khairuddin abu hanifah

Airbus CEO: A350 program remains challenging By Kurt Hofmann | January 22, 2013 The Airbus A350 XWB program—which is on-target for first flight by mid-year—remains a challenge. Entry into service is expected in the second half of 2014. Airbus currently holds 582 firm orders for the type. Airbus president and CEO Fabrice Brégier told ATW last week on the sidelines of the Airbus results press conference that he is “confident of what we have done so far. We bring more maturity for the A350.” The next-generation aircraft was originally slated for entry into service in mid-2013. In November 2011, Airbus pushed back entry into service of its A350-900 aircraft by six months to the “first half of 2014” due to the late availability of some key parts. Last July, Airbus pushed back entry into service until the 2014 second half “due to the time taken for the implementation of the automated drilling process for the wings.” Last month, Airbus completed the main structural assembly and system connection of the A350 XWB first flyable aircraft. Brégier said so far the tests of all A350 systems in the last year have looked good, “however, this program remains very challenging.” He said Airbus has fixed all the problems identified in the past. “What I don’t know [is if we will] face another one [problem]. That’s why we are going through an 18-month testing phase,” he said. The A350 also uses lithium batteries, but Airbus said the manufacturing and design of such batteries can vary from brand to brand. Regarding the Boeing 787 grounding, Brégier said there will be a clear outcome from the investigations by the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board. “We [will] look at it and will see if it has an impact on our system,” he said. SOURCE : ATW

It's time to have TCAS on the ground and camera laser guiding system to avoid such future collision.

I believe the reason is people don't want to get stranded at LHR. travelling during snow storm is quite hectic and very unpleasant.

Qatar Airways very owned airport and managed by the same CEO, Akbar al Baker. How nice! Everything is under his control.

RIO DE JANEIRO, Jan 22 (BERNAMA-NNN-XINHUA) -- Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer announced Monday it has signed a memorandum of understanding(MoU) with Anglo-Italian AgustaWestland to co-manufacture helicopters for Latin American market. The companies expect the joint venture to make helicopters for both commercial and military use to be set up within a few months, after they reached a final agreement on the matter and obtained necessary permits. Embraer President and CEO Frederico Fleury Curado described the project as "an important step." "We are certain that the combined skills and competences of Embraer and AgustaWestland will create great value for the region," he said. Bruno Spagnolini, CEO of AgustaWestland, said the Brazil market is important for the company and the partnership with Embraer will help AgustaWestland expand in "one of the world's fastest growing markets." "We are pleased to have signed the MoU with Embraer," said Spagnolini. According to Embraer, preliminary studies show strong market potential for twin-engine, medium-lift helicopters in the region, especially those that meet the needs of offshore oil and gas exploitation. Helicopters for military and executive transport use show market potential as well, the company added. -- BERNAMA-NNN-XINHUA

MAS To Start A380 Service To Paris On March 1 KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 22 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Airlines will commence Airbus A380 services on its Kuala Lumpur-Paris route beginning on March 1. In a statement today, it said the French capital is the second European destination after London in the national flag carrier's long-haul network to be operated by the superjumbo. "The 494-seater Airbus 380 daily services to Paris will be rolled out to replace the current 282-seat B777 operations, increasing daily seat capacity by 75 per cent effective March 1," the carrier said. In conjunction with the A380 operations, Malaysia Airlines is offering attractive promotional fares from now until Feb 11, valid for travel from March 1 to Sept 30. Economy class travel on the state-of-art A380 is now possible at all-inclusive return airfares starting from RM2,899, it said, adding a 'Golden Ticket' campaign during this offer period allows economy class customers a chance to be upgraded to business class when travelling between March 1 and Sept 30. "Winners of 'Golden Tickets' will be randomly chosen by seat number on flights between Kuala Lumpur and Paris," the carrier said. All-inclusive promotional return fares for Business Class from Kuala Lumpur to Paris start at RM11,969, while return First Class fares start at RM31,465. "With the A380 flying to Paris, Malaysia Airlines is proud to offer new levels of comfort, luxury and convenience to our guests," its Senior Vice President, Sales and Distribution Duncan Bureau said. With the A380 replacing the B777-200, Malaysia Airlines is also introducing First Class travel on this route, the statement said. -- BERNAMA

Based on Airbus Aircraft Summary Orders and Deliveries as at 31/12/2012, Cebu Air has not made any commitment to purchase the A330-300 though it been announced by Airbus. The only confirmed orders by Cebu Air are 30 units of A321 and 23 units of A320. However, there are reports announced that Cebu Air had signed lease agreement with CIT Aerospace to lease undisclosed units of A330-300 to be delivered between 2013 and 2014.

