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Direct Flights From Terengganu To Jeddah This Haj Session

August 07, 2008 22:37 PM

 

PETALING JAYA, Aug 7 (Bernama) -- For the first time, direct flights from Kuala Terengganu to Jeddah will be conducted for this year's haj season through a collaboration between Malaysia Airlines, Tabung Haji and the Terengganu state government.

 

Malaysia Airlines executive director and chief financial officer, Tengku Datuk Azmil Zahruddin Raja Abduk Aziz, said a total of nine flights would be used for the sector. Currently Malaysia Airlines operates direct flights from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Penang, Johor Bahru, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu to Jeddah, he said.

 

Tengku Azmil Zahruddin was speaking to reporters after attending the signing of agreement between the airline and Tabung Haji for the operation of the haj charter flights.

 

Malaysia Airlines was represented by assistant general manager Capt Nik Ahmad Huzlan Nik Hussain, while Tabung Haji was by its senior general manager (haj divison) Mohd Salleh Abdul Mubin.

 

Minister in the Prime Minister's Deparment Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi witnessed the ceremony.

 

Tengku Azmil Zahruddin said for this year's haj season, a total of 54 direct flights carrying 13,000 passengers had been arranged between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.

 

Sixteen of the flight would be to and from Madinah, while the other 38 would be to and from Jeddah, he said.

 

-- BERNAMA

 

Captain Nik in action again :good: :)

The jumbos going to make an appearance there soon eh ?

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Could either be the B777 or B744.

 

MALAYSIA AIRLINES CONTINUES TO OPERATE TABUNG HAJI'S HAJJ CHARTERS

For the first time, flies directly from Kuala Terengganu to the Holy Land

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Malaysia Airlines today sealed the deal to operate Lembaga Tabung Haji's Hajj Charter flights between Malaysia and Jeddah and Madinah in Saudi Arabia for the year 2008/2009 or 1429 Hijrah.

 

Captain Haji Nik Ahmad Huzlan Nik Hussain, Assistant General Manager Hajj & Charter Services signed on behalf of the national carrier while Tabung Haji

was represented by Tuan Haji Mohd Saleh Abd Mubin, Senior General Manager (Hajj).

 

Signing as witnesses were Datuk Haji Ismee bin Ismail, Group Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of Tabung Haji and YM Tengku Dato' Azmil

Zahruddin, Executive Director & Chief Financial Officer of Malaysia Airlines.

 

Among the guests of honour present at the signing ceremony were Y.B Dato' Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department,

Terengganu state government ex-co members, Tan Sri Dato' Abi Musa Asaari bin Mohd Noor, Chairman of Tabung Haji and YBhg Dato' Seri Idris Jala, Managing Director/CEO of Malaysia Airlines.

 

Speaking at the signing ceremony, YM Tengku Dato' Azmil said, "The Hajj operations are unique, specialised, highly regulated and time critical.

With our experience since 1974 in handling the Hajj services, pilgrims can be assured of safe, efficient ground and inflight services."

 

Malaysia Airlines will operate a total of 54 flights involving 13,000 passengers between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia in two phases. Of these, 16 will be direct services into and out of Madinah to provide pilgrims with better travel arrangements and greater convenience and reduced expenditure. The remaining 38 will be between Malaysia and Jeddah.

 

For the first time in the history of the Hajj services by Malaysia Airlines, direct flights will be operated between Sultan Mahmud Airport in Kuala Terengganu and Jeddah. A total of 9 flights will depart Kuala Terengganu for Jeddah this year, largely made possible by the close co-operation extended by the Terengganu state government to Tabung Haji and Malaysia Airlines.

 

Apart from Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia Airlines will operate direct flights to and from KLIA, Penang, Johor Bahru, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu. Malaysia Airlines will also provide seamless connections between KLIA and all Malaysian domestic sectors for pilgrims where direct Hajj flights are unavailable.

 

The national airline will use 2 B747-400 aircraft with a seating capacity of 359 each for three-class flights to and from Jeddah and Madinah. A B777- 200 aircraft with a reserved capacity of 200 will also be used.

