The road to my Echo Kilo dream....

Until It Beats No More

2011-11-26T20:56:00.005+08:00

On Monday, I will be single for two months. The first month had been really hard for me. I didn't get over it unscathed. I've tried different approach to move on but this one is by far the most successful. It's been two weeks since I signed up in a dating/networking sites which I was really trying to avoid. I'm single so it wouldn't hurt, and besides I told myself if ever I get in to a relationship again, I would delete my account there. So there, I've been meeting and talking to a lot of people lately and I must say I'm really enjoying this. And then there's this one person who really captured my attention. The one you're calling DINOsaur. I know I don't have to explain anything but for goodness sake! We are not together! It just happened that we both have the same story. Both left by someone we love during the last week of September and supposedly be turning one by December. Anyway, Why am I writing this? I don't know too. I guess I just have to write something just to clear my mind up. I've been wondering why are you still texting me every now and then after you made it clear that you don't want to hear from me again. I don't know your motives and it's confusing me. You left me like I was nothing to you when I gave you everything of all that I am. I loved you until the very last tear. I don't hate you. I just hate how you treated me after you left me. All those heartbreaking words you said really left a scar on me. But I know how to forgive. That's something you really need to learn. YOU ARE NOT GOD! Lower your pride and learn to forgive. What I went through was really traumatic and I really need someone to help me cope up or else I would have lost it ages ago. Nevertheless, I may change a bit but it never damaged my spirit. I know I will love again. And when that time comes, I won't be scared. I will take risk and I will give him the same treatment as I gave to you. I will make him feel loved and cared for everyday of his life. The one thing you just thrown out because you were so weak to handle it. I know I'm not perfect but I am definitely not the worst and someone knows that. I love you so much that it still hurts every time I think of the things you said to me. I hope you're happy, now that you left me wounded and in tears. I have paid my dues and now we're even. We both wasted each other so I really don't know who is at fault this time. Don't blame me if I wanted to be happy. You know sooner or later I will find someone. I've tried to wait for you but every time I try to show it to you, you shove me further away from you. I wanted to fix us but you tore me to pieces.

Why?

2011-11-09T23:27:00.001+08:00

Lord,
Last year, you gave me something great. It might be a Christmas gift from you. I know I wasn’t looking that time but it happened. I was so happy but why did you have to take it away after 9 months? If I knew you would take it away, I would’ve returned him to you immediately. Lord, why me? Why do I have to suffer like this? Every time I mask the pain, it just finds its way back and I bounce back to the first day when he left me. This is too much. I beg you to please take it all away or make my heart as hard as a stone. I never knew that loving so much will become this unbearable. Why do you have to test me over and over again? All I wanted is to pass the test, not to perfect it. Take it back. I know I’m not perfect but there are other people who deserve this pain I’m going through. I’ve been a loyal, loving and caring partner for him so why me? Why did you give me a sensitive heart? You could have given me the heart of a criminal but you made me weak. I’m in so much pain right now. Please take me. Lord, stop testing me. I can’t do this anymore. Don’t you think I’ve suffered enough? What did I do to deserve this? Tell me and maybe I will understand. I want my heart to stop beating. Lord, make it all go away please. I’m on my knees now. What else do I have to do? I trust you Lord but please make it bearable. I don’t know if chances still exists coz’ right now I’m so confused. We’re ok one day and then we’re not. You’re making me happy one moment and then you’d take it all back. WHY? Just give me the answers. Talk to me. I’m so tired but you won’t let me give up. Take my life if that’s what you want. I’m ready.

Sincerely,
Cedric

I'll do it all over again

2011-11-06T20:19:00.002+08:00

39th Day, Sunday

I'm planning to get out of the house anyway so I asked my cousin(Sarah) to watch a movie. Still feeling sick, I took a shower and went out. As I queue to get the tickets I can't help but wish that you were still there beside me. The lady told me that the seats for the movie isn't reserved seating but only guaranteed. I waited for her til it's 4:15pm (5 minutes before the movie starts). Sarah told me that she's going to treat me a popcorn so I said OK. I was surprised to see she was only carrying one bucket of cheese flavored popcorn. I said, "alam mo ba na pag nanunuod kami ni Legenn eh laging dalawa binibili namin?" ( Did you know that every time Legenn and I watch a movie, we always buy two?) and then laughed. As we entered the cinema, I looked straight for seats R19 and R20 (we own those seats) but someone is seating at R19 with R18 (couple) so we had to settle for the seats directly in front of it. We were just in time for the movie because as we took our seats, the opening credits begun to roll. I know we were supposed to watch "Puss in Boots" together but you're not here with me. The movie was funny but at some point it kept on reminding me about you. The first part of the movie showed a tattoo "LEGENDARY" and the magic beans and Sarah laughed. And oh boy, that word popped out a lot on that movie. I still remember how you used to laugh whenever you see "Puss" lick the milk of the glass. I wish I could hear that laughter once again. Anyway, as the film progresses, there were three girls talking loudly near us. I almost wanted to stand up and approach them to tell them to shut up. Last time I was supposed to do that, you shoved me back to my seat. I just let it pass this time. I miss you. BTW, as usual, the popcorn didn't last up to the middle part of the movie and if you were there beside me, my hand will be on your bucket of popcorn. After the movie, I decided to stay at the mall to walk around. I bought a necklace for our ring. If I can't wear it on my finger, at least it's close to my heart. I also had it cleaned so it looks brand new. The saleslady was asking for the cleaning card but I said I lost it when in fact I wanna say, I lost the person who has it. I almost bought the watch I wanted but I have to hold back for another month because I still need to pay something. I'm now wearing the necklace with the ring as a pendant so people will know that I'm waiting for someone. Someone close to my heart. I keep on wondering how our story will end. Will it end like the story of Carrie and Big? amidst the problems they encountered they still ended up together? Can you still remember how I say "through thick and thin" to you? I hope you do. So there, that's how my Sunday went. I still need to recover from a Flu but going back to work tomorrow. I wish you're doing good with your job. Be a good boy as I always knew you were.

If it takes a lifetime

2011-11-05T11:23:00.003+08:00

It's been 38 days since I last saw your face, last heard your voice and last felt your touch. Frankly, people think I am okay because that's how I want them to see me. But everyday that I am away with you kills me inside. Not knowing what the end holds for me. For now, I really don't have anything to hold on to except the memories we had created together. Thinking about the times how you and I made each other smile without saying a word helps put a smile on my face. I know I have to stop stressing about what could have been because chances are, if it would have been, it should have been. I really miss you a lot and no matter what people say about you not coming back. I'm still hoping that you do. We we're both blinded by what we had that we got lost. Suddenly, waking up every Saturday morning is different. No more post its everywhere, No more morning hugs and kisses and No more popcorn movies. Regrets never came across my mind for because when I'm with you, I have nothing to fear and nothing to worry about. You became a best friend, a confidant, a partner to me. I love looking after you and taking care of you because you were never a brat and it made me feel I am needed in a relationship for the first time. I also love how you throw your tantrums and how you gave me a hard time making it up to you because whenever I put a smile on your face makes all the challenge worth it. We both lost time for some things that we used to have time for. Time for friends, families and personal activities because for us, being together filled it out when we are together. But we were wrong. We both failed at something that I always say the most important and that is communication. It's not always about us exchanging messages every now and then but it's also the time where we should have talked about the problems we are encountering in our relationship. Too bad we just found that out when we broke up. As bad as it may seemed, I really think you needed to release that so we can both fix ourselves. For when the time comes for us to be reunited, we know how to work it out. I've been thinking a lot lately about what happened. Blaming each other wouldn't help ease the situation because it only makes it worse. Pride isn't different because it kills something that we both could possibly have. I love you and I will never get tired of saying that to you. People get angry because they get disappointed all the time and I know that you got disappointed at me too. I should have listened to what you're not saying but I can't do that all the time. You have to speak what's on your mind so I can do something about it. Let's face it, you are still mad at the things I did. That’s why you said some pretty mean things about me but I know you didn't mean it. If I am to fill your shoes, maybe I would feel the same toO. There isn't a night that I pray for a tomorrow when we are in each other’s arms again. I also pray that no matter how that hatred you are feeling, it will be gone soon. I know you have a good heart LNC, being angry all the time is not the real you. I wish one day I could see your smile again when I wake up in the morning and maybe when that time comes, we'll make it perfect. Remember how you played "Don't Matter" by Akon one day I woke up? It should be like that. It doesn't matter if nobody wants to see us together because we got each other. For now I think we both need Time to heal all the wounds we incurred during the battle. Patience for everything that is happening and Forgiveness for what we had done with our relationship. I miss Nemo and I hope you miss your Toyo. I love you and I'm sorry. I don't know if you would read this at all but I have to release how I feel because you won't let me talk to you. For now, I hope you listen to this song.

"So baby I will wait for you
Cause I don't know what else I can do
Don't tell me I ran out of time
If it takes the rest of my life
Baby I will wait for you
If you think I'm fine it just ain't true
I really need you in my life
No matter what I have to do I'll wait for you"

Emirates to open Dublin next year

2011-09-10T11:14:00.004+08:00

DUBAI, U.A.E., 8th September 2011: Emirates announced today that it will begin daily flights to Dublin from January 2012, marking its first route to the Republic of Ireland.
The daily service, from 9th January next year, will leave Dubai at 0700hrs and arrive in the Irish capital at 1130hrs. The return flight leaves Dublin at 1255hrs and gets into Dubai at 0025hrs the next day. An Airbus A330-200 will be deployed between Dubai and Dublin, offering First, Business and Economy class.
"Dublin will be our 29th route in Europe and Emirates' customers in Ireland who currently travel through some of our UK gateways will be able to fly non-stop to our industry leading hub in Dubai and conveniently connect onwards to our broadening route network," said His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group. "We see strong potential in Ireland through its industry, technology, tourism and the huge number of Irish nationals living overseas."

Ireland has a population of around 4.5 million, but it's estimated more than 15 times that live overseas, including somewhere in the region of 80,000 Irish nationals in Australia and about 5,000 in the UAE. Other key markets are predicted to include Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, India, South Africa, Hong Kong and New Zealand.

The Republic is a popular tourist destination and last year received 6.7 million visitors, drawn by the rich ancient history, spectacular countryside, traditional Irish music, thousands of miles of scenic coastline and renowned fresh air.

“We are delighted to welcome Emirates Airline to Dublin,” said Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) Chief Executive Declan Collier. “The significant improvements we have made to our facilities in recent years, including the opening of a new passenger terminal, was a major factor in helping to win this new business and we look forward to a successful partnership with our newest customer.”
Emirates SkyCargo is already active in Ireland, mostly carrying goods through Manchester, and with 14 tonnes of bellyhold capacity becoming available on each passenger flight, activity in the market will intensify. Pharmaceuticals, which make up nearly a quarter of Ireland's exports, are expected to be amongst the commodities carried, along with electronics.

With a fleet of 157 aircraft and the largest A380 operator in the world, Emirates currently flies to 114 destinations in 67 countries.

Services to Basra, Geneva and Copenhagen have already started this year. Flights to St Petersburg begin on 1st November with Baghdad following suit as of 13th November. Rio and Buenos Aires become new links into South America from 3rd January 2012.

Source: Emirates.com

Emirates to Buenos Aires via GIG

2011-04-07T14:49:00.001+08:00

Emirates will start daily services to Buenos Aires via Rio de Janeiro from January 3, 2012.

The service will be operated by a B777-300ER with eight First Class private suites, 42 lie-flat Business seats and 304 Economy seats.

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group, said both cities are renowned as world-class leisure destinations as well as important business and trading centres.

"Our research has shown that there is a high demand for these cities from across our network," he said.

"Our first service to Argentina is a much-anticipated addition to our network which will open important new markets for us."

Brazil has been part of the Emirates network since 2007 when it began flights from Dubai to Sao Paulo.

With the country set to host both the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Olympics, Brazil will be further catapulted into the world’s spotlight - an additional allure for the sports sponsorship-loving airline.

EK 247 will leave Dubai daily at 0705hrs and arrive at Rio’s Antônio Carlos Jobim International Airport at 1535hrs.

It will depart Rio at 1720hrs, arriving at Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini International Airport (Ezeiza) at 1930hrs.

From Buenos Aires, EK248 departs at 2130hrs, arriving in Rio at 0120hrs the next day. The aircraft will depart Rio at 0255hours, arriving in Dubai at 2235hrs.

Source: Businesstraveller

Austria is refusing for Emirates' landing rights

2011-03-24T14:40:00.001+08:00

Austria’s air traffic control centre has rejected Emirates Airline’s bid to almost double its daily flights to Vienna under its planned summer flight schedule, amid a wider row between Austrian Airlines and the Dubai carrier over access to the European market.
Emirates, the Arab world’s largest airline, had planned to increase lights on the route to 13 a week from March 27 in response to high customer demand, but the request was denied by Austrian authorities over what Emirates has called a “technical disagreement.”
The state-backed carrier told Arabian Business it is still in talks with Austrian authorities to secure the landing slots and is optimistic of the outcome.
“Emirates is confident that from 27th March 2011, a total of 13 flights per week will be operated from Vienna to Dubai in response to a high demand for our services,” a spokesperson said.

