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Mohd Azizul Ramli

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Posts posted by Mohd Azizul Ramli

  2. Posted · Edited by Mohd Azizul Ramli · Report reply

    The answer is neither Penang nor Sungai Besi.

     

    The oldest airport in Malaysia is Tekah Airport (IATA coded TPG), a small commercial airport in Taiping, Perak. It has been chosen as the hub for Global Flying Hospitals (GFH), an international body that brings humanitarian medical support to developing countries.

     

    Tekah Airport with its wooden aerodrome is the oldest airport built in Malaysia. It was built by the British in 1929. Along with Alor Setar Airport, both were the earlist airports in the then Malaya. However, in 1933 more airports were built in Selangor and Penang (as your article mentions), and the Tekah Airport no longer hold the importance.

  5. Posted · Report reply

    My friend, who first alerted me about the 'snackbox rumour', confirmed that MH has reduced cabin staff to only 4. His text messages to me, which I just received:

     

    "734s skrg with 4 crews. Yesterday (28 September 2007) kelam kabut sgt especially KCH-SBW. Crew sampai lupa bg kek buka puasa & 2nd crew on EY serving from row 27 & bkn lg row 16."

     

    So, can we conclude that the reducing of cabin staff from 5 to 4 is not only for routes effected with the snackbox (BKK, RGN, SGN, BKI, KCH, MYY), but also throughout the entire B734s network (SBW in this case)? Evident is here.

  6. Posted · Report reply

    Dear MalaysianWingers,

     

    Our dearest Keith T suggested in the AK330 thread that there is a possibility for an organisation of MalaysianWings gathering in Surfers' Paradise, Gold Coast Australia on the first week of November 2007 (2-14 Nov), following AirAsia X's inaugural service to the Sunshine State.

     

    Quoting himself, "Sounds like you could organise an MW Do at Surfers'."

     

    At the moment, only two MalaysianWingers have confirmed their seats on the inaugural flights, honkit7 and myself. Keith T had also expressed his interest to join along - "Alas no MEL-OOL direct on QF so it'd have to be via SYD to attend the gathering."

     

    So, if it is going to be held, I think we should use this thread to channel input regarding the gathering. I think the least we can organise is a 'mandi manda and bercanda di pasiran pantai' session among us at Surfers' Paradise. Keith, do you surf(boarding)? :yahoo:

     

    Any thoughts?

     

    Azizul

  7. Posted · Report reply

    I also opted for the extras:- 2 comfort kits - MYR 40
    Aiya, can tapau for me comfort kit or not??
    anyway, can request for few set of comfort kit ka? then sell it to us. :p hoping of too much. :p
    After thinking of it, I won't be needing 2 comfort kits, do I? I can use the one purchased on the outbound journey again on the inbound journey. So yes, one 'unused' AirAsia X's inaugural flight comfort kit is for sale/up for grab. Place your bid now. :)
    I tried like 5 different cards, VISA/Mastercards combined. (borrow friends, mum, dad)... all decline.. just risking myself of being blocked.. I dont know what's wrong. My only guess is that the website isnt accustomed to transaction in AUD. Coz my origin is OOL, the price is in AUD. I don't know what to do anymore. Maybe tmrow there wont be any of the AU99 price anymore. :( sob sob
    Azri, keep on trying. Maybe try booking using a different PC. Insya Allah you will get through the system.

  8. Posted · Report reply

    ARRRGHHH.. i tried like crazy to get the booking. all my cards lead to decline!!!.. . Does any other people get this problem? Obviously not Azizul. Did you have problems with paying with the credit card?

    The first time I managed to get into the system, I used my Enrich CIMB Gold Mastercard to make the payment but it was declined. I tried again using my Citibank Gold Mastercard and it went through.

