CEB Cancels Flight to Mactan Tomorrow

23 December 2021

Low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific (CEB) will cancel almost all of its flights between Manila and Cebu from December 24 to 31, citing the operational limitations at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport which suffered the wrath of typhoon Odette (Rai) .

The cancellation will affect 41,000 passengers of Cebu Pacific, alone. Affected passengers already tops 25,000 when the airline began flight suspension prior, during, and after the typhoon hit the island.

The canceled flights are:

-5J 559 / 5J 560 Manila – Cebu - Manila
-5J 561 / 5J 562 Manila – Cebu – Manila
-5J 563 / 5J 564 Manila – Cebu – Manila
-5J 565 / 5J 566 Manila – Cebu – Manila
-5J 567 / 5J 568 Manila – Cebu – Manila
-5J 575 / 5J 576 Manila – Cebu – Manila
-5J 581 / 5J 582 Manila – Cebu – Manila
-5J 583 Manila – Cebu (except Dec. 31, 2021)
-5J 584 Cebu – Manila (except Dec. 24, 2021)

CEB said affected passengers "are being informed". They can choose to rebook or refund, or put the ticket value in a travel fund.

Airport operator MCIA said domestic terminal has been badly damaged by the typhoon extensively limiting its capacity to handle passengers at the terminal. It is scheduled to do repair and remedial works during this period.

MCIA said international arrivals will also be subject to a daily passenger cap beginning Dec. 23 due to the shortage of hotel rooms for the mandated quarantine requirement.

Moreover, the Cebu government said entry to the province would be limited to Cebuano overseas Filipino workers and Cebu residents.

Michael Ivan Shau, chief corporate affairs officer at Cebu Pacific, said normal operations were also affected because hundreds of employees were victims of Odette, too.

“Our employees are very much affected and we ask for patience,” Shau said during a briefing on Monday.

“They themselves are in need of cash, clothing, roofing materials—we cannot send that but we send them tarpaulins—water and food,” he added.

While other CEB domestic flights via Cebu will operate as scheduled, the carrier is providing options to passengers who want to voluntarily postpone their flights until December 31.

Passengers may cancel their trips up to two hours before the flight schedule. They can rebook the ticket for travel within 60 days.

They can also put the ticket value in a travel fund, CEB said.

Siargao Tourists Evacuation Continues

 23 December 2021

 

PAL Adoption of Amadeus 'Self Re-accommodation Solution' Successful

22 January 2021

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) implementation of Amadeus’ new Self Re-accommodation solution to improve its customer service whenever there is flight cancellation by the airline,was dubbed a success for the airline.

Amadeus Self re-accommodation Solution works to reduce the load on Philippine Airlines’ call center and airport agents managing re-bookings, ultimately reducing the cost of operations for the airline.

“For us, customer experience is key,” said Oscar Enrico Reyes Jr., senior vice president for marketing and sales at Philippine Airlines. 

PAL said it already benefited from the Passenger Service System (PSS) since it went online this year by helping  more than 160,000 passengers with disrupted flights to re-book, transfer or refund flights.

“During the first seven months of the solution going live, more than 160,000 passengers with disrupted flights have benefited from this self-service tool. ” Reyes said.

“ Our next step is to give more control to passengers by empowering them with a self-service refund tool, without any penalties, if they are not happy with the alternative flights provided.”

The Amadeus Self Re-accommodation solution is part of the Amadeus Digital Experience Suite,which provides support for travelers in the event of flight cancellations or delays. 

When a disruption occurs, Philippine Airlines’ passengers will receive an alert, redirecting them to the airline’s Self Re-accommodation page. There, they can accept the default flight offered by the airline or choose a replacement flight free of charge according to the airline’s disruption policy.

Alphaland Aviation Becomes First Passenger Airline Operator to Fly Sangley

20 December 2021

Alphaland Aviation, a unit of Alphaland Corp., becomes the first airline to operate out of Sangley airport after securing new regulatory approval from Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to operate aircraft between Balesin Island and Sangley Point Airport again.

CAAP Director General Sydiongco said they are re-opening Sangley airport as the main base for commercial turboprop aircraft operations and general aviation traffic after Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) reported growing air traffic congestion this month brought by easing of government quarantine and travel restrictions.

“Originally, we plan to transfer all turboprop traffic out of NAIA by 2020 but Covid came, so decision on that was deferred. Now, everything is almost back to normal. So when air traffic goes back to pre-covid level by next year we will implement that decision before President Duterte steps down from office.” says Sydiongco.

Alphaland operates a pair of  ATR 72-500s and Cessna Caravans for flights to Balesin. 

“Alphaland is just the first airline to relocate there. In fact, they already launch flight there sometime in February 2020, so this is merely the continuation of that.” adds Sydiongco.

The operation of Sangley as a commercial turboprop, cargo props, and general aviation operations was made upon the instructions of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to utilize the airport and help ease air traffic at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), according to the airport operator.