NTSB: JAL battery did not overcharge; ANA, JAL cancel 787 flights to Jan. 28 By Karen Walker | January 21, 2013 The battery used to start the auxiliary power unit (APU) on the Japan Airlines (JAL) Boeing 787 that caught fire did not overcharge, according to the US National Transportation Safety Board. In a detailed third update on its investigation into the Jan. 7 fire aboard the JAL Dreamliner while it was parked at Boston Logan Airport, NTSB said examination of flight recorder data indicates the APU battery did not exceed its designed voltage of 32 volts. The lithium ion battery has become a focus area of the JAL investigation and another investigation into a separate Jan. 16 incident involving an All Nippon Airways (ANA) 787, which had to make an emergency landing in Japan and also appears to have suffered a battery malfunction. In its update on the JAL incident, NTSB said, “The battery was X-rayed and CT scans were generated of the assembled battery. The investigative team has disassembled the APU battery into its eight individual cells for detailed examination and documentation. Three of the cells were selected for more detailed radiographic examination to view the interior of the cells prior to their disassembly. These cells are in the process now of being disassembled and the cell's internal components are being examined and documented. “Investigators have also examined several other components removed from the airplane, including wire bundles and battery management circuit boards. The team has developed test plans for the various components removed from the aircraft, including the battery management unit (for the APU battery), the APU controller, the battery charger and the start power unit.” NTSB added that on Tuesday, the investigative team will meet in Arizona to test and examine the battery charger and download nonvolatile memory from the APU controller. Several other components have been sent for download or examination to Boeing’s facility in Seattle and manufacturer facilities in Japan. The Japan Transport Safety Board is leading the ANA investigation, with assistance from NTSB. Similarly, JTSB officials have joined the NTSB-led JAL inquiry. Meanwhile, ANA and JAL have both announced their 787 schedule cancellations have been extended through Jan. 28. ANA, which was the 787 launch customer and operates 17 Dreamliners, said the total number of 787 flights it has been forced to cancel since the Jan. 16 incident now stands at 320 domestic and 51 international, with more than 50,000 passengers affected. Flights of all 50 787s operated by eight carriers worldwide have been suspended; FAA grounded the aircraft after the ANA incident, although both Japanese carriers had already suspended flights by then. Source: ATW

By Karen Walker | January 21, 2013 An investigation has been launched after an Aerolineas Argentinas Airbus A340 and an Air France Boeing 777-300 collided at Miami International Airport. The incident happened Jan. 18. There were no injuries, but both aircraft were damaged. According to the US National Transportation Safety Board, which has launched an investigation, the wingtip of the A340 struck the stabilizer of the 777. Source: ATW