“Talks continue with the Austrian authorities to resolve a technical disagreement concerning the air services agreement between the UAE and Austria and our additional flights, which passengers have booked on, Emirates has invested in promoting and hired new staff for.”

The refusal follows explosive comments from the co-chairman of Austrian Airlines (AUA) who this week accused Emirates of leveraging its state links to undercut its European rival.
“It’s not a match of airline against airline – it’s a game between a state and AUA,” Peter Malanik told Austria’s Kurier newspaper Tuesday.
“The hub Dubai is being expanded regardless of the project’s profitability. It’s just about the location. The owner is also the lawmaker, the regulator, it owns the airline and the airport and is in charge of air traffic monitoring. It also provides the kerosene. Money doesn’t matter.”
Malanik said labour rights rules and consumer protection regulations in Europe prevented the region’s airlines from being able to compete fairly with Gulf carriers.
“The situation is similar to the production of T-shirts using child labour. AUA would need to hire 1,000 staff from Bangladesh immediately to be able to compete. Do we want that? Certainly not,” he said.

Austrian Airlines is one of a number of European carriers, including Air France KLM, British Airways and its parent company, Lufthansa – which earlier this year was accused of lobbying its government to stop Emirates securing new landing slots - to call for curbs on the expansion of Gulf carriers on long-haul routes.
The carriers claim Gulf airline use unfair subsidies to finance aircraft deals and to take market share from existing airlines.
A number of US and European airlines are impacted by a so-called 'home market rule,' which states that countries where Boeing and Airbus build aircraft cannot use export credit agencies to help their carriers buy passenger airliners.
The rule, which impacts carriers in the US, UK and France, among others, is seen as offering an unfair advantage to Gulf carriers unaffected by the law.
Malanik said AUA had scrapped flight routes to Mauritius and Australia due to competition from Emirates.
“[The airline’s] next target is to kill our link to Bangkok," he added.

Emirates Airline’s president Tim Clark said in February that European carriers must address their own failing business strategies rather than attacking the growth of Gulf airlines.
“It has taken European carriers donkeys’ years to adapt their business models to the changing dynamics of global civil aviation,” he said. “They haven’t been able to align their traffic flows to what is going on, whereas we have.”

Source: arabianbusiness.com

QR's A380 First Class

2011-03-22T15:40:00.000+08:00

Qatar Airways has reversed course and will include first-class cabins on its coming fleet of Airbus A380 superjumbos to try to woo wealthy leisure and business travellers.

Airline officials are tight-lipped about what offerings will be in store for the airline's version of the double-decker aircraft, but passengers choosing to fly first class will be chauffeured to the plane in BMW 7 Series cars.

Qatar Airways will compete directly with the A380s operated by Emirates Airline, with their enclosed suites and showers, and Singapore Airlines, where first-class travellers are treated to a full-sized bed, desk, seats and personal storage.

The plans come as the Doha-based airline carries out a wide-ranging programme elsewhere in its fleet to rely only on business and economy cabins as the global economy recovers from the recent downturn.

The A380 "will be the only model in our fleet which will have a first-class cabin", Akbar al Baker, the chief executive of Qatar Airways, said last week.

Mr al Baker added the premium cabin would have eight seats in first class from a total of 517.

A typical layout on the A380 accommodates 525 passengers, with 10 first, 76 business, and 439 economy-class seats, Airbus said.

But the European aircraft maker has long marketed the superjumbo as having enormous potential for customising to an airline's specifications. The superjumbo's size led to Airbus at one stage touting the scope for features such as relaxation areas, bars, duty-free shops and beauty salons.

Configurations for the world's largest commercial airliner vary widely, from Korean Air's 407-passenger fit-out to the all-economy set-up for 840 passengers planned by Air Austral, a carrier based in the French island of Reunion in the Indian Ocean.

In terms of luxury appeal, Air France installed an electronic art gallery exclusively for first class and business class on its A380s, while Virgin Atlantic has said it plans to put casinos, double beds and gymnasiums on its superjumbos.

Qatar has ordered five of the jets, which cost about US$300 million (Dh1.1 billion) each before standard industry discounts, and plans to order several more, possibly this year, Mr al Baker has said.

It has one of the fastest-growing fleets in the world with 93 jets, up from 80 one year ago.

First-class cabins are not being installed on its new Boeing 777s and are being removed from its fleet of Airbus A330s. In 2009, the airline ripped out the first-class lounges on its Airbus A340-600 jets to make more room for economy seats, with plans to eventually retire the planes.

The appeal of flying the A380 has led passengers to pay a premium for the flights, with Emirates charging nearly Dh40,000 for first-class travel between Dubai and New York.

The first commercial flight of the A380, by Singapore Airlines in October 2007, included a charity auction for seats. Passengers reportedly spent between $560 and $100,000 for the short flight between Singapore and Sydney.

Source: thenational.ae

Etihad to start flights to MLE

2011-03-22T15:32:00.002+08:00

Etihad Airways announced today that it will commence operations to Malé, the capital city of the Republic of Maldives, on November 1, subject to government approval.

Etihad will operate a daily return service from its home base in Abu Dhabi to Malé International Airport, operating Airbus A320 aircraft on the route, configured with two cabins and offering 1,904 seats each week.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ Chief Executive Officer, said: "Malé is the gateway to the premium leisure destination, the Maldive Islands, and given the strong increase in visitation numbers we are seeing in the market, the time is right to launch services to this popular holiday destination.”

Mr Hogan said the commencement of the services in November was perfectly timed to coincide with the start of the busy Northern winter period.

“We expect the services will appeal to UAE leisure travellers, as well as customers from our major European markets, particularly with the strong connectivity options on offer and following the additional frequencies that will come online on a number of our key European routes this summer,” he said.

“Etihad’s schedule, which offers an attractive afternoon arrival and evening departure, has been carefully designed to offer customers maximum leisure time at their destination. In fact, European travellers can take advantage of our overnight flights in both directions, offering them a full extra day in the Maldives.”

The Maldives is made up of close to 1,200 islands grouped into natural atolls; including 200 inhabited islands and 97 resort islands, with a population of close to 300,000 people*. The region features deep blue seas, sandy beaches and turquoise reefs, and with its tropical climate and warm temperatures year round, is a renowned honeymoon and leisure destination.

Etihad Holidays has special packages on offer for the most spectacular of the islands. Offering a wide range of experiences for all budgets, Etihad Holidays has developed tailored packages for honeymooners or families, sun worshippers or divers. The packages include flights, hotel accommodation and island transfers. For further information, call 800 2324 or visit an Etihad shop for more details.

Etihad Guest Members who book early and fly during the first 30 days of operation will be rewarded with twice as many Etihad Guest Miles. For further information, go to etihad.com. Terms and conditions apply.

Malé will become the 67th destination on Etihad’s global network.

EY 278 AUH - MLE 0915 1430 4hrs 15mins
EY 279 MLE - AUH 2040 0005+1 4hrs 25mins

source: arabianaerospace.aero

airliners.net forum

Emirates is going for A350-1000 instead of A350-900

2011-02-15T23:37:00.001+08:00

Emirates is considering swapping its order for 50 Airbus A350-900s to A350-1000s as Airbus works on finalising design of the stretched variant.
In November 2007, the carrier ordered 70 A350 XWBs, initially specifying 50 of the baseline -900s and 20 -1000s. But Emirates president Tim Clark says over the last three years the carrier's network has matured to the point where it "can no longer tolerate anything under 300" seats.
Emirates is slated to take 290-seat A350-900s from April 2015. The A350-1000s would be a better fit, but the longer wait must also be considered.
"It [the -900] is now appearing too small," says Clark. "So we may slip the order to the -1000, but the -1000 hasn't been frozen yet. We haven't decided quite yet which one we'll take. We're actually playing around with how this order fits."

The A350-900 is scheduled to enter service in 2013, while Airbus has provided a 2015 entry into service date for -1000 stretch. Clark says the only option if Emirates wants to take A350s in 2015 is to stick with the -900.
Delivery dates for the A350-1000 are not likely to be firmed up until the design is frozen, which could take time as airlines continue to press Airbus for changes. Clark says with the current design the -1000 will not have a range or payload comparable to the Boeing 777-300ER.
"Airbus compares the -1000 to the 777-300ER. I've told them in no uncertain terms it does not. I see it as a 320-, 330-seater which will be very economical on missions up to 10 or 12 hours," he says. "The notion that it would fly from Singapore to European gateways in the winter months with 100 knots on the nose is a bit of an ask. We've suggested they need to come to grips with that, which means they need to increase the takeoff weight and they need to increase propulsion."
The aircraft is slated to be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines but Clark is "not sure they will do the job".
If its -900s are delayed beyond 2015 or it elects to wait for the -1000, Emirates can avail of the "safety net" of 30 additional 777-300ERs ordered last year. The airline's original thinking was for the A350-900s to replace its 777-200s, A330-200s and A340-300s, but it has the flexibility to retain these aircraft for longer.
In 2007 the airline ordered 70 A350 XWBs: 50 -900s and 20 -1000s

src: flightglobal.com

Emirates - Airline of the Year!!

2011-02-09T23:42:00.000+08:00

DUBAI, U.A.E., 9th February 2011: Emirates has been conferred the prestigious ‘Airline of the Year’ award for 2011 by the leading industry title Air Transport World, in recognition of the Dubai-based carrier’s “strong commitment to safety and operational excellence, trendsetting customer service and superb financial performance”.
Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline, received the award at a gala dinner in Washington D.C. on 8th February 2011.
“The last few years have been among the most demanding in our industry’s history but despite the challenges, we have kept our focus on delivering the very highest standards of product, passenger comfort and operational efficiency,” said Tim Clark. “This recognition is testament to our commitment to innovation and service excellence as we continue to grow our global network and offer customers more opportunities to discover the world from Dubai.”

“Customers have a choice to fly Emirates, given that more than 125 airlines serve Dubai. The route network appeals to travellers not only in the UAE, but to those in Europe, Asia, Africa and North America who value the efficiency and connectivity of the Dubai hub,” said Perry Flint, Editorial Director for ATW.
“A cornerstone of EK's (Emirates’) success has been a relentless drive for cabin innovation not just in premium class but in economy,” added Flint. “The decision to award Emirates ‘Airline of the Year’ is in recognition for its strong commitment to safety and operational excellence, its trendsetting customer service and its superb financial performance including a 22-year consecutive annual profit streak.”
Since launching services in 1985, Emirates has grown into one of the largest and most dynamic airlines in the world, transforming Dubai into a world-class hub for global air travel. The airline is a leader in developing flexible air routings that save fuel and reduce CO2 emissions. These advances, combined with a host of other achievements have resulted in more than 400 international awards recognising the airline in almost every category.
Some of the Emirates’ pioneering innovations include becoming the first airline to introduce individual seat back videos and to enable passengers to make authorised onboard mobile phone calls. Emirates' flagship A380s are the only commercial aircraft to feature onboard Shower Spas for First Class passengers.
The airline has experienced rapid and consistent growth, above 20 per cent a year on average. Financially self-sustained and unprotected, Emirates carried 27.5 million passengers in the 2009-10 financial year – almost 4.7 million more than the previous 12 months.
Emirates currently flies to 110 cities in 66 countries across Europe, North America, South America, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian subcontinent and Asia-Pacific. So far this year, the airline has launched a new route to Basra, Iraq on 2nd February and will start new services to Geneva on 1st June and Copenhagen on 1st August.

SRC: Emirates.com

GVA first then CPH (EK Routes)

2011-01-21T19:15:00.000+08:00

Award-winning airline launches its second destination in Switzerland
DUBAI, U.A.E., 1st December 2010: Emirates will be increasing its commitment to Switzerland on 1st June 2011 with the launch of non-stop, daily flights between Dubai and Geneva.

Geneva, one of the most important banking and financial cities in the world, will become Emirates’ 111th international destination and its 26th destination in Europe. Geneva is also the home to over 300 international governmental and non-governmental organisations, such as the United Nations Office in Geneva (UNOG), the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

“Switzerland has been part of the Emirates network since 1992, when we began flights from Dubai to Zurich. The announcement of Geneva as our newest European destination underlines our commitment to this important country,” said His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group.

“Our research has shown that there is a high demand for this route from across our network, from both the business sector, particularly financial, and the leisure travellers who are looking for both summer relaxation and winter sports,” added Sheikh Ahmed.

Starting 1st June 2011, EK 089 will leave Dubai each day at 0855hrs and arrive in Geneva at 1410hrs. From Geneva, EK 090 departs at 1540hrs, arriving in Dubai at 2359hrs.

The service will be operated with a combination of Boeing 777-200LR and Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, in a three-class configuration, offering Private Suites in First Class, lie-flat seats in Business Class, and a spacious cabin in Economy Class.

Passengers in all classes can enjoy Emirates’ award-winning ice (information, communication, entertainment) Digital Widescreen inflight entertainment system, which features over 1,200 channels of the latest blockbuster movies, TV programmes and music from around the world.

