By Lawrence Agcaoili | The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - Budget airline Cebu Air Inc. (Cebu Pacific) of taipan John Gokongwei is spending $673 million to acquire 16 more brand new aircraft from Toulouse-based turboprop aircraft maker ATR to meet the growing demand for inter-island services in the Philippines.

By Lawrence Agcaoili | The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - The government and airline operators have started finalizing a plan in preparation for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ summit that will be attended by various heads of states in the Philippines in November.

Manila Bulletin

PAL Express (PALex) may soon make Saipan its next destination.

By Miguel R. Camus | Philippine Daily Inquirer

CEBU Pacific Air, the country’s biggest budget airline, is looking to at least double its fleet of short-range aircraft as it placed an order for next-generation planes from French-Italian plane maker ATR during the Paris Air show.

By Daphne J. Magturo | BusinessWorld Online

CEBU AIR, Inc., operator of budget carrier Cebu Pacific, went shopping for new planes at a Paris expo and said it placed an order for 16 ATR 72-600 in a $673-million deal with European turboprop aircraft manufacturer ATR.

By Edu Lopez | Manila Bulletin

Cebu Pacific (CEB) is planning further expansion of its long-haul network this year and is waiting to see how its long-haul operation, which had a load factor of only 53% in the fourth quarter of 2014, matures before committing to more A330s or new-generation wide-body aircraft, according to the Center for Asia-Pacific Aviation (CAPA).

Reuters

SINGAPORE -- AirAsia Bhd., Asia’s biggest budget airline, plans to raise funds at loss-making associates by issuing up to $300 million in bonds and may sell planes to help cut group debt, Chief Executive Officer Tony Fernandes said in a letter to investors.

By Lawrence Agcaoili | The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - All Nippon Airways (ANA) and United Airlines launched yesterday a complimentary corporate travel program aimed at supporting small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) based in the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam when their employees travel on business.

By Lawrence Agcaoili | The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - National flag carrier Philippine Airlines Inc. (PAL) of taipan Lucio Tan is looking at acquiring two more Boeing 777 and about six Airbus A350 aircraft as part of a plan to beef up its long haul fleet, the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) said.

BusinessWorld Online

PHILIPPINE Airlines (PAL) will renew its long-haul fleet with two new Boeing 777-300ERs and four to six new-generation wide-body aircraft -- most likely Airbus A350-900s -- in a bid to cement its position in the North American market ahead of rival Cebu Pacific, the Center for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) said in a report released over the weekend.

By Emmie Abadilla | Manila Bulletin

After a private lot owner refused to trim down his tall tees which obstruct the glide path angle on the final approach of Dumaguete airport’s runway 09, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) might be forced to downgrade aircraft operations there to smaller planes and stall the booming economy of Dumaguete City and neighboring towns and cities in Negros Oriental.

Manila Bulletin

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) issued an order dated June 5, 2015 lifting the suspension order of Magnum Air SkyJet, Inc. or SkyJet Airlines effective immediately.

AFP

Miami Beach, United States – Traveling by plane is safer than ever despite a series of headline-grabbing airline disasters in recent months, the head of a major global aviation group said Monday.

By Edu Lopez | Manila Bulletin

The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) has urged airlines to put in place comprehensive contingency plans in the event of accidents.

By Jeannette I. Andrade | Philippine Daily Inquirer

THE US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) ended last week its observation of airline and airport operations, noting minor concerns about the security at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

By Emmie Abadilla | Manila Bulletin

In contrast with a robustly growing global passenger demand, freight markets are slowing down based on April data, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

IATA Report
by Emmie Abadilla | Manila Bulletin

Demand for connectivity remained strong this April, with global passenger traffic results showing robust demand growth versus the same period last year, according to International Air Transport Association (IATA) results.

The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, achieved its strongest financial results to date in 2014, posting a net profit of $73 million on total revenues of $7.6 billion, up 52.1 percent and 26.7 percent respectively over the previous year.

The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - At least 24 foreign airlines are joining theme parks and national tourism organizations from various parts of the world in participating in the Philippines’ forthcoming international travel tradeshow Travel Madness Expo 2015.

By Lawrence Agcaoili | The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has lifted the suspension imposed on Magnum Air Inc. (Skyjet) and Southeast Asia Airlines International Inc. (Seair) after addressing several safety concerns raised by aviation experts from the European Union.

Manila Bulletin

Cebu Pacific Air (CEB) launched its twice weekly non-stop flights between Manila and Doha in Qatar on June 4, 2015. Upon arrival in Doha, CEB becomes the first Philippine carrier to land in Doha.

By Lawrence Agcaoili | The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - Regional think tank Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) sees Philippine Airlines Inc. (PAL) of taipan Lucio Tan turning in sizeable profits this year amid improved market conditions, lower aviation fuel prices and delay in aircraft deliveries.

‘Significantly improved’ outlook for PAL
By Miguel R. Camus | Philippine Daily Inquirer

Domestic carriers are likely to see higher earnings in 2015 as they benefit from lower fuel prices and recent consolidation moves, consultancy firm Capa Center for Aviation said in a recent report.

By Jeannette I. Andrade | Philippine Daily Inquirer

The control tower radars of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) bogged down for at least an hour on Wednesday, forcing delays on seven arriving flights, including one that needed to be diverted.

By Emmie Abadilla | Manila Bulletin

As part of its ambition to be a truly ASEAN training hub, the Asian Aviation Center for Excellence (AACE), jointly owned by aviation corporate giants CAE Inc. of Montreal, Canada and AirAsia Berhad, has invested an undisclosed amount in the Philippine Academy for Aviation Training (PAAT).

AFP

Malaysia Airlines is “technically bankrupt”, its new German CEO said Monday as the carrier slashed 6,000 jobs as part of plans to recover from deadly disasters and a long run of red ink.

Manila Bulletin

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, achieved its strongest financial results to date in 2014, posting a net profit of $73 million on total revenues of $ 7.6 billion, up 52.1 percent and 26.7 percent respectively over the previous year.

By Lawrence Agcaoili | The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines has signed an updated air agreement with Qatar that is expected to benefit about 250,000 Filipinos living and working in Qatar, an official from the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) said.

BusinessWorld Online

THE PARENT company of carrier Cebu Pacific Air said it must wait until November before it can formally seek regulatory approval to acquire Philippine Airlines’ (PAL) seven unutilized slots per week between Manila and Tokyo-Haneda airport.

By Edu Lopez | Manila Bulletin

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has urged aviation stakeholders to develop and use information technology (IT) to drive improvements in the passenger experience.

By Cielito F. Habito | Philippine Daily Inquirer

Sometimes it seems as if we simply can’t move forward without taking a step or two backward at the same time. On a brief trip abroad last week, I was pleased to see how we no longer need to fill out those pesky immigration forms. One wonders why it took so long, when we’ve had machine-readable passports for years. And unless one has something to declare, there’s also no need to fill out a Customs form upon arrival. Welcome (and overdue) forward steps indeed.

