 31 (link in Tagalog/Filipino).

Finally, it'll be possible for me to fly MNL-MRQ again! :lol:

azyazy · Tue Jan 01, 2019 2:13 am

RP-C9936 has been delivered last night! Last of the 6 A321neo.

SleeplessInZh · Tue Jan 01, 2019 4:49 am

Happy new year Philippines.

PR77W · Tue Jan 01, 2019 10:55 am

Happy New Year and welcome 2019!

Just want to post what I saw from page 192 of the December issue of Mabuhay Magazine.

6 New Aircraft Joining PAL fleet.

2 Airbus A321neo (ACF)
2 Airbus A350-900
2 Bombardier Q400

Aside from new aircraft other noteworthy news are the following.

New PAL Inflight Training Center.
New Mabuhay Lounge at Terminal 1 of MNL.
Enhanced MyPal Wi-fi internet.
More destinations from Cebu, Clark and Mania.

Can't wait for what is installed this year!

Philippine747 · Wed Jan 02, 2019 11:19 am

PR is planning to launch TLV soon in 1Q of this year. Good move, considering the demand from pilgrims and a limited number of OFWs. I wonder what aircraft they'll use, maybe a tri-class A333? I'm interested to see how this will pan out.

Another interesting note from the article:

Tamayo added that the Philippines was currently working on securing a final agreement with Saudi Arabia to use the latter’s airspace. This, he said, would cut flights to Tel Aviv by more than an hour.

In the future, this could give PR an advantage on the Israel-Asia market, considering the fact that El Al needs to make a detour when flying to BKK and HKG.

Akiestar · Wed Jan 02, 2019 3:37 pm

Philippine747 wrote:
PR is planning to launch TLV soon in 1Q of this year. Good move, considering the demand from pilgrims and a limited number of OFWs.

There are 30,000 Filipinos in Israel, and growing. The POEA announced it was direct-hiring (government-to-government) around 2,000 OFWs for jobs in Israel a few weeks ago. While smaller than most other OFW markets, I wouldn't say it's that small.

Philippine747 wrote:
Another interesting note from the article:

Tamayo added that the Philippines was currently working on securing a final agreement with Saudi Arabia to use the latter’s airspace. This, he said, would cut flights to Tel Aviv by more than an hour.

In the future, this could give PR an advantage on the Israel-Asia market, considering the fact that El Al needs to make a detour when flying to BKK and HKG.

I wonder how PR will promote MNL as a hub given that MNL only makes sense as a connecting hub for Australia and certain points in Asia (chiefly Japan, Taiwan, Korea and northern China) without requiring a significant amount of backtracking.

Devilfish · Wed Jan 02, 2019 5:25 pm

PR77W wrote:
More destinations from Cebu, Clark and Mania.

http://philippineairspace.blogspot.com/ ... a-hub.html

azyazy wrote:
RP-C9936 has been delivered last night! Last of the 6 A321neo.

This they will also likely use for the MNL-BOM sector in the future..... :airplane:

.....

https://centreforaviation.com/analysis/ ... ows-445347

I wonder if PAL would consider flying to AKL via POM using the A321..... :scratchchin:

.....

http://www.gcmap.com/mapui?P=MNL-BOM/DE ... -AKL&DU=nm

Philippine747 wrote:
I wonder what aircraft they'll use, maybe a tri-class A333? I'm interested to see how this will pan out.

PAL's refurbished A330s may still be too much plane for MNL-TLV's nascent market, although they would likely use it with some seats blocked. This is why I continue to be intrigued by the A338neo's projected certification in mid-2019. Short of that, there may still be a few unplaced end-of-line A332's with lessors. BTW, PR's latest A359 was supposed to have its first flight last Friday. Has anyone seen any picture of it with engines installed?

In the spirit of fair play...we also note here these opinion pieces regarding the aviation options available to the Government.....

https://www.philstar.com/business/2018/ ... angi-clark

https://www.philstar.com/business/2019/ ... s-contract

Devilfish · Wed Jan 02, 2019 7:59 pm

PR77W wrote:
2 Airbus A321neo (ACF)

As mentioned above...the last of the six (2 ACT) version was already delivered. Although more A321Ns are still expected.

PR77W wrote:
New Mabuhay Lounge at Terminal 1 of MNL.

