KK Lee

MH needs alliance to feed pax from USA. Without alliance, it is inconvenience and more expensive to travel on MH. Point to point model and working alone is outdated and uncompetitive.

Don’t think we should laugh at our neighbour. There is a bigger can of worm in our own backyard.

Rumour (which always true) has it; KLIA is built on a cemetery and was haunted during construction stage. When KLIA was opened in 1998, spirits was invited to move out by bomoh. Believe it or not, spirits was requesting to travel to Japan and their wish was granted. Travelled on a MH flight to Tokyo and released there.

IPH is within 2.5 hours drive from KUL, it can do without a airport. What IPH need is regular express bus service to KUL. As local politicians don’t commute by bus and bus service doesn’t bring glory, bus service at KUL is the poorest among international airports. May be AK should consider commence bus service to town like Ipoh, Melaka, Muar, Mentakab, Kuantan, etc.

MH never had their departure or arrival time rights at EWR, and infrequency couldn’t attract premium travelers. Hence, never make money on this sector.

Improve? Meals on MH KUL/SYD and KUL/MEL vv have been downgraded compared with last year.

There is nothing much to look forward to MH EY class menus. Better to fill your stomach before boarding or after landing.

Mobile phones on planes Would you fly in chattering class? Sep 7th 2006 From The Economist print edition The use of mobile phones on planes moves another step closer LIKE it or not, the prospect of being able to use mobile phones on aeroplanes is inching ever closer. Last week Ryanair, a European low-cost carrier, announced that it would equip its entire fleet of Boeing 737s with small base stations, called picocells, provided by OnAir, a technology company backed by Airbus, Europe's aviation giant. The picocells will use satellite links to allow mobile phones to be used during flight without interfering with ground-based networks. (Such interference, rather than safety concerns, is the primary reason that in-flight use of mobile phones is banned at the moment.) Taking a cut of the resulting revenues will help Ryanair to keep its ticket prices down, according to Michael O'Leary, the firm's boss. But it is uncertain just how popular, and hence how lucrative, in-flight calling will be. The technical obstacles have been overcome and regulatory approval is expected soon—at least in Europe. Regulators are expected to issue guidelines in the next few weeks defining which frequencies can be used and national aviation authorities will start certifying airlines' installations early next year. OnAir says it expects its technology to be approved in time for Air France to launch in-air calling on an Airbus A318 in the first quarter of 2007. Mobile phones must still surmount social obstacles, however. Will people flock to airlines that offer in-flight calling, or avoid them? And how much will callers be prepared to pay? OnAir, its rival AeroMobile and other firms have conducted a series of surveys in an attempt to find out. According to the latest survey, released by OnAir this week, 80% of airline passengers approve of the idea of being able to use telephones on aircraft, even if they do not plan to do so themselves. Indeed, only 54% of business travellers and 41% of leisure travellers said they would switch their phones on during a flight. One reason is cost: George Cooper, the boss of OnAir, says that at prices above $3 per minute, “demand drops off considerably”, according to the firm's research. He expects $2.50 per minute to be the norm when services based on his firm's technology are launched by Air France, Ryanair, bmi and TAP Portugal. But OnAir will then cut its prices by 10% a year for five years, he says. Previous surveys have painted a less rosy picture. One survey of young mobile-phone users, carried out last year by IDC and SMS.ac, a mobile portal, found that 64% of young people favoured in-flight texting, and only 11% liked the idea of making calls. And 82% of respondents agreed with the statement “I don't want people talking on their phones during flights.” Another, more rigorous survey, carried out in America for the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, a flight attendants' union, found that 63% of those polled thought the ban on in-flight calling should be maintained. Concern over noisy passengers shouting into their phones, cited by 68% of people, topped the list of objections; only 2% worried that the use of phones might somehow help terrorists. (The AFA-CWA's objection to in-flight calling seems to be that it will make it harder for flight attendants to keep order.) And when America's telecoms regulator, the Federal Communications Commission, requested public comments on in-flight calling, it received thousands of mostly negative responses. “Please no. No,” read one response. “I object to this in the strongest terms. I can't believe you are even considering it.” America's airlines seem to share this lack of enthusiasm for the idea. Both United and Delta say their customers do not want it. But in-flight calling is coming to Asia. AeroMobile, a joint venture between Telenor, a Norwegian mobile operator, and ARINC, a technology firm, says it plans to launch in-air services with Qantas and a second, unnamed Asian airline. “We're exploiting the fact that any flights over the ocean do not require regulatory approval,” says Peter Tuggey of AeroMobile. So the availability of in-flight communications seems likely to vary widely. Offering such a service, or not offering it, could enable airlines to differentiate themselves on particular routes. They could also impose quiet periods or mobile-free cabins. On long-haul flights, texting and Wi-Fi access might prove more attractive than voice-calling, provided the price is right—though Boeing recently axed Connexion, its impressive but little used satellite-based in-flight broadband service. In-flight calling may in fact prove best suited to short-haul, low-cost flights. After all, people choose Ryanair and other low-cost carriers because of their low prices—not because they enjoy the flight. So the prospect of other passengers shouting into their phones may not put people off. Quite the opposite, in fact, if it can help to subsidise low ticket prices. http://www.economist.com/business/displays...tory_id=7884763 May be it is about time for our local airlines to review their handphone onboard policy