BusinessWorld Online

TWO AIRLINES have sought regulatory authorization for new fuel surcharges on the Guam and Cagayan de Oro routes, according to filings with Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB).

The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - Low cost carrier Air Asia Inc. (Philippines’ AirAsia) and unit AirAsia Zest (formerly Zest Airways Inc.) are looking at mounting flights to Myanmar as part of the continued expansion of their routes.

By Edu Lopez | Manila Bulletin

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) will implement the incorporation of terminal fees in the passengers’ airline tickets to other airports in the country.

By Miguel R. Camus | Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines–The Philippines sealed a new air deal to increase flights to Macau on expectations that tourism and trade would continue to increase.

BusinessWorld Online

THE TRANSPORTATION department has urged other airport authorities to take the cue from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)’s move to include the P550 terminal fee in airline tickets, starting in October.

$10-B alternative to congested Naia
By Miguel R. Camus | Philippine Daily Inquirer

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) has formally recommended the former US naval base in Sangley Point, Cavite, as the site for a $10-billion air gateway that will serve Metro Manila by 2025, according to the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).

BusinessWorld Online

BUDGET CARRIER Cebu Pacific Air announced yesterday that it will introduce direct flights to Kuwait and Sydney, Australia in September.

BusinessWorld Online

PHILIPPINE AIRLINES (PAL) should reflect recovery starting April, its top executive said after the annual stockholders’ meeting of San Miguel Corp. in Pasig City yesterday.

The Wall Street Journal

The number of bags delayed, damaged or lost by airlines has fallen by more than half since the industry hit a low point for lost luggage six years ago.

By Edu Lopez | Manila Bulletin

Canadian Transport Minister Lisa Raitt has announced an expanded Canada-Philippines air transport agreement that allows for more flights between the two countries.

BusinessWorld Online

JUST BECAUSE I have just launched my second aviation book, The History of Philippine Aviation 1909-2012, and have likewise published a book on airline management, my colleagues in the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) seem to look at me as an authority in aviation. Lately, I have often been asked what I think about the proposed Ramon Ang airport in the Manila-Cavite coastal area. My reply: if it will happen tomorrow, I am all for it.

Cebu Pacific leads local mart, PAL leads int’l sector
By Miguel R. Camus | Philippine Daily Inquirer

Philippine air passenger traffic was slightly up in the first quarter of the year on moderate gains for both domestic and international flights, the Civil Aeronautics Board said in a statement over the weekend.

By Lawrence Agcaoili | The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - Three foreign companies have expressed interest in helping the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) increase the runway capacity of the congested Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

By Floro M. Mercene | Manila Bulletin

The Philippines is about to build a new international airport and maybe we can take a lesson on how Malaysian airport authorities and the CEO of Air Asia, Tony Fernandez, managed to set up a spanking new Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA2).

By Kris Bayos | Manila Bulletin

Manila, Philippines — The government has received an unsolicited proposal to build an airport in Sangley Point, Cavite, which could rival the offer of San Miguel Corp. (SMC) to build a $10-billion international hub on a reclaimed area off Manila Bay.

Agence France-Presse

NEW DELHI — Asia’s biggest budget carrier AirAsia is set to make its maiden Indian flight this week, fuelling a cut-throat fare war in a sector already reeling from losses.

The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - Germany expressed hope yesterday that the transfer of five foreign airlines to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport’s Terminal 3 would speed up the settlement of the legal dispute between the Philippine government and German airport operator Fraport AG.

BusinessWorld Online

CIVIL aviation regulators from Macau, South Africa, and the Philippines have set air talks in the next few weeks to expand passenger traffic among the three countries.

By Lawrence Agcaoili | The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - Air traffic in the Philippines slipped close to three percent in the first quarter of the year amid the slight decline in international passengers with budget airline Cebu Air Inc. (Cebu Pacific) emerging as the preferred airline of passengers.

By Perseus Echeminada | The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 will be open to five international airlines starting in August as alternative gateway to the country, an airport official announced yesterday.

Philippine Daily Inquirer

May I call attention to the very inefficient and worsening situation of the air-conditioning system at Naia (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) Terminal 2, which is leased exclusively to Philippine Airlines (PAL). The heat inside the glass-enclosed terminal is unbearable. I have complained twice to the terminal manager. The first was about three months or so ago; the second, about a month ago. As I write, nothing has been done about it.

By Wilson Lee Flores | The Philippine Star

Entrepreneurs are simply those who understand that there is little difference between obstacle and opportunity and are able to turn both to their advantage. — Niccolo Machiavelli

By Lawrence Agcaoili | The Philippine Star

TOULOUSE, France – Leading aircraft maker Airbus sees Manila, along with seven other cities, joining the list of aviation mega-cities worldwide by 2021.

By Cliff Harvey C. Venzon | BusinessWorld Online

THE EUROPEAN Commission will decide next week on whether to lift, modify or keep a ban imposed on Philippine carriers, an official said.

By Miguel R. Camus | Philippine Daily Inquirer

The signing of the P1.9-billion construction work agreement with a Japanese contractor to complete the rehabilitation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 3 has been put on hold after Philippine government lawyers decided to go over the contract a final time.

By Judy Quiros | Inquirer Mindanao

DAVAO CITY, Philippines—Cebu Pacific Air now faces demands from two groups of passengers that figured in the accident involving its Flight 5J971 to this city that partially missed the runway of the Francisco Bangoy International Airport here on June 2.

By Donnabelle L. Gatdula | The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - Skyjet Airlines, the country’s newest full-service budget-but-full-service airline, has signed an agreement with ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. (AFI) to jointly promote eco-tourism sites in the Philippines.

The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - Tycoon John Gokongwei’s investment vehicle JG Summit Holdings Inc. is jacking up its capital spending to a record $1.03 billion this year to support the expansion program of its operating units.

By Lawrence Agcaoili | The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - The parent firm of flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) – jointly owned by taipan Lucio Tan and diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) – has complied with the 10-percent minimum public float requirement of the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE).

By Miguel R. Camus | Philippine Daily Inquirer

Tiger Airways Philippines, which was recently renamed from Southeast Asian Airlines (SEAir), expects a three-fold increase in sales to P5 billion this year as it adds more planes and routes, officials said in a briefing on Thursday.

By Lawrence Agcaoili | The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - Thirty-seven passengers of Cebu Pacific Flight 5J 971 are seeking the suspension of operations of the airline following the mishap at the Davao International Airport earlier this month.

Manila Bulletin

Japanese Ambassador Toshinao Urabe has assured the Philippines they are looking into the bilateral air services agreement and that there is intention to discriminate the Philippines.