Any link to construction progress photos or pictures of the completed lounge? A new, expanded and upgraded Mabuhay Lounge would certainly enhance their traveling customers' experience when PR eventually transfer all of their international operations (& maybe a few domestic ones) to NAIA Terminal 1..... :veryhappy:

PR77W wrote:
More destinations from Cebu, Clark and Mania.

In addition...daily CEB-NGO service by March 2019...not to mention the oft-rumored sundry other places..... :thumbsup:

.....

https://www.philippineairlines.com/Abou ... cebu-daily

Philippine747 wrote:
In the future, this could give PR an advantage on the Israel-Asia market, considering the fact that El Al needs to make a detour when flying to BKK and HKG.

LY would probably let PR have the nonstop O/D traffic and not bother to fly their own metal on this price-sensitive and strict security route.

Akiestar wrote:
I wonder how PR will promote MNL as a hub given that MNL only makes sense as a connecting hub for Australia and certain points in Asia

Not just OZ. With GMR involved, I can see CRK & CEB being marketed as interesting transit points too on the way to Kiwiland and Oceania.

azyazy · Wed Jan 02, 2019 11:59 pm

Devilfish wrote:
PR77W wrote:
More destinations from Cebu, Clark and Mania.

http://philippineairspace.blogspot.com/ ... a-hub.html

azyazy wrote:
RP-C9936 has been delivered last night! Last of the 6 A321neo.

This they will also likely use for the MNL-BOM sector in the future..... .....

https://centreforaviation.com/analysis/ ... ows-445347

I wonder if PAL would consider flying to AKL via POM using the A321..... .....

http://www.gcmap.com/mapui?P=MNL-BOM/DE ... -AKL&DU=nm

Should PR have success with DEL, BOM would most likely be flown in the future. Then what about PER and MLE? I’m quite surprised with PR’s intention to fly MLE. I wish PR’s success with CTS. I do hope they do extremely well and eventually increase to daily ops. Would the 6 A21N frames be enough if all destinations currently being served are increased to daily frequencies?

Re: MNLPOMAKL
I don’t think they’ll revert AKL to a one stop service, did they eliminate CNS stop to differentiate their service from other one stop carriers.

On another note, QR bought 5% stake in CZ which quite shows the direction where CZ is going in terms of alliance (but not 100% of course). If CZ does join OW, it would be too much for PR (let’s say they would be invited in future), as much as I want them with OW, I think it (PR) is better of with ST.

Philippine747 · Fri Jan 04, 2019 8:13 am

Devilfish wrote:
PAL's refurbished A330s may still be too much plane for MNL-TLV's nascent market, although they would likely use it with some seats blocked. This is why I continue to be intrigued by the A338neo's projected certification in mid-2019. Short of that, there may still be a few unplaced end-of-line A332's with lessors.

I think PAL could strike up some deals with tour operators, especially those who cater to the pilgrimages

On the other hand, if PAL decides to keep TLV as a seasonal service, say for the Holy Week, they can probably reactivate one A340. It's the smallest aircraft that can fly the route non-stop. Adding some A332s would also be a good idea, good for routes where capacity is too small for an A21N, but too big for a new-config A333.

Devilfish wrote:
LY would probably let PR have the nonstop O/D traffic and not bother to fly their own metal on this price-sensitive and strict security route.

True, and in return, PAL can funnel some traffic to Europe via TL.

Regarding PR's intentions to serve MLE... It's probably catering to Filipino tourist demand, as the Maldives is becoming a "bucket list" destination. Filipinos only require a visa on arrival upon entering the Maldives. On the other hand, they can also take advantage of traffic from the US/Canada flights.

jetsetterusa · Fri Jan 04, 2019 11:42 am

PR77W wrote:
Happy New Year and welcome 2019!

Just want to post what I saw from page 192 of the December issue of Mabuhay Magazine.

6 New Aircraft Joining PAL fleet.

2 Airbus A321neo (ACF)
2 Airbus A350-900
2 Bombardier Q400

Aside from new aircraft other noteworthy news are the following.

New PAL Inflight Training Center.
New Mabuhay Lounge at Terminal 1 of MNL.
Enhanced MyPal Wi-fi internet.
More destinations from Cebu, Clark and Mania.

Can't wait for what is installed this year!

I hope they fix the wi-fi where its Unlimited for the flight because paying $20 for so-called for the full flight and only get what a 150MB or something like that I use that within 3 minutes waste of my money I wish I would go to unlimited because who uses only 150MB

kim1026 · Fri Jan 04, 2019 6:58 pm

Belated happy new year airliners.net!

