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Malaysian airline Capital A records load factor of 88 pct in FY2023
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Malaysian airline group Capital A, formerly AirAsia, has achieved a robust group load factor of 88 percent for the fiscal year of 2023, a year-on-year increase of 5 percentage points. Capital A said in a statement on Wednesday that the load factor showed the return of strong travel demand, which was aligned with the group's effort to inject capacity back into the market and rein.....»»
AirAsia reaps recognition as top 20 safest low-cost carrier and No. 1 best low-cost airline
TWO recognitions that highlight the airline’s high regard for the safety of its guests were received by AirAsia at the start of the year, thus opening 2024 with a big bang. It was learned that AirlineRatings.com, the world’s only safety and product rating agency has hailed AirAsia Group (AirAsia Philippines, AirAsia Malaysia, AirAsia Thailand, and […].....»»
AirAsia’s woes
Just recently, Malaysia-based budget airline AirAsia’s co-founder Tony Fernandes found himself at the receiving end of a huge blowback after sharing a photo of himself receiving a massage while shirtless during a management meeting......»»
AirAsia Phl all set for long Undas weekend
AirAsia Philippines on Friday, 27 October, assured all its guests flying to various provinces for the observance of All Souls' Day and All Saints' Day of a smooth and on-time customer journey at NAIA Terminal 2. AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricky Isla and Manila International Airport Authority OIC Bryan Co, along with other airport officials, conducted an inspection of AirAsia check-in counters, kiosks, and boarding gates at NAIA Terminal 2 to demonstrate the airline's readiness for Undas and the long weekend. The airline expects to operate more than 700 domestic flights and carry more than 90,000 guests from 27 October to 1 November. This is 8 percent higher than the figures for the same period in 2022, with all domestic destinations averaging 90 to 93 percent passenger load. In order to effectively handle the influx of guests, four customer happiness counters in addition to the 20 check-in stations were activated. In addition, four self-check-in kiosks are provided to make contactless check-in easier, particularly for passengers who aren't checking bags. "We would like to guarantee our guests a smooth journey this holiday as they travel to their provinces and fly back to Manila. We have activated all and even augmented our ground operations staff to man the check-in counters without breaks. This exercise will also support MIAA's positive on-time performance," Isla said. AirAsia Philippines is closing the month of October with a positive 90 percent on-time performance. "With the commitment of our airline and industry partners, we aim to maintain our strong OTP record from the long weekend rush this year. Our objective is to minimize crowding in passenger and aircraft movement areas through the timely dispatch of flights. We're striving to establish this as a norm at NAIA. Thanks to our partnerships with airlines and government agencies, passengers are starting to notice a positive shift in NAIA operations," shared Co. To avoid being stuck in the traffic rush, AirAsia Philippines is encouraging all its guests to allot extra travel time, at least three to four hours before their flight schedule. Guests are also advised to regularly check their mobile and email accounts or visit the AirAsia Superapp, the AirAsia website (www.airasia.com), and AirAsia social media channels for the latest travel advisories. The post AirAsia Phl all set for long Undas weekend appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Jenny’ onslaught cancels AirAsia flight
AirAsia Philippines on Wednesday announced that it has canceled the Manila-Kaohsiung-Manila flight on 5 October 2023 due to the onslaught of tropical storm “Jenny.” In a statement, AirAsia flights Z2132 MNL-KHH and Z2133 KHH-MNL were canceled and according to AirAsia PH Communications and Public Affairs country head First Officer Steve Dailisan said that due to the weather disruption, flight changes are being made as a preventative measure. Various meteorological models predict that typhoon “Jenny” will move through Taiwan between 2 a.m. on 5 October and 2 a.m. on the following day. On these flights, affected guests have already received notifications through registered email and SMS. The airline will keep an eye on events and change flights as required. Dailisan added that AirAsia is also providing options available to its guests whose flights have been canceled or delayed longer than three hours. Guests can use AirAsia Superapp or AirAsia.com to make modifications to their reservations online. Simply follow the on-screen directions to make modifications to your booking after selecting “Booking Changes” from the list of possible categories, then “Flight Change,” and lastly “My flight was changed by AirAsia.” The post ‘Jenny’ onslaught cancels AirAsia flight appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Air transport flying to recovery
