JuliusWong
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Posts posted by JuliusWong
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I got the guy at the right most at the top picture for my KUL-BWN sector last month. Apparently he is very senior in RBA. Think he is a Chief Steward or Inflight Service Manager.
That aside....from what I see the flight is 'pretty much' empty...how long will RBA sustain this?
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Finally, one of the world's most tortured and 'tormented' re-fleeting came true. Btw, they are receiving all 6 B777s over the next few months, BI sure is up to something big..Perhaps polishing their marketing skills would be a good start.
My friend took an interior photo..all ex-SQ seats, both J and Y...only change, the KrisWorld is now Skyshow.
(ps: just booked KUL-BWN with them, hopefully they will swap a 767 on that day, wishful thinking, but hey...I can dream right?
)nope, he is the ex-country manager for SQ for North America, i think.
In the end I got A319...to make the thing worse, both sectors were by V8-RBR..almost got the same seats!! T.T...So long B767! Anyways, saw one B767 parked outside hangar. Most probably will be retired soon.
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Updated summary list:
Confirmed
1. 9V-SQA stored at a desert airport (VCV) in the US (MSN 28507)
2. 9V-SRA sold to EuroAtlantic Airways then leased by Biman Bangladesh (MSN 28513) and re-registered as CS-TFM
3. 9V-SRB sold to Transaero (MSN 28998) and re-registered as EI-UNU
4. 9V-SRC will be sold to Transaero (MSN 28999)
5. 9V-SRD will be sold to Transaero (MSN 28514)
6. 9V-SRE (Star Alliance livery) will be sold to Transaero (MSN 28523)
7. 9V-SVF leased to Royal Brunei (MSN 30871) and re-registered as V8-BLA
8. 9V-SVG leased to Royal Brunei (MSN 30872) and re-registered as V8-BLB
Underway
+ 4 B772s of the 9V-SV* series which will be leased to BI (rumoured to be 9V-SVA, SVB, SVC and SVD)
+ 3 B772s which will be sold to EuroAtlantic Airways, then being leased to Biman Bangladesh
+ 10 B772s which will be sold to Transaero
Yap, I can confirmed that BI is taking SQ's 9V-SVA, SVB, SVC and SVD. SVF, SQA and SVB are in service by now if I am not mistaken. The retirement of B763 will soon commence..no more 'golden throne'...
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Finally, one of the world's most tortured and 'tormented' re-fleeting came true. Btw, they are receiving all 6 B777s over the next few months, BI sure is up to something big..Perhaps polishing their marketing skills would be a good start.
My friend took an interior photo..all ex-SQ seats, both J and Y...only change, the KrisWorld is now Skyshow.
(ps: just booked KUL-BWN with them, hopefully they will swap a 767 on that day, wishful thinking, but hey...I can dream right?
)Robert Yang is not an ex CEO of Singapore Airlines.
nope, he is the ex-country manager for SQ for North America, i think.
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I think the B734s are really showing its age. Late last month I was taking a flight from BWN to KUL after long time taking AK.
The flight was delayed from 3pm till 8:30pm. Well, the pilot said they had documentation problems, but the stewardess said the plane had mechanical problem. All this happened when everyone was on board and about to push back. The aircraft was towed from Gate 1 to Gate 9 (BWN has only nine gates) and no one was fixing it.
Well, the plane was scheduled to leave in four hours (the stewardesses said so, but could be longer), we waited until we finally board the plane at 8:10pm...but they forgot to re-fuel the plane. So while everyone was in the plane, the ground crew refueled the plane. The dinner that they provided was enough_________________. (fill in the blank with a word of your own choice).
I would have thought MH would set itself apart from others..but the flight proved me wrong....maybe I was just unlucky on that day.....so MH is trial and error?? I supposed.
Oh ya, the B734 I took was 9M-MMO.
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Didnt the 4 already include the A340-8000 that was stored for a long time? I believe the other 3 are the present sole 342 V8-BKH, the one that went to Jordan as their royal jet in RJ colours and the third that went to Kingdom Holdings Saudi. Was there another one?