Im soo excited for PAL's ACF A321neo and 2 A350s.. and their new Mabuhay Lounge.

Meanwhile CRK is being built pretty fast... best case scenario, they open it in Dec 2019 in time for SEA games (probably not going to happen though)

SleeplessInZh · Sat Jan 05, 2019 9:51 pm

I'm extremely excited about pals skytrax placement this year.im wondering how they will place in the ranking.i'm expecting a big jump in the ranking placed between malaysian and china airlines.also, if they'll get the most improved airline award.im also excited if they'll pull out the "6 other options" for A359s.
Happy new year kim

Akiestar · Mon Jan 07, 2019 3:12 pm

The Points Guy just covered PR's Mabuhay Class on the A350, and they are mightily impressed.

While the facilities at MNL remain sub-par (something that can't be solely blamed on the airline, obviously), this should bide well for those looking for more business class options from the U.S.

SleeplessInZh · Tue Jan 08, 2019 7:19 am

Pal officially announced Hanoi (Vietnam),Phnom Penh (Cambodia),and Dehli (India) as new asian destinations=>fb page: philippineairlines

SleeplessInZh · Tue Jan 08, 2019 7:43 am

I was extremely surprised by han and phn,but this 2 routes will grow by time.manila has a strategical location for south east asia from north america/north asia.same as a transit point from west/north asia to the pacific islands like palau or polynesia/oceania.they just need to take over this.

SleeplessInZh · Tue Jan 08, 2019 7:45 am

French polynesia should be served,once paris is open.
Male should be served via colombo for the beginning

flyingdoc787 · Tue Jan 08, 2019 9:51 pm

Just wanted to share this... I’ve been wanting to see this for the longest time and I’m so happy someone posted it on YouTube. PAL, bring back the KISS on the A350! Please?
https://youtu.be/wXvYxc1Vt0g

docjowl · Wed Jan 09, 2019 8:12 am

Following this thread for the past year, but it's my first time to post. Something new for the New Year! :-)

The news on PAL's strategic investor is up again. This has been in the media for so long but no mention of any investor name.

Curious on who is this investor. ANA maybe or QR?

https://www.bworldonline.com/pal-eyes-d ... within-q1/

SleeplessInZh · Wed Jan 09, 2019 2:00 pm

The lovebus...not airbus.lol.
I can see this design on the plane,just a more modern "kiss" design.perhaps like swiss on their B777 (with the people),something like that,but with red lips

SleeplessInZh · Thu Jan 10, 2019 3:20 am

The investor can also be the city of dreams casino.maybe from japan.im excited for that!

SleeplessInZh · Fri Jan 11, 2019 5:27 pm

https://youtu.be/VuRzRaEYIek

Josh next review is out!Premium Economy LHR-MNL

SleeplessInZh · Sat Jan 12, 2019 3:57 am

That is the review im looking for.the premium economy review out of london.what more else i can wish for.haha.im planning to do it with a group

Akiestar · Sat Jan 12, 2019 6:39 am

This is new: 5J is introducing a piece system for all its flights!

I get operational efficiencies, but I wonder how people will respond to this.

Akiestar · Sun Jan 13, 2019 9:51 am

Saw this on Wikipedia, and it looks legit: AE is starting RMQ-MNL starting April 1st. (RMQ is Taichung, Taiwan, for those who don't know.)

English-language publications have yet to pick this news up, but Chinese-language publications in Taiwan have, and based on what I've seen, they've been hyping on about the new opportunities this will bring, particularly for tourist traffic on both sides.

Devilfish · Sun Jan 13, 2019 8:39 pm

Photo update.....construction is progressing well at CRK's new Terminal 2..... :thumbsup:

..... from SkyscraperCity.....

source: @ctto Bulingit Adel

https://scontent.fmnl17-1.fna.fbcdn.net ... e=5CD109E6

https://scontent.fmnl17-1.fna.fbcdn.net ... e=5CD4E4E1

https://scontent.fmnl17-1.fna.fbcdn.net ... e=5CBE79D9

https://scontent.fmnl17-1.fna.fbcdn.net ... e=5CCD371C

https://scontent.fmnl17-1.fna.fbcdn.net ... e=5CD68135

posted by: @mrwhitepatch

The PPP Investment Coordination Committee is to decide on GMR/Megawide's MCIA IADP unsolicited proposal next year.....