Global air transport traffic has recovered from the Covid-19 pandemic, with airlines operating at 94.2 percent, data from the International Air Transport Association showed. In the Asian region, AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes said the airline is fully reactivating its 204 aircraft after “seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.” Fernandes announced after renewing AirAsia’s long-term agreement with CFM International. CFM’s focus on improving fleet stability on site and 24/7 virtual monitoring of AirAsia’s LEAP-1A engine operation provides a crucial catalyst for AirAsia to reinstate its full fleet across the group. The company boasts of making enormous strides in bringing back their planes and restarting their operations, balancing a mismatch between the cost of 204 airplanes and the revenue of flying 143 planes on average this year. On Thursday, they brought back the 175 planes. The CFM’s fleet stability support is a vital catalyst for them to return to full activation. He is proud of Asia Digital Engineering, their engineering facility. He wants to thank every one of their engineers for doing the day-to-day work and focusing on the group’s aircraft reactivation work. They also look forward to fourth-quarter results, when they will see the actual performance of AirAsia with the full fleet. AirAsia Aviation Group CEO Bo Lingam said they are delighted with the latest developments with their engine supplier and service provider. This will accelerate their plan to bring capacity back. This will allow for higher utilization of planes with less downtime, more consistent flight schedules with better on-time performance, and more efficient use of spares with our engineering arm, ADE. This bodes well for their commitment to safety, reliability, and operational excellence. With CFM’s strong focus on fleet stability and services, support is a catalyst for enabling AirAsia to operate its LEAP engine fleet longer and helping the airline reduce maintenance costs and operational expenses. CMF International president and CEO Gaël Méheust said that AirAsia has been a valuable CFM customer for nearly two decades, and they are delighted to support them and their plans to reactivate their fleet fully. They take AirAsia’s trust as a great responsibility to support their fleet with high-level CFM standards. Méheust added that AirAsia looks forward to capitalizing on this achievement as the airline reinstates its 204 aircraft fleet and expands to more than 300 aircraft in the next five years as it continues to connect people across ASEAN and beyond with affordable and best-value travel options. The post Air transport flying to recovery appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Masks no longer mandatory on AirAsia Phl flights
AirAsia Philippines said on Monday that wearing masks will no longer be required on all domestic flights. This is in response to the national government's decision to revoke the state of public health emergency under Presidential Proclamation 297, which was endorsed by Department Order 2023-017 of the Department of Transportation. Meanwhile, wearing masks for international flights shall remain subject to the existing health protocols in passengers’ country of destination. Only Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan have lifted the mandatory use of masks as early as Q1 2023. Despite dropping the mask policy, AirAsia PH remains committed to adhering to the highest standards of safety on all its flights. Deep cleaning AirAsia PH Country Head for Communications and Public Affairs and spokesperson Steve Dailisan said deep cleaning and aircraft sanitation will still be in effect on every flight. This way, guests will have peace of mind and confidence as air travel returns to normalcy. Dailisan stressed that there is no room for complacency in the airline business. They want their guests to feel secure when they fly with AirAsia. Although it is no longer a policy, guests and crew may still opt to wear masks whenever they deem it necessary. However, the airline also wants to reiterate that its aircraft are equipped with High-Efficiency Particulate Air filters, which filter and block 99.97 percent of airborne particles, including known bacteria and viruses. Removal of shoes In order to improve security, airport authorities have mandated that shoes be removed at the last x-ray screening in the airport. AirAsia PH is requesting that its guests be more patient about this matter. Dailisan also stressed that AirAsia will always support any activities or protocols that enhance safety and security among all industry stakeholders. This additional layer of security screening should be viewed as a deterrent to illegal activities and other threats, especially now that air travel is on the rebound. To entice more guests to revisit their travel bucket list, AirAsia PH is connecting everyone to more experiences with “FlyThru.” From 24 July to 30 September 2023, guests can book a P257 one-way base fare for domestic and international flights and P2,293 for other international destinations flying through Kuala Lumpur, such as Sydney, Perth and Melbourne, for travels from 24 July to 30 September 2023. AirAsia PH is also reminding its guests to allot an allowance of at least three hours for domestic travel and four hours for international travel. The airline is also informing its guests that NAIA Terminal 2 is AirAsia’s new domestic terminal while maintaining NAIA Terminal 3 for international flights. Meanwhile, all travel advisories and other information regarding flight schedules are regularly updated and posted via the AirAsia travel safety website. The post Masks no longer mandatory on AirAsia Phl flights appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