The airport operator also said there already exist a bus connection linking Sangley airport to Naia Terminal 1,2,3, and 4, which make transfer faster as they utilizes the Naia Expressway.

CAAP said Cebu Pacific, PAL Express, and other smaller airlines already expresses support to transfer their turboprop operations in Sangley airport once they are required to do so.

Cebu Pacific, as well as other turboprop cargo operators already transferred their business in Sangley before operations were halted by covid pandemic.

“When NAIA air traffic goes back to normal, transfer is bound to happen. Right now, they are restricted to fly in and out of the airport only between the hours of 10am-2pm slots, beyond that they have to fly either early morning or late in the evening. But that window will be gone soon when traffic stabilizes.” adds Sydiongco.

 Turbo propeller airline operators include Cebgo, PAL Express, Air Swift, Royal Star, and other general aviation operators.

Mactan Cebu Airport In Disarray After Direct Hit

 18 December 2021

Surigao Airport Suffers Fate of Typhoon Odette (Rai)

 18 December 2021

 

Siargao Suffers Brunt of Typhoon Odette

18 December 2021

A day before the airport was hit everything seems fine. CAA personnel held a Christmas party, then night came and all hell broke lose. The airport terminal and it facility was damaged prompting airport authorities to close the airport until February next year and suspend airline operations until repairs are made.

Siargao airport😔 pic.twitter.com/BBHvOC0co7

— AL (@notyourgirlina) December 20, 2021

PAL Wins Chapter 11

 Exit Protection Before Year Ends

18 December 2021

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines Inc. (PAL has won court approval for its reorganization plan, paving the way for the carrier to exit bankruptcy before the end of the year.

The US Bankruptcy Court of the Southern District of New York has approved its Plan of Reorganization proposal for a prearranged restructuring under the U.S. Chapter 11 process, pre-terminating its long term leases on aircraft and engines along the way to cut $2 billion in debts, and has received overwhelming creditor support throughout the process.

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Shelley Chapman said Friday that she would approve the Chapter 11 plan after unsecured creditors voted to back the proposal. The reorganization didn’t face any major opposition from debt holders.

“This case is a model for what can be accomplished in Chapter 11,” Chapman said. “You’ve achieved overwhelming consensus.”

“Today’s court approval represents a critical moment in our journey to emerge as a stronger airline. We are thankful for our loyal customers, dedicated employees, and the support of our shareholders and partners and government, which has enabled us to move efficiently through the process and reach this milestone,” said Gilbert F. Santa Maria, PAL President & Chief Operating Officer.

“We have a few more procedural steps to take before we can complete the Chapter 11 process, after which we will focus intensely on serving the public, navigating the continuing challenges of the pandemic and economic recovery, and sustaining the links that connect our archipelago.” He adds.

The consensual Plan was accepted by 100% of the votes cast, which were from PAL’s primary aircraft lessors and lenders, original equipment manufacturers and maintenance, repair, and overhaul service providers, and certain funded debt lenders. 

The Rehabilitation Plan provides for over US$2.0 billion in permanent balance sheet reductions from existing creditors, allows PAL to consensually contract fleet capacity by 25%, improves PAL’s critical operational agreements and includes US$505 million investment in long-term equity and debt financing from PAL’s majority shareholder.

PAL continues to operate 32 international flights across the globe, and 29 growing domestic destinations from its hubs in Manila, Cebu and Davao.

The airline expects to restore more routes and increase flight frequencies in the Philippines as travel restrictions ease and borders reopen. 

PAL has managed to reopen 60% of its domestic market as local government eases travel restrictions across the country, and about 45% of its international destination pre-pandemic level as overseas travel remains restricted by the government.

Cessna Trainer Crashed In Lingayen

 16 December 2021

A Cessna 152 plane (RP-C8202) crashed upside down in Sual, Alaminos town at around 9 a.m. killing its instructor pilot and injuring its student Wednesday.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said the aircraft belonging to Fast Aviation Academy flew from Lingayen airport (RPUG) around 8:22am for educational training flight. 

CAAP identified the fatality as Capt. Daryl Uy, while his 21-year-old student pilot was identified as Caran France Kaura who suffered serious injuries and was immediately taken to the Western Pangasinan District Hospital for treatment.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation and Inquiry Board's (AAIIB) Go Team was dispatched to the crash scene to determine the cause of the incident.

This is the second aircraft loss by Fast Aviation Academy after losing RP-C8230 in May 26 this year, attributed to pilot error, killing its student pilot.

MNL Springs Back To Life

Congestion is almost Back 

15 December 2021

Manila International Airport has come back to life as air traffic leaped to 70% pre-pandemic levels, despite reporting 574 international travelers from green and yellow list countries positive for Delta.

The increase, mostly in domestic traffic, was attributed to the government's Covid19 response as new coronavirus infection cases in the National Capital Region (NCR) and other parts of the country continue to decline, as more people are vaccinated against the virus.

