PAL, CebPac, AirAsia welcome mask mandate lifting
Local air carriers welcomed the lifting of the mask mandate and other COVID-19 protocols after President Marcos ended the state of public health emergency on July 21......»»
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......»»
Superapp democratizes travel
Born out of a simple aspiration of democratizing travel came AirAsia’s Superapp, the latest online travel agency platform that features flights, hotels, transport and rewards services. [caption id="attachment_158159" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Chureito Pagoda in Japan.Photograph courtesyof Unsplash/tian shu Liu[/caption] “It was very hard for airlines during the pandemic. While everyone was very quiet, our leader Tony Fernandes was able to finish conceptualizing the Superapp. He started it even before the pandemic,” airasia Superapp managing director Ray Berja told Daily Tribune. The AirAsia Superapp takes the hassle out of booking the best value travel deals and is very useful not only for domestic trips but also international travel. From flights on over 700 airlines, the best accommodation packages, to ride hailing, food, deliveries and more, the app aims to be every traveler’s one-stop shop for all of their preferred travel needs. The app is partner to over 900,000 hotels across the globe. In the Philippines, it is tied with Megaworld Hotels and Resorts, Hotel 101 Manila, Red Planet Hotels, Berjaya Makati Hotel, Sunlight Hotel Coron and more. Currently, the Superapp has around 50 million active users. The number continues to grow exponentially in an annual periodical basis. “It’s for everyone. When we flew our first aircraft in 2001 with our founders, it was to really let everyone fly. Continuing that is a vision and aspiration for everyone to actually travel and go wherever they want to go,” Berja said. Japan remains the top choice for Filipino travelers, followed by Korea, Bangkok in Thailand, Bali in Indonesia, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and Hong Kong. “Our number of flights are almost on the 100 percent frequency, equivalent to when we were flying before the pandemic. Internationally, we already saw the opening of Korea, Japan, Taiwan and Thailand. China is going down, but we expect to see an increase in the next months or so. We are almost at par with our pre-pandemic level. We are hoping to get back on a strong growth year on year,” Berja said. The Superapp is nominated as Asia’s Best Travel Booking App at the World Travel Awards. Vote at worldtraveltechawards.com/award/asia-best-travel-booking-app/2023. “To be vetted across the world’s best is overwhelming, given that we are only on our first year. This nomination is something really close to our hearts,” Berja concluded. Download the Superapp via App Store for ios, Play Store for android or App Gallery for Huawei. The post Superapp democratizes travel 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, AirAsia deny reported acquisition deal
Advisory: The Aboitiz Group and AirAsia Philippines issued separate statements on Monday dismissing a news report that the conglomerate had taken over the low-cost carrier......»»
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 Philippines to launch new East Asia routes
Low-cost carrier AirAsia Philippines will launch direct flights to new East Asian destinations in the third quarter to shore up the demand for air travel even during the rainy season......»»
Radar system maintenance successful — CAAP
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines on Wednesday reported that the corrective maintenance of the country’s radar system on Wednesday was “successful” with no flight disruptions during the activity scheduled from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. It disclosed that the corrective maintenance at the Philippine Air Traffic Management Center, which seeks to replace the uninterruptible power supply and upgrade the air traffic management system, was finished in an hour and 13 minutes. CAAP also said that no disruptions were reported but it can be recalled that Clark International Airport earlier said four regional flights were affected by the scheduled maintenance while AirAsia Philippines announced the cancellation of six domestic flights and the retiming of two flights set on 17 May. The activity had no impact on flight operations at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and normal operations resumed at 3:20 a.m. Manila’s Runway 13/31, which enables other means of communication between pilots and the Control Tower, was utilized during the maintenance activity. The Philippine Airlines reported that all its scheduled flights via Manila were able to land and depart during the system maintenance. Meanwhile, CAAP said continuous monitoring and finetuning of the Communications Navigation Surveillance Systems and Air Navigation Service are being undertaken to ensure the unimpeded operations of airports throughout the country. “CAAP extends its appreciation for the understanding and cooperation of various aviation stakeholders, highlighting the importance of seamless air traffic management in compliance to the highest standards of safety and efficiency,” it said. The post Radar system maintenance successful — CAAP appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CAAP expects minimal flight disruptions