MIAA reports NAIA passenger volume, flight activity increases
The Manila International Airport Authority has reported that in the first half of this year, passenger volume and flight activity in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport has substantially increased. From January to June 2023, MIAA recorded a combined total of 22,221,933 international and domestic passengers, or a rise of 78 percent over the same period in 2018 and only 8 percent less than pre-pandemic levels in 2019. On the other hand, the number of flight movements was recorded at 135,883, which is 100 percent of flights handled at NAIA during the first half of 2019 and an increase of 42 percent compared to the same period in 2022. Strong indication MIAA Officer-in-Charge Bryan Co said the Authority is pleased to experience these surges in statistics, a strong indication that passengers have regained the confidence to travel again. The double-digit surge in flight movements and passenger volume is enough ground for optimism that the aviation industry is steadily heading toward full recovery. Co added that when comparing the first two quarters of this year, the 11,357,156 passengers who flew from and to NAIA from April to June indicate a 5 percent growth over the 10,864,777 passenger volume in the first quarter. MIAA also saw a two percent uptick in flight movement, with 68,689 flights handled in the second quarter of this year, up from 67,194 flights handled from January to March of this year. Moreover, a close look at this year’s international and domestic figures indicates a notable boost in international passengers in June at 1,752,098, accounting for 82 percent of June 2019’s figures, compared to January’s international foot traffic which is equivalent to 74 percent of January 2019’s tally. Consistent strength Meanwhile, domestic operations in the first half of 2023 demonstrate consistent strength, outperforming the flight movement and passenger volume of the same period in 2019. The acting NAIA chief also said that comforted by the consistent growth in numbers, with airlines introducing new routes, and with new airline players coming in, the MIAA will pursue without let up “our improvement projects, especially those that would highly impact the passenger experience inside and outside of the terminals.” MIAA recently completed its Schedule and Terminal Assignment Rationalisation, or STAR, program aimed at optimising the capacity of the four NAIA terminals. The STAR program entails the reassignment of some international airlines from NAIA Terminal 1 to NAIA Terminal 3 and the moving of all Philippine Airlines international flights to NAIA Terminal 1. This strategy paved the way for confining international flight operations to only NAIA Terminals 1 and 3, while NAIA Terminal 2 became a purely domestic terminal, together with NAIA Terminal 4, which caters to turboprop operations. This also benefitted partner agencies like the Bureau of Immigration, Bureau of Customs, and Bureau of Quarantine, as their NAIA Terminal 2 personnel are now re-deployed to NAIA Terminals 1 and 3, thereby ensuring full manning of their counters in the two terminals. All PAL domestic flights NAIA Terminal 2 now services all domestic flights of PAL, AirAsia Philippines, and Royal Air Philippines, accommodating some 10 million passengers per year, and up from its design capacity of 7.5 million passengers per year. The removal of immigration counters and other infrastructure mandated for international flight operations provided the needed space for unhampered passenger movement inside the terminal. Domestic AirAsia and Royal Air passengers, who account for around 10,000 passengers per day on average, now have more space at NAIA Terminal 2. This change also reduces congestion at NAIA Terminal 4 by 75 percent, providing adequate space for Cebgo, AirSwift and Sunlight Air passengers. STAR program The implementation of the STAR program has brought an increased number of passengers to NAIA Terminal 3, which is why MIAA stayed true to its commitment to the Bureau of Immigration to expand the agency’s work area in the terminal. From the 26 immigration counters at the start of 2023, MIAA has successfully added 18 more counters, placing the number to date at 44 departure immigration counters for NAIA Terminal 3. By the end of 2023, MIAA hopes to further deliver on its commitment to complete the construction of an immigration annex adjacent to BI’s existing location at the departure level. Once in place, an additional 24 counters will become available to service OFWs, senior citizens, differently or specially-abled persons, pregnant women, diplomats, and other passengers needing special handling. The post MIAA reports NAIA passenger volume, flight activity increases appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
