flee 5 Report post Posted August 15, 2011 I wonder when the inauguration will take place - if we go by AirAsia's usual standards, it should not be too long. Anyone want to guess the first route that it flies to? I think it should logically be CRK-KUL as they have only 1 plane at the moment. If it goes tech, it can call on AK's fleet to provide backup! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flee 5 Report post Posted August 15, 2011 More photos and coverage of its arrival at CRK here: http://www.daylife.com/photo/0fKD2MEau74A6?q=Airbus Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ganesh.r 0 Report post Posted August 15, 2011 (edited) On youtube the actual arival. Edited August 15, 2011 by Ganesh.r Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flee 5 Report post Posted August 15, 2011 AirAsia to start regular flights from Clark in October MANILA, Philippines—The local unit of Malaysia’s AirAsia Berhad, dubbed as “mother of all budget airlines,” officially landed in the Philippines as it took delivery Monday of the first of several planes to be based in Clark Freeport in Pampanga. AirAsia Philippines, a joint venture between a local group—Antonio “Tonyboy” Cojuangco Jr., Michael Romero and Marianne Hontiveros—and Malaysia’s Tony Fernandes, aims to become one of the leading players in the country’s competitive air travel sector. According to company officials, AirAsia is scheduled to start regular flights from Clark by October this year once it receives the required government permits. The officials, in a briefing on Monday, said the airline would start with popular regional destinations such as Singapore, Hong Kong and Macau. “This is a proud moment for AirAsia Philippines as the arrival of the new aircraft signifies our first step in introducing ourselves to the nation,” said Hontiveros, AirAsia Philippines’ president and CEO. AirAsia Philippines expects to take delivery of its second plane by the fourth quarter of this year, while two more are scheduled to arrive by next year. The company intends to turn Clark, which it earlier chose as its home in the Philippines, into a major hub in Asia-Pacific. Hontiveros said the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) could become a jump-off point for passengers from other countries who might want to fly to other destinations within the range of the Philippines. AirAsia’s fleet is made up mostly of Airbus A320 aircraft, which can fly for only about four hours at a time. She said Filipino passengers would be able to take advantage of AirAsia’s regional network to reach more destinations. Romero, the joint venture’s vice chairman, said the company aimed to have a total of 13 to 15 new planes in three to five years. “But if you look at the way AirAsia has expanded in other countries in the region, they usually reach their five-year targets in as fast as two years,” Romero said. AirAsia Philippines is the group’s third subsidiary in Southeast Asia, next to AirAsia Indonesia and AirAsia Thailand. Hontiveros said the company also aimed to turn the DMIA into a hub for long-haul flights to destinations such as Europe and the United States. AirAsia Philippines’ sister company, AirAsia X, has direct flights to London and Paris. Romero said the Philippine unit was not ruling out the possibility of mounting long-haul flights of its own, particularly to the US. Clark International Airport Corp. president and CEO Victor Luciano said AirAsia Philippines was expected to be one of the biggest players in the country’s competitive airline industry. “We want (AirAsia) to propel Clark to new heights in years to come,” Luciano said. Source: http://business.inquirer.net/13085/airasia-to-start-regular-flights-from-clark-in-october Airasia Philippines Takes Delivery Of First Aircraft KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 15 (Bernama) -- AirAsia Philippines' brand new, state-of-the-art first aircraft Airbus A320 arrived at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in Clark today. The aircraft, which landed at 11.30am from the Airbus factory in Toulouse, France, was the first among four to be delivered to AirAsia Philippines in its first year of operation, the airline said in a statement Monday. The second is slated to arrive later this year and another two will be delivered in 2012. Currently, AirAsia Philippines is awaiting official approval to start flying commercially. The airline plans to use the first aircraft to fly to Singapore, Macau and Hong Kong, and the second one to ply routes to Bangkok (Thailand), Incheon (South Korea), Kalibo (near Boracay, Philippines) and Puerto Princesa (Palawan, Philippines). AirAsia launches Philippine offshoot CLARK, Philippines - Asian budget carrier AirAsia launched a new affiliate in the Philippines on Monday, promising to undercut its rivals on regional and domestic routes. To minimise costs and avoid Manila's crowded terminals, AirAsia Philippines will fly out of a former US airbase that has been turned into an industrial zone in Clark about 90 minutes' drive north of the country's capital. "We will be substantially cheaper (than our competitors)," AirAsia Philippines chief executive officer Marianne Hontiveros said at the launch in Clark where she oversaw the arrival of the airline's first Airbus A320. Although the launch ceremony was held on Monday, she said the airline was not expected to start commercial operations until October when it received its final flight certification from the government. Hontiveros said AirAsia Philippines' first routes would be between Clark and Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore and Bangkok, with its fleet expected to expand to four Airbus A320s by June next year. She said the carrier would then branch out to the rest of Asia, while also looking to fly domestic routes in the Philippines. Hontiveros said there were also plans to make Clark a hub for the entire AirAsia network's routes to and from the United States. Like the rest of Asia, the Philippines has seen a boom in low-cost air travel in recent years with home-grown budget carrier Cebu Pacific rising to overtake Philippine Airlines as the nation's dominant airline. But Hontiveros said AirAsia's reputation should ensure the local affiliate succeeded amid the rising competition. "We're banking on the very strong brand of AirAsia. We might be low-cost but we are not cheap (in quality)... we