In addition to the entertainment, passengers can enjoy the delicacies from a gourmet menu served to them by Emirates Cabin Crew from over 120 nations including Switzerland.

Emirates expects to use the full 15-20-tonne cargo capacity per flight and will be transporting valuable cargo such as luxury watches and high-end fashion goods; diplomatic cargo and relief shipments for the International Red Cross; as well as chemicals, pharma products and electronics.

Emirates currently offers double-daily flights between Dubai and Zurich.

emirates.com

EK is doing it again!!

2011-01-21T14:48:00.001+08:00

Denmark to become the 67th country served by Emirates

DUBAI, U.A.E., 20th January 2011: Emirates is set to add a new European country to its ever expanding route network when the Dubai-based international airline launches non-stop, daily flights to Copenhagen in Denmark on 1st August.

Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital city which attracts 1.3 million tourists a year, will become the Emirates’ 112th international destination and the 27th destination in Europe.

“Copenhagen is an important hub for the whole of Scandinavia and the launch of our non-stop service will open up a new market for Emirates. It will also offer Denmark’s businesses with easy connections to previously untapped markets,” said His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group. “Dubai and Copenhagen both have a strong maritime and trading tradition and Emirates is looking forward to adding this dynamic city to our European network and also welcoming Denmark as the 67th country that we fly to from Dubai.”

Starting 1st August 2011, EK 151 will leave Dubai each day at 0830hrs and arrive in Copenhagen at 1310hrs. From Copenhagen, EK 152 departs at 1455hrs, arriving in Dubai at 2315hrs.

Emirates will be operating an Airbus A330-200 on the Copenhagen route in a three-class configuration. On board, passengers can enjoy the delicacies from the exclusive menu served to them by Emirates’ cabin crew from over 120 nations.

Passengers on all Emirates’ flights also have the added bonus of extra baggage allowance with 30 kilogrammes for those travelling in Economy, 40 kilogrammes for Business and 50 kilogrammes for First Class.

Copenhagen, with a population 1.2 million people in the metropolitan area, has a compact city centre which has developed into a major regional centre of culture, business, media and science.

Copenhagen is the third new route announced by Emirates for 2011, following Basra on 2nd February and Geneva on 1st June.

Moveover LH - EK (LH's petition to block EK in Canada

2010-12-07T20:46:00.001+08:00

Germany’s Lufthansa, Europe’s largest airline, is encouraging Canadian authorities to block Emirate Airline’s bid to expand the number of flights it operates to Canada, the vice chairman of the Dubai-based carrier told Arabian Business.
“They are targeting Emirates, being egged on by Lufthansa… It is purely the protection of Air Canada,” Maurice Flanagan, vice chairman of Emirates Airline, told Arabian Business of Canadian authorities refusal to allow the Dubai-based carrier to increase the number of flights it operates to Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver.
“We have perfect open skies to the United States, we can fly anywhere we wish with any capacity and any frequency so we go to New York, San Francisco, Los Angles they are all non-stop. Canada we are restricted to three flights a week [which is] absolutely ridiculous when the market is there for double daily Toronto, double daily Vancouver, and double daily Calgary. The market is there,” Flanagan added.
The breakdown of talks between the two governments in October has resulted in the deterioration of diplomatic relations between the two countries, with the UAE recently increasing visa restrictions for Canadian visitors.

While Canada has said the current number of flights are enough to service the market between the two countries, Flanagan disagreed: “They know it’s simply not true, there are 26,000 Canadians working here, enormous trade between just Dubai, not just the UAE, that’s ten times as much with Switzerland but they’ve given Switzerland open skies, all in protection of Air Canada.”
Canadians travelling to the Middle East currently have to transit through major European airports, such as Frankfurt, which is the main hub for Germany’s Lufthansa. Lufthansa and Air Canada are linked through their membership of the Star Alliance airline association.
“(Air Canada) would rather its passengers be diverted through hubs in Europe to access these destinations; no matter how inconvenient, costly or time-consuming… Why should Canadian consumers be dictated to by the narrow interests of Air Canada’s and its fellow Star Alliance member Lufthansa?” Emirates said in a press brochure issued last month.
Looking to the future, Flanagan believes the issue is no longer just about landing right and is now a bigger diplomatic issue: “It is heavily political now; we are almost out of the picture.”
GCC airlines, such as Etihad, Dubai’s Emirates and Qatar Airways have recently been criticised by European airlines, which say government subsidies and access to cheap financing have allowed Gulf carriers to expand rapidly.
Emirates overtook Lufthansa last year as the biggest carrier on international flights, following a sixfold increase in traffic since 2000, when it ranked 24th.

src:http://www.arabianbusiness.com/lufthansa-encouraging-canada-block-emirates-expansion-claims-flanagan-365633.html

EK ramps up flights to EU

2010-12-03T15:46:00.002+08:00

I just found out yesterday that Emirates will add GVA (Geneva, Switzerland) to it's EU network. Being the second route to Switzerland after ZRH (Zurich, Switzerland). The flight will commence on June next year utilizing the 77W/77ER equipment.

In addition to this EK also ramps up its services to SIN, SYD, and HAM.

Dubai – Bangkok eff 30MAY11 28th weekly frequency resumes, EK374/375 operates Daily instead of Day x6
Dubai – Hamburg eff 01SEP11 Increase from 1 to 2 Daily. 2nd Daily flight operates with 3-class 777-200ER
EK059 DXB0900 – 1340HAM 773 D
EK061 DXB1500 – 1940HAM 772 D
EK060 HAM1525 – 2340DXB 773 D
EK062 HAM2125 – 0540+1DXB 772 D
Dubai – Sydney eff 02OCT11 2nd Daily nonstop service (3rd Daily overall) to be resumed
EK414 DXB0140 – 2230SYD 77W D
EK415 SYD0600 – 1330DXB 77W D 03OCT11-
Dubai – Singapore eff 30OCT11 Introduction of 3rd Daily NONSTOP with 3-class 777-300ER (non-suite; overall SIN service increase to 4 Daily)
EK354 DXB0325 – 1445SIN 77W D
EK355 SIN0200 – 0510DXB 77W D

Source:http://airlineroute.net/2010/11/30/ek-s11-update2/

Emirates asks Airbus for longer-range A350

2010-11-30T19:50:00.001+08:00

I've been very busy with work that's why I'm not able to update this blog anymore. But since my friend Twisted Dichotomy updated hers, I'll update mine too... =)

For now, update about EK =) Happy Landings!

Emirates, the world's biggest airline by international traffic, urged Airbus SAS to boost the range of the biggest version of its new A350 wide-body plane as Boeing ponders a redesign of the competing 777 model.

Emirates, whose outstanding orders for the 777 will make it the twin-jet's biggest user, needs higher-capacity aircraft for its longest intercontinental routes, Tim Clark, the Dubai-based airline's president, said today in an interview in Paris.

Clark has ordered 20 350-seat A350-1000s, a model he says can't reach Los Angeles from Dubai in the three-class layout that Emirates prefers. The Boeing planes that it currently uses on the route are based on a less efficient 20-year-old design, with the 354-seat 777-300ER at the limits of its range, curbing the payload, and the 777-200LR limited to 266 people.

Advertisement: Story continues below
"We're finding that the smallest aircraft that's useful to us needs to be 340 seats," Clark said. "We're trying to persuade Airbus to realign the A350-1000 more toward the ER, increasing both its capacity and its range."

With the A350-1000 still undergoing development and not due for delivery to Emirates until 2015, Toulouse, France-based Airbus may still be able to reconfigure elements of the design. Airbus spokesman Stefan Schaffrath declined to comment today.

Emirates has ordered a total of 70 A350s, including 50 of the -900 variant, which can fly 200 miles further than the -1000 but which carries only 300 people in the three-class configuration. The biggest Arab airline also has options on an additional 50 A350s and signed a letter of intent firming up 30 of those in 2008.

777 Revamp

Clark said Emirates is equally interested in a new 777 if Boeing revamps the model enough to deliver significant savings.

With its 787 Dreamliner yet to enter service, Boeing plans to decide next year whether to commit to a full redesign for the 777 or build a new wing to boost performance, something the Chicago-based manufacturer began discussing in June 2009.

"We would like to see an aircraft that's lighter, with or without composites, and more fuel efficient," Clark said, adding that the plane would need to fly from Dubai to Los Angeles in 16 1/2 hours with a payload of 35 to 40 metric tons, compared with a maximum 30 tons today. "It's a big ask. In the end they'll come up with something, but I doubt they'll quite achieve that."

'Room for Both'

Clark said Emirates may place more orders for both the A350 and the 777 for use on its longest routes if the competing aircraft are developed to its satisfaction.

"There's room for both planes, quite frankly," he said.

For Boeing, a revamped or all-new 777 would fill a gap in its lineup above the 290-seat Dreamliner. Emirates has about 90 777s in operation or on order, making it the model's top user.

Boeing is regularly seeking the input of Emirates and other customers and has the time "to make the right product decisions" that are aligned with available technologies and airlines' needs, said Jim Proulx, a spokesman in Seattle, home to the company's commercial headquarters.

"We are committed to maintaining our leadership in this segment and providing customers a product offering to do that for another 20 years or longer, whether it is a 777 derivative or possible new airplane," Proulx said.

Airbus's A380 superjumbo may also feature in Emirates' reckoning on very-long-haul flights as the aircraft's weight is gradually reduced, Clark said. The Dubai-Los Angeles route is within the model's range, according to the Airbus Website.

Emirates will introduce the A380 to Tokyo's Narita airport as soon as next September, when it begins taking the next batch of six to nine jets, due for delivery through March 2012, the CEO said. That will take the fleet to between 21 and 24 planes.

Bookings remain "very strong" on routes already served by the A380 and show no sign of suffering from the Nov. 4 engine blowout on a Qantas Airways Ltd. plane powered by Rolls-Royce Group Plc turbines. Emirates' superjumbos are equipped with engines from a General Electric Co.-Pratt & Whitney venture.

EK near miss at DXB

2010-11-08T15:31:00.000+08:00

A major air disaster was averted on Sunday morning in Dubai when an Emirates flight took off mere seconds after touching down because another carrier was already on the same runway.

"Emirates flight EK523 from Trivandrum to Dubai landed at 0722 on November 7, 2010. The aircraft initiated a go-around sequence at the time of landing, after momentarily touching the runway. This is a standard procedure initiated by crew or Air Traffic Control to ensure the safe operation of the flight," said an Emirates spokesperson.

"The safety of our passengers and crew is of paramount importance and will not be compromised,” the spokesperson added.

The near miss involved flight number EK523, arriving at 7am from the South Indian city of Thiruvananthapuram. A passenger onboard the carrier confirmed the incident with Emirates 24|7, saying the pilot made this announcement over the public address system.

Dr Ashok D, 43, who was aboard the A330-200 flight, said: “The flight had already been delayed considering we were scheduled to arrive at 6.20am, but made landing at 7am. Yet, as soon as the plane touched down, it was airborne again within seconds.

“Many passengers were still asleep at the time, but the few of us who were awake were quite alarmed by this as the plane took off at a very steep angle – almost 45 degrees.

“It was within five minutes that the pilot announced over the PA system, apologising for the inconvenience, and saying that because there was another plane already on the runway, he was forced to take off immediately.”

Dr Ashok said the plane circled the airspace for another 20 minutes, before it landed “in a different area from where we normally land; the bus ride to Terminal 3 took another 20 minutes”.

When contacted, both Emirates airline and Dubai Airports said they are investigating the matter.

“All of us are grateful to the pilot’s vigilance, because had he hesitated even for a second, who knows what could have happened,” the passenger stated.

source: http://www.emirates247.com/news/emirates/emirates-plane-in-near-miss-at-dubai-airport-2010-11-07-1.314446

Solo Online Model Search

2010-10-28T16:14:00.004+08:00

I'm helping out a friend (the photographer) and his friend (the model) win a contest. Just simply rate the photo on the link below and that's it (make sure its 5 stars! :D).
You may need to register to vote. You can also leave a comment if you like. Voting ends on November 15. You can use multiple emails if you have more than one. Anyway, Here is the link for their entry. =)

http://www.solo.com.ph/modelsearch/gallery/teachers-pet

Thanks!

-princedevy-

Note:

Email confirmation might take some time to appear on your inbox.

Property/ies For Sale

2010-10-27T17:53:00.003+08:00

My Friend's Family have decided to go back to the United States for medical reasons. They are selling their properties here in the Philippines. The sooner it gets sold, the better.

If you know someone who might be interested, or if you are interested, please leave a comment and I will get back to you as soon as possible

Here are the details

Here are the pictures of the house and lot for sale in Tagaytay! =)|| Tagaytay House and Lot for Sale!! Everything in the house goes with the house! Fully furnished, 4 bedrooms, 2 common bathrooms, 1 master bedroom, 1 master bathroom, kitchen, living/dining room, dirty kitchen, appliances all in! Washer/Dryer... complete!