 

Among the inflight services provided are personal TV screens, a special menu and dedicated audio and video programmes ranging from classical

instrumentals and Nasyid selections to Quranic versus during the flight. Personalised delivery of Air Zam Zam will also be arranged by Malaysia Airlines for returning pilgrims, thus relieving them from the burden of carriage and purchase.

 

Malaysia Airlines will have a team of dedicated personnel to manage and operate the Hajj flights as this operation has unique regulatory requirements and is highly time critical. This will also enhance Malaysia's reputation of having the best Hajj movement, an arrangement which is highly regarded in the Muslim world.

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9 B744 flights beginning 16 November 2008.

3195 Pilgrims to be carried.

 

Subject To:

 

a. Runway Extension Completion.

b. Category 9 Upgrade

c. Fuelling Facilities meeting MH specs.

d. NavAids calibration.

 

We've been promised completion by 15th August. We are targeting 15th Sept for actual completion, a 1 month buffer period.

 

We are preparing for the worst but hoping for the best. We're keeping a close eye on the progress to ensure that no blame falls on MasCharters if the others fail to deliver.

 

So far it looks good.

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For the first time in the history of the Hajj services by Malaysia Airlines, direct flights will be operated between Sultan Mahmud Airport in Kuala Terengganu and Jeddah.

 

Pilgrims performing the Tamattu' Hajj will have to travel by bus from Jeddah to Madinah. This is a boring bus trip.

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9 B744 flights beginning 16 November 2008.

3195 Pilgrims to be carried.

 

Subject To:

 

a. Runway Extension Completion.

b. Category 9 Upgrade

c. Fuelling Facilities meeting MH specs.

d. NavAids calibration.

 

We've been promised completion by 15th August. We are targeting 15th Sept for actual completion, a 1 month buffer period.

We are preparing for the worst but hoping for the best. We're keeping a close eye on the progress to ensure that no blame falls on MasCharters if the others fail to deliver.

 

So far it looks good.

 

Doubt they can complete the runway by next week, Capt... :nea:

Good that you've the one month buffer... even that... touch&go, I guess....

 

The progress as last Tuesday Aug 5th...

Kenyir-9408.jpg

 

Still at the earthworks, drainage not done yet...

and I think they need some embankment protections for the coming monsoon...

 

--

 

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Captain Nik,

Is that why you have the 777-200 in reserve ?

 

No. The B777 are not reserved for TGG ops. The B777 are being used to supplement capacity ex KUL only. Its either the B747-400 or nothing. Operating the Hajj on B777 is not in line with hajj business plan and there will be slot capacity limitation into Jeddah.

 

744 can always stop at KUL or PEN to refuel.

 

:drinks:

 

No. Option for refuelling at KUL or PEN will upset delicately planned financial margins apart from imposing restrictions on crew FTL. Total capacity will also be affected as rotation cycles will invariably be reduced.

Edited by Nik H.

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Doubt they can complete the runway by next week, Capt... :nea:

Good that you've the one month buffer... even that... touch&go, I guess....

 

The progress as last Tuesday Aug 5th...

Kenyir-9408.jpg

 

Still at the earthworks, drainage not done yet...

and I think they need some embankment protections for the coming monsoon...

 

--

 

They have to ensure its finished within the stipulated time as we've explicitly warned those involved ( JKR, MAHB & DCA primarily ) that if the TGG Hajj plans does not come through, the intergrity of the whole Hajj Operation will be jeapordised as all scheduling applications and aircraft / Crew rotation plans are based on TGG Opns after the commitment given by all parties in a recent meeting.

 

82 Days to the 1st Hajj Flight and counting.

 

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No. The B777 are not reserved for TGG ops. The B777 are being used to supplement capacity ex KUL only. Its either the B747-400 or nothing. Operating the Hajj on B777 is not in line with hajj business plan and there will be slot capacity limitation into Jeddah.