  9. Posted · Report reply

    Oh my god! After multiple attempts, I got the MYR 50 one way fare for both the inbound and outbound journey! I never expect this. Just to share, here are what D7 (AirAsia X) charges me:

     

    Outbound Trip

    D7 2702 KUL-OOL, 2 November 2007

    Fare - MYR 50

    Surcharge, Fees and Taxes - MYR 292

    Total - MYR 342

     

    Inbound Trip

    D7 2703 OOL-KUL, 11 November 2007

    Fare - MYR 50

    Surcharge, Fees and Taxes - MYR 381

    Total - MYR 431

     

    I also opted for the extras:

     

    - 2 comfort kits - MYR 40

    - 2 advance seat request fee (43D for each trip) - MYR 40

    - 2 checked baggage (less than 15 kg) - MYR 40

    - 2 meals (Asian meals) - MYR 40

    - GoInsure - MYR 49

     

    Therefore, the total cost for my return airfare to OOL is MYR 982. Oh, and I also have to add another AUD 20 for ETA.

     

    I also checked on MH's website, the available return airfare to BNE on the same date is MYR 3,802 (W fare). So, it can be said that D7 is MYR 3,000 cheaper than MH!

     

    Anyone joining me?

     

    Currency Converter

  11. Posted · Report reply

    Yes, looks like it. From RM 50 one way book here for booking between 29-30 September 2007 for travel period between 2-14 November 2007.

     

    There is also a Go Holiday package in Gold Cost, 4D3N return flight + Hotel + Breakfast from RM 528.99 per person book here.

     

    It is nice to see Gold Coast being included in the online booking system!

     

    Any MalaysianWinger going there on the inaugural flight?

  16. Posted · Report reply

    I don't think AVV is prepared to receive international flights. The last time I checked, even the immigration and custom areas have yet to be built. Maybe our member in Melbourne can confirm about this matter. Kevin T, any input?

     

    Another point to note is that AK has advertised their service to Australia is going to commence in the next 30 days. The advertisement clearly mentioned 'SURFING', which is synonymous with OOL. If it is AVV that will prevail in the end, then that is another misleading advertisement by AK, I must say.

  17. Posted · Report reply

    ATW Online reported that:

     

    AirAsia X will officially announce its first long-haul, low-cost route and open bookings this Friday, CEO Azran Osman-Rani said at the Routes Leaders Forum in Stockholm.

     

    The carrier is slated to meet with Australian regulatory authorities today and "then we hope to confirm the destination," Osman-Rani said. Though he did not specifically confirm the route, previous reports have indicated it will be Kuala Lumpur - Melbourne Avalon. The route, scheduled to be launched in late October, initially will be flown four-times-weekly. Its first Chinese route, to be operated five-times-weekly, should commence in December pending regulatory approval by CAAC.

     

    Now let see whether Mr. CEO speaks the truth or not. I can't believe ATW Online stated that it is going to be AVV instead of OOL. What a misleading!

  18. Posted · Report reply

    One question.

     

    MH has announced in many publications several months back that they are going to be fully eticketed network wide on 21 September 2007.

     

    Today is 25 September 2007 and I still could not purchase an eticket to Jakarta. What happen? Are they going to wait until this new website, as the thread starter suggested, being in place first?

  19. Posted · Edited by Mohd Azizul Ramli · Report reply

    Aha, MH and Skyteam! In A.Net, it wasn't a secret that the MAIN reason on why AF keeps on blocking MH's entry into Skyteam is to secure the sustainability its very profitable codeshare agreement with QF to Australia. By letting MH into the fray, these arrangements will have to be terminated as in alliance, where each carriers within it compliment and feed each other, it is MH who will serve AF's passengers to Australia and KUL is supposed to be the transit hub, not SIN.

    I forgot to mention this fact, South East Asia and the whole continent of Oceania are the only region in the world where Skyteam (almost) doesn't have a present. Therefore, whoever managed to join the alliance and have a strong foothole in the mentioned regions (undeniably MH is the best candidate), will prosper most definitely! MH will be the only Skyteam member who will serve the lucrative kangaroo route. And that's why MH's entry was interfered, to protect the other Skyteam members (AF in particular) 'self' interest.