By Christine Boynton | January 21, 2013 US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will begin removing all body scanner machines that show naked images of people. The machines have caused a public outcry about privacy invasion. Rapiscan, which makes the backscatter airport body scanner machines, failed to meet a congressionally mandated deadline to upgrade the technology with software that protects individual privacy. New scanners show any suspect objects on a humanoid image rather than on a scan of a real human body. “Due to its inability to deploy non-imaging Automated Target Recognition (ATR) software by the congressionally mandated June 2013 deadline, TSA has terminated its contract with Rapiscan,” TSA said. TSA will remove 174 backscatter units from about 30 airports nationwide, replacing the majority with ATR-upgraded L-3 advanced imaging (AIT) millimeter wave technology, a TSA spokesperson told ATW. It will also take some of the 669 millimeter wave units, which are in service at US airports and deploy them to airports that have outdated backscatter technology. US Congress originally mandated all backscatter technology must be ATR-equipped by June 2012; it later extended that deadline by a year. “Rapiscan and TSA determined that the Secure 1000SP would not be ready to meet the next level of ATR software by the congressionally mandated June 2013 deadline,” Rapiscan parent OSI Systems said in a statement. “As the Secure 1000SP has been operated by TSA as an effective imaging system, TSA plans to deploy these systems, with Rapiscan’s assistance, to US government agencies that already rely on the Secure 1000 product line or can enhance their security programs with the Secure 1000SP. The agreement enables the US government to continue to benefit from the investments made by TSA, while allowing TSA to meet the congressional ATR mandate.” “We didn’t believe [Rapiscan] would make that deadline either,” the spokesperson said. The ATR-upgraded L-3 AIT solution has already been deployed at some airports, including Boston Logan. Source: ATW

AirAsia X is the only LCC that makes 25 orders of the A330-300. The rest are full service airlines. No wonder TF making noise of it. For sure, it's not justify for Airbus just to attend to his demand for just one airline.

Pan Pacific KLIA Hotel is no stranger to winning travel accolades. In fact, the hotel has won the "Best Airport Hotel in Asia" award for six consecutive years since 2000 as voted by the Business Asia magazine. Last year it won top honours at the 2012 World Luxury Hotel Awards held recently at the Pan Pacific KLIA, which also won an award in the “Asian Luxury Airport Hotel” category. The Pan Pacific KLIA also won an award for “Exceptional Host Property”. Hopefully it could still maintain its status after the rebranding.

I guess AK is not ready to compete with Scoot, Tiger Singapore/Australia, Jetstar and other full service Singaporean airlines.The local 5 million market is insufficient to justify operations in Singapore. AK is just good for a feeder to other airlines in Changi Airport.

AirAsia drops plan for new Singapore airline unit Updated: Mon, 21 Jan 2013 11:23:52 GMT | By Agence France-Presse AirAsia, Asia's largest low-cost carrier, has scrapped plans for a Singapore joint venture due to high operating costs and lack of domestic market potential in the island republic. "We are concentrating on markets which have big domestic markets and big populations and markets that are more liberal and market-orientated," Tony Fernandes, group chief executive, was quoted as saying in Monday's Wall Street Journal. Malaysia-based AirAsia flies throughout Asia and has set up subsidiary budget carriers in Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Japan. The carrier, one of the biggest customers for European aircraft maker Airbus, has a fleet of 112 A320s and is expecting 266 more aircraft to be delivered up to 2026. Fernandes said it is "very clear that we are in the right markets and capital should go into those countries to maximise return". An AirAsia official confirmed his comments to AFP. The airline was initially keen to establish a unit in Singapore, which would have allowed it to compete with rivals including Jetstar and Tiger Airways and fly to more destinations from the city state, the Wall Street Journal said. More than 50 million passengers travelled through Singapore's Changi Airport in 2012, according to the airport operator. AirAsia has grown rapidly since Fernandes, a former record industry executive, bought the failing airline in 2001. Source: http://news.malaysia.msn.com/regional/airasia-drops-plan-for-new-singapore-airline-unit-2