By Kris Bayos | Manila Bulletin

Manila, Philippines --- Passengers of Cebu Pacific flight 5J-971 that skidded off the runway at the Davao International Airport can use the official findings of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) investigation into the mishap as basis or evidence in any lawsuit against the airline or its personnel, according to a CAAP official.

Agence France-Presse

TOKYO—Japan’s All Nippon Airways and AirAsia said Tuesday they have agreed to terminate their budget carrier joint venture as business slumped amid management clashes, dealing a blow to the country’s fledgling low-cost sector.

By Lawrence Agcaoili | The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - The parent firm of national flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is seeking the green light from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to beef up its capital stock to comply with the minimum public ownership requirement of the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE).

CAAP: They broke flight and safety regulations

By Niña P. Calleja, Miguel R. Camus | Philippine Daily Inquirer

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) ordered Tuesday the suspension of two pilots of the Cebu Pacific plane that overshot the runway of Davao International Airport on June 2, saying they violated regulations and failed to evacuate its 165 passengers within the required 90 seconds.

By Niña Calleja | Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines—The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has found the pilot and co-pilot of Cebu Pacific Air liable in the June 2 accident at the Davao runway.

Manila Bulletin

An upstart local airline believes the British Aerospace BAE146 jet is the perfect aircraft for the airport runways of the Philippines because it is made and built specifically to be able to land and take off in destinations with short and challenging runways.

By Nestor P. Burgos Jr. | Philippine Daily Inquirer

ILOILO CITY, Philippines—Militant groups have scored a government plan to bundle and privatize the operation of small airports in the country.

Posted in Manila Bulletin

Los Angeles (AP) – A newly renovated terminal at Los Angeles International Airport could make it tough to remember there’s a plane to catch.

By Joann s. Lublin | The Wall Street Journal

In a bold show of strength for budget airlines, European budget carrier Ryanair Holdings RYA.DB +2.09% PLC may buy 200 more jetliners from Boeing Co., BA +0.84% Chief Executive Michael O'Leary said Monday.

By Bobit S. Avila | The Philippine Star

Oh boy! Are we headed in the wrong direction when we talk about the problems pertaining to the old Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) which has earned the unenviable distinction as the “Worst Airport” in the world? But finally there’s that proverbial light at the end of the long dark tunnel, when officials of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) brought back the group of my good friend Kenneth Cobunpue to design the P2.8 billion NAIA, with some reservations that it won’t be finished in time for our hosting of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in the year 2015.

By Miguel R. Camus | Philippine Daily Inquirer

Businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan said his group was not keen on buying into flag carrier Philippine Airlines.

Manila Bulletin

DHL, the world’s leading logistics company, has been named “Best Employer” in Asia Pacific for its Express division by Aon Hewitt, a global leader in human resource consulting and outsourcing solutions. Additionally, DHL Express received the “Best Employer” award in Thailand and Indonesia for the first time, joining DHL Express Korea who received the same award earlier this year.

By Alan Levin | Bloomberg

Broader in-flight use of electronics including Apple Inc. (AAPL) iPhones and Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN) Kindle readers may be possible, a panel advising U.S. aviation regulators says in a draft report that stops short of calling for ending current restrictions, according to three people familiar with its work.

By Ted Torres | The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) believes Clark International Airport is not a viable substitute for  Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) due to   poor transportation link to Metro Manila.

By Miguel R. Camus | Philippine Daily Inquirer

An African safari may soon be more accessible to Filipino travelers as aviation regulator Civil Aeronautics Board  (CAB)  looks to pursue air service talks  with the Republic of South Africa possibly within this year,  executive director Carmelo Arcilla said.

By Miguel R. Camus | Philippine Daily Inquirer

The government has earmarked about P2 billion over the next two years to redevelop and redesignate airports in Cavite and Cagayan de Oro to decongest the country’s main gateway, Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) in Metro Manila.

By James A. Loyola | Manila Bulletin

Airbus, currently the biggest supplier of commercial aircraft to the Philippines with a 90 percent market share, has a backlog of 111 planes worth about $14.4 billion for delivery to the country’s top two airlines – Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air (CEB).

By Tara Yap | Manila Bulletin

Iloilo City, Iloilo — A proposal to rename Iloilo Airport which is located in Cabatuan and Sta. Barbara towns has resurrected, but is faced with opposition.

By Daryll Edisonn D. Saclag | BusinessWorld Online

THE COURT of Appeals (CA) has ordered the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) to refund a concessionaire ₱3.8 million in overcharged rent fees.

By Daryll Edisonn D. Saclag | BusinessWorld Online

A LOWER WAGE increase and retirement age has been set by the Court of Appeals (CA) for flight attendants and stewards of Philippine Airlines, Inc. (PAL) who have an unresolved dispute with management over benefits.

By James A. Loyola | Manila Bulletin

Low-cost carriers (LCCs) now dominate the Philippine airline industry as 8 out of 10 seats flown on the domestic market are low-cost carrier seats, according to the country’s pioneer LCC Cebu Pacific.

Manila Bulletin

Korean Air Lines Co. agreed to buy five Boeing Co. 747-8 passenger planes as part of a planned $3.6 billion purchase of wide-body aircraft, giving a sales boost to a jumbo jet whose output is being cut due to weak demand.

Reuters

(Reuters) - Airbus (EAD.PA) sealed a long-awaited order for 25 A350-900 aircraft from Air France-KLM (AIRF.PA) worth $7.2 billion at list prices after Rolls-Royce (RR.L) and the airline reached a deal over engine maintenance.

By Marianne Barriaux | AFP

LE BOURGET, France — Boeing launched the biggest version of its Dreamliner plane at the Paris Air Show Tuesday with over 100 orders worth about $30 billion and a clear message -- after a run of technical blows, the US firm is back on track.

By James A. Loyola | Manila Bulletin

Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of Emirates, is increasing its cargo capacity to the Philippines, when Emirates begins daily non-stop flights to Clark International Airport from October 1, 2013.

By Miguel R. Camus | Philippine Daily Inquirer

The government is considering the privatization of operating airports in Davao, Bacolod and Iloilo in a single package, Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said on Wednesday.

By Miguel R. Camus | Philippine Daily Inquirer

The Philippines and Australia have again failed to reach a new air deal this week to increase passenger traffic between them due to some “outstanding issues,” the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) Thursday said.

By Iris Gonzales | The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - Architectural and design firm Budji-Royal was awarded the P1.6-billion contract to redesign the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in preparation for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ meeting in 2015.

By Andreas Kröner and Maria Sheahan | Reuters

PARIS, June 18 (Reuters) - The only way to make a small fortune in the airline industry is to start with a big fortune, so the joke goes.

Philippine Daily Inquirer

The transportation department hopes to conclude negotiations with contractor Takenaka Corp. of Japan next week so that the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 3 may be fully operational by the first quarter of 2014.