plan to be a substantial player," she said. Philippine investors including Antonio Cojuangco, a cousin of President Benigno Aquino, have a 60-percent share in AirAsia Philippines, with the Malaysian parent company led by Tony Fernandes holding the other 40 percent. AirAsia has similar affiliates in Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam, with another to start in Japan, which are independent companies but work together as one network. AirAsia already has routes from Clark to Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu daily. Hontiveros said the parent firm would continue with its flights even after AirAsia Philippines started. Source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific_business/view/1147127/1/.html Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alberttky 0 Report post Posted August 16, 2011 New AirAsia Philippines vows to be ‘substantially’ cheaper CLARK, Philippines: AirAsia launched a new affiliate in the Philippines yesterday, promising to undercut its rivals on regional and domestic routes. To minimise costs and avoid Manila’s crowded terminals, AirAsia Philippines will fly out of a former US air base that had been turned into an industrial zone in Clark about 90 minutes’ drive north of the country’s capital. “We will be substantially cheaper (than our competitors),” AirAsia Philippines chief executive officer Marianne Hontiveros said at the launch in Clark where she oversaw the arrival of the airline’s first Airbus A320. Although the launch ceremony was held yesterday, she said the airline was not expected to start commercial operations until October when it received its final flight certification from the government. Hontiveros said AirAsia Philippines’ first routes would be between Clark and Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore and Bangkok, with its fleet expected to expand to four Airbus A320s by June next year. She said the carrier would then branch out to the rest of Asia, while also looking to fly domestic routes in the Philippines. Hontiveros said there were also plans to make Clark a hub for the entire AirAsia network’s routes to and from the United States. Like the rest of Asia, the Philippines has seen a boom in low-cost air travel in recent years with home-grown budget carrier Cebu Pacific rising to overtake Philippine Airlines as the nation’s dominant airline. But Hontiveros said AirAsia’s reputation should ensure the local affiliate succeeded amid the rising competition. “We’re banking on the very strong brand of AirAsia. We might be low-cost but we are not cheap (in quality)... we plan to be a substantial player,” she said. Philippine investors including Antonio Cojuangco, a cousin of President Benigno Aquino, have a 60% share in AirAsia Philippines, with the parent company led by Tan Sri Tony Fernandes holding the other 40%. AirAsia has similar affiliates in Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam, with another to start in Japan, which are independent companies but work together as one network. AirAsia already has routes from Clark to Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu daily. Hontiveros said the parent firm would continue with its flights even after AirAsia Philippines started. – AFP http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/8/16/business/9306048&sec=business Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Eugene Koh 4 Report post Posted August 16, 2011 Any idea why their first few international routes are to Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore and Bangkok. Why KL is not one of them, is it because AirAsia already flying that route? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alberttky 0 Report post Posted August 16, 2011 Any idea why their first few international routes are to Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore and Bangkok. Why KL is not one of them, is it because AirAsia already flying that route? I presume it's due to high demand for travellers to these cities, judging from the number of Filipinos working in these cities. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ikman Ikreza 0 Report post Posted August 16, 2011 More photo on Airasia's official FB album http://www.facebook.com/update_security_info.php?wizard=1#!/media/set/?set=a.10150346174067387.399469.18801397386&type=1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andi C 0 Report post Posted August 16, 2011 Youtube video: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flee 5 Report post Posted November 9, 2011 THE Philippine unit of Southeast Asia’s largest low-cost carrier plans to fly in the domestic market next month, according to the Civil Aeronautics Board. Porvenir Porciuncula, CAB deputy executive director said AirAsia Philippines is looking to fly in Palawan and Kalibo, Aklan from Clark. Porciuncula said AirAsia is targeting foreign arrivals in Clark, especially Korean and Chinese passengers. The official said the low-cost carrier plans to start flying domestically by December. “The hearing is still ongoing. We will probably approve it by middle of November,” he said. AirAsia is planning to fly in several international airports such as Singapore, Macau, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan and the United States, the official said. AirAsia Philippines earlier secured 1,260 weekly seat entitlements for flights from Clark to Kuala Lumpur. AirAsia Philippines earlier said it expects to add one A320 in November and one in January, raising its fleet to 15 in the next three to five years. AirAsia’s first Airbus A320 aircraft arrived last August at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport for use in flights to Singapore, Macau and Hong Kong. Air Asia holds a 40 percent equity in AirAsia Philippines, through AA International, while the remaining 60-percent will be held in equal partnership by Marianne Hontiveros., Michael Romero, and Antonio Cojuangco. Under the joint venture agreement, Air Asia will provide technical, operational and commercial support to AirAsia Philippines. Besides the Philippines, Air Asia successfully launched LCC subsidiaries in Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Air Asia operates a domestic and regional network, which include services within Malaysia and to China, Southeast Asia and the Asian subcontinent. Data from Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation showed that Air Asia’s fleet stood at 152 Airbus A320 as of March this year. Source Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flee 5 Report post Posted November 9, 2011 PS PQ took delivery of its second A320, reggo RP-C8190, on 8 November 2011. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EricD 0 Report post Posted November 10, 2011 I was at RPLC today, saw two AirAsia's fin whilst parked at the North Apron. Only had my phone with me , they were parked quite some distant away, didn't get a shot of it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RobK 0 Report post Posted January 5, 2012 AirAsia Philippines took delivery of their first A320 RP-C8190 in early November last year but not seen or heard anything about it/them since. Does anyone have any news, planned routes, status etc please? Thanks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flee 5 Report post Posted January 6, 2012 I think they are still going through the approvals processes. It was originally due to fly in Dec 2011. However, we don't know how long the delay is going to be. Meanwhile, its third aircraft, MSN 4989, is already close to completion. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flee 5 Report post Posted January 9, 2012 Their Facebook page indicates that the govt. approvals are taking longer than expected. Meanwhile they are flying flood relief cargo: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flee 5 Report post Posted January 13, 2012 Looks like things are not going well - one of their planes has been transferred to AirAsia Indonesia! If this is true, it looks like we have to wait longer for AirAsia Philippines to commence operations. AirAsia Aircraft Transfers Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mohd Azizul Ramli 2 Report post Posted January 18, 2012 My newly appointed spy at PAA leaked that PAA is just being granted its AOC 2 days ago. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flee 5 Report post Posted January 18, 2012 Ok good. They have another aircraft that is scheduled for delivery soon: MSN 4989 First Flight 20-12-2011 Test registration F-WWDU Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RobK 0 Report post Posted January 28, 2012 Does anyone know what the ICAO operator code for this airline is/will be please? Ramani? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JuliusWong 0 Report post Posted February 7, 2012 AirAsia Philippines finally obtained their AOC today! From their FB: After a long wait, AirAsia Philippines finally receives their Air Operator Certificate (AOC), approved by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP)! With this, AirAsia Philippines is now licensed to fly domestically and internationally to all destinations! In a handover ceremony held at the CAAP office in Manila, AirAsia Philippines CEO Maan Hontiveros thanked CAAP officials led by Director General Ramon S. Gutierrez. Pinoys will now be able to fly with AirAsia Philippines aboard our brand new Airbus A320s all over the country and overseas! Watch out guys! Guess where AirAsia Philippines will be flying to? :-) Follow AirAsia Philippines on Facebook @ www.facebook.com/airasiaphilippines for more updates and news! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flee 5 Report post Posted February 7, 2012 Good news for LCC fans. Now both AirAsia Philippines and Japan have to "compete" for the A320 delivery slots this year. PQ is in pole position. They already have two aircraft in their fleet: RP-C8189 and RP-C8191. I wonder when they will commence operations - should be fairly quick as they have most of the things in place already. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JuliusWong 0 Report post Posted February 7, 2012 Good news for LCC fans. Now both AirAsia Philippines and Japan have to "compete" for the A320 delivery slots this year. PQ is in pole position. They already have two aircraft in their fleet: RP-C8189 and RP-C8191. I wonder when they will commence operations - should be fairly quick as they have most of the things in place already. Yes, agree with you. However, AirAsia can swapped their current 100s A320s around if they feel the need. Jetstar Japan A320s are in production sequencing now. No more for AirAsia Group. Perhaps TF will be calling up John Leahy to push some A320s into production. AirAsia Philippines should be flying pretty fast.......end of Feb? early March? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flee 5 Report post Posted February 8, 2012 I think they had said they were ready to go in Nov/Dec 2011 but because there was no AOC, they had to wait. Looks like they can go full speed ahead now. So I won't be surprised if it started in March, or even in Feb. TF tweeted: At last. Airasia phillipines has its AOC. Nothing stopping maan our ceo. And also no matter what obstacle we find a way. Great great news. 5 airasia airlines now. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flee 5 Report post Posted February 8, 2012 More from TF's Twitter: Finalizing airasia japan budget and airasia phillipines. 2 very exciting joint ventures. We will open up travel to those countries. The people of japan and phillipines won't know what hit them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flee 5 Report post Posted February 8, 2012 KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 8 (Bernama) -- AirAsia Inc (Philippines) yesterday received its air operator certificate (AOC) from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), accrediting it as a commercial air carrier. "With the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) in Clark, Angeles, Pampanga as our hub, we look forward to revitalise tourism and significantly increase the passenger traffic at DMIA. "In the coming weeks, AirAsia Inc will begin its domestic and international operations utilising two brand new Airbus A-320s, flown in from the Airbus factory in Toulouse, France," chief executive officer Marianne Hontiveros said in a statement today. Hontiveros added that its all-Filipino crew began flying travellers across the country and overseas today. AirAsia Inc is a 60-40 joint venture between Filipino investors Antonio O. Cojuangco, Michael L. Romero and Marianne B. Hontiveros, and Malaysia's AirAsia International Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AirAsia Bhd. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