By Cheche V. Moral Philippine Daily Inquirer 3:15 am | Saturday, January 19th, 2013 MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Tourism (DOT) appears closer to its goal of 10 million visitors by end of 2016 after receiving a major boost from the nation’s flag carrier. Philippine Airlines has begun to make good on its promise of a major network expansion with its recent maiden voyage to Toronto, Canada, a plan that also includes PAL’s return to Europe and the Middle East, thereby opening new gateways into the country. The nonstop direct service to Canada’s biggest city mark’s PAL’s return to the North American East Coast, its first in 15 years, and eyes a sizable potential market: Toronto has an estimated 200,000 Filipinos, the largest number in the whole of Canada. Canada is the No. 9 source of Philippine visitors, according to the DOT. Toronto is PAL’s 27th international destination and 46th overall. There has been much optimism when the Ramon S. Ang-led San Miguel Corp., which injected $500 million into PAL last year, announced its plans to partner with the Lucio Tan group to modernize the airline and thus lift the country’s Category 2 status in order to expand its route to the United States and its territories, and to new international destinations. The US Federal Aviation Authority downgraded the Philippines to Category 2 status in 2008 after the country failed to comply with safety standards. PAL is working to raise the country’s rating. Fuel-efficient On its first flight to Ontario’s capital on Nov. 30, PAL flew its brand-new B777-300, one of its four new Boeing jets, the largest twin-engine extended-range aircraft, said to be “most fuel-efficient,” which can fly nonstop for 14,600 km. Two more B777-300 are expected for delivery this year, according to Felix “Bong” Cruz, PAL’s vice president for marketing support, at the joint press conference with the DOT at Shangri-La Toronto in December. Each jet costs $290 million, and underscores PAL’s commitment to its customers, Cruz stressed. Fleet modernization is one of the key points of PAL’s growth strategy under Ang’s management. On top of the new Boeing jets, Ang had also signed with Airbus to acquire 54 A321s and 10 A330s to be delivered beginning this year until 2017, with a total target fleet of 200, Cruz said. The B777-300 seats 42 in Mabuhay Class (business) and 328 in Fiesta Class (economy). It features fully reclining (flatbed) Recaro seats, the same kind used on Porsche cars, in business class, and wider legroom with the latest Panasonic personal in-flight entertainment system in economy. (In the new jets, the configuration will include premium economy seats, according to Rafael Rollan, officer-in-charge of PAL commercial group.) Because it’s fuel-efficient, Cruz said each B777-300 would save the airline $20 million a year. Service innovation Apart from massive fleet modernization and route expansion, PAL is also committed to service innovation, according to Cruz, noting improved in-flight cuisine designed by five top chefs. iPads, preloaded with magazines and newspapers and other entertainment, will also soon be available onboard, and for a fee to economy passengers. Filipino travelers can now also book their PAL tickets online and pay cash at Petron stations and 7-Eleven, a service provided for flyers who are leery about using credit cards online. The 15-hour nonstop flight from Manila to Toronto’s Pearson International Airport aims to give greater convenience for travelers, especially seniors, who typically spend hours on layovers. Apart from balikbayans, PAL is also hoping to attract those traveling from Toronto to Hong Kong and Ho Chi Mihn, highlighting easy connections with its regional and domestic destinations. The return service from Toronto makes a stop in Vancouver “because we can’t fly direct to Manila due to head winds,” Cruz explained. PAL currently flies three times a week to Toronto (Wednesday, Friday and Sunday), and is expected to increase frequency this quarter. (For bookings, visit www.philippineairlines.com.) Cruz maintained that PAL offers competitive fares even as it puts premium on its one-plane direct service. This year, PAL will also soon be flying to Darwin in Australia. Asia’s first airline aims to fly nonstop to New York, London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Rome in the near future. The Philippines received some four million tourists last year, and by end of October, 86,000 of those came from Canada. The DOT is targeting 155,000 Canadian visitors by end of 2013, owing to the new PAL service. Nearly half of arrivals from Canada are balikbayans. Tourism growth, however, is seen not just on Filipino-Canadians but also on mainstream tourists, according to Tourism Assistant Secretary Benito Bengzon Jr. These are Irish, British, Italians, the French in Quebec. Most travel to Europe but there’s growing interest in Asia,” Bengzon said. Right now, Canadian tourists are going to China, Japan and Hong Kong, “but we leverage the warmth of the Philippines,” he added. “We speak English, and our culture is diverse.” Fourth top dollar earner Tourism is the Philippines’ fourth top dollar earner, which should explain its priority status with the Aquino administration, said Tourism Undersecretary Daniel Corpuz. “Tourism is a labor-intensive industry. For every hotel room built, two direct jobs are created,” Corpuz noted. With new hotels and resorts, as well as malls with convention centers, being built around the country, “by 2016, we’re looking at 6.8 million jobs created, up from 3.6 million existing jobs in the tourism and transport sectors,” he said. DOT is diversifying its product offerings: from 70 percent beach holidays in the past three years, it’s expanding into meetings and conventions; health and wellness or medical tourism; and shopping and entertainment. “We’re also improving market accessibility, connectivity and transport,” Corpuz said, emphasizing the significance of PAL’s expansion program into this. He also underlined the need to fast-track the improvement of airports and seaports. “Ninety percent of Philippine visitors travel by air, and only 1 percent by cruise ships,” Bengzon pointed out. “Unlike other Asian countries, we don’t enjoy cross-border travel.” Corpuz said the DOT is working with the Department of Foreign Affairs to ease travel formalities via a visa-upon-arrival scheme, targeted to commence this year, with priority for its large-volume markets, China and India. But the DOT can’t do it all on its own. It’s also counting on Filipinos to take part in the country’s promotion efforts—“inclusive approach,” they call it—pointing out how the “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” campaign started with only five versions when it rolled out in social media in January last year. It has spawned 50,000 versions, Bengzon said. “Yes, we want people to help us define the ‘fun’ in the Philippines.” Source: http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/85879/asias-first-airline-now-flies-nonstop-to-toronto-will-also-return-to-europe-and-the-middle-east?goback=%2Egde_90578_member_206036657