     

    AF feeds its passengers to Australia through QF from 2 hubs, SIN (as mentioned) and BKK. Both AF and QF doesn't fly to KUL (obviously).

  20. Posted · Report reply

    Even 3 cabin crew will be enough for MAS 734. For flight to PEN from KUL, the crew only need to give out peanuts and OJ/Plain water in EY. So 2 cabin crew in MAS 734 EY section is enough. But of course longer domestic flight such as KUL/BKI is another story.

    You forgot about safety issue. The cabin staff was not there just to hand in peanuts to the passengers. Even for a short flight to Kuantan, as I stressed out in the thread starter, 3 cabin staff in Economy is more likely to handle emergency situation better than 2 cabin staff.

  21. Posted · Report reply

    MH is owned by the following:

     

    List of 5 Largest Shareholders:

    • Penerbangan Malaysia Berhad 69.34%
    • Employees Provident Fund Board 11.27%
    • Amanah Raya Nominees (Tempatan) Sdn. Bhd. 4.91%
    • HSBC Nominees (Asing) Sdn Bhd 2.99%
    • State Financial Secretary Sarawak 2.71%
    • Foreign Shareholding 5.82%

    There are 1,253,243,916 divided into 1,253,243,865 Ordinary Shares of RM1.00 each. Officially, the Government of Malaysia owned 70% of MH, through PMB.

     

    I agree with Izanee. Most flag carriers in the world are state owned. SQ, EK, EY, QR, QF and many more are all owned by their respective governments. But we need to be envied by how professional Temasek (was it?) manages SQ. SQ is undeniably the best example.

  22. Posted · Report reply

    I don't understand why AF is being so obstructive when some of the other members of sky team (recently accepted) are not in the same league as MH.

    Perhaps AF thinks they won't gain as much with MH as a member?

    Aha, MH and Skyteam! In A.Net, it wasn't a secret that the MAIN reason on why AF keeps on blocking MH's entry into Skyteam is to secure the sustainability its very profitable codeshare agreement with QF to Australia. By letting MH into the fray, these arrangements will have to be terminated as in alliance, where each carriers within it compliment and feed each other, it is MH who will serve AF's passengers to Australia and KUL is supposed to be the transit hub, not SIN.

     

    I think it is safe to say that MH's entry into Skyteam can be said as at very initial stages. Just some mere discussions. It requires up to 4-5 years before one carrier can be appointed as a full voting member into an alliance. I think it took Aeroflot about 4 years to get into Skyteam. Another example is Air Europa, Copa Airlines and Kenya Airways which were invited to join on 9 June 2005 and only became a full Associate Member on 4 September 2007. China Southern Airlines signed the first agreement on 28 August 2004 and they are still not a member until now (to become a full member before the end of the year).

     

    Re OneWorld, I think if we open back the 'history' textbook, we should know what a DISASTEROUS mistake MH had done in the past, during the initial stages of the formation of OneWorld. It is a regretful tale to say the least.

  23. Posted · Edited by Mohd Azizul Ramli · Report reply

    They are not counting it like this, Zul. In fact MAS is not violating any rule if they have only THREE cabin crew on their 734. MAS 734 have 144 seats > 1:48.

    But does it precise to calculate it like that? MH's B734s are consist of 16 Golden Club seats and 128 Economy class seats (thus the total of 144 seats in the whole aircraft). I don't think it is precise to calculate the ratio based on the total seats divided by the total number of cabin staff (144/4 = 1:36 before 'rumour' and 144/3 = 1:48 after 'rumour').

     

    3 cabin staff are assigned in Economy class while 1 cabin staff in Golden Club class. The inflight supervisor, as mentioned above will oversee and help whenever necessary. The duties of the cabin staff are not interchangeable, meaning one cannot simply switch between serving the Economy class and then the Golden Club class in one particular flight. Therefore, I think it is more precise to calculate the ratio based on the actual number of passengers the cabin staff have to attend, i.e. 1:16 for Golden Club class and 1:43 (128/3) for Economy class.