AirAsia extends reach into new businesses
By Kathryn Jose and Ma. Pamela DJ. Pascual Kuala Lumpur-based AirAsia hinted at launching its food service in the Philippines soon through its Super App as the company diversifies beyond airline services. “Something related to food might be introduced very soon here in the Philippines. We’re also excited to launch that partnership here. That’s happening very soon, probably in a month or two,” Triciah Terada, AirAsia’s Super App communications and public relations manager, said at the launch of the company’s travel campaign in the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. This was part of the company’s response to questions from the media about the availability of dine-in reservation feature on its Super App for the Philippine-based restaurants. Currently, this is offered in the airline’s partner restaurants in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. Panda tie-up “For the dine-in reservation feature, we can’t say for now when it’s going to be available in the Philippines,” Terada said. AirAsia had also announced that it tapped foodpanda, an app-based food delivery provider, to serve consumers in the overseas markets. In the Philippines, however, AirAsia Super App currently only allows bookings for flights, hotels and bus and ferry rides to various tourist destinations in the country, along with the distribution of rewards and a shopping feature. “AirAsia transport lets you book ferry bus rides, especially during peak seasons. With the Super App, you can select a schedule and your preferred bus company for air and sea transport,” Terada explained. Aside from these, AirAsia said it is also looking forward to bringing its app’s ride-hailing service. “We look at it as a growth area for our Super App and we’ve been talking with the government to get our license. Hopefully in due time, we will bring it here in the Philippines,” Ray Berja, Super App’s managing director, said. These app-based services are part of AirAsia Group’s rebranding into Capital A, a holdings company that aims to extend its carrier services into other lifestyle activities. The post AirAsia extends reach into new businesses appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Aboitiz Group denies acquiring stake in AirAsia Philippines
The Aboitiz Group denied yesterday a story published by this newspaper that it has become the majority owner of low-cost carrier AirAsia Philippines by acquiring a 60-percent stake in the airline......»»
Aboitiz Group takes control of AirAsia Philippines
After acquiring the operations of the Cebu airport, the Aboitiz Group has expanded to the airline business by becoming the majority owner of low-cost carrier AirAsia Philippines......»»
Budget airline but with better services
Passengers of AirAsia Philippines can expect better services from low-cost air carrier sets to add more routes, increase the frequency and utilize wide-body aircraft following its recent transfer to a bigger terminal. AirAsia Philippines started welcoming passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 last week. It will operate all its domestic flights to and from the Centennial terminal — offering guests bigger space, better amenities, and a more comfortable travel experience. “We keep saying that this is a winning move for our guests because they deserve only the best from us. Moving to Terminal 2 will allow us to add more routes, increase the frequency and utilize wide-body aircraft soon to improve connectivity and enhance customer experience,” AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricky Isla said. Isla also pointed out that AirAsia Philippines’ On-Time Performance, or OTP the past months reached an average of around 80 to 85 percent. 100% on some days “We even reach a high of 100 percent on some days when there are no factors causing disruptions such as weather or lightning red alerts, air traffic congestion, and non-scheduled maintenance,” he added. For Civil Aeronautics Board executive director Carmelo Arcilla, “industry stakeholders and government to continue to engage to ensure that passengers ultimately win.” “We shall work closely with the industry towards full and strict adherence to the Air Passenger Bill of Rights as we endeavor to go above and beyond in the service of the Filipino people,” Arcilla said. AirAsia Philippines has been allocated 20 check-in counters for guests entering the south wing of the terminal. At Terminal 2, AirAsia Philippines passengers can utilize the seven operational aero bridges in the south wing and four remote parking bays during high traffic or peak hours. AirAsia operates more than 100 domestic flights daily and aims to increase routes and frequency during winter to provide guests with affordable flights. The post Budget airline but with better services appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
AirAsia strives ‘doing more with less’