Yes. The A340-8000 is included in the count. The government took delivery and was registered V8 (Brunei's Code), but never flew under Brunei or Royal Family flag. Its now with the Saudi Arabia Royal Family but never seen flying as well...What a poor aircraft!!!
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Yup, under 2.8k for BKI/BWN/LHR/BWN/BKI, taxes all in - and we're talking RM here
And they still can fit more in too
KA/CX is quoting something like twice that BKI/HKG/LHR/HKG/BKI - but largely academic anyway since all four sectors are wait-listed (CNY period)
WOW!!!RM2.8K for that much!!!
Its a bargain to die for. Guess scrapping the bottom of the barrel is a true statement to describe RBA now. Its sad that such a cash-loaded airline can ended up like this. I supposed the LHR route is maintained because the landing slot is hard to come by and the close-link between the Royal Family of both countries. Note though I heard LHR flight is always full, maybe again due to the cheap, cheap airfares... 
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btw, sorry to nit pick but its a 342.
They dont have 343s.
You meant you wanted to check out the gold taps and "throne" WC in ex-F, now-biz toilet? Maybe it had the wow factor when the concept was first introduced in 1986 on the 752, but it wasnt really maintained nor age that well on the 763 over the yrs. In Dec09 - it looked like it was all falling apart, gaudy, not fully functional and very very old fashioned.
Anyway, I still harbour doubts that BI can make the 77W work..economically and make commercial sense. It is very much a forgotten airline in the international scene, limited marketing and tend to scrap the bottom of the barrel with low fares.
Yap, sorry was sleepy when I typed. The 342s...four of them: a lot, WOW!!! Lets not forget the A340-8000 that was ordered but didn't take the delivery.
Oh no!! I haven't seen the gold tape and 'throne' yet, hope they use masking tape to plaster them up before it all falls apart!! It was in B757 as well? I didn't know that. I wonder what will they do with the seats of RBG once they are stripped out. Think it has the old J class. Am I wrong?
Fingers and toes crossed that they will make the B77W work!!! I still think its a bit too much for them. They need A330s at most as the enhanced version can do better than previous ones.
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I agree with flee. D7 is pretty well contended with the usage of A333s for now, not seeking anymore A343s. With more A333s coming online, they will soldier on till the 2016. At that time, the A333s are still pretty much young.
Malaysia Government more or less is 'trying to delay' Air Asia rapid expansion, for the sake of MH. Well, with the JV with JQ I can see that D7 and AK have ways to get around the so-called 'blockings'. I forsee D7 will fly to US through TPE. Thats something we hope for.
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I agree with Mushrif. Judging by the expansion plan, RBA is aiming for something big this time round. Let's hope the management get it correct. Perhaps they learn some lessons from Garuda Indonesia?
With the arrival of the new 777 and 787, BI will ended owning no aircraft, after selling or retiring all their B763. Perhaps its a good thing as well as BI doesn't need to burn through so much cash in acquiring the new aircrafts. The arrival of B777s will also mean the re-introduction of F Class, unless BI stripped out 9W's F Class.
RBA really need a strong branding campaign to prove its a strong player in the aviation field, not by 'the-only-airline-with-gold taps-in-toilet' branding again. BI tends to shrink as fast as they expand, thats what we have learnt over the past few years.
I would like to fly on one of their B763 before they are retired. Sad that RBK is gone, its the only B763 is densest config. compared to other B763 if I am not mistaken. RBL wouldn't stay long as well. I think all of their B763 purchased through AWAS Leasing.
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And dont forget the abuse by the Royal Family...unpaid cargo bills, planes taken out of scheduled services to accommodate their trips...maybe Foster gave up because of the hidden abuses.
Anyway, maybe BI is never meant to be run as a commercial entity...
Oh okies, never knew that this happened. In my knowledge, the Royal Family go global trotting in their B744, A343 and B762. Perhaps we can remember from the old days when they had their four A343s, A310, several G-Vs and B747SP....shuttling between KL, Paris and Singapore carrying their shopping goodies.....miss those old days!!!
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BJS? You mean PEK (Beijing Capital Airport)?
haha, sorry for the mistake. Ya...its Peking (Beijing Capital Airport). Last time when BI was still flying Beijing, their code was BJS. I am 98.25% sure about this.