IATF described all 17 regions in the country as “minimal risk” for Covid-19 infection resulting to opening of borders, and lifting up of travel restrictions, while all island groups showed plateauing in the case trend.

PAF Inspects First Export Variant of T-129 ATAK Choppers

 14 December 2021

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) inspects its first pair of the six ordered Turkish Aerospace (TA) T129B ATAK helicopters, originally produced under license from AgustaWestland (now Leonardo) and based on the A129 Mangusta – for its attack helicopter programme, with a price tag of US$286.6 million, along with related equipment, spares, support, and training.

Delivery is expected to begin next week in batches of two, while the remaining aircraft will be delivered in 2022 and 2023, according to the Department of National Defence (DND).

Philippine Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana announced yesterday that the helicopter deliveries of six T-129 ATAK helicopters which was supposed to be de in the country last September was delayed due to licensing issues with its engine manufacturer Light Helicopter Turbine Engine Company (LHTEC), a joint venture between Honeywell & Rolls Royce, which sale require clearance from the United States Congress. 

Export restrictions on the US-made LHTEC CTS800-4A engines was eventually cleared by the United States.

The new multirole, twin-engined, tandem-seat platforms are expected to enhance the rotary-wing combat capabilities of the PAF, which currently fields MD 520MG and AW109E Power light attack helicopters in the counter-insurgency and ground support roles.

Lorenzana said PAF pilots and maintenance crews from its ‘15 Strike Wing' who went to Turkey  to undergo T129B training at TA's facilities in Ankara in September will bring home the chopper.

Cessna Crashed Off El Nido

10 December 2021

By Ma. Cristina Arayata

MANILA – A Cessna U206 aircraft with registry number RP-C979 crashed in El Nido, Palawan on Friday, according to a Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) report.

The crash happened west northwest of Barangay Tiniguiban off Duli beach.

The pilot, Capt. Jason Evasco, and a female mechanic, Angele Ranario, were rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). They were transporting 25 boxes of live fish.

"The first responders were fishermen around the area, but due to big waves, the fishermen were unable to rescue the persons on board," the CAAP said.

The aircraft left San Vicente Airport at 1:06 p.m. en route to Sangley Airport in Cavite City, but forced landed due to engine failure.

The PCG report said Capt. Angel Viliran, Palawan district commander, deployed a search and rescue team and spotted the aircraft, reportedly a Cessna U206 Skywagon, at around 3:50 p.m.

At around 4:24 p.m. Evasco, 39, and Ranario, 27, were rescued.

The PCG gathered that while crossing at about 6500 to 7500 feet above sea level at the vicinity of Sitio Dagmay in Barangay Tiniguiban, an “engine out” occurred.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation and Inquiry Board will help determine the cause of the accident, the CAAP said. (PNA)

PALEX DH8 Suffers Runway Incursion Incident

 10 December 2021

 

A Philippine Airlines Express (PALEX) DH-8 Next Generation plane (RP-C5911), carrying 29 passengers and 4 crew members on board flight PR 2369 from Caticlan skidded at Mactan International Airport in Cebu City upon landing around 11:30am.

No one was reported hurt. But the airport was closed due to stalled plane at the main runway, and was reopened only when the DeHavilland plane was towed to the tarmac around 2:38pm.

“The aircraft wheels veered off into the grass at the side edge of the runway. We thank airport authorities and the CAAP (Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines) for spearheading the towing of the aircraft back into the runway surface,” PAL said in a statement.

PAL also apologized for the inconvenience caused due to the partial blockage of the runway.

“We affirm that safety is our top priority and that Philippine Airlines is fully cooperating with the concerned airport and aviation authorities,” the airline said.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAAP) disclosed that its Aircraft Accident Investigation and Inquiry Board (AAIIB) team led by Rainer Baculinao was deployed to Cebu and arrived this afternoon to assess the situation and supervise the extraction of the aircraft.

“We have dispatched our accident investigators to the scene as well and we expect to get more information on the situation,” said CAAP chief Jim Sydiongco''.

According to CAAP,  34 flights were affected by the airport closure, as flights were rerouted to Iloilo International Airport and Panglao Airport. International flights were diverted to Manila.

Scoot Lands In Davao

 Replaces Silk Air Services To Singapore

1 December 2021

Singapore Airlines return to Davao 18 months after it left due to covid19 pandemic, this time flying with its low-cost subsidiary, Scoot, from the erstwhile Silk Air that does B737-800 rotation to Cebu and Davao from Singapore.

Scoot landed at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport (Davao International Airport) on Wednesday afternoon, December 1 with 102 passengers aboard its maiden flight using Airbus A320neo.

TR360 will fly Singapore-Davao-Singapore every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday leaving 10:20am arriving in Davao at 2:00pm. TR361 departs for Singapore at 4:05pm. arriving at 6:10pm.