By organizing its first Sustainability Day with the theme “Doing More with Less,” AirAsia began a new phase in its efforts to promote industry engagement and foster better collaboration. Led by Capital A chief sustainability officer Yap Mun Ching, the event featured in-depth exchanges on topics addressing AirAsia’s pathways to decarbonization, as well as challenges and opportunities in the implementation of these strategies. The line-up of speakers comprised of AirAsia technical heads and subject matter experts who tackled topics including how AirAsia is factoring ESG considerations into the deployment of its fleet assets, prospects for switching to greener biofuels, and opportunities for ESG financing and managing talents to meet its future growth needs. Delivering the opening and closing messages of the day, respectively, were AirAsia Aviation Group Ltd. chairperson Tan Sri Jamaludin Ibrahim and AAAGL Sustainability adviser professor Tan Sri Dr. Jemilah Mahmood. Capital A chief sustainability officer Yap said that this day marks the first time they are bringing all their key stakeholders from government officials, regulators, financial institutions, and aviation analysts, business partners, and the media to advance their understanding of the intricacies of aviation sustainability. As they rebuild their business post-pandemic, they are broadening and deepening their sustainability agenda by incorporating robust ESG practices into their strategic priorities so that they recover stronger and better. She added that since the aviation industry is difficult to regulate, obtaining net zero emissions by 2050 will require coordinated efforts from all industry players, not just airlines. Since the world is likely to hit an environmental tipping point quicker than anticipated and since the media practically serves as a reminder of this, it is imperative that everyone takes prompt action to recognize and make available the solutions that airlines need to minimize their carbon emissions. Yap mentioned that under AirAsia’s net zero plan, all airlines have four options for reducing carbon emissions: modernizing their fleet, accelerating the adoption of green operating practices, switching to biofuels and offsetting any remaining emissions. The A321neo, widely regarded as the most fuel-efficient aircraft on the market right now, is being added to AirAsia’s fleet, and the airline is also expanding and deepening its industry-leading fuel-efficiency program. According to Yap, whether the airline is using fossil fuels or biofuels, what should precede this question is whether they are using more than is necessary. AirAsia’s fuel efficiency program is one of the best, if not the best, in the world. Even as the airline explores new solutions, it cannot lose sight of its strength, which has enabled it to achieve among the lowest costs and emissions per seat in the industry. During the panel discussion, AirAsia’s fleet and flight operations leads discussed how the airline is implementing ESG factors into the deployment and use of its expanding fleet. There are presently 362 new A321neo aircraft on order for AirAsia, and they will be delivered between 2024 and 2035. Jonathan Sanjay, senior manager of Flight Operations Projects, Development, and Efficiency for AirAsia, claims to have worked for the company since 2015 and has already saved the company over US$130 million in fuel costs and CO2 emissions. In order to change its fuel mix before 2025, AirAsia is also looking into solutions for incorporating sustainable aviation fuel. Facilitating biofuels use The day’s session continued with remarks on the role of various stakeholders in facilitating the adoption of aviation biofuels by Christoph Behrendt-Rieken, the lead SAF expert of the EU-SEA CCCA CORSIA Project run by the EU Aviation Safety Agency, and options in ESG financing by aviation legal expert Teo Hui Ling, a partner at Reed Smith LLP. The day’s event culminated with a special tour of AirAsia’s engineering complex, RedChain, where participants were introduced to initiatives being undertaken by Asia Digital Engineering to revolutionize aviation. This was followed by a session on how AirAsia has used diversity, equality and inclusion to create its competitive edge over the past 22 years. In conjunction with the event, AirAsia also promoted its Guide to Aviation Sustainability, a handbook of aviation sustainability terms to make more accessible common concepts associated with the subject. The handbook also highlights outcomes from AirAsia’s own implementation of some of the measures listed. Publication of the booklet was supported by the airline’s business partners, namely Avolon, Honeywell, and Mirus. Aircraft Seating, PETRONAS, Shell Aviation, and SITA. More information on AirAsia’s Sustainability achievements, goals, and targets is available in the Capital A Sustainability Report 2022. The post AirAsia strives ‘doing more with less’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
AirAsia tagged best low-cost airline