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No go - D7 only wants CFM-56 engined A340s as there are cost advantages to the maintenance of these engines due to AK's massive fleet of A320s. The A320s use a variant of the CFM-56, but nevertheless, it has many common parts with those installed on the A343.
I supposed most of the A343s is equipped with CFM-56 engines, its just matter of the seats' configuration. D7 won't want to waste so much time reconfigure them. The only A343s I can see they are getting, if they are desperate to get, are those of ex-CX, SAS and OA. Those GF are old and the lease is high.
As has been previously stated on this forum the costs of leasing A345's would far outstrip D7's ability to operate as a LCC. They are in a position where they can just wait for the 'right' aircraft to become available. A343's aren't a bad aircraft still fairly modern and the lease rates will just contiune to fall. The issue that bugs me is if D7 source additional A340's they will end up with all different interiors unless they are also ex AC ones.
-XXE was delivered on 22/12/09.
Thanks the reply, Tom. Yea, I doubt D7 will use A345 at all. Wont' break even using an aircraft meant for ULH flights. A343s lease is falling but not falling as much as everyone expected. However, we can see several airlines like GF, OA, CX and SAS had stored A343s. I doubt there is any AC A343s left. LX, TK and others picked up most of them. Means D7 would need to reconfig its 'new' plane if they are going for same interiors.
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Yes, D7 saw the ex-GF A343s and passed. Air Comet? Their A343s are very old, 1993 vintage!
hahas!! Correct. Those are the first few A343 made. Maybe OA's and SAS would be better. Or perhaps D7 can consider Thai's A345 or IB's 346. Now that would be a beauty!! The long pencils!!!
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US$400,000 per month? I think its a bargain. I supposed with the collapse of Air Comet and some stored CX A340s, D7 have plenty of choice as to picking up 'new' A340s. I heard GF's A343 was passed as the leasing rate is too high. No?
I can see that D7 will be making AUH as a hub for European route and Taipei or Stansted for US flights. For AUH, they face strong competition from EK and EY-alike. However, no long haul carrier pass thru AUH for now. Think D7 may have advantage, especially for those price-sensitive yet time insensitive pax.
By the end of next decade, D7 would have covered most of the major destinations. Paris, I can't wait for you!!!
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As if the current security check is not bothersome enough, these 'idiots' are making things difficult for others. The current security rules are just about to be relaxed!!! No thanks to the would-be bomber!!!
I foresee in future we cannot bring any carry-on and security will conduct strip search on each individuals!! Imagine all the queues in airports and human right lawsuits??!! But then again its the most severe scenario we are talking about.
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XAA was reconfigured to similar seats as XXA-XXD - I guess the extra revenue is one reason. Other reasons was that the original seats were very old and the plane really needed some "renovations" carried out. A third reason would be to ensure that the plane's configuration is similar to the rest of the fleet for easier operations.
The next plane to arrive in the D7 fleet (XXE) will have the lie flat premium seats and reclining seats (similar to AK's A320's) in cattle class. This plane is scheduled to enter service in Feb 2010.
I think the Air Canada IFE system belongs to them (tied in with the IFE provider) and cannot be used by other operators. The A343s arrived bare - that is why handheld sets were used for IFE.
Thanks for the reply. We learn something new everyday!! Yea, XAA is almost as old as some MH's A330s. Therefore, need some 'renovations' to spruce it up. I can't wait to see the lie-flat seats in Y+!! D7 certainly will bring low cost travelling to a greater height. Well done D7!!
I wonder how many more A343s D7 is gonna to take in near future? and any plan to change those seats in A343s? Its from Air Canada right?
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XAA was refurbished earlier this year (came back into the fleet around March). It should have an extra 100 seats. That is a lot of money! The seat refitting should pay for itself over a short period. Although it may lack seat back IFE, the hand held IFE (same for pax on XAB and XAC) is available for rental.
