SHELL AVIATION EXPANDS REFUELING NETWORK IN THE PHILIPPINES

Shell Aviation today announces the expansion of its global refueling network to Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB), the second busiest in the Philippines. Shell Aviation now supplies jet fuel at three of the most important international airports in the country – Manila (MNL), Clark (CRK) and Cebu (CEB).

Richard Pereira, General Manager Shell Aviation, Asia Pacific and Middle East, said: “Shell Aviation continues its strategic expansion in key locations with future growth potential like Cebu. We aim to create outstanding value for our customers by delivering world-class aviation fuels and services, safely and on time. Cebu is anexciting addition to our extensive network as we support the progress of the Philippines’ thriving aviation industry.”

Around 8.8 million domestic and international passengers travelled through CEB in 2016, an increase of 13% over 2015. Shell Aviation customers at CEB will benefit from fuel supply security backed by Shell’s integrated supply chain, with 17 refineries and 10 trading hubs around the world; product quality assurance via Shell’s Fuel Quality Assurance System; professional account management providing a single focal point for fuel requirements across Shell’s global network; and access to local expertise by leveraging Shell’s aviation experience in the Philippines.

Albert Tiu, Vice President of Petrologistics Corporation (PLC), Shell Aviation’s into-plane operator at CEBU, said: “As local and international airlines begin to launch new services to and from Cebu and capacity at the airport increases, we are pleased to collaborate with Shell Aviation to help meet customer demands and provide supply security at the airport.”

Shell Aviation has been active in the Philippines for 55 years, supporting the aviation industry within the country as well as serving a variety of airlines in the Philippines through its global network.

 

Embraer Asia Pacific appoints SIA Engineering (Philippines) as E-Jets Authorized Service Center

Embraer Asia Pacific has appointed SIA Engineering (Philippines) Corporation (SIAEP), a subsidiary of SIA Engineering Company Limited (SIAEC), as an E-Jets authorized service center.  Embraer’s E-Jets family consists of the E170, E175, E190 and E195 aircraft.

“The appointment of SIAEP as an authorized E-Jets service center in the region is a result of our commitment to enhance our services and support solutions to E-Jets operators in Asia Pacific,” said Mr Johann Bordais, President & CEO, Embraer Services & Support.  “SIAEP has demonstrated their capability and expertise in aircraft maintenance. Given their experience, we believe that E-Jets operators will see value in their proposition.”

SIAEC’s Executive Vice President Operations, Mr Ivan Neo said: “SIAEP’s appointment as Embraer’s authorized service center will strengthen its position and enhance its capabilities as the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) center focusing on aircraft in the region.  This is part of SIAEC Group’s strategy to increase our overall capabilities, which will expand our customer base and offer competitive solutions to E-Jets operators in Asia Pacific.”

Mr Mervyn Sirisena, Chairman of SIAEP, said: “SIAEP is pleased to be working with Embraer, a world-leading manufacturer of commercial jets.  As Embraer’s authorized service center for the E-Jets in Asia Pacific, SIAEP is well-positioned to serve airlines and operators in the region with its capabilities and service offerings, which are augmented by SIAEC’s wide experience in handling the latest-generation aircraft for leading airlines around the world.”

Embraer has a global fleet of 1,200 E-Jets, operated by 80 airlines in 60 countries.  There are around 150 E-Jets operating in Asia Pacific and China.  This excludes the number of E-Jets on backlog.

Based in Clark, The Philippines, SIAEP is a joint venture between SIAEC and Cebu Air, Inc.

AirAsia Berhad orders 14 A320CEOs

To meet the robust demand in the Philippines, Indonesia and India, budget carrier AirAsia is ordering 14 more Airbus 320CEO as announced in the Paris Air Show last Thursday (22 June).

The deal is valued at around $1.4 billion at current list prices, although airlines usually get discounts from manufacturers. The 14 additional A320ceos will bring the total number of aircraft from the A320 family ordered by AirAsia to 592. AirAsia continues to be the largest airline customer for the Airbus single aisle product line.

Philippines AirAsia chief executive officer Dexter M. Comendador said in an interview that the carrier is looking to end 2017 with 19 planes, as it plans to boost capacity and expand routes. At present, Philippines AirAsia has 16 planes.

 

 

 

Philippine Airlines Flies to KUL

After a three year absence, Philippine Airlines (PAL) resumes daily service to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia  last June 8, 2017. Close to 800,000 Overseas Filipino Workers are employed in Malaysia.