By AFP

Wellington -  A tiny Samoan airline says it will introduce an "XL" class for super-sized passengers, featuring extra-wide rows and special ramps to help them reach their seats. Samoa Air has already pioneered a world first when late last year it began charging passengers fares based on how much they weigh, rather than a set price for each seat.

By Edu Lopez | Manila Bulletin

DHL Global Forwarding, the air and ocean freight specialist of Deutsche Post DHL, has unveiled DHL Thermonet, a new air freight product tailored for the life sciences and healthcare sector. This global service is a new addition complementing DHL’s network of life sciences and healthcare facilities.

The Philippine Star

LE BOURGET, France – Qatar Airways yesterday announced an order for nine Boeing 777 passenger aircraft on the opening day of the Paris Air Show. The additional aircraft will help the airline open up new routes and add capacity to existing markets in its rapidly-growing network.

Manila Bulletin

A top official of the country’s youngest airline appealed to tourism officials and stakeholders to come together for the sake of the country and pool resources on a focused approach at marketing new destinations.

Manila Bulletin

Tiger Airways Philippines will be adding more flights connecting the country to its Asian neighbors and even beyond, according to newly-appointed company president and CEO Olive Ramos.

By Ali G. Macabalang | Manila Bulletin

MARAWI CITY — At least 29 passenger planes landed and took off at the R7.9-billion new Airport in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental on its first day of operations last Saturday, with passengers and stakeholders expressing mixed reactions.

By Miguel R. Camus | Philippine Daily Inquirer

The freight division of Emirates, a Dubai-based airline, is set to increase the cargo capacity of its Philippine route following the completion of the initial phase of Clark International Airport’s expansion next quarter.

By BGBD | BusinessWorld Online

THE GOVERNMENT seeks contractors for P258.9 million in lighting system installations and power supply system upgrades for six domestic airports to be "night-flight-rated."

By Neil Jerome C. Morales | The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is still on the lookout for new aircraft as part of its fleet modernization program.

By Anjo Perez | Manila Bulletin

Manila, Philippines -- At least 19 departing Cebu Pacific flights at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 were delayed yesterday morning after the airport computerized check-in system suddenly went off after construction workers performing retrofitting works accidentally damaged the electrical conduits.

By F.G.B. Descallar | BusinessWorld Online

THE CIVIL Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) seeks bidders for a P2.51-million contract to replace electric lights with solar-powered lights at the Puerto Princesa Alternate International Aiport.

By C. H. Cabiasa | BusinessWorld Online

CAGAYAN DE ORO -- A transport group has offered shuttle services from the city to the airport in Laguindingan town in a bid to address passenger complaints on the additional cost of travel to the new facility.

Paris (AFP) – The world’s biggest air show takes to the skies on Monday, with a battle between Boeing and Airbus for orders in the lucrative market for wide-body planes set to dominate the Paris event.

By Cecille Suerte Felipe | The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - A pilot was injured after the plane he was flying crashed on a farm in Davao City, police said yesterday.

By Miguel R. Camus | Philippine Daily Inquirer

South East Asian Airlines (SEAir) is seeking to fly to Papua New Guinea, a regulatory filing with the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) showed.

By Louella D. Desiderio | The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - Low-cost carrier South East Asian Airline (SEAIR) Inc. is planning to offer flights from Clark and Manila to Papua New Guinea.

The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - According to recent industry forecasts from Boeing and Airbus, there will be a need for 130,000 pilots to fly 9,000 new aircraft in Asia between now and 2030.

By Wilson Lee Flores | The Philippine Star

The measure of progress of civilization is the progress of the people.  —George Bancroft

SINGAPORE — Congratulations to Changi for recently winning again as the world’s No. 1 airport in the annual Skytrax survey of 12.1 million travellers from over 160 countries. Known as the World Airport Awards in a ceremony in Geneva, Switzerland, this is the fourth time Changi airport has achieved the prestigious top prize.

By Frisian Gail B. Descallar | BusinessWorld Online

THE PHILIPPINES expects successful commercial air service talks with Australia as more sessions have been set for June 18 and 19, almost two months after inconclusive negotiations in April, a Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) official said yesterday.

By CHCV | BusinessWorld Online

AIRBUS S.A.S is close to completing Cebu Pacific’s second of four leased long-range aircraft after the budget carrier received the first one on Thursday last week, an official of the European plane maker said on Friday.

By Paolo G. Montecillo | Philippine Daily Inquirer

TOULOUSE, France—Budget carrier Cebu Pacific is looking into purchasing one of today’s most advanced passenger jet liners, as it expands its fleet by buying new planes capable of longer flights to new markets.

By Chino S. Leyco | Manila Bulletin

Diversified San Miguel Corporation (SMC) may still buy out billionaire Lucio Tan from flag carrier Philippines Airlines (PAL) if the potential investors will not conform with the conglomerate’s standards.

By Conrado Banal | Philippine Daily Inquirer

Indeed, the Lucio Tan group is exploring the idea of a complete divestment from our national flag carrier Philippine Airlines, selling its remaining 51-percent holding to its current partner in the airline, the country’s biggest conglomerate, San Miguel.

Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines—Several passengers bound for Singapore early Wednesday were irked over a policy by an airline company, which refused to honor their tickets that were paid for online with credit cards owned by either their companies or by their travel agencies.

BusinessWorld Online

RESULTS OF the investigation on the accident at the Davao International Airport will be disclosed in the next two weeks, an official said yesterday.

By Tim Hepher and Alwyn Scott | Reuters

(Reuters) - Boeing (BA.N) upgraded its 20-year forecast for airplane demand as aerospace firms heading to next week's Paris Airshow look beyond the financial crisis to pin their hopes on Asia.

By Reynaldo G. Navales | Sun Star

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Philippines’ AirAsia is reducing its flight frequencies from Clark to Taiwan, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong and Singapore effective June 15 due to “operational realignment,” which it did not elaborate.

By Gaurav Raghuvanshi  | The Wall Street Journal

When Azran Osman-Rani, chief executive of AirAsia X, went to Toulouse in April to receive a new jet, Airbus had arranged a limousine to fetch him from the hotel, as it does for all the CEOs of its airline customers. Instead of a business suit, Mr. Azran emerged from the hotel in bright red running gear and insisted on running the 18½ kilometers to the delivery site.

By Bobit S. Avila | The Philippine Star

“It’s more fun in the Philippines,” as our official and obviously catchy Tourism slogan suggests, is a slogan that has been accepted by most Filipinos who use this phrase either to promote their place or use it with a double meaning… which actually means the opposite of fun. For sure, many foreign tourists have come to our shores believing in this slogan. Domestic tourism has also increased thanks to the great fare promos done by all the airlines serving our country. Now PAL is upping the ante with flights to the Middle East, which Cebu Pacific also plans to do.