Welcome aboard Sep 7th 2006 From The Economist print edition In-flight announcements are not entirely truthful. What might an honest one sound like? “GOOD morning, ladies and gentlemen. We are delighted to welcome you aboard Veritas Airways, the airline that tells it like it is. Please ensure that your seat belt is fastened, your seat back is upright and your tray-table is stowed. At Veritas Airways, your safety is our first priority. Actually, that is not quite true: if it were, our seats would be rear-facing, like those in military aircraft, since they are safer in the event of an emergency landing. But then hardly anybody would buy our tickets and we would go bust. The flight attendants are now pointing out the emergency exits. This is the part of the announcement that you might want to pay attention to. So stop your sudoku for a minute and listen: knowing in advance where the exits are makes a dramatic difference to your chances of survival if we have to evacuate the aircraft. Also, please keep your seat belt fastened when seated, even if the seat-belt light is not illuminated. This is to protect you from the risk of clear-air turbulence, a rare but extremely nasty form of disturbance that can cause severe injury. Imagine the heavy food trolleys jumping into the air and bashing into the overhead lockers, and you will have some idea of how nasty it can be. We don't want to scare you. Still, keep that seat belt fastened all the same. Your life-jacket can be found under your seat, but please do not remove it now. In fact, do not bother to look for it at all. In the event of a landing on water, an unprecedented miracle will have occurred, because in the history of aviation the number of wide-bodied aircraft that have made successful landings on water is zero. This aircraft is equipped with inflatable slides that detach to form life rafts, not that it makes any difference. Please remove high-heeled shoes before using the slides. We might as well add that space helmets and anti-gravity belts should also be removed, since even to mention the use of the slides as rafts is to enter the realm of science fiction. Please switch off all mobile phones, since they can interfere with the aircraft's navigation systems. At least, that's what you've always been told. The real reason to switch them off is because they interfere with mobile networks on the ground, but somehow that doesn't sound quite so good. On most flights a few mobile phones are left on by mistake, so if they were really dangerous we would not allow them on board at all, if you think about it. We will have to come clean about this next year, when we introduce in-flight calling across the Veritas fleet. At that point the prospect of taking a cut of the sky-high calling charges will miraculously cause our safety concerns about mobile phones to evaporate. On channel 11 of our in-flight entertainment system you will find a video consisting of abstract imagery and a new-age soundtrack, with a voice-over explaining some exercises you can do to reduce the risk of deep-vein thrombosis. We are aware that this video is tedious, but it is not meant to be fun. It is meant to limit our liability in the event of lawsuits. Once we have reached cruising altitude you will be offered a light meal and a choice of beverages—a word that sounds so much better than just saying ‘drinks’, don't you think? The purpose of these refreshments is partly to keep you in your seats where you cannot do yourselves or anyone else any harm. Please consume alcohol in moderate quantities so that you become mildly sedated but not rowdy. That said, we can always turn the cabin air-quality down a notch or two to help ensure that you are sufficiently drowsy. After take-off, the most dangerous part of the flight, the captain will say a few words that will either be so quiet that you will not be able to hear them, or so loud that they could wake the dead. So please sit back, relax and enjoy the flight. We appreciate that you have a choice of airlines and we thank you for choosing Veritas, a member of an incomprehensible alliance of obscure foreign outfits, most of which you have never heard of. Cabin crew, please make sure we have remembered to close the doors. Sorry, I mean: ‘Doors to automatic and cross-check’. Thank you for flying Veritas.” http://www.economist.com/printedition/disp...884654&fsrc=RSS

Windowless space is for aircond duct.

If A300 is noisy, wait till you experience Tristar L-1011 especially at the aft.

Travelled on EK and GF. Prefer EK. Apart from their seats, EK inflight entertainment and meal is superior than MH.