“The resumption of PAL flights between Manila and Kuala Lumpur will help foster economic and cultural ties between the Philippines and Malaysia. Most importantly, it addresses the clamor for a direct service between the two capital cities,” said PAL President and COO Jaime J. Bautista.

“Through PAL flights and code-share partners, we can carry passenger traffic from Kuala Lumpur to China, Japan, South Pacific and North America and thus enhance our ASEAN network,” he added.

“As the airport operator, we are always committed towards building a strong relationship with our partner airlines to support its growth, not only in Malaysia but globally. Our mission here at Malaysia Airports is to create joyful experiences for all our stakeholders. Therefore, we will ensure that Philippines Airlines operations will receive Malaysia Airports’ fullest support for any airport facilities and services needed at the terminal,” shared Malaysia Airports Senior General Manager Zainol Mohd Isa.

The decision to return to Kuala Lumpur comes after PAL and Malaysia Airlines expanded their code-share arrangement. The enhancements include code-sharing on 12 domestic Malaysian destinations and nine domestic Philippine destinations.

The points are:

Malaysia – Alor Setar, Johor Bahru, Kota Bharu, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Terengganu, Kuching, Labuan (Sabah), Langkawi, Miri (Sarawak), Penang, Sibu (Sarawak), Tawau (Sabah).

Philippines – Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, General Santos, Iloilo, Kalibo, Puerto Princesa, Caticlan.

Passengers may book on Business Class or Economy Class to any of these destinations. Lounge access is also available to Business Class passengers.

Current frequent flyer baggage benefits of Mabuhay Miles and Enrich members are also extended.

Code-share passengers traveling between terminals in Manila can avail of PAL’s free transfer services.

Passengers can choose from any of the daily Manila-Kuala Lumpur flight timings.

• PR 525 departs Manila every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 7:25 AM and arrives in Kuala Lumpur at 11:00 AM local time; the return flight – PR526 – leaves Kuala Lumpur on the same days at 12:10 PM local time, and touches down in Manila at 3:50 PM.
• PR 527 leaves Manila on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 11:30 AM and arrives in Kuala Lumpur at 3:00 PM local time; the return service – PR528 – departs Kuala Lumpur on the same days at 4:00 PM local time and touches down in Manila at 7:30 PM.

PAL is deploying the Airbus A321 on the route. The 199-seater aircraft has 12 seats in business class, 18 in premium economy and 169 in regular economy.

Wireless inflight entertainment can be enjoyed while flying onboard the A321 by downloading the myPAL Player app for free. This will allow passengers to stream movies, TV shows and music from their personal electronic devices. Passengers also have meal options – Asian, Western or Halal meals. Generous free baggage allowance form part of the flight offerings.

The PAL service enables travelers from KL to enjoy Manila for several days and connect to any of PAL’s 28 domestic and 42 international destinations.

Alpha Aviation Group Acquires A330 Full Flight Simulator

The Airbus A330/340 Full Flight Simulator will be based in Clark, Philippines. The newest investment was made to support the wide body segment, lower the cost of training of domestic and regional airlines. This type of simulator will be the first wide body simulator in the Philippines and the latest simulator with Airbus A340 functionality built globally. It will simulate all the functions of a real Airbus A330 aircraft and has the flexibility to change to Airbus A340 layout when required by an airline.

The Airbus A330/340 Full Flight simulator will serve as an invaluable training tool for Alpha Aviation Group Philippines’ domestic and foreign cadets and airline partners.

Alpha Aviation Group is well positioned to assist the regional airlines in their aggressive expansion plans. The latest investment is a commitment from AAG to continue supporting the regional airline industry. The announcement was made at the launch of another simulator investment by Alpha Aviation Group Philippines, another multi-million-dollar Airbus A320 Fixed Base Simulator.

Alpha Aviation Group’s Regional Director Cristopher Magdangal said: “The acquisition of a new Airbus A330 Full Flight Simulator signifies AAG’s promise to extend its airline services offering to include the wide body segment. The A340 functionality will make this device unique in the region in the next decade, enhances the position of the Philippines becoming a global aviation training hub and positions AAG as a training center of excellence.”

Cebu Pacific Ends Flights to Kuwait, Doha & Riyadh

Cebu Pacific will stop flying to Kuwait on June 13, Doha on July 1 and Riyadh on July 2 due to increase competition on these routes.