By Edith Regalado | The Philippine Star

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Mayor Sara Duterte is seeking the dismissal of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) chief for southern Mindanao for the alleged mishandling of the Cebu Pacific jet mishap last week that led to the closure of the Davao International Airport for two days.

PIA Losing About $305M A Year

By Nahal Toosi

Islamabad (AP) – With every flight, Pakistan's state-owned airline demonstrates the economic challenges facing the country's new government.

By C. A. M. C. Feliciano | BusinessWorld Online

SAN MIGUEL Corp. is not in talks to take over Philippine Airlines (PAL), the diversified conglomerate said in a disclosure yesterday, even as it added that it had been told by LT Group, Inc. which has majority stake in the flag carrier that the latter was “in talks with a group of investors who have expressed interest to purchase such majority interest...”

By Miguel R. Camus | Philippine Daily Inquirer

The local unit of Malaysia’s Air Asia, the region’s biggest budget carrier, is reducing flights to key locations starting June 15.

By Miguel R. Camus | Philippine Daily Inquirer

Conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) on Monday said that it was not the buyer of tycoon Lucio Tan’s remaining 51-percent stake in flag carrier Philippine Airlines Inc.

Reuters

(Reuters) - Long-haul carrier AirAsia X, founded by entrepreneur Tony Fernandes, launched on Monday an up to $370 million initial public offering in Malaysia, seeking to raise funds to repay bank loans and for capital expenditures, according to a term sheet of the deal seen by Reuters.

By Kris Bayos | Manila Bulletin

Manila, Philippines -- President Benigno S. Aquino III and Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya will inspect the newly constructed Laguindingan International Airport one last time tomorrow, Tuesday, before it opens to the flying public by the weekend.

By Lawrence Agcaoili | The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino is set to lead the final inspection and unveiling of  a marker tomorrow at the P7.8-billion Laguindingan International Airport scheduled to open on June 15.

By C. H. C. Venzon | BusinessWorld Online

CEBU PACIFIC will sign a lease agreement this week with CIT Group, Inc. for an Airbus A330-300 to be used by the budget carrier for its long-haul flights by fourth quarter.

BusinessWorld Online

AVIATION AUTHORITIES are hopeful that the European Union (EU) will soon lift a ban on Philippine carriers following a just-concluded inspection.

By Vipin V. Nair | Bloomberg

Singapore Airlines Ltd. (SIA) selected Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc (RR/) engines to power the 30 Boeing Co. (BA) 787-10X jets it ordered last week as the first buyer of the new Dreamliner model and for planes at discount subsidiary Scoot.

By Jerome Aning | Philippine Daily Inquirer

At least two aviation experts have criticized the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) for being quick to judge as “human error” a Cebu Pacific Air plane’s overshooting the runway when it landed at the Davao International Airport last Sunday.

By Amy R. Remo | Philippine Daily Inquirer

The Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) and the Federation of Tourism Industries of the Philippines (FTIP) on Thursday urged the government to formulate a comprehensive plan to handle flight requests from international airlines, so as not to drive away prospective carriers.

Posted in Manila Bulletin

Sydney (AFP) – Sydney Airport Wednesday released a draft master plan to allow Australia’s biggest airport to handle more than 74 million passengers a year by 2033 without the need for new runways or the lifting of a night curfew.

By Donnabelle L. Gatdula | The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - The moratorium on the issuance of landing permits at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is sending the wrong signal to international investors, the country’s largest travel/tourism groups said.

Manila Bulletin

The new Qantas Singapore Lounge was unveiled last month, offering its customers the highest standard of luxury.

By Lawrence Agcaoili | The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - Diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) paid yesterday P11 billion representing the upfront cash payment for the 7.5-kilometer Ninoy Aquino international airport expressway project.

By Jerome Aning | Philippine Daily Inquirer

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said Wednesday that aircraft accident investigators had retrieved the black box and flight data recorder of the Cebu Pacific Air Airbus A320-200 that skidded off the runway at Davao International Airport on Sunday.

By Kris Bayos and Madel Sabater Namit | Manila Bulletin

Manila, Philippines --- The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has grounded the pilots of the ill-fated Cebu Pacific aircraft that veered off the runway of Francisco Bangoy International Airport (Davao international airport) over the weekend as Malacañang assured an impartial investigation on the incident.

By Rudy Santos | The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - A Philippine Air Force (PAF) Fokker 27 plane suffered a flat tire while preparing for takeoff at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), blocking the runway yesterday morning and causing the delay of a commercial flight to Cebu.

By Bobit S. Avila | The Philippine Star

That near disaster that happened to Cebu Pacific Airbus (CPA) 320 Flt. No. 5J 971 last Sunday once more reminds us of the woeful state in the aviation industry. Here we are bragging to the world that we have great beaches (I submit we do have a reason to brag about our beaches) stunning dive sites that can beat any tourist spot in the world, but when tourists arrive in our country… they end up seeing our serious lack of infrastructure, most notable amongst them is the state of our so-called International Airports.

By FGBD and M. M. Padillo | BusinessWorld Online

INVESTIGATION ON the Cebu Pacific accident at the Davao International Airport will take two weeks, a civil aviation official said, as Mindanao’s main gateway resumed full operations yesterday.

By Karlos Manlupig | Inquirer Mindanao

DAVAO CITY—Minutes before Cebu Pacific Flight 5J-971 skidded off the runway at Davao International Airport on Sunday night, another plane from the same airline swerved after touchdown and hit the runway lights.

By Neil Jerome C. Morales | The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - National carrier PAL Holdings Inc., partly-owned by conglormerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC), will remain a listed company, its top executive said.

By Emmie V. Abadilla | Manila Bulletin

Cape Town, South Africa – The International Air Transport Association (IATA)’s 69th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Cape Town, South Africa concluded the other day (June 4) with a “historic agreement” on carbon-neutral growth by 2020, a re-affirmed support for the New Distribution Capability with the travel sector, plus the aviation industry’s united stance to governments on passenger rights regulations.

By Edith Regalado | The Philippine Star

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The city government is set to file administrative charges against officials of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP)’s southern Mindanao office that operates the Davao International Airport after a Cebu Pacific jet overshot the runway and shut down airport operations last Sunday night.

By Edu Lopez | Manila Bulletin

The Sumitomo-Thales joint venture will soon start the construction of an air traffic management building and the supply of various components, automation equipment, terminal radars and the use of the satellite technology-based system following an agreement with the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).

By Lawrence Agcaoili | The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - The government is freeing up more slots at the congested Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to allow more foreign airlines to fly into the Philippines to boost efforts to attract 10 million tourists by 2016.

By Aurea Calica | The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - The government is encouraging foreign airlines to take advantage of the country’s pocket open skies policy and use airports outside Metro Manila while there are no new facilities to accommodate them.