 

Correction. It should read;

 

No. The B777 are not reserved for Tgg Hajj Ops. For this year's Hajj movement, the B777 are being used to supplement capacity for the KUL-JED VV sector only. Operating the Hajj ex TGG using B777 is not in line with Hajj business plan. There will also be slot capacity limitation into Jeddah.

 

 

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Thanks for insight Captain Nik :drinks:

Still recall your earlier description (in other thread) of the delicate choreography of the haj operations

Cannot even start to imagine the additional nightmare of uncertainty whether you'll have an airport capable of launching the ships on their intended missions :blink: External influences at play once again huh ?! :)

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They have to ensure its finished within the stipulated time as we've explicitly warned those involved ( JKR, MAHB & DCA primarily ) that if the TGG Hajj plans does not come through, the intergrity of the whole Hajj Operation will be jeapordised as all scheduling applications and aircraft / Crew rotation plans are based on TGG Opns after the commitment given by all parties in a recent meeting.

 

82 Days to the 1st Hajj Flight and counting.

 

 

MAHB may complete the runway extension in time but not sure of ILS on runway 22.

 

:drinks:

 

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MAHB may complete the runway extension in time but not sure of ILS on runway 22.

 

:drinks:

To my knowledge there won't be an ILS on runway 22. Only on 04.

 

KLIA is the only airport in Malaysia with more than 1 ILS; it has 4. The rest is a single ILS airport only.

 

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It been long time I stay near at TGG airport but during that time the only available plane is MAS B737-400 operate 4 times daily service..now, TGG (hope) will handle massive jumbo B747-400..what a huge plane at TGG..

 

Emm did MAS chatter a flight to bring pilgrims let say from KUA or/and KBR to TGG so they get this direct flight??

 

To Capt. Nik H or anybody :help: , the fueling facilities which need to meet with MAS spec., how it works at new TGG airport??it still use lorry tank or use advance technology fueling like at KLIA?? Can hope you elaborate bit more on how to meet MAS/others WB plane fueling facility operation??

 

Thanks.. :drinks:

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Thanks for insight Captain Nik :drinks:

Still recall your earlier description (in other thread) of the delicate choreography of the haj operations

Cannot even start to imagine the additional nightmare of uncertainty whether you'll have an airport capable of launching the ships on their intended missions :blink: External influences at play once again huh ?! :)

 

BC, true about external influences at play, but the 'force' is strong and the airport MUST be ready in time to avoid catastrophic disruption to the National Hajj movement. It will be a nailbiter for my team but we have faith....

 

 

To my knowledge there won't be an ILS on runway 22. Only on 04.

 

KLIA is the only airport in Malaysia with more than 1 ILS; it has 4. The rest is a single ILS airport only.

 

DCA has promised calibration will be done in time for the Hajj movement. AIC will be issued soon.

 

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It been long time I stay near at TGG airport but during that time the only available plane is MAS B737-400 operate 4 times daily service..now, TGG (hope) will handle massive jumbo B747-400..what a huge plane at TGG..

 

Emm did MAS chatter a flight to bring pilgrims let say from KUA or/and KBR to TGG so they get this direct flight??

 

To Capt. Nik H or anybody :help: , the fueling facilities which need to meet with MAS spec., how it works at new TGG airport??it still use lorry tank or use advance technology fueling like at KLIA?? Can hope you elaborate bit more on how to meet MAS/others WB plane fueling facility operation??

 

Thanks.. :drinks:

 

When MASCharter took over the Hajj movement of Hajj flights in 2003, the movements were divided into regions;

 

BKI for Sabah, KCH for Sarawak in East Malaysia.

For Peninsula, PEN serves the North West, JHB serves the South and KUL the central and East Coast.

With TGG online, the Regions are complete. TGG will serve Kelantan, Terengganu and Northern Pahang. All Hajj de2parture points in Peninsula Malaysia are within 2 1/2 hours driving radius and as such, there will eventually be no requirements for 'feeder' flights.

 

More pilgrims will enjoy savings as there will be less expenditure for departures and arrivals.