Well, still long way for Pak Rusdi to decide. Expected delivery for the 787 is in 2015.

I wonder Lion Air subsidiary Batik Air still want to go ahead with their 787 order plan.

Leahy: Kingfisher’s A380 order still active By Kurt Hofmann | January 18, 2013 Airbus, which said the A380’s order book comprises 262 firm orders from 20 customers, acknowledged India’s Kingfisher Airlines order for five of the type “looks shaky.” Kingfisher has ceased operations and its aircraft have been impounded. “I have legally binding contracts with Kingfisher right now. We got deposits, we rescheduled the aircraft and it is probable at some point we will take the orders out,” COO-Customers John Leahy told ATW, adding that it hopes the troubled carrier gets new investors. “We certainly don’t want to get out [of this contract]. It is a good customer, operates an all-Airbus fleet. I don’t see a reason to give up [yet],” Leahy said. According to the manufacturer, 97 A380s are in service with nine airlines. Source: ATW

Air India to seek compensation for Boeing 787 grounding By Cuckoo Paul | January 18, 2013 India’s minister for civil aviation Ajit Singh said Friday that Air India would seek “some kind of compensation” for the grounding of its six Boeing 787 aircraft. Speaking to journalists in Delhi, Singh said the matter will be taken up later. The priority is to find clarity on the problems that have led to the grounding of the aircraft around the world, he said. The minister said there is no re-thinking on taking deliveries of the remaining planes on order. Air India has 27 of the aircraft on order, six of which have been delivered. Air India has begun using the aircraft on its international routes out of Delhi and Mumbai, replacing the larger Boeing 777. Meanwhile, Air India officials expect to receive an interim report from Boeing and the US FAA in a day or two on their probe into the Dreamliner’s problems. This may give us an idea of how long the aircraft will stay grounded, they said. Source: ATW

Even PMB website: www.pmb.com.my is now being suspended. I wonder how they maintain their aircrafts when they even can't manage their own website.

Mr. Van Straten, May be I could help but probably need some time to get the person-in-charge. Will get in touch once managed to get the person. Let me have your contact info, please.

Firefly To Increase Subang-Johor Bahru Flights To 38 Weekly KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 18 (Bernama) -- Firefly will be increasing its current 28 weekly flights between Subang-Johor Bahru to 35 weekly (5 times daily), effective Feb 4, and subsequently to 38 flights weekly from Feb 18 onwards. The additional frequencies are due to among others, an increase in demand by customers planning to travel during the upcoming Chinese New Year holidays, specifically for reunions and leisure. In celebrating its fleet expansion and added frequencies, Firefly is offering an all-in, one way promotion, starting from RM 35 to its domestic and regional destinations. Booking starts from now to Jan 27, 2013, for travel between Jan 21, 2013 and March 29, 2014. "With the booming Iskandar Malaysia projects and its latest attractions, Legoland and Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park, it is no surprise that Firefly's service will be in greater demand," Firefly's Chief Executive Officer, Ignatius Ong said in a statement today. He also said the airline had captured the business travellers, with almost 70 per cent of customers comprising them. Ong said Johor is a vital part of Firefly's growth plan as its target market expands to mass passengers from the southern region, Singapore, Batam, and transit passengers at Senai International Airport. The introduction of Firefly's added services also underlines the airline's commitment to develop Johor Bahru as a potential southern hub, by offering more travel options and contributing significantly to the development of commerce opportunities. -- BERNAMA