Initial deal with FAA sets 2-year ‘probation’

By Miguel R. Camus | Philippine Daily Inquirer

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has struck an initial agreement with American aviation regulators to remove possibly by November the restrictions that prevent local carriers from expanding flights in the United States, director general William Hotchkiss III said.

By Germelina Lacrote, Karlos Manlupig, Aquiles Z. Zonio | Inquirer Mindanao

Cebu Pacific may have succeeded in clearing the Francisco Bangoy International Airport runway of its plane, but the airline’s troubles are not yet over.

By Lawrence Agcaoili | The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - Authorities are confident that the accident at the Davao City International Airport involving an aircraft of Cebu Pacific would not derail government efforts to have the ban lifted on local airlines mounting additional flights to the US and Europe.

By Andreas Heimann

Zurich (dpa) – No matter where you travel across the globe, be it New York, Rio, Tokyo or Frankfurt, it is still possible to find a place of calm and meditation to collect your thoughts and perhaps pray for the welfare of a loved one.

Airbus pulled out; Davao airport reopened

By Tarra Quismundo | Philippine Daily Inquirer

It took at least 15 minutes before the crew of Cebu Pacific Air began to evacuate panicked passengers after its Airbus A320-200 overshot the runway at Davao International Airport on Sunday night in stormy weather and landed on its nose, aviation officials said Tuesday.

Normal Operations Resume; CAAP Sends Notice To Airmen

By Alexander D. Lopez and Kris Bayos | Manila Bulletin

Davao City – The ill-fated Cebu Pacific plane was finally moved out of the grassy portion of the Francisco Bangoy International Airport (Davao international airport) at 5 p.m. yesterday, paving the way for the clearing of the runway and the resumption of normal operations.

By Emmie V. Abadilla | Manila Bulletin

Cape Town, South Africa – The International Air Transport Association (IATA)’s “decision-making” 69th Annual General Meeting (AGM) opened yesterday in Cape Town, pledging to tackle issues of the New Distribution Capacity (NDC), environment and passenger rights in the next two days.

By Kari Lundgren | Bloomberg

U.S. airlines are poised to go on an international offensive following mergers and job cuts that have delivered leaner companies better able to compete with rivals from Asia and the Middle East, industry group IATA predicts.

BusinessWorld Online

AVIATION AUTHORITIES shut down one of the country’s busiest airports yesterday after a passenger jet overshot the runway when landing during a rainstorm, officials said.

By Karlos Manlupig | Inquirer Mindanao

DAVAO CITY—Cebu Pacific on Monday apologized for Flight 5J-971’s skidding off the runway at Davao International Airport Sunday night and offered to transport passengers from Davao to General Santos at no extra charge.

By Kris Bayos and Anjo Perez | Manila Bulletin

Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya yesterday instructed the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to clear the Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City of obstructions within the day to allow resumption of flights.

Philippine Daily Inquirer

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — “We thought we all were going to die,” said Percival Jacones, 33, a seaman returning to this city for a vacation, on board Cebu Pacific’s Flight 5J 971, which overshot the Davao International Airport as it was landing on Sunday night.

By Xinhua | The Philippine Star

DAVAO CITY, Philippines -- A passenger plane made an emergency landing at an airport in Philippine southern city of Davao Sunday evening after apparently experiencing mechanical problems, passengers said.

By Paolo G. Montecillo | Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines—Flag carrier Philippine Airlines opened new routes to Australia this week in line with the company’s aggressive expansion using brand-new aircraft.

By Cliff Harvey C. Venzon | BusinessWorld Online

LT GROUP, Inc., the holding firm of tycoon Lucio C. Tan, will no longer consolidate Philippine Airlines (PAL) into the conglomerate to focus on being a “consumer company,” officials said.

By Miguel R. Camus | Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines—Tycoon Lucio Tan is abandoning a plan to infuse his stake in flag carrier Philippine Airlines Inc. into holding firm LT Group Inc., his son Michael Tan said on Friday.

By Paolo G. Montecillo | Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines—Singapore’s Tiger Airways posted an operating profit for the second quarter in a row for the period ending March 31, although operations in the Philippines are still in the red despite efforts to expand.

Source: Rey Gamboa | Philippine Star

The current sharp drop in world crude oil prices should translate to some good news for Philippine Airlines after it had gone through a gamut of problems in recent months, including a labor dispute in the second half of 2011 that crippled its operations and resulted in crucial losses.

Source: BusinessWorld Online

CEBU AIR, Inc., the operator of budget carrier Cebu Pacific, expects its revenues to grow by up to 20% as it looks to increase its passenger volume by double-digits, an official said.

Source: BusinessWorld Online

PAL Holdings, Inc., the operator of flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL), has moved to increase its capital stock by 15% amid plans expand the country’s oldest airline, a disclosure to the local bourse showed.

Source: Paolo G. Montecillo | Philippine Daily Inquirer

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL), now controlled by San Miguel Corp., is set to get P17 billion in fresh funds from its controlling shareholders in line with plans to expand operations and return to profitability.

Source: Mary Ann Ll. Reyes | The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - PAL Holdings, the parent company of Philippine Airlines (PAL), is increasing its authorized capital stock from P20 billion to P23 billion in a bid to raise more funds for the expansion of the flag carrier and to accommodate the entry of San Miguel Corp. in PAL.

Source: Rainier Allan Ronda | Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) has suspended the implementation of the recently imposed ban on overbooking of flights by local airlines and the order that sets stiff penalties on bumping off passengers.

Source: Paolo G. Montecillo | Philippine Daily Inquirer

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines has taken delivery of its newest Boeing 777-300 passenger jet, bringing its fleet of flagship long-range aircraft to three.

Source: Emmie V. Abadilla | Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines --- To further lower fares for passengers, Cebu Pacific Air (CEB) slashed fuel surcharges on its domestic flights by 20%.

Source: Edu Lopez | Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines --- The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and Airports Council International (ACI) have signed a memorandum of cooperation (MoC) to provide the highest possible levels of safety at airports worldwide.

Source: Francis Allan L. Angelo | BusinessWorld Online

ILOILO CITY -- Economic and political leaders here have called on regulators to penalize airlines that cancel or delay flights due to lack of passengers.

Source: BusinessWorld Online

BUDGET CARRIER Cebu Pacific has begun to slash fuel surcharge fees for its domestic flights due to a drop in global fuel prices.

Source: Tara Yap | Manila Bulletin

ILOILO CITY, Iloilo — Airports in Western Visayas will most likely see the accommodation of more by flights by 2013 with the decongestion of flights being considered by the Department of Transportaiton and Communicaitons (DOTC) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila.