For photos, please click the link below:

http://garciaproperties.multiply.com/

Also for sale: A Toyota Altis and a Toyota Innova

Emirates to fly A380 to Munich from next year

2010-10-25T12:36:00.001+08:00

I've been very very busy lately so I can't blog much about my personal life but I can still update you about the industry. =)

Dr Michael Kerkloh, CEO of Munich International Airport, said that Emirates airline plans to launch Airbus A380 flights from Dubai to Munich next year.

He said that the airports in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are the most modern and the best in the Gulf and the world, attributing that to the vision of leadership.

He said in an exclusive interview with Wam that Abu Dhabi International Airport has achieved a giant leap in the growth of travel and air cargo from Abu Dhabi to the world after the construction of the third terminal building for passengers and that the co-operation projects with Abu Dhabi Airports Company (Adac) have yielded positive results, notably, the co-operation in expansion of Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Kerkloh noted that "we are willing to put our expertise to develop the airports of the emirate of Abu Dhabi in the next stage", adding that the emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai have placed themselves in prominent places on the world map thanks to the development of their airports as per the latest international standards and regulations.

Kerkloh expressed his wish for further co-operation with the airports' authorities in the UAE in the next stage.

"We will put our technical expertise and human resources to provide the country's needs in this area," he added.

He explained that Munich International Airport Company operates from Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman where a number of advisors work through the company's regional office in Abu Dhabi.

Kerkloh pointed out that there is strong demand from national carriers and the Gulf on the Munich International Airport, which he described as the region’s gateway to Germany and the European continent.

He said translation services are provided free to visitors through the Arab-Bavaria Friendship Society in Bavaria and the allocation of restaurants offering Arab halal food, in addition to the presence of a mosque at the Munich International Airport.

Kerkloh stressed Etihad Airways has become a major player in the tourism and travel in Europe and surpassed the majority of major companies due to its success in the transport of passengers from European cities to the Middle East, through the airports of Munich and Abu Dhabi.

He said the international airport of Munich took part in the construction operations of the new building in Abu Dhabi International Airport Terminal 2 for Etihad Airways.

Kerkloh said that the Munich airport carried out the latest programme on running the airports in the world in the new building of Abu Dhabi International Airport.

SRC:http://www.emirates247.com/business/economy-finance/emirates-to-fly-a380-to-munich-from-next-year-2010-10-23-1.307855

Early Christmas Present from Tim Clark!

2010-10-15T14:58:00.002+08:00

Emirates Airlines, the Dubai-based airline, wants to buy a total of 120 Airbus A380s. These suckers have an average price tag of $325 mln a pop. Assuming they pay list price, that would total a cool EUR 28 bln….

Emirates also says it is working with Boeing on replacing its fleet of 777s.

These things take years to build, so any immediate impact on the euro would be modest, but it would be a macro plus for the euro zone if it comes to fruition.

src:http://www.forexlive.com/138688/all/emirates-wants-to-buy-120-super-jumbos

Good News for EK FA wannabe's

2010-09-10T18:26:00.001+08:00

Emirates Order for 90 A380s ‘Not Enough,’ Clark Says
September 09, 2010, 10:13 AM EDT
By Steve Rothwell

(Updates with analyst’s comment in seventh paragraph.)

Sept. 9 (Bloomberg) -- Emirates, the world’s biggest airline by international traffic, said the 90 Airbus SAS A380 superjumbos it’s buying won’t be sufficient to meet the carrier’s projected demand.

The aircraft “are well spoken for and frankly, the way things are going for us at the moment, the 90 certainly won’t be enough,” President Tim Clark said today in a phone interview. “Demand for our services seems to be continuing to grow apace. We’re moving forward very robustly.”

The carrier, already the biggest customer for Airbus’s 517- seat plane, has expanded its traffic sixfold in the last decade by connecting international passengers through its Dubai hub. Emirates is also the biggest operator of Boeing Co.’s 777 long- range airliner.

Emirates has 12 Airbus A380s in its fleet, with another three to go into service by November. Deliveries will restart in September 2011, with the carrier receiving the remaining planes through November 2017.

The pace of development at Dubai airport, which last year handled 41 million passengers to rank as the 17th-busiest hub in world, was one of the main obstacles to growth, Clark said. The executive estimated that the airport, growing at about 15 percent a year, will handle as many as 100 million passengers by the end of the decade.

“There is no point trying to bring airplanes at a time when you have no place to put your passengers,” Clark said.

Second Airport

Dubai is developing a second airport, Dubai World Central- Al Maktoum International, which opened to cargo carriers in June and will start serving scheduled passenger flights in March. The government aims to make Al Maktoum the world’s busiest airport, with eventual capacity for 160 million travelers, and Emirates will shift its base there.

Al Maktoum will need 10 to 15 years before enough carriers have moved there to make it Dubai’s main airport, Clark said.

Emirates’ ability to maintain expansion may also depend in part on competitors in the Persian Gulf region that are pursuing a similar strategy, said Andrew Lobbenberg, a London-based aviation analyst at Royal Bank of Scotland Group Plc.

Qatar Airways Ltd., half-owned by the state, has orders and options for more than 170 Boeing and Airbus planes to build up its base in Doha, about 235 miles (380 kilometers) west of Dubai. Etihad Airways, government-owned by Dubai’s neighboring emirate of Abu Dhabi, also has expansion plans.

“A lot depends on what happens with the other Gulf carriers,” Lobbenberg said in a telephone interview. “If Dubai survives as the sole hub in the Gulf, then you could justify a more aggressive outlook.”

The expansion of the three airlines has helped boost traffic in the Middle East by 19 percent in the year to August, making it the fastest-growing region in the world this year, according to data compiled by the International Air Transport Association.

--Editors: Tom Lavell, Jerrold Colten.

source:http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-09-09/emirates-order-for-90-a380s-not-enough-clark-says.html

YM Virus

2010-09-10T17:35:00.002+08:00

In case you are not aware of the "IQ Virus" as I call it. Here;s what you need to know to avoid being attacked or being hacked by this malware. Basically, you will receive a greeting from a contact saying either "Hi" or "Hey" or "Hello". Once you reply, you will automatically get a message saying "I just took an IQ quiz here" blah blah. It really annoys me because in a few minutes of being online I receive as much as five messages. Whatever you do, Don't click on the link the malware might send you. To check if you're infected, do what I do. Ask a contact if they've been receiving the messages from you. If you are infected follow the instructions below.

Note: You might be infected without you knowing it.

Source:http://www.nackvision.com/talk/showthread.php?t=3837
There is a very bad virus attack on Yahoo Messenger where it will take control of your messenger and without your knowledge sends some messages with a website links which contains the virus, to your friends list..So within a few hours many of your friends will get infected with it.
It is one of the most powerful Trojan /virus I have ever seen.. (I don't know the actual target of the idiot who created it. May be to advertise his site or to steal very imp data from your computer. )
If you are infected with it what is going to happen? :
1: It sets your default IE page to nsl-school.org, you can’t even change it back to other page. If you open IE from your comp some malicious code will automatically be executed into your computer.
2: It will disable the Task manager / reg edit. So you can’t kill the Trojan process anymore.

3: Files that are gonna be installed by this virus are svhost.exe , svhost32.exe , internat.exe.
you can find these files in windows/ & temp/ directories.
4: It will send the secured & protected information to attacker

How to remove this manually from your computer ?
1: Close the IE browser. Log out messenger / Remove Internet Cable.
2: To enable Regedit
Click Start, Run and type this command exactly as given below: (better - Copy and paste)
REG add HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Pol icies\System /v DisableRegistryTools /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
3: To enable task manager : (To kill the process we need to enable task manager)
Click Start, Run and type this command exactly as given below: (better - Copy and paste)
REG add HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Pol icies\System /v DisableTaskMgr /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

4: Now we need to change the default page of IE though regedit.
Start>Run>Regedit
From the below locations in Regedit chage your default home page to google.com or other.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main
HKEY_ LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main
HKEY_USERS\Default\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main
Just replace the attacker site with google.com or set it to blank page.

5: Now we need to kill the process from back end. Press Ctrl + Alt + Del
Kill the process svhost32.exe . ( may be more than one process is running.. check properly)
6: Delete svhost32.exe , svhost.exe files from Windows/ & temp/ directories. Or just search for svhost in your comp.. delete those files.
7: Go to regedit search for svhost and delete all the results you get.
Start menu > Run > Regedit >
8: Restart the computer. That’s it now you are virus free.

FYI....

2010-08-22T15:53:00.005+08:00

Please be informed and be aware that someone is using Star's identity for personal gains.

Here's Star's post regarding this matter :

"Attention All:

It has been brought to my attention that someone is using my identity in many circumstances like offering discounted tickets the swindlers are able to take cash & credit card numbers from victims. There are also numerous reports that a lot of people are impersonating me or using my pictures in some dating sites. Other version of this scam includes the use of chat portals such as yahoo messenger using my identity and when you are yet smart enough to know that these schemes are scams and have paid them the amount that they’re asking, you will just realize that when they would just vanish out of the blue.

Please be informed that I only use yahoo messenger rarely just to speak with my family & friends and I’ve never had any dating site whatsoever. Please spread the news that this type of modus operandi exist to your friend and loved ones so no more individual will be victimized by this scam."

Don't tolerate this kind of M.O.'s. Report it immediately to concerned networking sites.

EK capacity changes and Etihad's expansion this winter

2010-08-14T15:48:00.006+08:00

I'd love to edit this but it might take some time...

EMIRATES :

As per 13AUG10 GDS timetable/inventory display, latest major network-wide changes to Emirates’ 2010/11 Winter operation, effective 31OCT10 as follows (latest operation overview also listed):

New Airbus A380 service
Dubai – Bangkok – Hong Kong A380 replace 777-300 from 01OCT10

For now, Bangkok service is 2 Daily A380. However, EK372/373, current A380 service, is to be switching to 777-300, but not updated in GDS yet (at time of 2nd update goes to press)

New Changes
Dubai – Amsterdam Daily 777-300ER, replacing -200LR/-300ER
Dubai – Bangkok EK374/375 Reduce from Daily to 6 weekly, Day x6 from DXB/Day x7 from BKK Canceled (overall reduce from 28 to 27 weekly)

Dubai – Houston NEW 2nd Daily service
EK213 DXB0240 – 0905IAH 77L x1
EK213 DXB0240 – 0905IAH 77W 1
EK211 DXB0930 – 1555IAH 77L D

EK214 IAH1145 – 1225+1DXB 77L x1
EK214 IAH1145 – 1225+1DXB 77W 1
EK212 IAH1825 – 1905+1DXB 77L D

777-300ER operates on this route once a week.

Dubai – Los Angeles NEW 2nd Daily service
EK217 DXB0315 – 0745LAX 77L D
EK215 DXB0820 – 1250LAX 77L D

EK218 LAX1000 – 1350+1DXB 77L D
EK216 LAX1600 – 1945+1DXB 77L D

Dubai – Moscow Domodedovo EK131/132 777-200LR replace -300ER on Day 6 and -300 on Day 7
Dubai – Perth EK420/421 777-300ER replace -200LR on Day x1
Dubai – Sao Paulo Planned Boeing 777-300ER service (replacing -200LR), postponed till 01DEC10
Dubai – Sydney 2 Daily NONSTOP service reduce to 1 Daily, EK414/415 temporary canceled. (Additional 1 Daily service via Bangkok unchanged)
Dubai – Tunis Reduce from Daily to 5 weekly (Day x46)

Previously noted changes:
Dubai – Amsterdam Flight number change from EK145/146 to EK147/148
Dubai – Athens EK103/104 A340-500 replace A330-200 from 02JAN11
Dubai – Beijing EK308/309 A340-500 replace -300
Dubai – Brisbane – Auckland 777-300ER replace A340-500 from 01JAN11
Dubai – Dhaka EK586/587 3 weekly service continues A330-200 operation
Dubai – Hong Kong 777-300ER operates 31OCT10 to 31DEC10, then switching to -200
Dubai – Kuala Lumpur EK342/343 continues 777-300 operation
Dubai – Luanda Boeing 777-200 replace Airbus A330-200
Dubai – New York JFK EK201/202 A380 service returns, replacing 777-300ER
Dubai – Perth EK424/425 777-200LR replace -300ER from 01DEC10
Dubai – Seychelles Increase from 6 to 7 weekly
Dubai – Tripoli EK743/744 Airbus A340-500 replace A330-200 from 01JAN11

As noted earlier on this blog this year, Airbus A340-500′s long-haul operation to Australia ends on 31DEC10 (DXB departure)

General overview:

Route

Dubai – Houston
7 77L EK211/212
6 77L 1 77W EK213/214

Dubai – Los Angeles
7 77L EK215/216
7 77L EK217/218

Dubai – New York JFK
7 388 EK201/202
7 77W EK203/204

Dubai – San Francisco 7 77W

Dubai – Sao Paulo
7 77L -30NOV10
7 77W -01DEC10

Dubai – Toronto 3 388
*
Dubai – Amsterdam 7 77W

Dubai – Athens
4 332 EK103/104 -31DEC10
4 345 EK105/106 -2JAN11
7 332

Dubai – Birmingham
7 77W EK037/038
7 77W EK039/040

Dubai – Dusseldorf
7 773 EK055/056
7 332 EK057/058

Dubai – Frankfurt
7 77W EK045/046
7 77W EK047/048

Dubai – Glasgow
7 77W

Dubai – Hamburg
2 77W
5 773

Dubai – Istanbul
4 772 EK123/124
7 77W EK121/122

Dubai – Larnaca – Malta
7 332

Dubai – London Gatwick
7 77W EK009/010
7 77W EK015/016
7 772 EK011/012

Dubai – London Heathrow
7 773 EK007/008
7 388 EK001/002
7 77W EK029/030
7 388 EK003/004
7 773 EK005/006