source: @222.st

https://instagram.fruh4-4.fna.fbcdn.net ... .fbcdn.net

source: @ticktockuntilournextstop

https://instagram.fruh4-4.fna.fbcdn.net ... .fbcdn.net

posted by: @diehardbisdak

Might be better if they'd just focus on building the Central Concourse Extension for now to address the immediate growth needs of CEB. :idea:

PR77W · Mon Jan 14, 2019 2:28 pm

I have been following the progress of MCIA at Skyscrapercity and currently T1 the old terminal is being renovated which will have is said to own distinct design that is different from T2 inspired by the natural surroundings of Cebu. Additionally PAL (GAP included), and ATX are know moving to the south wing while CEB, SRQ and APG will remain at the north wing, (Old domestic area).

Diagram of airlines departure assignment are available at page 1307.
https://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthre ... 1307&amp=1

SleeplessInZh · Mon Jan 14, 2019 8:19 pm

So pal is aiming to improve technology...which means a better and improved ife content, i guess.more updates on this?
=>caap

SleeplessInZh · Wed Jan 16, 2019 1:35 am

Did someone notice that pal gained a star in skytrax (ife)

carlokiii · Thu Jan 17, 2019 3:09 am

Looks like the Love Bus returns on PAL’s 5th A350.

@Airbus on Twitter:

WOWW! We're working on a special livery for one of our longest-standing customers! Can you guess who? It's an #A350! Watch this space! #LongRangeLeader

Devilfish · Thu Jan 17, 2019 4:29 am

carlokiii wrote:
Looks like the Love Bus returns on PAL’s 5th A350.

Thanks for posting. That fuse art would look absolutely SMASHING on an A338neo :!:

flyingdoc787 · Thu Jan 17, 2019 6:56 am

Salamat PAL and Airbus! Thank you for bringing back the Love Bus! MWAH!

PR77W · Thu Jan 17, 2019 11:28 am

Can't wait to see what will it look liked on the A350-900.

737307 · Thu Jan 17, 2019 3:15 pm

Any reason CX not flying to PPS and TAG?

SleeplessInZh · Thu Jan 17, 2019 5:22 pm

Wah the love bus!lovelovelove

Devilfish · Thu Jan 17, 2019 5:26 pm

Wouldn't it be nice if the Love Bus nose art will also be applied on PR's 6th A359? :cloudnine:

But I hope they would modify the rest of the retro livery to bring it up to date. :crossfingers:

SleeplessInZh · Thu Jan 17, 2019 5:34 pm

Would like to see 2 359 in that special livery.
Needless to say,they need atleast 12 A359,if joining one world 2 A359 can be painted in oneworld livery.

but lets wait for that and see...

Yes devilfish,i hope its an updated Lovebus 2019- look.

LurveBus · Thu Jan 17, 2019 7:43 pm

carlokiii wrote:
Looks like the Love Bus returns on PAL’s 5th A350.

@Airbus on Twitter:
WOWW! We're working on a special livery for one of our longest-standing customers! Can you guess who? It's an #A350! Watch this space! #LongRangeLeader

In case anyone was wondering where my username comes from lol.

Devilfish · Thu Jan 17, 2019 10:17 pm

LurveBus wrote:
In case anyone was wondering where my username comes from lol.

From this

.....

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3726/898 ... db3b_b.jpg

Imeldific's legacy lives on :!:

.....

Philippine747 · Fri Jan 18, 2019 1:16 pm

Dieuwer wrote:
Any reason CX not flying to PPS and TAG?

CX indirectly serves TAG through its CEB service. One of the preferred modes of transportation to the island is through the fastcraft from Cebu to Tagbilaran, which only takes two to three hours. It's relatively cheap too.

As for PPS, its not as popular as El Nido, Coron or Boracay. However, in recent years, scheduled service to Korea and Taiwan has been added. PPS can handle Cathay's A330s, but I feel that is a market that Cathay Dragon would serve.

carlokiii wrote:
Looks like the Love Bus returns on PAL’s 5th A350.

From one source on Twitter, RP-C3507 has the current tail and winglets as photographed on its way to the paintshop. Hopefully they'll repaint it...

Devilfish · Fri Jan 18, 2019 5:05 pm

Philippine747 wrote:
From one source on Twitter, RP-C3507 has the current tail and winglets as photographed on its way to the paintshop. Hopefully they'll repaint it...

I would rather they do not. Those are iconic, classy, quite nice, and will blend well with the 'Love Bus' nose art.....