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines on Wednesday stressed that it expects a small number of flights to be affected by the temporary airspace shutdown during the corrective maintenance on the Air Traffic Management Center on 17 May 2023 from 2 to 4 a.m. Deputy director general for Operations Captain Edgardo G. Diaz said that the maintenance activity is necessary to replace the defective Uninterruptible Power Supply and reconfigure the Air Traffic Management System A/B power supply. Earlier, AirAsia Philippines has already announced that 12 of its flights have been retimed on 16 May and two flights on 17 May, while six domestic flights are being canceled on 17 May. The CAAP has already coordinated with and advised concerned stakeholders such as air carriers and airport operators, the Manila International Airport Authority, Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corp and GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation in advance regarding the intended corrective maintenance activity. In addition, corresponding Notices to Airmen were duly promulgated to inform all stakeholders. The ATMC power supply upgrade will involve the installation of a bypass panel to provide seamless ATM operations and the reconfiguration of the existing power distribution panel to segregate ATM systems A (voice) and B (data). This will result in the two UPS serving as each other’s independent backup in case one power supply encounters a problem. The ATMC houses the Communications, Navigation, Surveillance, and Air Traffic Management system, which manages air traffic within the Philippine Flight Information Region. The CAAP assured the public that the corrective maintenance activity will be conducted safely and that all necessary measures will be taken to minimize the impact on air traffic. The post CAAP expects minimal flight disruptions appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CAAP: Minimal flight disruptions during 17 May maintenance break
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines reminded the public on Wednesday that the Air Traffic Management Center will be performing corrective maintenance on 17 May 2023, from 2 a.m to 4 a.m., which will require the shutdown of Philippine airspace. Despite the temporary shutdown, the CAAP it anticipates that only a small number of scheduled flights at two international gateways and many CAAP-operated airports will be affected. According to GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation officials, no flights will be affected at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport. Meanwhile, at the Clark International Airport, only one flight will be affected. per a source from the Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corporation, operator of Clark International Airport. CAAP said AirAsia Philippines has already announced that 12 of its flights have been retimed on 16 May and two flights on 17 May, while six domestic flights are being canceled on 17 May. Deputy Director General for Operations Captain Edgardo G. Diaz said the temporary airspace closure is due to the corrective maintenance activity on the ATMC, which is necessary to replace the defective Uninterruptible Power Supply and reconfigure the Air Traffic Management System A/B power supply. The CAAP has already coordinated with and advised concerned stakeholders such as air carriers and airport operators, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corp (LIPAD), and GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC) in advance regarding the intended corrective maintenance activity. In addition, corresponding Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) were duly promulgated to inform all stakeholders. The ATMC power supply upgrade will involve the installation of a bypass panel to provide seamless ATM operations and the reconfiguration of the existing power distribution panel to segregate ATM systems A (voice) and B (data). This will result in the two UPS serving as each other's independent backup in case one power supply encounters a problem. The ATMC houses the Communications, Navigation, Surveillance, and Air Traffic Management system, which manages air traffic within the Philippine Flight Information Region. The post CAAP: Minimal flight disruptions during 17 May maintenance break 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......»»
Lower fuel surcharge benefits air travelers
AirAsia Philippines said on Tuesday that the Civil Aeronautics Board’s or CAB decision to lower applicable fuel surcharge rates for domestic and international flights is expected to be advantageous for guests who will be booking their flights from next month to later dates, as they will not have to bear any additional fuel surcharge costs. According to AirAsia PH, the Level 5 fuel surcharge is relatively lower than this month’s Level 6. Guests purchasing their tickets next month and who will be going on their last summer hurrah will only incur an additional surcharge of P151 to P542 for domestic flights and from P498.03 to P774.75 for international flights, depending on the distance. Reduction in air travel costs AirAsia Philippines Communications and Public Affairs Country Head Steve Dailisan said that any form of reduction in air travel costs is a big help for their guests as they can allot this to additional baggage allowance or pasalubongs, which can be particularly helpful for people traveling on a budget or for families traveling together. Travel booking trend is expected to continuously intensify as many Filipinos are still eyeing last-minute summer plans extending to June, so this fuel surcharge development would benefit air travelers. Dailisan added that despite fuel price fluctuations in the global market, AirAsia PH is reassuring its customers that it will uphold its fundamental purpose of offering inexpensive world -class air travel service. The post Lower fuel surcharge benefits air travelers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Airlines ready for NAIA T2 shakeup
Flag carrier Philippine Airlines and low-cost operator AirAsia Philippines have started preparing for the transfer of their domestic flights to Terminal 2 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport......»»