Dubai – Madrid
7 343

Dubai – Manchester
7 388 EK017/018
7 77W EK019/020

Dubai – Milan Malpensa
7 343 EK091/092
7 343 EK093/094

Dubai – Moscow Domodedovo
7 345 EK133/134
5 77W EK131/132
2 77L

Dubai – Munich
7 332 EK051/052
7 773 EK049/050

Dubai – Newcastle
7 332

Dubai – Nice
7 332

Dubai – Paris CDG
7 388 EK073/074
6 773 EK075/076
1 772

Dubai – Prague
7 332

Dubai – Rome
7 332 EK095/096
7 773 EK097/098

Dubai – Venice
7 343

Dubai – Vienna
7 77W

Dubai – Zurich
7 772 EK085/086
7 77W EK087/088

*
Dubai – Accra – Abidjan
7 343

Dubai – Addis Ababa – Entebbe
7 77W -31DEC10
7 345 -01JAN11

Dubai – Cairo
4 77W 3 772 EK923/924
3 332 3 772 EK927/928

Dubai – Cape Town
7 77W

Dubai – Casablanca
7 345

Dubai – Dakar
5 343

Dubai – Dar es Salaam
7 345

Dubai – Durban
7 332

Dubai – Johannesburg
7 77W EK761/762
7 77W EK763/764
7 77W EK765/766

Dubai – Khartoum
7 345

Dubai – Lagos
7 345 EK781/782
7 77W EK783/784

Dubai – Luanda
3 772

Dubai – Mauritius
4 773 EK701/702
2 773 1 77W EK3703/3704
2 77W EK3705/3706

Dubai – Nairobi
7 332 EK719/720
7 772 EK721/722

Dubai – Seychelles
5 345 EK705/706
2 345 EK707/708

Dubai – Tripoli

EK743/744 3 332
3 345 -02JAN11
03JAN11-
EK745/746 7 345

Dubai – Tunis 5 332
*
Dubai – Ahmedabad
6 332 EK538/539
4 332 EK540/541

Dubai – Bangalore
7 332 EK564/565
5 332 1 772 EK566/567
7 332 EK568/569

Dubai – Bangkok
7 388
6 773 EK372/373
EK374/375
Dubai – Bangkok – Hong Kong 7 388
Dubai – Bangkok – Sydney – Christchurch 7 77W
Dubai – Beijing 7 345
7 388 EK308/309
EK306/307
Dubai – Brisbane – Auckland 7 345
7 77W -31DEC10
01JAN11-
Dubai – Chennai
EK542/543 6 332 1 773
3 772
3 332
1 773 -28JAN11
29JAN11-
Dubai – Chennai
EK544/545 2 772
2 773
2 77W
1 332
EK546/547 3 772 4 332
Dubai – Colombo 5 77W 2 773
4 77W 3 773 -09EB11
10EB11-
Dubai – Colombo – Singapore 5 77W 2 773
Dubai – Delhi 6 772 1 77W
5 773 2 772
7 332
7 332 EK510/511
EK512/513
EK514/515
EK516/517
Dubai – Dhaka 7 77W
6 77W 1 772
3 332 EK582/583
EK584/585
EK586/587
Dubai – Guangzhou 7 77W
Dubai – Hong Kong 7 77W
7 772 -31DEC10
01JAN11-
Dubai – Hyderabad 7 332
7 332 EK526/527
EK528/529
EK524/525 4 332
1 773
2 772
Dubai – Islamabad 2 77W
2 77W 1 772 EK612/613
EK614/615
Dubai – Jakarta 7 77W
7 77W EK356/357
EK358/359
Dubai – Karachi
EK600/601
*
EK602/603
EK604/605
EK606/607
2 773 1 332
4 77W
2 772 5 332
7 332
6 332 1 77W
Dubai – Kochi
EK530/531
*
EK532/533
5 772 1 77W
1 332
4 772 3 332
Dubai – Kolkata 5 332
7 332 EK572/573
EK570/571
Dubai – Kozhikode 5 772
5 332 1 772 EK560/561
EK562/563
Dubai – Kuala Lumur 7 773
7 77W EK342/343
EK346/347
Dubai – Kuala Lumur – Melbourne 7 77W
Dubai – Lahore 3 77W
1 77W EK622/623
EK624/625
Dubai – Male 7 77W
Dubai – Male – Colombo 5 773 2 772
Dubai – Manila 7 77W
7 77W EK332/333
EK334/335
Dubai – Melbourne – Auckland 7 77W
Dubai – Mumbai
EK500/501
EK502/503
EK504/504
*
EK506/507
EK508/509
7 77W
6 77W 1 772
1 77W 3 773 3 772
7 332
7 332
Dubai – Osaka Kansai 7 77W
Dubai – Peshawar 2 772
Dubai – Perth
EK420/421 6 77L 1 77W
Dubai – Perth
EK424/425 7 77W
7 77L -30NOV10
01DEC10-
Dubai – Seoul Incheon 7 388
Dubai – Shanghai Pu Dong 7 77W
7 343 EK302/303
EK304/305
Dubai – Singapore – Brisbane 7 77W
Dubai – Singapore – Melbourne 7 77W
Dubai – Sydney – Auckland 7 388
Dubai – Thiruvananthauram 5 332
7 332 EK520/521
EK522/523
Dubai – Tokyo Narita 5 77W
*
Dubai – Amman
EK901/902
*
EK903/904
3 772 3 332
1 77W
4 332 2 772
1 773
Dubai – Bahrain
EK835/836
EK837/838
EK839/840
7 332
7 332
4 332 2 772
1 773
Dubai – Beirut
EK953/954
*
EK955/956
EK957/958
4 77L 2 345
1 77W
3 332
4 332 2 345
1 77W
Dubai – Damascus 7 332
4 772 3 332 EK911/912
EK913/914
Doha – Dammam
EK821/822
*
EK823/824
EK825/826
1 77W 1 332
1 772
2 332
1 77W 1 772
Dubai – Doha
EK847/848
EK841/842
*
EK843/844
EK849/850
EK845/846
7 332
2 77W 3 332
2 772
6 332 1 773
6 332 1 77W
3 332 3 772
1 77W
Dubai – Jeddah 7 388
Dubai – Kuwait
EK853/854
EK855/856
*
EK857/858
*
EK859/860
7 332
1 773 3 332
2 77W 1 772
2 772 1 773
3 332 1 77W
5 332 1 773
1 772
Dubai – Muscat 7 332
3 772 4 332 EK866/867
EK862/863
Dubai – Riyadh 4 77W 3 772
Dubai – Sana’a 7 332
Dubai – Tehran
EK975/976
*
EK971/972
EK977/978
1 343 2 77W
4 332
3 332 4 77W
2 332 2 77L
2 77W 1 772

ETIHAD:

As per 13AUG10 GDS timetable display, changes to ETIHAD’s planned 2010/11 Winter operation as follows:

Abu Dhabi – Almaty Day 6 service A320 replace A319 (overall remains 3 weekly)
Abu Dhabi – Cairo EY655/656 Daily A320 (instead of A320/330 mix)
Abu Dhabi – Chicago Day 3 service A340-500 replace -600
Abu Dhabi – Dublin Service maintained at 10 weekly
Abu Dhabi – Erbil Increase from 2 to 3 weekly
EY557 AUH0830 – 1035EBL 320 26
EY557 AUH1015 – 1205EBL 320 7

EY558 EBL1135 – 1515AUH 320 26
EY558 EBL1300 – 1640AUH 320 7

Abu Dhabi – Frankfurt Airbus A330-300 aircraft enters operation from 01DEC10
EY001/002 333 Day x357 332 Day 357
EY007/008 333 Day 246 332 Day x246

Abu Dhabi – Geneva Airbus A330-300 aircraft enters operation, gradually replacing -200
31OCT10 – 30NOV10 333 Day 4 332 Day X17
01DEC10 - 333 Day x17

Abu Dhabi – Islamabad Boeing 777-300ER operates 3 of 7 weekly, 4th weekly from 19DEC10, replacing A320
Abu Dhabi – Lahore Daily A340-600 service (selected dates operated by -500)
Abu Dhabi – London Heathrow By January 2011, all 3 Daily service are operated by either Airbus A340-500/-600 (EY017/018 Day 1 is A330-300)

Abu Dhabi – Manchester Airbus A330-200 replace 777-300ER during following periods:
01NOV10 – 05NOV10 / 16NOV10 – 09DEC10

Abu Dhabi – Manila Capacity increase, EY424/423 777-300ER replace A330-200 (total 12 weekly 777-300ER flight)

Abu Dhabi – Melbourne operating aircraft adjustment
345 Day x257 346 Day 257 (MEL departs following day)

Abu Dhabi – Paris CDG Operating aircraft changes
EY031/032 333 Daily
EY037/038 332 Day 13 333 Day 7

Abu Dhabi – Sydney EY454/455 operating aircraft adjustment
345 Day 15 346 Day 37 (SYD departs following day)

Abu Dhabi – Tokyo Narita 1 of 5 weekly operates with Airbus A340-500, replacing A330-200
332 Day x247 345 Day 7 (NRT departs following day)

As previously posted, ETIHAD is launching Daily Abu Dhabi – Seoul Incheon from 10DEC10

courtesy: airlineroute.net

a sign or coincidence?

2010-08-08T13:39:00.002+08:00

Qatar Airways will be having it's open day in MNL at the Diamond Hotel on August 21 just a week after my end-of-contract date with my present company. That made me think about signs. It worked for a friend so why shouldn't it be the same for me. Yesterday I had my facial cleaning check up done and went to the nearest computer shop right after, to check my mails. I always check IPAM's website for updates regarding OD's and AD's of QR and EK. I was happy to know that QR, as I've said, will be having it's OD here in MNL again. Being ecstatic and all, I went to the department store to look for a pinstripe business suit. It just happened that the particular suit I was looking for just came in that day. It was literally fresh from the box. I tried it on and well, it felt good so I decided to buy it. Whether I get QR or not, it's going to be just fine. After all, I just saw a sign today (for EK). Now, I've been cutting off from eating rice and tomorrow I will be starting to do a daily 2-hr cardio as a preparation for the OD on the 21st. I told my friend that no matter what happen, I'm still going. It's a do or die situation.

PAL is also hiring URGENTLY but that's a different story. :)

Ola Madrid!

2010-08-02T18:44:00.005+08:00

It's finally August 1 (actually August 2). Emirates has commenced flights to Madrid (MAD) and it will be serviced by the A330 fleet. Another milestone for EK as it opens its first route to Spain which AFAIK will be followed by BCN (Barcelona). Ola Madrid indeed! I've been ecstatic since this morning to blog about this. And that's just it =)

Addt'l info:

EK has upgraded service to Beijing (PEK) by sending one of their superjumbos, the A380. Shanghai (PVG) will also be serviced by the same aircraft on 01/01/11... =)

First Job, First Out

2010-07-18T17:56:00.004+08:00

On June 23rd, I started working in a manufacturing industry as an FA Engineer. FA means Failure Analysis BTW. During my first week on the job I was having nostalgic moments regarding my dreams and that certainly added frustration to me. The point was, I really wanted to quit during that first week so bad, that I almost cried. During my 3rd week (last week), I can say that I was enjoying my job as I learn new things everyday from the job itself and from my workmates. Then IRONY happened. It was the day typhoon Basyang wreaked havoc in the country when my manager called me for somewhat I thought to be a meeting. There were only the two of us in the conference room when she started telling me about the status of the company. She had no choice but to tell me that I was one among the employees with probationary status to be axed from the company. It was really devastating to be in my position at that time. First job, yet this happened to me. Not to mention the adjusting I have to do again on the next job. I went home and told my mom the situation at work. I seriously cried while telling her my disappointments and how my plans will not be fulfilled. I kept on looking for signs why it happened to me and that somehow something much better will come my way. Only the assurance of my boss that she will help me find a more stable company for me kept me going. At least I won't look for jobs myself anymore and the referral could also assure me of securing the job. Oh well, they say that things happens for a reason and I am yet to know that reason. As I count my last days on the office, I'm just enjoying the company of my friends whom I befriended since I started working there.

BUT THAT WON'T STOP ME FROM UPDATING ABOUT EMIRATES... :D

England, July 17 (Reuters) - Emirates airline is set to place a $5 billion order for 20 Boeing (BA.N) 777 wide-body jets, aviation sources said on Saturday.

The order could be a key feature of the opening day of the July 19-25 Farnborough air show on Monday, when the Dubai-based airline is expected to hold a news conference.