Source: KEN RITTER/The Associated Press | Manila Bulletin

LAS VEGAS (AP) – With the arrival of an overnight flight from London this week, Las Vegas will mark the opening of a $2.4 billion airport terminal that officials say could help lift the southern Nevada economy from the depths of the Great Recession.

Source: Manila Bulletin

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) – Loss-making national carrier Malaysian Airline System Bhd has delayed its return-to-profit target by one year, from 2013 to 2014, following a failed tie-up with rival budget carrier Air-Asia Bhd.

Source: malaya.com.ph

The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) has decided to defer the implementation of two orders on airline ticket refunds and overbooking, as the resolutions will be covered by the Passengers Bill of Rights which is expected to be released next month.

Source: AFP via France24.com

AFP - Air Canada's first-ever flight using biofuels headed from Toronto to Mexico City Monday, in an effort to showcase the aviation industry's global commitment to greener transportation.

Source: Cliff Harvey C. Venzon | BusinessWorld Online

THREE LOCAL budget carriers have aired their interest in seat allocations for Myanmar after regulators last week announced the formerly reclusive country wants to negotiate air rights with the Philippines.

Source: Louella D. Desiderio | The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is looking for firms interested in the development of seven provincial airports worth over P300 million.

Source: DEMAND AND SUPPLY By Boo Chanco (The Philippine Star)

SINGAPORE – Landed at the Lion City late last week. My wife and I are visiting my son who works here. We missed him when he went to Manila for the ADB conference because we were with the CCF Holy Land Tour. This is the first time I have disembarked at the Budget Terminal.

Source: Manila Bulletin

Passenger traffic in the AsiaPacific region continued to show a steady growth in April 2012.

Source: AFP via Yahoo News

Taiwan's leading carrier China Airlines plans to buy up to 10 fuel-efficient passenger aircraft at a price of several billion dollars, according to the company and media.

Source: Louella D. Desiderio | The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - Zest Airways Inc. is planning to launch more international flights this year as it seeks to increase the number of its passengers and revenues, an official said.

Source: Paolo G. Montecillo | Philippine Daily Inquirer

Budget carrier AirAsia Inc., the country’s newest airline, will launch its second and third international routes next month as it adds more flights to its hub in Clark Freeport, Pampanga.

Source: INQUIRER.net

South East Asian Airlines (SEAIR) has announced its partnership with Global Pinoy Remittance and Services (GPRS) to offer more payment options for Philippine travelers. This follows the success of CashPay, a payment facility for online booking transactions for domestic and international flights, which was launched earlier this year.

Source: C. H. C. Venzon | BusinessWorld Online

AMERICAN CARRIER Delta Air Lines, Inc. has asked regulators for permission to hike its fuel surcharge, joining other foreign carriers which earlier sought approval for additional fees even as world fuel prices have fallen.

Source: C. H. C. Venzon | BusinessWorld Online

THE PHILIPPINES is preparing for air service talks with Myanmar, possibly as early as next month, as that formerly reclusive Southeast Asian state’s apparent openness to reforms has prompted some Western economies to lift sanctions, officials said yesterday.

Source: Mayen Jaymalin | The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Tourism (DOT) has given its full backing to proposals to reduce flights and decongest the country’s international airport.

Source: The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - As part of its continuing expansion this year, Airphil Express, the fastest growing budget carrier in the country today, has added two new regional routes that would take its passengers from Clark to Singapore (and vice versa) and Clark to Hong Kong (and vice versa).

Source: The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - Etihad Airways will add the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, to its rapidly growing network in November 2012.

Source: Edu Lopez | Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines --- Passenger traffic continues to show resilience in the face of on-going concerns about recessions in many major European economies.

Source: Heather Perlberg | Bloomberg via mb.com.ph

CHICAGO, Illinois --- United Continental Holdings Inc., the world’s largest carrier, raised its fee to check a second bag on trans-Atlantic flights to $100 after a similar January increase by Delta Air Lines Inc.

Source: Sunrita Sen/Deutsche Presse-Agentur thru mb.com.ph

NEW DELHI (dpa) – Passengers are unhappy with cancellations and high fares, airlines are grappling with a cash crunch and struggling to stay afloat. India's aviation industry, ready to soar less than a decade ago, now looks poised for a hard landing.

Source: Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines --- The Philippines’ largest national flag carrier, Cebu Pacific (CEB) has partnered with the Department of Tourism (DOT) in the ongoing Yeosu Expo 2012 in Yeosu, South Korea, which runs until August 12, 2012.

Source: Manila Bulletin

PARIS (AFP) – Repairing tiny cracks in the wings of Airbus's flagship A380 superjumbo will take eight weeks for each aircraft if the work is done in one go, aviation magazine FlightGlobal reported.

Source: BusinessWorld Online

SOUTH EAST Asian Airlines, Inc. (SEAir) expects to more than double its passenger volume this year as it plans to offer new routes following the entry of a foreign investor, an official said.

Source: Paolo Luis Montecillo | Philippine Daily Inquirer

The country’s budget carriers have asked the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) to reverse its recent move to tighten rules on overbooking of flights and ticket refunds, claiming that such restrictions would lead to higher fares for consumers.

Source: Manila Bulletin

The profitability of the global airline industry will remain under pressure amid high oil prices, a senior executive at the International Air Transport Association said, highlighting the challenges facing the industry as the European debt crisis continues and global economic growth falters.

Source: Malou M. Mozo | Manila Bulletin

CEBU CITY, Cebu — Merely adopting an attractive tourism slogan such as the Department of Tourism (DOT)’s "It's more fun in the Philippines," is not enough, says former Department of Tourism director for Central Visayas, Patricia Aurora Roa.

Source: Manila Bulletin

Aegis, a global business services and experience management company, recently partnered with Philippines' AirAsia, to provide a worldclass customer service program in the country. Philippines' AirAsia, the country's newest low-cost carrier, chose Aegis as its primary contact center to handle customer care transactions such as ticket sales, reservations, Internet booking assistance, booking changes, product inquiries, and flight and travel information. The program went live on February 24, 2012 with Aegis agents taking calls for AirAsia for the first time.

Source: Nestor P. Burgos Jr. | Philippine Daily Inquirer

ILOILO CITY—Cancellations of tourist bookings from China have failed to make a dent on tourist arrivals on Boracay Island for the first half of the year, data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) showed.

Source: AFP thru BusinessWorld Online

RIGA -- Getting trapped in a boring conversation with a fellow passenger aboard a plane could soon be a thing of the past thanks to a world-first flight buddy system developed by Latvia’s national airline.

Source: AFP thru manilatimes.net

The Philippines’ aviation regulator announced on Wednesday a ban on local airlines overbooking flights, following an outcry from would-be passengers who had been denied seats.

Source: Manila Bulletin

Airphil Express is launching a third regional route to Malaysia this month as part of its continuing expansion this year.