 

As for fuel,-TGG will not have a 'fuel farm' nor underground storage tanks. For the Hajj, Petronas promised a minimum of two tankers and I was led to understand they will also install 'skid' tanks at the airport. They have also guaranteed that the refuelling rate must be capable of filling up of at least 110 tons of fuel within 90 minutes.

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It will be a nailbiter for my team but we have faith....

That is understating the scene, no ?! :)

Better cover your position well, if for some reason plans tidak jadi, at least your fingers won't get burnt instead :D

Good luck :)

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That is understating the scene, no ?! :)

Better cover your position well, if for some reason plans tidak jadi, at least your fingers won't get burnt instead :D

Good luck :)

 

Bit too late ;)

 

I can see it already....

Success - " We did it "

Fail - " Nik Screwed it up "

 

C'est la vie.... :D

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.....they will also install 'skid' tanks at the airport. They have also guaranteed that the refuelling rate must be capable of filling up of at least 110 tons of fuel within 90 minutes.

 

Will the fuel in skid tank get contaminated ?

 

AFAIK, it is very common for diesel gets contaminated in skid tank at construction sites.

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As for fuel,-TGG will not have a 'fuel farm' nor underground storage tanks. For the Hajj, Petronas promised a minimum of two tankers and I was led to understand they will also install 'skid' tanks at the airport

That unfortunately hints of deficient planning in the airport upgrade, considering TGG is supposed to be the 'regional hub' ? :)

Actually, how many of those Petronas tankers are required to fill up a 744 ? I suppose you might have to fly the jumbo heavy with fuel from KUL (assuming that is the originating point) and just top up at TGG with what is available ? Perhaps even transport some fuel in the belly for contingency ? :) :pardon:

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Will the fuel in skid tank get contaminated ?

 

AFAIK, it is very common for diesel gets contaminated in skid tank at construction sites.

 

Fuel management and storage requirements for aviation is of a better standard I'd guess.

 

That unfortunately hints of deficient planning in the airport upgrade, considering TGG is supposed to be the 'regional hub' ? :)

Actually, how many of those Petronas tankers are required to fill up a 744 ? I suppose you might have to fly the jumbo heavy with fuel from KUL (assuming that is the originating point) and just top up at TGG with what is available ? Perhaps even transport some fuel in the belly for contingency ? :) :pardon:

 

A/C for TGG Hajj flights will be planned to be ex-JED to avoid wasteful ferry legs. No fuel for fuel will be carried ex JED as it will. Three tankers will be required to fill up a B744 for the JED run, and we were promised tankers with a trailer dolly to meet the fuelling requirements in the available time.

 

It has to be really 'splash and dash'.

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Would it be correct to assume the juices will have to be trucked in from elsewhere then, say KBR or wherever else there is a Jet A1 bar ?

With all this hassle, hope these measures are only stop gap and there are plans for proper refuelling facilities to be constructed - assuming the demand/plans for haj flights ex-TGG extend beyond this season :)

 

For sure catering provisions will have to be trucked in from Sepang ?

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Would it be correct to assume the juices will have to be trucked in from elsewhere then, say KBR or wherever else there is a Jet A1 bar ?

With all this hassle, hope these measures are only stop gap and there are plans for proper refuelling facilities to be constructed - assuming the demand/plans for haj flights ex-TGG extend beyond this season :)

 

For sure catering provisions will have to be trucked in from Sepang ?

 

Fuel will be from Kerteh. 'Proper' fuelling facilities will be dependent on Petronas. There must be sufficient demand all year round to justify fuel supply to be stored and facilities Return of Investment for Petronas.

 

Food will be ex Jeddah with contingency and dry supplies from TGG.

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Many thanks to Capt. Nik H. for providing good information..I glad to know all this things..

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OK, seems like the refuelling facilities will be on temporary/seasonal basis then ? Pity that, when the new TGG looks quite impressive. None of the generic KLIAC inspired clone feel/look

What about the other widebody support facilities - loaders, pushback trucks (whatever is the proper name ?!) etc. Those going to be available on temporary basis as well ?

 

Heh, I wonder if Captain Nik drew any inspiration from operation Desert Storm ? :p

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