Boeing declined to comment.

An order for 20 of the latest model of 777s, which seats 365 passengers, would be worth $5.4 billion at list prices.

Emirates, the largest airline in the Arab world, placed an order for 32 Airbus (EAD.PA) A380s at the Berlin air show last month and said it was likely to order more aircraft soon.

Source:
(Reporting by Tim Hepher, Editing by Andrea Shalal-Esa)((+331 4949 5452 paris.equities@reuters.com))

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSLDE66G0AJ20100717

Hopeless No More.. :)

2010-06-13T16:31:00.002+08:00

It is true! Emirates has placed 32 more A380s on top of their 58 on order during the Berlin Airshow. They will be increasing frequencies to their current destinations and possibly adding more routes by the end of this year. With that additional operations, they are also looking for 700 pilots to cope up with the demand.

What are the odds that I won't be on one of those planes? I'm feeling a bit down lately and this is the boost I need to keep me going. Dubai will certainly be the Hub of the world and with that expansion, the possibilities are just limitless. There's a saying that good things comes to those who patiently waits-luckily, I'm very patient.

On Tuesday, a company here in Laguna will be offering me my starting salary. So I'm guessing that I passed my final interview last week. Finally, I will earn my own money but I'm still focused in achieving my true love and this will be my stepping stone. I know it's not related to the aviation industry but the work experience will somehow help me. It's a little bit funny because throughout the final interview, the words FA, Fly High (Flight High) were used by the interviewers during the interview. Could that be a sign? Honestly, my eyes lit up when I heard her said FA. I even ask what it meant but of course it's an engineering term so I really can't remember it anymore.

On A Bad Luck Streak + EK and QR New Routes

2010-05-27T11:57:00.006+08:00

Can't think of a much better introduction than I'm winning on a bad luck lottery! I blogged about my broken pc before, but that's just the start. Two days ago I had my rubber shoes stolen in my garage. My dad had left the gate open when he went to the store to buy something. It's not him to blame, I guess it's just about timing and the robber's timing was just right. I've been taking care of that shoes for one year now. No scratch and white as if it were brand new, and the reason why I'm keeping it that way is because it's the only pair I have (so not a grab-all-the-shoes-you-want person). Oh, and that's not the only thing stolen from me. Included is a Dunhill Cigarette case with one Marlboro Lights stick in it and a lighter. Give me a break already! Last night my PDA fell as I was looking for a place with a good reception while standing on my bed. It ricocheted when it hit the floor and the result was devastating. As I turned on the power, All I can see is a vertical red line on the center of the screen and then it turned pitch black. Can you imagine the horror I'm facing last dreaded night? I guess not. Well, unless you're facing the same dilemma. I just hope that there will be a light at the end of this very very long and dark tunnel. I'm now looking for a service center that can fix my phone. It's an Imate 8502 PDA phone, so if some of you know where I can get help, please do message me or comment below this blog.

EK Update:

Emirates has announced that they will be lauching a service to Baghdad, Iraq starting on July 1. Oh boy, I'm so excited to be waken up by your daily wake-up call explosions. I sure don't mind DEADheading on that destination :)

QR Update:

Qatar Airways will be upgrading its equipment and flights to Copehnhagen (CPH) from A319 to A330 and from four times to daily service respectively. It will also begin flying to Barcelona, Spain (BCN), Buenos Aires, Argentina (EZE) and Sao Paolo, Brazil (GRU) this June. QR is also studying the feasibility of adding Oslo, Norway (OSL), Sydney, Australia (SYD), and Sofia, Belgrade (SOF) to its growing list of destinations.

Looks like Qatar Airways is not far behind Emirates...

It's just a matter of time before EK announce a new route again. DUB perhaps?? Btw, CPH is also on the plan. Review my previous post.

That got me thinking... Emirates or Qatar??

Well, wait for my next post. It's Pros and Cons time :)

Royal Brunei is in need of 40 Cabin Crew

2010-05-07T15:17:00.001+08:00

:)

Click the smiley for details...

Dakar, Senegal

2010-04-27T17:26:00.002+08:00

Starting September 1st, Emirates will start flying to the capital of Senegal, Dakar. Service will be five times a week every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Another plus one reason to join EK... and plus one to the continent of Africa! :D

BS prob

2010-04-13T17:17:00.001+08:00

If you're having trouble seeing my chatbox, just browse all the way down. For some reasons I pressed a wrong button which made my page a complete chaos.. thank you! :D I'll fix it as soon as I find how to.. :D

AWOL

2010-04-13T16:10:00.004+08:00

As you have noticed, I've been AWOL for quite some time now. It's just my stupid desktop gave up on me. And I have no internet connection at home coz' I'm thinking of switching to Globe's kickass 1mbps connection. Anyway, I would just like to update you guys what was happening in my life this past few months.

I just graduated last Mar. 26. Hurray finally! Now I can really concentrate on job hunting and on dieting. After extending a few years on a 5 year course, my hardwork finally paid off. Hardwork? yeah right! On the 29th I decided to go back to school to accomplish my clearance, as early as possible, to avoid long lines of students queueing for precious signatures of the concerned departments. One faculty definitely gave a new meaning to "precious" when we went to get our certificates for our EPP (English Proficiency Program, required for all students). He was really being bossy to the students and keep speaking English. I mean c'mon! I don't speak good English but I can tell who's being trying hard. I swear I was controlling myself to put my fist in his effin' face! He was the Director of the Language Department but hell, he doesn't deserve the respect we could have given to him. I know he is in somewhat "high" position but that doesn't mean he can boss people around. He has to learn how to respect other people regardless of their stature. I am so relieved that I finally got this out of my system. The lesson here is, You mess with my friends, You mess with me! BTW, I was just accompanying my friends that time. and one last thing. His signature wasn't even required for the clearance! Feeling much? so much for that.

I was supposed to go to NAIA last April 5 for my application as a PSA (Passenger Service Agent) or more commonly known as Ground Staff/Attendant. Unfortunately, I was having some issues with my face. You've guessed it! Pimple! :D So I decided to postpone it for a while until I finish my facial cleaning session on friday. I should probably go on Monday before boredom takes the best of me. If I get the job (I certainly hope so), this will be my stepping stone in becoming a cabin crew. I'm giving myself 6 months to be in shape and ready for the next assessment schedules. Some people just have to start somewhere before going to much larger venture. What's keeping me hype is the fact that QR and 5J are hiring males again. Woohoo! I'm actually considering applying for Duty Free positions in DXB. Desperation is to blame! I will do anything just to get to Dubai.

Emirates Update time!!

Emirates had just started flying to NRT on March 28! and I'm so looking forward for their first flight in AMS on May 1.
A380 will be replacing daily service of T7 in MAN starting on September
blah blah blah blah.. There are so many unfinished posts saved on my inbox here at BS but I was caught in a whirlwind where I seem to procrastinate stuff.

On a Wing and a Prayer (an article from the wall street journal)

2010-03-17T17:45:00.002+08:00

Hi fellow bloggers and readers!

I just want to share this article I read from WSJ..

When Dubai's ruler Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum realized the full extent of the emirate's financial problems it was his uncle he asked to oversee the arduous recovery process. Few people have since become as synonymous with the U.A.E.'s efforts to emerge from the most difficult chapter in its 39-year history as Sheik Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, one of Dubai's most internationally recognized businessmen and one of the most senior members of its royal family.

As head of Dubai's Supreme Fiscal Committee, Sheik Ahmed is in charge of distributing the billions of dollars of bailout money that Dubai received from Abu Dhabi. And as chairman of Emirates Group he has been at the center of rumors that Dubai's airline, along with other key assets like the huge container port in Jebel Ali, might be handed over to Abu Dhabi in return for the larger emirate's help.

Speculation about behind-the-scenes bargaining mounted in January when Sheik Mohammed shocked onlookers by renaming the world's tallest skyscraper Burj Khalifa after the president of the U.A.E. just weeks after receiving more funding from Abu Dhabi.

But according to Sheik Ahmed, sitting in his modest office on the first floor of the old Terminal 1 building at Dubai International Airport, such terms were never discussed during the bailout negotiations. "We never really talked about any of our strategic companies with Abu Dhabi," he says. "I know it's always been the rumor. When you think about what Emirates has achieved I think anyone would want to have equity in it. It's a very successful business for Dubai."

Far from handing Emirates over to Abu Dhabi, or merging it with that sheikdom's own airline, Etihad, Sheik Ahmed believes the carrier can be a catalyst for Dubai's revival. Unlike other government-owned companies in the emirate—including Dubai World and Dubai Holdings—Emirates Airline is highly profitable and isn't struggling to service its debt or secure more financing from international banks for fleet expansion.

"The airline put Dubai on the world map," he says, adding that the airline's 32,000-strong workforce makes it Dubai's biggest employer. "We've put a lot into the Dubai economy. The number of units we rent within the local market, the expenditure of the staff and how much it brings people to Dubai. If it wasn't for Emirates, this market wouldn't have been able to grow as it has. It's one of the core businesses of Dubai."

Sheik Ahmed and a close-knit group of long-serving executives—including group vice-chairman Maurice Flanagan and president Tim Clark—have built the company into a global player with $55 billion of plane orders in the pipeline and the world's largest fleet of giant A380 aircraft. Emirates indirectly contributes roughly 40 billion dirhams ($10.9 billion) to Dubai's economy each year, according to Sheik Ahmed.

Running parallel to the rumor that the airline might be handed over to Abu Dhabi has been speculation that Dubai might look to sell shares through an initial public offering and raise billions of dollars in much needed funds for the emirate.

"If Emirates decided to IPO I'm sure it will be good, especially if it's placed within the U.A.E. stock markets," says Sheik Ahmed. "It will see a lot of people trading in it. I will look at it as a positive thing. But as we speak today I don't have any direction from the government to do this."

Educated at the University of Denver, Sheik Ahmed is renowned as one of Dubai's hardest-working royals. Recently, more of his time has been taken up with meetings of the Supreme Fiscal Committee. He reports to Dubai's ruler and U.A.E. prime minister, Sheik Mohammed.

"I've been doing more work for my other responsibilities recently. I feel it's my duty being responsible for the achievement of Dubai," says Sheik Ahmed. "That's why I have to give Dubai my ultimate time doing any job that my boss gives me. I'm giving my time more to what's the most important thing. It's not that the other isn't important, but Emirates is straightforward."

For the time being this means focusing on fixing Dubai's economic problems and helping to restore confidence in a city that has suffered more than any other in the Persian Gulf from both bad publicity and bad management. But, despite these problems and given the lack of reform and opportunity in other Gulf cities like Riyadh, Doha and even neighboring Abu Dhabi, Dubai has not totally lost its luster for investors and the million or so expatriates who make up the bulk of its population. Sheik Ahmed believes that Dubai should look to its past in order to plot a sustainable course for growth in the future.

He says: "Dubai as a place was well known in the region, within the Gulf and the Middle East and the emerging markets mainly due to re-exports, being a logistic hub, tourism—a place to do business from. A lot of countries see that Dubai will continue to be that place for now and even for the future."

Sheik Ahmed says the main aim of the fiscal committee is to get Dubai's economic growth back on track by refocusing efforts on the sectors that were overshadowed by real-estate speculation.

Dubai's core businesses "are logistics, services and tourism and export," he says. "This is what made Dubai move forward, not what happened in the past seven years in opening the real-estate market."

Certainly, Dubai's economic problems were triggered by the bursting of Dubai's property bubble. Prices for newly built villas and apartments are as much as 50% lower than a year ago, while government-owned developers such as Nakheel have flirted with insolvency.

Much of Dubai's real estate was financed with debt, which now must be paid back. Dubai depends heavily on funding from oil-rich Abu Dhabi, which has pumped $15 billion into the emirate since the crisis took hold shortly after Wall Street investment bank Lehman Brothers collapsed in October 2008.

Sheik Ahmed's responsibilities on the committee recently took him to Washington, where he briefed Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner on the steps that the emirate is taking to restructure the debts of some of its government-owned companies.

But while he concedes that there is plenty of work left to be done he is sanguine about Dubai's economic situation. "Some people think that they're not doing too well because they're taking 2007 as a benchmark, but sometimes we have to realize that you can't always achieve 30% to 40% growth," Sheik Ahmed says. "Now you have to be realistic given what is happening around the world."

WSJ please don't sue me for posting this... :D

Disconnecting myself from the rest of the world

2010-01-20T18:08:00.003+08:00

It's been almost 3 weeks now that I don't have an internet connection at home. I'm really missing my blog friends, blogging, facebook-ing and whatsoever. I read that Emirates is hiring again and it actually started last Monday til the 29th. All of a sudden, I had the urge to try again even though I know that I will fail the screening again because of my weight. Although I lost a lot of weight, I still don't want to attend because I already changed my plans. I promised myself that I won't apply for Emirates until I'm ready. This March I will be applying as a Ground Crew at NAIA and I think it will be better for me to have enough experience before I venture into a much bigger thing. Anyway, I just have to forget that EK is hiring this month because this will not be their last for this year. :)

Oh yeah! I just need to update you guys...