.....

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7910/465 ... d31015.jpg

Something old, something new, something borrowed...you get the idea. OTOH, the PAL A300 livery is very dated, unsuitable, and does not convey the forward-looking thrust of the carrier into the modern age. :old:

flyingdoc787 · Sat Jan 19, 2019 3:00 am

I think there’s some baggage (political) attached to the old logo and livery, so they probably won’t use it. The current logo was introduced right after the 1986 People Power Revolution to symbolize a break from the past and a new beginning. (Or was the timing just coincidence and they were really planning to rebrand anyway?)
In any case, “Love Bus” and the kiss mark would look sharp on the current livery.
When are they introducing the plane? Valentine’s Day? Haha! That would be perfect!

Philippine747 · Sat Jan 19, 2019 9:37 am

Devilfish wrote:
Philippine747 wrote:
From one source on Twitter, RP-C3507 has the current tail and winglets as photographed on its way to the paintshop. Hopefully they'll repaint it...

I would rather they do not. Those are iconic, classy, quite nice, and will blend well with the 'Love Bus' nose art..... .....

Something old, something new, something borrowed...you get the idea. OTOH, the PAL A300 livery is very dated, unsuitable, and does not convey the forward-looking thrust of the carrier into the modern age.

Good take on it. I'm more of a purist when it comes to these, things, so it's all or nothing for me. Let's see how it turns out though...

flyingdoc787 wrote:
I think there’s some baggage (political) attached to the old logo and livery, so they probably won’t use it. The current logo was introduced right after the 1986 People Power Revolution to symbolize a break from the past and a new beginning. (Or was the timing just coincidence and they were really planning to rebrand anyway?)
In any case, “Love Bus” and the kiss mark would look sharp on the current livery.
When are they introducing the plane? Valentine’s Day? Haha! That would be perfect!

Well, after the EDSA revolution, PAL was under new management (PR was still state-owned). The new management began to clean up the mess created under the Marcoses, and part of it was the rebranding which created the current livery.

Devilfish · Sat Jan 19, 2019 2:38 pm

Philippine747 wrote:
I'm more of a purist when it comes to these, things, so it's all or nothing for me.

Yeah...me too. IMO, PR missed its stab at a classic retro scheme with the ex-IB A340..... :expressionless:

.....

The upcoming livery is more of a brand refresh. :veryhappy:

Philippine747 wrote:
The new management began to clean up the mess created under the Marcoses, and part of it was the rebranding which created the current livery.

Recall that LT was closely identified with them, so there is that.

Devilfish · Sun Jan 20, 2019 6:51 am

From the A320N Family P&D thread...screenshot of 5J A321neo RP-C4118 on its delivery flight...thanks to qf789 for posting the link......

https://screenshots.firefox.com/VVQZmtO ... ly.flights

photo copyright @ XFWSPOT

cityairline · Sun Jan 20, 2019 8:39 am

MNL increased the number of passengers during 2018 by 7% to pass 45 million! I find this impressive as it has been done mostly without adding flights.
Bigger aircraft (A321s replacing A320s) at both PR and 5J, together with higher load factors has enabled this growth of 3 million passengers!

Domestic: 22,124,518 (+5%)
International: 22,958,026 (+9%)
Total: 45,082,544 (+7%)

Devilfish · Sun Jan 20, 2019 11:52 pm

In the news...PAL urges speedy development of SGL so their smaller planes could land there.....

https://www.philstar.com/business/2019/ ... evelopment

https://businessmirror.com.ph/pal-asks- ... t-network/

Meanwhile, CRK is bracing for a labor action over workers' unmet demands.....

https://business.inquirer.net/263949/st ... rk-airport

https://business.inquirer.net/wp-conten ... 20x242.jpg

Devilfish · Mon Jan 21, 2019 4:29 pm

Airbus' press release on 5J's first A321N..... :airplane:

.....

https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-r ... 21neo.html

And now, on Flightglobal too.....

https://www.flightglobal.com/news/artic ... eo-455149/

Can't wait for PR's A359 "Love Bus" to break cover..... :hyper:

SleeplessInZh · Mon Jan 21, 2019 5:37 pm

45 million and growing as a tourist hub, is a lot for a congested airport.thats like the volume of mexico city (47million, 2018).its like "too late" for manila:(

they needed to build a new airport 10 years ago:(

imagine the chaos @ naia in 2020.

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