     

    Am I in the correct or the wrong path?

  25. Posted · Report reply

    Yet another rumour popped up! Don't we just love this sensational news?

     

    From a fellow MalaysianWinger, Mahmoud, I was told that MH is to reduce one cabin staff in Economy Class throughout the entire B734 fleets. Reason being is of course, to cut cost in line with MH's infamous new vision in becomming 'A 5 Star Carrier with LCCs Cost.'

     

    From what I gathered, cabin staff (crew) can be categorised in 8 categories:

     

    Category:

    1 - IFS/IFSS

    2 - CS/CSS

    3 - LS/LSS

    4 - WB/NB Flight Steward

    5 - WB Flight Stewardess

    6 - WB Flight Stewardess

    7 - NB Flight Stewardess

    8 - NB Flight Stewardess

     

    Legends:

    IFS/IFSS - Inflight Supervisor

    CS/CSS - Chief Steward/Stewardess

    LS/LSS - Leading Steward/Stewardess

    FS/FSS - Flight Steward/Stewardess

    NB - Narrowbody

    WB - Widebody

     

    As for MH, the minimum cabin crew requirements are as follows:

     

    F50 = 02

    B734 = 04

    A330 = 08

    B772 = 08

    B744 = 12

     

    I am not sure about the industry standard or what IATA has underlined about this matter but, based on my discussions with fellow A.Netter Isz1, DCA and MCAR 1996 requires a B737 (which is defined as an aircraft with total seating not exceeding 200 = 1 cabin crew per 50 pax), the minimum crew requirement is 3 cabin crew. As for comparison, AirAsia follows this minimum requirement (3 cabin crew for 180 odd passengers, or a ratio of crew to passenger of 1:60). MH on the other hand, have 5 cabin crew onboard B734s (3 in Economy, 1 in Golden Club and 1 Flight Supervisor).

     

    By pulling out of one cabin crew in all B734s' Economy class, service efficiencies and safety issues will arise. Reducing the number of cabin staff from 3 to 2 in Economy class will increase the ratio of cabin staff to passengers from 1:43 (3 cabin staff for 128 Economy passengers) to 1:64 (2 cabin staff for 128 Economy passengers) thus, not following the 1:50 ratio recommended by DCA and MCAR 1996. Delivery speed will reduce as each cabin staff has to serve more passengers for inflight services and safety concern will increase during emergency procedures.

     

    Presently (before this idea came up), MH's Flight Safety and Human Factors Department always believe that 1 or 2 "extra" cabin attendant (or assist crew) onboard any given aircraft may actually help during emergency cases if 1 or 2 primary crew goes 'down'. Primary crew refer to those who is responsible for their respective main exit/door and safety equipments onboard the aircraft. The assist crew will take over the primary crew tasks (if only primary crew goes 'down'). Other than that, the duties of assist crew varies from firefighting to first aid.

     

    However, in my opinion, MH's management will still proceed with this idea because:

     

    - To improve cabin staff productivities and at the same time to help trimming the number of staff to favourable level as we are all aware that MH is overstaffed. When the number of staff is reduced, more costs can be saved in salaries and allowances and a proper perks for well performed staff can be laid down.

     

    - As for the concern for safety, I think given MH's excellent safety record, this aspect (unfortunately) can be overlooked.

     

    Therefore, cutbacks in cabin staff is inevitable. For the record, MH HAS REDUCED the number of cabin crew onboard B772 from 12 to 11 circa July 2007 recently.

     

    Another relating issue pops up. Will this development leading to more Malaysian staff leaving the national carrier for others? Again, for the record, in line with the cost cutting measure, MH have employed a new batch of Argentinean and South African cabin crew as well as some Australian pilots (MAYBE) because the salaries that they asked is much lower. Most of the Malaysian pilots left MH for EK, EY and QR.

     

    Any thoughts my friends?

     

    Azizul

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