EK will commence flights to Tokyo this March 28, to Amsterdam on May 1, to Prague on July 1 and Madrid on Aug 1.....

I'll update this blog the next time I log in... :P

fellow bloggers. I miss you all!

P.S.

Ate Star wants to meet us.. She's in MNL til 29th.. please leave a message on my message board... I'll give you my number...

From the Prince to the world

2009-12-24T10:15:00.005+08:00

In behalf of my crew : ) , I would like to wish all my readers and friends here at blogspot a very Merry Christmas!!!

P.S.

Santa, I really think that you should install your TCAS [Traffic Collision Avoidance System] before you go out again next year...

Pam Ann.. Love her!!! :D

2009-12-09T19:58:00.005+08:00

Who is Pam Ann?

Caroline Reid, better known by her stage name Pam Ann, is an Australian comedian. Reid portrays the air-hostess Pam Ann, a mixture of drag, camp andglamour, and a pun on the airline Pan Am. Reid as Pam Ann can be seen on tour in the United Kingdom such as at The UCL Bloomsbury, she also has a guest-role in the BBC show Fast Track. She also frequently conducts shows in major cities in the US, Canada and her native Australia.

Performances tend to emphasise the vagaries of air travel, including the identifying quirks of various airlines around the world, mixed with a generous dose of ribald humour and double entendre. Reid often caters to airline employees and frequent travellers in her audience, directly involving them in the performance.

Her Characters

Pam	Pam Ann	Her signature character
Lily	Singapore Airlines	A Singapore Chinese-flight attendant who would sacrifice passenger safety for her Gucci handbag
Valerie	American Airlines	An ageing American flight attendant from Texas, who is usually accompanied with a man in an Osama bin Laden mask
Vanity	Virgin Atlantic Airways	A sultry, woman in red who asks that passengers call her sex line at 0 800 747 400
Mona	British Airways	A BA attendant who has appeared with a horse-head instead of a face and "piss off" attitude
Donna	EasyJet	A typical, ignorant chav dressed in orange with Croydon facelift and hoop earings
Vespa	Alitalia	A perky Italian woman who greets passengers with "Ciao! Belissimo! Donatellaversace!"
Chantal Jemeladonne	Air France	A snobby fashionista who walks the aircraft aisle as if it were a catwalk
Marcia	Unspecified Africanairline	Dressed in flowing gowns and accompanied with soul music
Heidi	Scandinavian Airlines System	A stereotypical Swedish blonde woman who usually appears undressed with coffee pots strategically located
Conchita Rosa María González Gómez	Iberia Airlines	A tiny Spanish woman with bright red hair and sings "Fanta Do you wanna Fanta? Fanta? Fanta?"
Helga	Lufthansa	A brash, dominating woman who barks out commands and orders
Unnamed Arabic Woman	Emirates Airline &Etihad Airways	A woman with a chador and ski mask talking gibberish that resembles Arabic.
Unnamed Indian Woman	Air India	A woman in a sari who ignores passenger's requests on call button (made by herself), while declaring "I am fingering the air hostess, but she is not coming."
Malaka Pustis	Olympic Airlines	A cigarette smoking, kebab meat cutting woman who says pustis pustis pustis malaka tzatziki.
Gloria	Qantas	A Qantas air hostess who wears the typical Qantas uniform. While giving the safety video, she states some of Qantas defects. She also offers a full "head to toe" licking for everyone who still chooses to fly Qantas.
Sarah	Virgin Blue	A Virgin Blue air hostess who offers passengers salty nuts. When a hostage tries taking her hostage, she offers him oral pleasure.
Clodagh	Ryanair	An Irish flight attendant who often syphens fuel from other airlines and repeatedly shouts "I LOVE MY JOB"

source courtesy of wikipedia.org

EK to commence service to AMS starting May 1, 2010

2009-12-07T11:12:00.003+08:00

The airline continues to blossom as it announces its 23rd route to Europe via The Netherlands. The route will be operated by a 777-200LR and ER in a daily, non-stop basis. This is the fourth new destination to be announced this year by the carrier. Durban and Luanda were launched in October and Tokyo was recently announced to commence on March 28, 2010.

Starting May 1 of next year, EK145 will depart DXB at 0825hrs and will arrive in AMS at 1330hrs. Return flight EK146 will depart AMS at 1530hrs and will arrive in DXB at 2359hrs.

The new European service comes on the back of exclusive lounge openings in DUS, HAM and MAN and extra frequencies to FCO, buidling up to a double daily in February.

EK will receive an additional 2 A380s this December and will be deployed to ICN from the 14th of December and to CDG two weeks later.

Latest EK news

2009-11-25T06:06:00.005+08:00

Nov. 18, 2009

An A340-541 with registration A6-ERG is to be re-delivered to Emirates after 4-5 months of repair. Earlier this year, the aircraft suffered from a tailstrike during the takeoff run. It wiped out some runway lights, Instrument Landing Antennae and just cleared the boundary fence. After takeoff, it circled Port Phillip Bay to dump fuel (necessary for emergency landing) while the cabin was filling with smoke. It landed safely with its 225 people on board.

Here is the picture of the a/c, fresh from Tolouse (TLS)

http://www.skyliner-aviation.de/viewphoto.main?LC=nav2&picid=6138

Emirates could use an additional 20 A380s on top of its existing order for 58 aircraft and is looking to take over delivery slots other carriers have abandoned for other jets. Emirates needs larger planes because DXB's runway system has limited capacity. The airline is looking into picking up delivery freed up by other airlines for Boeing 773ERs and changing its Airbus A350XWB order to focus more on the larger A350-1000, rather than the 900 series.

The Al Maktoum International will be used by international carriers. EK operations remains at DXB. It is said to be 10x larger than DXB. With 6 runways, it can land 4 aircraft simultaneously. DWC and DXB will be connected via high speed railway system and via Dubai Metro. The airport will be operational in 6-8 years.

Emirates CEO Tim Clark told that the carrier is increasing its global network in the future which EU will play an important role. MAD (Madrid) and CPH (Copenhagen) are under evaluation. TXL and STR traffic rights are still to materialze since they haven't been granted yet by the German Government.

Nov. 19, 2009

Berlin forces up Emirates' business fare

click the links for the article.

Link 1

Link 2

Nov 23, 2009

Emirates Airlines has announced plans to launch its second destination in Japan with its flight to the country's capital Tokyo that will begin on March 28, 2010. Emirates will fly non-stop five times weekly on every day of the week except Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

EK318 will depart DXB 02:50 and arrives in NRT 17:55. the return flight will be as,

EK319 will depart NRT 21:40 and arrives in DXB 04:35 the following day.

This will be EKs 102nd destination.

One step at a time

2009-11-23T07:13:00.004+08:00

For the past months, a lot of things happened to me. with that, I learned that we shouldn't rush things. If it is meant for you, it will be yours at the right time. Take one step at a time, start small and slowly climb your way up. There's nothing wrong in aiming high but make sure you don't expect too much. And if you fail, stand up and try again. Sometimes disappointments can help you mold yourself into perfection. Remember that great things in life happens unexpectedly, unplanned and unintended. We don't always get what we want in life and there are times that we have to sacrifice for our goals. Trust yourself that you will be what you ever dreamed of becoming to be.

A friend of mine had her disappointment when she got rejected for employment for NAS Air. She gave up Cebu Pacific, even though she already got the job, for NAS because its a much bigger opportunity for her. That didn't stop her from applying again for other airlines. When she applied for Emirates and Qatar, she got in. Seemed to me like she hit a pot of gold and blessings are really pouring on her. Now, she is just waiting for her DOJ (Date of Joining) for Emirates. Her story is quite similar to the movie "A View from the Top" that's why I always say to her that she is my Donna Jansen. FWB (click on the link for her blogs)

The point is, if you truly want something, never give up and take all the opportunities that comes knocking on your door. We will never know when will our time will be.

As for me, I will be venturing (for now) a similar job but on the ground. I will be applying as a Ground Attendant before going back for FA positions. After I got enough experience and I am more confident than ever, I will be back for Emirates. I have to admit that making a choice between being an FA and not an FA is really hard but I just have to. I wouldn't just quit on something I strongly believe is for me. Starting small.

-pd-

QR flight expansion for summer 2010

2009-11-14T14:42:00.002+08:00

Qatar Airways has officially revealed major expansion plans for its long haul and medium haul route network which will come into effect from the on set of the IATA Summer 2010 season i.e. March 28th. The main highlights are as follows:

ISB - capacity increased from 5 weekly A 330s to 4 weekly B 77Ws + weekly A 333. The flights operated by the B 77W will be a same plane service to IAD via DOH.

ATQ - frequencies increased from 4 weekly to daily flights using an A 320.

HKG - capacity increased from daily A 332 to daily B 77W from May 1st.

KHI - capacity increased from daily A 320 to 6 weekly A 321 + weekly A 333.

CMB - frequencies increased from double to triple daily nonstop flights using an A 320

KTM - frequencies increased from double to triple daily nonstop flights using an A 320.

LHE - capacity increased to 3 weekly A 333s + weekly A 321.

MAA - capacity increased from daily A 321 to 3 weekly A 333s + weekly A 332 + 3 weekly A 321.

BLR - new daily flights using an A 320 to be announced shortly.

FCO - frequencies increased from 4 weekly to daily flights using an A 332.

CAI - capacity increased from daily A 333 to 5 weekly B 77Ws + 2 weekly A 333s.

CEB - capacity increased from 3 weekly A 333s to 3 weekly B 77Ws.

DEL - capacity increased from daily B 77L to 6 weekly A 332s + weekly A 333.

BOM - capacity reduced from daily B 77W to weekly A 346 + weekly A 332 + 5 weekly A 333s.

JNB - capacity increased from daily A 332 to daily B 77W.

LOS - capacity increased from daily A 332s to daily A 346s.

MNL - capacity increased to daily A 333 + daily B 77W.

AMM - frequencies increased from daily to 12 weekly flights using an A 320.

KWI - frequencies increased from 4 to 5 times daily.

SAH - frequencies increased from 4 weekly to 11 weekly flights using an A 320.

CPT - capacity increased from 4 weekly A 332 to 4 weekly B 77Ws.

info from : http://www.airliners.net/aviation-forums/profile.main?username=Behramjee

EK continues to grow...

2009-11-12T03:13:00.001+08:00

Emirates may look to buy more planes from Airbus and Boeing despite the recession that has prompted many other carriers to cancel and delay contracts.

Airline president Tim Clark said the current fleet was operating “flat out” and existing orders have been allocated to new services, prompting the Dubai- based company to assess the ability of Airbus and Boeing to source extra planes.

“We’re sounding out who’s got more just in case we decide to go ahead,” Clark said in an interview with newswire Bloomberg. “The fleet order we have in place is probably not as big as it needs to be.”

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/573157-emirates-may-look-to-buy-more-planes-amid-downturn

Emirates posts 165% rise in H1 profit

Dubai-based airline Emirates on Thursday said that first half profit more than doubled, boosted by passenger traffic gains and cost cutting.

The largest Arab airline said that net profit rose 165 percent to AED752m ($205m) in the six months ending September 30, from AED284m ($77m) in the year earlier period.

But revenue declined 13.5 percent to AED19.8bn ($5.4bn) in the period, and the company said it could take one to two years before demand for air transport picks up.

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/572642-emirates-posts-165-rise-in-h1-profit

EK to increase flight to Asia Pacific region by 13%

2009-11-06T14:09:00.006+08:00

Emirates Airlines will increase its seat load by 13 per cent for the Asia Pacific region in the next two months, as it adds more flights in expected demand growth.

Starting December 2009, Emirates will introduce a fourth daily service to Bangkok, a third daily service to Sydney, two additional flights to Manila and one additional service to Jakarta.

Between December 2009 and January 2010, 17 flights per week will be added. Post increase, the airline’s operation in Asia Pacific will escalate to 187 flights per week.

I think this is the main reason why Emirates is hiring cabin crews like crazy.

Existing flights that service MNL are EK332 and EK334 both by 77W which arrives in MNL at 1545 and 2230 respectively. Post expansion, operations will increase from 12 to 14 times weekly or a double daily service on every day of the week.

plus their new destination: LAD, three times weekly and increased flights to MRU, SEZ, MLE

MNL- Manila, Philippines

BKK- Bangkok, Thailand

CGK- Jakarta, Indonesia

SYD- Sydney, Australia

LAD- Luanda, Angola

MRU- Mauritius, Mauritius

SEZ- Mahe Island, Seychelles

MLE- Male, Maldives

Goodbye for a while

2009-11-02T21:14:00.004+08:00

It's so sad that I have to say goodbye to my dreams for a while starting today. I just found out that I have failed one subject on my course. I really don't know what to feel right now, I'm just really dumbfounded. I don't know when will I be able to pick up my momentum and be excited as I was on being a cabin crew again.

my EK assessment

2009-10-23T02:49:00.005+08:00

It's been exactly two weeks since I have gone through the Emirates' assessment. I've been meaning to blog about my experience but I was too disappointed and depressed to blog about it. Every time that people ask me about it, It turns my crankiness to maximum level. It's either I answer them or just ignore their questions. Now that I'm over that, I will share my experience so it can give an idea to others on what to expect on a screening process.