Source: Emmie V. Abadilla | Manila Bulletin

Cebu Pacific (CEB) formally signed a $280 Million contract with Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, which will provide long-term TotalCare® service support for the Trent 700 engines of its eight Airbus A330 aircraft.

Source: INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines – South East Asian Airlines (SEAir) has announced its expansion of domestic operations to seven cities nationwide.

Source: Amy Norton | reuters.com

(Reuters Health) - Flying is a headache for most people, but for some that figure of speech becomes literal, according to researchers.

Source: Itchie G. Cabayan | journal.com.ph

A NEW order suspending the restrictions on the refundability and rebookability of low-cost air fares was issued by the Civil Aeronautics Board  (CAB),  the government agency mandated to regulate the economic aspect of air transportation in the country.

Source: Emmie V. Abadilla | Manila Bulletin

Cebu Pacific (CEB) wants state regulators to scrap resolutions that will increase the cost of airline operations, forcing local carriers to raise their fares and stop offering promotions.

Source: BusinessMirror

New aviation policies set to take effect next week may prompt Cebu Pacific (CEB) to raise fares by at least 10 percent.

Source: Louella D. Desiderio | The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - Singapore-based budget carrier Tiger Airways Holdings Ltd. has completed the acquisition of a 40-percent stake in local carrier Southeast Asian Airlines (SEAir) Inc.

Source: BusinessWorld Online

ANOTHER public-private partnership (PPP) project could be rolled out this month, the agency overseeing the Aquino administration’s centerpiece infrastructure program yesterday said.

Source: Edu Lopez | Manila Bulletin

AirAsia Japan, the newest lowcost carrier (LCC) based in Narita International Airport, is set to launch operations on domestic routes with daily flights to Fukuoka, Okinawa and Sapporo starting August 1, 2012.

Source: Boo Chanco | The Philippine Star

When P-Noy visits the White House and talks to President Obama, he should bring up the FAA upgrade. It is not just a technical/safety issue but also a political one. A little push from Mr. Obama and perhaps we will not be pushed around by the FAA bureaucrats, at the very least.

Source: Mary Ann Reyes | The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - Cebu Pacific (CEB) retained its ranking in Airline Business Magazine’s list of the world’s top 75 low-cost carriers (LCC) based on 2011 passenger numbers, coming in at 15th place, the same rank in 2010.

Source: afp.com

SYDNEY (AFP)

Australian flag carrier Qantas warned Tuesday its full-year profit could dive by up to 90 percent on the back of steep losses in its international arm, sending its share price plunging to all-time lows.

Source: Cliff Harvey C. Venzon | BusinessWorld Online

BUDGET CARRIER Cebu Pacific yesterday warned it would stop offering its popular discounted fares and thus cripple the government’s tourism marketing under the Civil Aeronautics Board’s (CAB) tighter rules for overbooking and passenger refunds.

Source: Manila Bulletin

Etihad Airways premiered on June 1, 2012 a brand-new television commercial and supporting digital media campaign to a global audience.

Source: reuters.com

(Reuters) - FedEx Corp (FDX.N) said it will retire from service an additional 24 aircraft and take a related charge of $84 million, or 26 cents per share, in the current quarter.

Source: Rudy Santos | The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - The Airline Operations Council (AOC) yesterday welcomed the reported plan of Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Mar Roxas to fast track the installation of night landing facilities in 14 domestic airports in the country.

Source: Paolo G. Montecillo | Philippine Daily Inquirer

More airlines from around the world are expected to consider the Philippines as a more attractive destination with the removal of “discriminatory” taxes on foreign carriers.

Source: BusinessMirror

LAGOS, Nigeria—A commercial airliner crashed into a densely populated neighborhood in Nigeria’s largest city, killing all 153 people onboard and others on the ground in the worst air disaster in nearly two decades for the troubled nation.

ource: Reynaldo G. Navales | Sun Star

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga -- Hong Kong-based Metrojet Engineering Clark is expected to infuse $40 million to its maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in a three-hectare area inside the Clark Aviation Complex.

Source: BusinessWorld Online

BUDGET CARRIER Cebu Pacific claimed the 15th spot in a global ranking of 75 low-cost carriers (LCCs) for 2011, defending the position it bagged the year previous based on number of passengers served.

Source: The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - Traveling to Shanghai, China will now be a lot cheaper and more attractive as Zest Air launches its inaugural flight to the world’s largest city proper of over 23 million people this June with an introductory fare of as low as P1,488 (exclusive of applicable taxes, surcharges, and Philippine Travel Tax).

Source: Manila Bulletin

Airphil Express, the country’s fastest-growing budget carrier, welcomes the start of the school year with its latest Express Sale promo that will allow students who had an extended summer vacation to travel back to their respective addresses in style.

Source: Floro L. Mercene | Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines --- NOW that we have weaned away provincial travelers from boats to airplanes, it is time to take stock of new developments in the low-cost carrier (LCC) sector, and what to expect in case we are not aware of the fine print that justifies the rock-bottom prices of these airlines.

Source: business.inquirer.net

Never mind that more prestigious legacy airlines continue to prefer operating out of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport rather than Clark.

Source: Aurea Calica | Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board has approved for implementation phase 2 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Expressway project and the National Sewerage and Septage Management Program that are worth more than P42 billion, Malacañang announced yesterday.

Source: Paolo Luis Montecillo | Philippine Daily Inquirer

Air Asia Inc., the country’s newest carrier, said the government would kill the “goose that lays the golden eggs” with a new rule that forces companies to accommodate late passengers or “no-shows.”

Source: BusinessWorld Online

PRESIDENTIAL CERTIFICATION has been sought to hasten the approval of a bill seeking to lift a tax imposed on foreign airlines.

Source: Tina G. Santos | Philippine Daily Inquirer

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), the country’s regulatory body for civil aviation, welcomed the move by flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) to settle its P283-million outstanding accounts with the authority, saying that the money would be used to improve and upgrade its infrastructure.

Source: Emmie V. Abadilla | Manila Bulletin

Despite continuing economic weakness in some parts of the world, demand for air travel continued to grow last month, with global passenger demand rising 6.1% while freight demand went down 4.2% versus April 2011, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Source: K. A. M. Patria | BusinessWorld Online

AIRASIA, Inc., the operator of AirAsia Philippines, aims to increase sales among passengers that usually book through travel agencies, a segment which the airline claims is not fully penetrated by budget carriers.

Source: france24.com

AFP - Qantas Airways chief Alan Joyce on Thursday dismissed reports that it was considering selling a stake to Dubai airline Emirates.

Source: reuters.com

(Reuters) - Airports of Thailand Pcl (AOT) is to spend about $1.9 billion over the next five years to expand capacity at Bangkok's overcrowded Suvarnabhumi airport by a third, its president said on Wednesday.