Philippine Airlines rebuilds
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Philippine Airlines (PAL) plans to add 100 new aircraft over the next five years as it sets about overhauling its fleet.
The new aircraft will come in the form of regional single-aisle planes like the Airbus A320 and the A321, as well as longer-range wide-body jets. The flag carrier of the Philippines was one Asia’s largest airlines before downsizing to a fleet of 37 aircraft after the 1997 financial crisis. The aggressive refleeting effort is being funded by San Miguel's recent injection of $500 million into the airline, plus a fresh $500 million in the “near future”, from San Miguel and the Lucio Tan group. – ANN
Aircraft manufacturers cooperate on biofuels
Boeing, Airbus and Embraer have signed a memorandum of understanding to work together on the development of drop-in, affordable aviation biofuels. The three leading airframe manufacturers have agreed to seek collaborative opportunities to speak in unity to government, biofuel producers and other key stakeholders to support, promote and accelerate the availability of sustainable new jet fuel sources. “There are times to compete and there are times to cooperate,” notes Boeing CEO Jim Albaugh. “Two of the biggest threats to our industry are the price of oil and the impact of commercial air travel on our environment. By working with Airbus and Embraer on sustainable biofuels, we can accelerate their availability and reduce our industry’s impacts on the planet we share”. – Agencies
American Queen sails again
Priscilla Presley smashed a champagne bottle against a steamboat last week, christening the American Queen as it resumed voyages along the Mississippi River. The American Queen is the largest steamboat in the world, carrying 436 passengers. The 127.41-metre-long vessel is taking tourists on long-distance trips on the Mississippi for the first time since 2008, when its previous owner ceased operations. The boat will be travelling along the Mississippi and its tributaries to cities such as Vicksburg, Mississippi, Louisville, Kentucky, St Louis, New Orleans and Pittsburgh. – AP
Boeing inks $6 billion deal with China
China Eastern Airlines is to buy 20 Boeing 777-300 extended-range aircraft, says Boeing, announcing a deal worth nearly $6 billion at list prices. “This additional commitment from one of the largest airlines in the world is a testament to the benefits the 777-300ER brings to the airline and its passengers,” notes Ihssane Mounir, Boeing’s vice president. The Shanghai-based China Eastern is the second-largest airline in China in terms of passengers carried, after Air China. The wide-body plane carries 365 passengers up to 14,685 kilometres. – AFP
Dreamin’ from Tokyo to Boston
Japan Airlines has launched Boeing 787 Dreamliner flights between Boston Logan and Tokyo, Narita. The aircraft is fitted with 42 seats in business, featuring the Executive Class JAL Shell Flat Neo seats and 144 in Economy Class with a 2-4-2 configuration. Passengers on this long-haul flight can enjoy Boeing’s most sophisticated design and technology including larger windows with electronically dimmable shades, as well as higher ceilings, lower cabin pressure and better humidity for a noticeably more comfortable in-flight experience.
Marriott on the Strip
The first all-suite Ritz-Carlton Hotel and a 1,000-plus room JW Marriott Hotel are scheduled to open in Macau in 2015. Part of the second phase of the Galaxy Macau, these two luxury hotels will add 1300 rooms, suites and floating villas to the developing resort town on the Cotai Strip. Galaxy Macau has established itself as the key leisure and resort destination in Macau, offering three world-class hotels and more than 55 restaurants, cafes, bars and lounges in Phase 1 of its Macau development.