AirAsia has been voted the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline at the Skytrax World Airline Awards 2023 or Skytrax for an unprecedented 14th consecutive time. The final award results covered 325 airlines ranked according to quality and excellence, with AirAsia taking first place in its category. From September 2022 to May 2023, when AirAsia progressively expanded its network to over 130 locations, more than 100 different nationalities of visitors participated in the online poll, with 20.23 million entries. AirAsia said that the recognition comes as a resounding testament to the airline’s recovery and robust growth in its routes and passengers carried, along with an unwavering commitment to innovation and providing exceptional service despite the challenges brought about by the global pandemic. As a result, AirAsia once again remains the top low-cost airline for travelers seeking the best value and choice. Capital A CEO Tony Fernandes said that in accepting the honor on Tuesday at a ceremony held at the Paris Air Show 2023 in France: “We are incredibly proud and grateful for this meaningful award given to us by the Skytrax coordinators, voters, and the incredible supporters of AirAsia. Receiving an award of excellence for 14 years running is a remarkable achievement, one that fills our hearts with joy and humility. This is an extraordinary feat for any company in any industry, even one as competitive as aviation,” Fernandes added. Respondents’ favorite Skytrax CEO Edward Plaisted said that AirAsia is a survey passenger favorite and has delivered a remarkable degree of consistency year-on-year since the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline category was introduced to the awards program in 2010. The recognition from customers should be a great source of pride for the airline management and staff in what has been a difficult period as travel returns after the Covid pandemic. The post AirAsia tagged best low-cost airline appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
AirAsia’s Tony Fernandes optimistic about tourism
Capital A chief executive officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes is prepared to hasten the tourism industry’s recovery and attract more foreign investments to the Philippines. The AirAsia owner said more customers are switching from more expensive to less expensive products and doing shorter trips as a result of flying across the Pacific. In the Philippines, connectivity has always been essential for meeting domestic requirements and facilitating travel within the region. Through AirAsia’s centers in Manila and Cebu, the Philippines initially developed linkages with a number of Asian nations, including Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan and Malaysia. Improve connectivity In order to draw more tourists to places like Cebu, Bacolod and Palawan, there are plans to improve connectivity, according to Fernandes. He added that they’re seeing a huge pent-up demand for travel, which gives him a huge amount of confidence. He thinks that their strength is that they are also very strong in secondary and tertiary cities and in providing connectivity, so that is adding growth. To sustain the pent-up demand for travel, AirAsia has launched another round of Piso Sale, which is available for booking until June 18 for domestic flights to cities like Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Tacloban, Puerto Princesa and Bacolod, as well as flights abroad to cities like Hong Kong, Macao, Seoul, Taipei, Guangzhou and Shenzhen for travel from 1 September 2023, to 8 October 2024. Fernandes asserted that AirAsia flights are still reasonably priced in spite of market dynamics and other contributing factors. He added that the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline would keep offering a competitive rate while generating more traffic and opening up additional destinations. He shared that the Philippines can attract 9 million tourists a year, comparing it to Thailand, another popular destination. The establishment of more locations with airport infrastructure and other necessary infrastructure to get to the airport, however, is something that the public and private sectors could support. The World’s Best Low-Cost Airline would keep offering a competitive rate while generating more traffic and opening up additional destinations. To better serve its guests and provide more passenger convenience, the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline reminds its guests that beginning 1 July 2023, all AirAsia domestic flights will depart from and arrive at NAIA Terminal 2. All international flights, on the other hand, will continue to operate at NAIA Terminal 3 until further notice. The post AirAsia’s Tony Fernandes optimistic about tourism appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Romeros give up AirAsia stake to focus on core biz
