Mike P

So much talk and comment, if I were the passenger, I would symphatise the entire situation and treatment to the crews and would accuse the airlines instead for failing to provide adequate and rest zones for them.

It seems FY not using MH's old jet to expand, then.

I don't agree with this "introducing more african routes could lead more criminal..." thing. This is such a bias and discrimination. It's more or less like USA accusing of introducing more middle east routes could lead more terrorism in their nation.

I do agree with MH at some points. Some parents seem to not able to control the infants at certain points and therefore disturbing other passengers. It's like putting a situation at 5 to 7 star restaurants or any high class public services where kids' noises are not likely to be compromised.

Fernandes Yes to AirAsia flights to Africa Published: 2011/06/18 Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has suggested that low-cost airlines such as AirAsia seriously look to flying to Africa to facilitate travel and increase trade and investment linkages. He said that currently, the lack of such connectivity was a deterrent to enhancing ties between Malaysia and African nations, although the continent possessed a vast economic potential that remains largely untapped. In an immediate response to Dr Mahathir’s call at the Malaysia-Africa Business Forum Saturday morning, AirAsia’s chief Tan Sri Tony Fernandes told Bernama that this was possible. "Azran (Osman Rani, Airasia X's chief executive) and the team are looking at Egypt and also Luanda (Angola) and Nairobi (Kenya),” he said via SMS. -- Bernama Read more: Fernandes Yes to AirAsia flights to Africa http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/20110618123414/Article/#ixzz1PeGd93o1

Aircraft renewal usually means to refurbish the product and services and to enhance customer's experience. However, retaining the old aircraft could seem to be MH's contingency plan to expand the network.

MAS CEO Foresees Double-digit Growth In Profitability Via Alliance June 16, 2011 17:13 PM KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Airlines foresees double-digit growth in profitability via its alliance with the third largest global airline group, OneWorld, says Chief Executive Officer Tengku Datuk Azmil Zahruddin. He said the company may also have to take delivery of aircraft, earlier than scheduled, as the alliance may open up opportunities to fly to new destinations. "There will be significant (improvement) in revenue (and) double digit growth in profitabilty," he said at a press conference here Thursday. The primary benefit would be seamless products, he said, adding that, besides improvement in revenue and profits, the alliance would also result in cost savings. He cited lounge services at airport as an area which could benefit in terms of upgrade and improvement. "When a number of member (airlines) fly to a particular airport, they can join together and share the cost of using one lounge compared with each airline having respective lounges and check in counters," he explained. MAS reported a pre-tax loss of RM238 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2011 compared with RM320 million in pre-tax profit recorded in the same quarter last year. Revenue stood at RM3.19 billion, down from RM3.3 billion, registered previously. OneWorld's other alliances are Airberlin, AmericanAirlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Kingfisher, Lan, Malev, Mexicana, Qantas, Royal Jordanian and S7 Airlines, which will provide MAS access to 900 code sharing destinations in 150 countries. Tengku Azmil said although it usually took about 18 months to integrate the system with the alliance, MAS aimed to do it within a year, meaning those flying MAS could enjoy the seamless connection as soon as next year. "There will be some investment to integrate the system," he said. Asked on fleet deployment, he said although it was too early to access it now,"we may find that we need more planes more quickly." MAS ordered 35 of the Next-Generation 737-800 airplanes in 2008,to be delivered in stages. The airline also acquired purchase rights for an additional 20 Next-Generation 737-800s. It has also ordered six A380s with delivery expected to begin in 2012. He said the alliance was also timely,"as we get more and more planes. (We will see) where we can deploy the planes in the best way possible." Tengku Azmil also explained that the airline does not need to discuss with the alliance to expand its destination. "We can fly where ever we want provided we have the traffic rights (and) with the large network that the alliance provides some destinations, which were not viable before, may make sense now and we may start flying there," he added. However, he said it was difficult to name them at this point of time. He also said that there were are no fuel arrangement with the alliance. Asked how it would impact on the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) business, he said, there could be a business opportunity although there was no compulsion for the alliance's members to do maintenance within the group.

I would be going to Shanghai and Beijing in March 2012, wonder if I could ever fly with the brand new A330

Means too much cost? I think passengers would be very upset and disappointed if an airlines offer great services but has gone into bankruptcy and liquidation due to this kind of reason... sad.

Has anyone of you taken MU economy class before? How was it? In terms of cuisine and entertainment?

Looks good!

The load factor is not bad. Yet still losing money?

If it's a chartered flight, then it's different from a scheduled flight.

Haha, I actually got that in email circulation and even accusing it was AirAsia... haha

Not much choices, not unless the airlines could refurbish the seats for the crews.

Let's see how they can battle the challenges and outdo MH!

Dhaka route does make money, but forced to drop to serve even more profitable route. Just like AC gave up India's route for China's route.

Anyhow, AK has already sought after the Govt to provide a piece of land for them to build the LCCT. Datuk TF also mentioned AK would bear the cost some more. I remember I read from the news some years ago.

I don't think it's quite professional to sit on passengers seat. There are designed seats for them during take off and landing.

Mt Puyehue-Cordon Caulle Volcano Eruption Update 2200hrs (GMT+, Monday 13th June 2011 We understand that for now, the ash cloud from the eruption of the Mt Puyehue-Cordon Caulle Volcano in Chile, have reached parts of New Zealand airspace. However please be informed that our flights to/from New Zealand and Australia are operating as per schedule. We are currently monitoring the situation very closely. We request that our guests check our website for further updates. Update from AirAsia

I thought A320 is more fuel savings than B738? Or technically the same?

This is absolutely awesome... wonder how they could enforce the glass. Besides, won't it be a bit scary able to see through out the sky? For certain people like Acrophobia? On the other hand, I think those Claustrophobia could attempt to fly now...

Sounds like first time not using the B747.

Qantas cuts growth forecast as more flights hit by ash Click to play Volcanic ash will add to problems for Qantas, says Siva Govindasamy of FlightglobalContinue reading the main story Related Stories Chile ash cloud causes disruption Qantas cancels flights over ash Qantas airlines has cut its forecast for domestic growth as it faces various problems including the continuing disruption due to volcanic ash. Australia's national carrier said it expected domestic capacity to grow by just 5.5% this year compared with the previous estimate of 8% growth. Qantas cancelled all flights in and out of Perth as ash from the Puyehue-Cordon Caulle volcano in Chile spread further. It has already suspended flights to and from Tasmania and New Zealand. Flooding and cyclones earlier this year hit travel demand in Australia and the situation has been worsened by the current travel disruption. 'Capacity to demand' Qantas said it was reducing its capital expenditure by 400m Australian dollars ($426m; £260m) as growth had been slower than expected. The company said it was also cancelling or deferring orders of 12 narrow-body aircraft. "The Qantas Group has always taken decisive action to match capacity to demand," said Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce. "With Qantas continuing to lead the premium market and Jetstar offering consistently low fares in the leisure market, we are well-placed to retain our profit-maximising 65% domestic market share," he added. It's getting real near, now at Perth... could it be soon to Indonesia?

Simply Malaysian can't afford to pay high airport tax.