Business strategy and government control’s GLC – Khazanah still holding the trump card!

Retail giant's spending on private jets for senior staff reached new high last year Firm has spent nearly £29 million on private plane journeys since 2005 Spiralling costs revealed after Tesco issues first profits warning for 20 years By SAM ADAMS PUBLISHED: 09:49 GMT, 24 December 2012 | UPDATED: 11:12 GMT, 24 December 2012 With its famous motto of 'Every little helps' Tesco has made its fortune by meeting the needs of cost-conscious shoppers. But the supermarket giant appears to have been less thrifty with its use of private jets for senior executives - spending £8.9 million flying them around the globe last year alone. Since 2005 the firm has spent nearly £29 million on flying executives to different parts of the world, according to information filed at Companies House. The figures, which come from analysis of the accounts for Kansas Transportation, a jet-leasing business which was established by Tesco in 2005, reveals that the retail giant has spent a total of £28.9m on private jets during the past seven years, the Guardian reports. The bill has increased steadily under the management of Philip Clarke with the highest bill this year - the first under the management of chief executive Philip Clarke, who took over the running of the firm from Sir Terry Leahy last year. Sir Terry has previously been reported as saying he preferred flights with EasyJet than flying on private jets. In 2009, under Sir Terry's management, the bill for private jets was just £2.3 million, but this rose to £5.4 million the following year, £.7.8 million in the year to Februrary 2011 and £8.9m in the most recent year. News of the jets bill has come at a bad time for Mr Clarke, who recently issued Tesco's first profits warning in two decades - with the firm's share's losing 16 per cent of their value during Mr Clarke's reign. A Tesco spokesman said the firm used private jets 'in common with many multinational companies' and that this was to help its executives 'make the most efficient use of their time as they travel in and between our markets.' Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2252760/Tesco-spends-28MILLION-private-jets-flying-executives-world.html

Qantas Reduces Dreamlineer Order To 14 By Neville D'Cruz MELBOURNE, Jan 18 (Bernama) -- Qantas Airlines has reduced its order for the Boeing 787 Dreamliners for its Jetstar subsidiary to 14, as it prepares for slower growth on its long-haul routes. Jetstar, which competes with Malaysia-based Air Asia X and Singapore Airlines-backed Scoot for low-cost, long-haul passengers, is still expected to pick up its first Dreamliner this year. Qantas Chief Executive Alan Joyce said plans for Jetstar to continue growing has not changed. "While the plan is for Jetstar's long-haul network to keep expanding, we are using the flexibility in our agreement with Boeing to cancel a firm order knowing that we can replace it with one of our 50 options for this aircraft down the track, and with a full view of what market conditions are like at the time," Joyce said in a statement. With Qantas' 50 options to buy Boeing 787-8 and the larger 787-9 aircraft from 2016, the airline group could still put a 15th Dreamliner in the Jetstar fleet if it wished to and if conditions supported more growth at Jetstar. The decision to reduce its 787 order was made late 2012, Qantas said, before the Dreamliner's grounding by regulators in the US on Thursday and an investigation into the aircraft's lithium ion battery. Joyce said Qantas remained firmly committed to the Dreamliner and was confident current technical issues would be resolved by Boeing. Meanwhile, Qantas said it was leasing a further five Boeing 717 aircraft and Bombardier Q400 turboprops, due to arrive in the second half of the year, to support more regional flying. Qantas said the changes would have no impact on the company's planned capital expenditure, expected to be around A$1.8 billion in 2012/13 and A$1.9 billion in 2013/14. -- BERNAMA