Extra security measures are in place at UK airports, the Department of Transport announced: Passengers may take through the airport security search point, in a single (ideally transparent) plastic carrier bag, only small personal and essential items, such as keys, wallets and nappies (full list below). Nothing may be carried in pockets. All passengers must be hand searched, and their footwear and all the items they are carrying must be X-ray screened. Pushchairs and walking aids must be X-ray screened, and only airport-provided wheelchairs may pass through the screening point. In addition, all passengers boarding flights to the USA and all the items they are carrying, including those acquired after the central screening point, must be subjected to a secondary search at the boarding gate. Any liquids discovered must be taken from the passenger. There are no changes to current hold baggage security measures. Permitted items as hand luggage: Pocket size wallets and pocket size purses plus contents (for example money, credit cards, identity cards etc (not handbags); Travel documents essential for the journey (for example passports and travel tickets); Prescription medicines and medical items sufficient and essential for the flight (eg, diabetic kit), except in liquid form unless verified as authentic; Spectacles and sunglasses, without cases; Contact lens holders, without bottles of solution; For those travelling with an infant: baby food, milk (the contents of each bottle must be tasted by the accompanying passenger) and sanitary items sufficient and essential for the flight (nappies, wipes, creams and nappy disposal bags); Female sanitary items sufficient and essential for the flight, if unboxed (eg tampons, pads, towels and wipes); Tissues (unboxed) and/or handkerchiefs; Keys (but no electrical key fobs). http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-2306721,00.html

Heathrow shut to incoming flights Passengers are being asked to be patient when facing delays Heathrow Airport has been closed to all incoming flights that are not already in the air, following a police anti-terror operation. Stringent security measures have been put in place at airports across the UK. Passengers are being asked to check in all hand baggage except for some essential items and travellers are experiencing long delays. Flights from Brussels to all London airports have been cancelled. Lufthansa has also cancelled flights to the UK. BAA strongly advises all passengers not to travel to Heathrow airport unless the journey is essential and there is an increased police presence at London Underground stations leading to the airport. Long delays Heathrow management took the decision to close to all flights not already in the air due to the congestion at the airport. Manchester Airport have said there are delays on all flights of between one and three hours. Donald Morrison, a spokesman for BAA at Glasgow Airport, said there would be delays at security for all passengers. "We are bringing in additional security staff as we speak and we are hoping that passengers will be able to pass through security safely and swiftly but we would advise passengers to give themselves extra time when they come to the airport." Significant delays Transport Secretary Douglas Alexander said all airports and airlines operating into and out of the UK would be on a heightened state of security. "Maximum security unfortunately will involve immediate and severe disruptions for passengers with significant delays likely at all UK airports," he said. "What these changes mean in practice is that all hand baggage will now have to be checked in with only a small number of essential items allowed through search controls. "Exceptions will be in place for those travelling with infants and for prescription medicines. "Extra security arrangements will be in place for flights to the United States." Passengers are being asked to check in most items of baggage, apart from wallets and purses, identity and travel documents, prescription medicines, spectacles and sunglasses and keys. Those travelling with children will be allowed items essential for children on the flight. Mr Alexander said passengers wanting detailed information should contact the airline they were due to travel with. Information would also be available on the Home Office, the Department for Transport and Foreign Office websites. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/4778871.stm

Standard flight time is longer than actual flight time to allow for delay (e.g. runway congestion, etc). Hence, on long haul, very often flight arrives either ahead of schedule or on time even after late departure. Sometime, due to favourable tail wind (e.g. jet stream), to avoid arrival during airport curfew, flight is delay on departure. Just my 2 cents.

Many people may not know Bata is not a cheap local brand; it’s headquarter is in Canada and operating in over 50 countries. http://www.bata.com/about_us/bata_today.php There is no doubt MH give a better service but how much is the meal cost? RM50 at most? I can have a good meal at most restaurants in countries AK is serving for RM50 and save the rest of price difference for shopping With the exception of rainy day, LCCT is a more convenient, user friendly and better terminal than MBT at KLIA.

Opps! I was on MUC/KUL last november. Didn't check current schedule.

Food leftover onboard is probably the food is tasteless or crap. The amount and items of food serving on MH domestic cattle class is already at minimum, to cut down further will reduce MH cabin service to LCC level. MH should improve the food quality instead.

LH upgraded 346 to 744 is for the load between MUC and BKK. Normal pax load on LH between KUL and MUC can’t justify a 734. Due to limited yield, KUL can only hope for European or American airline to extend their service from BKK and SIN or piggy back on CGK or MNL.

With many routes (e.g. PEN/LGK) decided by the cabinet, doubt MH will ever truly independent and operate like a business entity. Old wine, new bottle.

The US secretary of state is normally travels on 757. USAF 737 BBJ is a transporter for US military CinC (4 star general).

What’s wrong with blue collar job or driver is blue collar?

Unburned fuel left over during shut down and may burn at start up. Although doesn’t happen often but is safe. At LHR a few years ago, a MH744 had ‘engine fire’ at push back. A passenger panics, opened the door, jumped down and injured himself.

The road is more or less parallel to the runway, doubt they would take off at such a strong cross wind. However, I believe they encountered mechanical failure after rotation, off course and forced landing on the highway. Believe they are not seriously injured but shock. Wish them speedy recovery.

ttp://www.malaysia-today.net/Blog-e/2006/07/tajudin-alleges-secret-deal-with-dr-m.htm While TR was the chairman, he did claimed he bought Mas for national service.