F&S Holdings Inc., a company led by lawmaker Michael L. Romero, has decided to sell its entire stake in AirAsia Philippines to shift its focus to energy and port businesses. The company confirmed on Monday that AA Com Travel Philippines, Inc. bought F&S Holdings’ AirAsia shares — making it the sole local owner of the country’s third-largest airline. The remaining 40 percent is still owned by Capital A Bhd founders Tony Fernandes and Datuk Karmarudin Menarum. “We are excited at the opportunity to consolidate our business enterprises, and realign them to focus more on our core businesses in power and ports,” F&S Holdings chairman Sheila Romero said. “Needless to say, we did not want to undertake this while the pandemic was ongoing, and nearly every business — particularly air travel — was severely hampered. That would not embody the kind of relationship we had with our partners,” she added. However, in another press briefing on Monday, Fernandes, who sits as CEO of the Capital A Group, said they will make a “proper announcement at the proper time” regarding AirAsia’s ownership. F&S Holdings reiterated that the divestment will allow it to expand its core business. For instance, its unit CapitalOne Energy Corp. will be realigned to become the holding company to integrate the group’s power generation companies. CapitalOne Energy chairman Joseph Omar Castillo said the company has investments in the renewable energy sector through ADSI — a 40MW solar power plant operating in Digos, Davao del Sur, and Fort Pilar Energy, which operates a total of 100MW battery energy storage system power plants in the Zamboanga Del Sur. Its portfolio also includes the Belgrove Power Corporation, which owns the 650MW Malaya thermal power plant, a "must-run unit" of the Department of Energy. CapitalOne Energy is currently expanding its solar power portfolio with the development of new sites in Cagayan, Nueva Ecija, Batangas, Marinduque and Palawan. Cumulatively, these new sites will have a combined capacity of 180 megawatts. The post Romeros give up AirAsia stake to focus on core biz appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
MIAA ensures smooth transitions
As Gulf Air, Thai Airways, Jeju Air, and Ethiopian Airlines seamlessly relocated to their new home at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 last Thursday, the Manila International Airport Authority reported on Friday that the airport authority continues to make significant progress with its Schedule and Terminal Assignment Rationalization program. Gulf Air flights GF155/GF154 (Manila-Bahrain-Manila), Thai Airways’ Manila-Bangkok-Manila flights TG621/TG620 and TG625/TG624, Jeju Air flights 7C2306/7C2305 (Manila-Incheon-Manila), as well as Ethiopian Airlines’ flights ET644/Et645 (Addis Ababa-Manila-Addis Ababa via Hong Kong) will now operate in NAIA Terminal 3 to and from Manila. MIAA OIC Bryan Co said that the transition of these carriers was seamless, just as it had been in previous phases of their STAR program. This is a result of their continuous coordination with airlines and ground handlers, their massive information drives to minimize instances of misrouted passengers, and the proactive measures they have already put in place to ensure that no passenger will be left behind. Co added that they will continue to provide free shuttles for a period of two months to ferry those passengers who may inadvertently head to the old terminal assignments of these flights. They also made certain that airline ground handlers are present at the departure gates to direct passengers to the shuttle vehicles that will transport them to NAIA Terminal 3. The STAR program is currently in its final stages, with the transfer of all international flights of Philippine Airlines to NAIA Terminal 1 scheduled for June 16 and the subsequent transfer of all domestic flights of Philippine Airlines, AirAsia, and Royal Air Philippines to NAIA Terminal 2, along with Sunlight Air’s relocation to NAIA Terminal 4, scheduled for 1 July. Upon completion of the STAR program, NAIA Terminal 2 will be home to all domestic operations of PAL, Philippine AirAsia, and Royal Air Philippines. Meanwhile, Cebu Pacific’s domestic operations will continue to operate to and from NAIA Terminals 3 and 4, while MIAA works on further expanding the capacity of NAIA Terminal 2. With the initial step in December last year, when Philippine Airlines flights to and from the United States, Canada, the Middle East, and Bali were moved to Terminal 1, the MIAA was afforded the opportunity to improve the efficiency of runway use and, at the same time, rationalize utilization of terminal spaces so it could offer more amenities to its increasing passenger traffic. Co also said that it is indeed a daunting task to put into action a major decision like this considering the magnitude of operational challenges before us. They also thank all their stakeholders for joining hands with then to bring this STAR program to fruition. The post MIAA ensures smooth transitions appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
AirAsia Philippine gears up to boost fleet
Budget airline AirAsia Philippines is expanding its fleet in the second and third quarters of the year to ferry passengers to tourism hotspots, particularly Cebu, Clark and Kalibo......»»
Philippines urged to hasten airport upgrades
Malaysia’s largest airline AirAsia hopes that the Philippine government can expedite airport upgrades to increase the country’s flight volume and bolster tourism......»»
AirAsia to implement facial recognition in ticket purchase
Airline company AirAsia is aiming to implement facial recognition as a way of buying tickets for passengers in the Philippines......»»