O. Okies. Thanks for the feedback. This is one of the few first post I made in MalaysianWing. So, the XAA had been reconfigured since March this year. D7 really does know how to pack the planes to the max. lolx!! Once the remainder A333s with new designed seats arrived, D7 will send XXA-XXD for refurbishment again with XXA? I wonder why D7 doesn't use the Air Canada's IFE system in XAB and XAC? Was it stripped out before moving to D7?
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9M-XAA has been reconfigured to match exactly the same configuration as it's new sibling. However, it lacks IFE and the seats are not reclinable and mighty hard compared to the new ones. I don't know what's the intention to make it the "black sheep" of the family.
Well, if it is so, it would say the flight would be a torture without the IFE. The IFE literally keeps my mind busy. I can't imagine without IFE for a 8hrs flight!! BTW, I thought D7 is planning to introduce new J and Y seats, so why bother refurbishing 9M-XAA; somemore its a leased aircraft?
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Was on board 9M-XXD the other day back from MEL...still have the new aircraft feel....but my PTV was sagging on side (was sitting at emergency exit seats)
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I think that was 9M-XAA (the leased plane). I must say this year I flew frequently between MEL-KUL and 9/10 planes that I took was 9M-XAA. I must be plain unlucky or because the route is such a popular route even with the worst plane, people still fly with them.
I am pretty sure it was 9M-XXA, because it took picture of it before boarding. (I know I am not supposed to do it...but couldn't resist it, first time doing long haul...lolx). I heard the leased plane 9M-XAA has less seats compared to those owned by D7, right? Both flights were pretty full with around 30 or so seats empty.
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Having been following BI's development over the past few years, I would say BI is the second worst managed state-owned airlines in SEAsia. When Peter Foster, the kwai lo CEO, came on board on Sept, 2003, BI had a breath of fresh air. His strategic plan can be viewed at http://www.bruneiair.com/news/item.asp?id=43&PagePosition=24. The introduction of the Airbus fleet, retrofitted 767s, Royal Skies, the Sky Lounge, new web site and Internet booking engine are the many major improvements under the leadership of Peter Foster.
Everything looked very promising and would give SQ, MH alike a run for money. However, after less than two years in office, Peter Foster abruptly resigned, moving over to Air Astana, which now expands rapidly. Then begins the downward spiral of the airline, destinations such as FRA, SUB, SYD, PVG, TPE and other were all suspended. BI's Skytrax rank dropped from four stars to three. BI suffered from high staff turnover. The B777s deal was off as they are unwilling to pay for refurbishment etc.
Now that they are looking to acquire/ lease B777s again. Fingers crossed, hope that it will happened this time. Brunei doesn't have enough population to support huge number of widebody. 4 or 5 at most. It really need to rely on the transiting pax to support the need, especially the Kangaroo route. Last time they even updated their inflight Entertainment Guide with B777s system even though it was pretty obvious it wouldn't come at all. As for narrowbody, I foresee that the Airbuses will be disposed off in near future to make way for new B737NGs.
Also with them swinging Boeing side again, lets hope they get things done right. BI paid heavily for over expansion last time. Now with MEL, BAH, LAX, FRA, NRT, BJS and Chennai....thats loads of route, although some are resumption of previous destinations
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Any info when and where XXD be for inaugural commercial flight?
I was on board 9M-XXD , doing Melbourne -Kuala Lumpur on Dec 14th. Should say it still has the new aircraft 'smell' and everything looks new. The KUL-MEL was 9M-XXA is a different story. You can see plaster being used in toilet to prevent some parts from falling.
AK to charge for counter check-in
in General Aviation
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I foresee that AK will start to be SEA's Ryanair soon. Just checked KUL-BWN sector, BI, MH and AK fares, BI came much more cheaper, then MH lastly AK..Used to fly AK a lot, but for Brunei-KL sector just got much more expensive although they have added another frequency.
For Pete's sake just bring back the fuel surcharge+ admin charge+ convenience fees+ double extra kilo surcharges...should be enough to fund the new airplanes. Why not charge RM1 per toilet entry?? Oppss, forgot that RM 1 coins are no longer in use...
Then again, there is "if-you-don't-like, don't fly them then" mentality, so before anyone bomb me, I have decided not to fly AK anymore, back to legacy airlines.