October 9, Friday, 9:00 a.m.

I arrived in IPAMS at around 9 in the morning. The place was jam packed compared to the last time I went there. I was really feeling a bit insecure because I feel that I'm not on my tiptop shape compared to the other guys. I had a pimple scar that time so I have to make use of the concealer that my friend lend me. I met a girl whose name I can't recall but she is on my phonebook and I'm just being lazy to look for it. She told me that she was a nursing graduate but it wasn't really her forte so she chose to work at a call center. I remember telling her that it will be an advantage for her because she is working on a costumer service oriented field. It was so nice of her to assure me that everything will be just fine because I was really nervous and shaking at that time. After an hour of talking to each other she got called for her height and weight measurements. After her, finally my turn, the guy measured my weight and I can say that he was a bit disappointed (me too for myself) and then he asked me to sit and wait for the next step. A few minutes have gone by and a girl called my name and asked me some questions.

Here were the questions asked to me AFAICR (not in order):

* Is this your first time to apply for Emirates?

* Since it is your second time, what preparations did you make prior to this assessment?

* Why do you still want to pursue your application with Emirates?

* Do you work?

* What is your course?

(she didn't bother to check my arm reach because I think she was pretty sure that I can reach over 212 cms)

After that, she asked me if she can see my hands. Of course I showed it to her but it really caught me off guard because I had hangnail scars that time. Ugh. Then she told me that they will email shortlisted candidates and I probably should be checking my email from time to time. At that point I knew that I wasn't going to receive one but still feeling optimistic.

10:30 a.m. - done with the screening

My friends started to get their invitations a week after. That made realize that I am never gonna get to receive an email. That's where I felt so disappointed to myself because I could have prepared a few months before even Emirates started recruiting again. Anyway, I still have the December's schedule. I will be more ready than ever. I'm thinking of studying French so it could add to my plus points. =)

Kudos to my friends who did well on QR's assessment and Goodluck to my friends attending the EK's selection process this weekend.

Emirates rules out 747-8I, but 'very keen' on 777 developments

2009-10-09T21:23:00.002+08:00

Emirates Airline has ruled out ordering the Boeing 747-8Ipassenger variant as it focuses on building its fleet ofAirbus A380s. However, it is "very keen" to hear Boeing's plans to develop the 777.

"With the A380 as it is today, and as popular as it is today, why would you go back to the 747?" says Emirates Airline president Tim Clark.

The Dubai carrier had been pushing Boeing to develop a version of the 747-8I with the range capability to operate year-round services between its base and Los Angeles with an economic payload of around 370 passengers.

In parallel with Airbus's A380 weight reduction effort, Emirates has been working on its own savings says Clark. "On our own we've already taken out about 2.2t of operator items." This was partly due to a reduction in the potable water carried for the two on-board showers.

Through Airbus's effort, Clark believes that "by 2012 [deliveries] the manufacturer's empty weight of the A380 will be a minimum of 2t lighter on top of our 2.2t". However, he thinks the A380 will "always be challenged" to serve Los Angeles from Dubai.

The airline operates a 266-seat 777-200LR on the Dubai-Los Angeles service, and while Clark rules out the larger -300ER being capable of serving the route with an economic payload, he is awaiting news about the Boeing's plans to develop or replace the 777.

"Boeing knows we're very keen," says Clark, who expects to hold a meeting with the airframer "soon" to discuss ideas that could lead to a 777-300ER-sized aircraft capable of operating the Los Angeles route. "Even if they give us 8-10% [performance gains] by modifying the current 777, then we've got a chance getting that to Los Angeles," he says.

http://www.flightglobal.com

To Go or Not To Go?

2009-10-07T01:21:00.004+08:00

It is 3 days before my Emirates assessment schedule and still, problems keeps showing up. Here's my own list of "bad lucks"

1. Last week, I had my facial cleaning done. The attendant pricked a pimple on my cheek thinking it would disappear. Oh wait! It did! But what is this on my face?? A scar!?? Nooooooo! Don't tell me I can cover it with a concealer because first, I don't know how to apply it and second, I still don't know how to apply it.

2. Baking soda does help whiten your teeth but make sure you use it properly. Don't make the same mistake I did and because of that I'm now suffering from bleeding gums due to misuse of baking soda. Brushing hard and too long won't do you any good.

3. In connection to #2, My lips are dried up and chapped because of the baking soda.

4. I have hangnails which also leaves a scar after having the skin peeled off. Yes, you're hands are important as much as your smile.

5. Just before I had my photo taken yesterday, A pimple near my lower lip managed to make an appearance for the pictorial. Good thing they edit pictures before printing them.

6. A scar mark again, on my nose due to my frequent pricking of blackheads.

I'm pretty sure that everything will be back to normal soon but I need to be perfect on Friday.

On another side of the story; I asked St. Claire for signs, 5 signs if I should continue applying for Emirates this 9th. She gave me, not only 5, but 7. Looks like I have 7 reason to continue rather than thinking of that 6 mishaps. :)

Ondoy Experience

2009-09-26T22:04:00.001+08:00

Woke up at around 8 a.m. this morning, waiting for my classmates' texts and making my mind up if I should go to school or not. Went outside an hour later when I saw what the non-stop-rain had done to our street(made my decision right after). It was totally submerged knee deep on water(dirty). It was lunch time when we noticed that our dirty kitchen had accumulated water too. Normally, You wouldn't see me soaking my feet in flood water for a long time but I had to do something or else. I grabbed something that I can use to scoop out the dirty water in our dirty kitchen to minimize flooding. Meanwhile, Another menace had managed to show up, cockroaches were all over the place (they are in groups so it's really gross), I quickly looked for the insect spray and when I got my hands on it, it was really hard to detach myself from it. I sprayed like I'm one of the ghost-busters catching ghosts(wish Angelo was here, I know you love roaches bud! :P), It was really fun and I hope that I've seen the last of them. Must've killed hundreds of them, Damn roaches!

I hate to admit it but I really enjoyed playing on the water(missing my childhood years). Of course we know the flood water carries diseases that can be transmitted to us if we have an open wound so I stopped when I got myself injured. =(

Can you see how high the flood was?

Newly waxed?? Not! That's actually the water starting to make its way to our dining area

Rio Grande Rapids =)

Dad and Mom saving her precious furnitures while I'm taking pictures

Front Lawn submerged

12 hours had passed since I woke up, the rain has stopped, flood has subsided and now everything is back to normal. Thank God!

**This is the first time that flood water got inside our house. Thanks to, not Milenyo, not Rosing, but Ondoy. I must say that it was quite an experience.

Oh No :(

2009-09-26T13:50:00.002+08:00

I'm scooping dirty water out of our kitchen.. huhuhu.. Ill post the details later ..

A sign????

2009-09-22T23:14:00.005+08:00

Yesterday, I asked my mom to accompany me to St. Claire's chapel here in Laguna (which is just a 5-minute ride from our place), she said yes, so we went there by 3:00 pm. When we arrived, I wasn't really quite sure what to do so I just sat down on the pew and kneeled down to say my prayer. I asked if they could give me some signs if I should pursue my planned assessment on October 10. After that, I lit a few candles and again, prayed. It was actually a good feeling that I visited the church (chapel) once again after a few mont.... actually, years! (Thanks to FWB who opened my eyes)

My cousins and I decided to go shopping for DVDs in a nearby flea market later that day. While we were walking, I spotted a surplus shop or more commonly known as "Ukay-Ukay". I said that it would be fun browsing through used stuff (and yes it was!). I was laughing at my cousin when she said that she saw a cutesy outfit for her baby (I though she was joking) which I think is a bit odd because I knew she would never buy anything from that store. When I turned to face her, she was holding a (I hate to admit it but it is indeed cute) little newborn clothing (I don't know what it is called, help me!) and what was written on it really surprised me. Could it be my first sign? Tell me what you guys think.

I also bought a tie that day and I keep saying (til' now) that I'm still having second thoughts about the assessment.

For those who want to go to IPAMS but don't know the location of the office, please refer to the picture below.

RED CIRCLE : IPAMS office should be right about there.

ORANGE CIRCLE : Pedro Gil LRT Station

BLUE CIRCLE: Robinsons' Place Ermita

YELLOW LINE: It's a line. just follow it.

Priorities, Priorities, Preparations, Preparations!

2009-09-16T19:49:00.007+08:00

Just a few minutes ago, I received some news that could send the whole world trembling (exaggerating). Myla is sooooooo kind enough to share that Emirates... ehrrr.. IPAMS is recruiting and is now conducting preliminary assessment for EK cabin crew position (I checked). Thanks Myla!. I texted Jen to inform her about that. I was right when I told her to hold on to something. She called me immediately to confirm it and she was sooooooooo excited about it (You would know if you were at the other end of the line). Oh yeah!, she will be there on friday. Goodluck Jen! Jen made it through til the 3rd round of the elimination process last time she applied, that's why I really believe that she can make it this time. Nuf' said.

I just finished fitting my "application outfits" and I must say I'm satisfied how it looks on me now than before. I'm going to share some information that might help when applying for the position. Don't forget this! Obtain a REFERENCE NUMBER from the Emirates Group Careers website, you will need this when filling up an application form in IPAMS (website or personal). Then you can prepare for the rest of the requirements. PHOTOS! You must be in business attire with your HANDS OPEN (Definitely not closed fist and don't spread those fingers too much). PASSPORT, although not required to be new (you can renew it after getting the position), is important as much as your.... ugh.. your... (can't think of a methapor) well, You get the picture right?. But I personally like my documents valid upon application. Next, You should have all required clearances including NBI, Police and even Baranggay Clearance for whatever purpose it may serve them :P. Prepare these things as early as possible so that a few days before your assessment schedule you can still prep yourself up before the judgement day. (Too tired to share about Hair and Make up Tips, will post it tomorrow).

I personally allow 14 days of preparation for myself (assuming all documents are with me already) to get my facial treatment, hair and my teeth done. Facial treatments usually take two weeks to achieve optimum results. I do my haircut 4 days before, so that its just about the right length and my teeth whitened and cleaned 2 days prior my schedule.

If you need more info about the requirements and the selection process, Visit Airboy's and Annie's site.

**I was uber hyper earlier and I think that's the reason why my energy is flushed out already**

Goodluck to Us!!

P.S.

Keep Smiling!

EK Global Assessment Days are ON! + Ebay next buys

2009-09-14T10:52:00.011+08:00

I just learned from Sodwee a.k.a Airboy, that Emirates resumed its Global Assessment days. For September, it will start tomorrow in London, UK. This news will definitely give me an adverse effect later when I try to sleep (Hyperactivity prohibits it) and when I eat (the thought of being rejected because of my weight, won't let me). As of today, Preparations will be made, starting from my weight (main problem) and... ughh... I think that's all there is. Oh yeah, I still need to learn French (a plus) /Arabic (an asset) and I need to find a sponsor for my cabincrewdirect training. :) Goodluck to everyone!

My Ebay next buys :)

Fasten your seatbelts and check your emergency exits - What do the pilots and cabin crew of Fresh, a new low budget airline based in London, really get up to, both in and out of uniform?

Mile High is the fast, sexy and gripping drama that charts the lives and loves of an airline cabin crew who excel in leaving little to the imagination and taking membership of the Mile High Club to new heights.

Season 1 consists of 4 DVDs and the 2nd season has 7. There is a special 11 DVD set which includes both season for much cheaper price. I've seen the series and I must say that some of the scenes will make you think twice applying as a cabin crew.

Losing her mother at a young age, Misaki Yoko (Ueto Aya) was raised amongst three brothers. Yoko is a slightly boyish girl who is bullheaded and hates dishonesty. Ever since she was young, she enjoyed the company of boys over girls. She starts a band with four of her boy friends and becomes the lead singer. Then one day, one of the members of the band, Tsukasa, gets a job at a bank in Tokyo. On the day Tsukasa leaves for Tokyo, Yoko goes along with the band members to the airport to see him off. The guys get excited when they see some cabin crew ladies and Yoko has no idea why. She reminds them that even she can wear a uniform, but the guys only make fun of her. That's when Tsukasa tells Yoko he wonders what she'd look like dressed in uniform. This is when Yoko decides she wants to work as a Cabin Attendant. (JAL)

After suffering cuts in pay and benefits as a flight attendant after 9/11, Hester turned in his wings and became a travel writer. This follow-up to his industry tell-all, Plane Insanity, is based on his syndicated column, "Continental Drifter," and details his experiences traveling across six continents in the space of a year, spending just $60 a day. Although Hester manages to land on couches as often as he rents hotel rooms, this isn't a guide to frugal travel tricks. Instead, it's a romp with an adventurer who rarely becomes jaded or travel weary, and has a way of falling into amusing situations. For example, Hester's affection for Kangol hats has people mistaking him for Samuel L. Jackson at a film festival in eastern Europe; true to his jaunty nature, he doesn't correct them. Hester's writing is lively, and he keeps his observations light. However, the travelogue does have serious moments, as when the author describes being stared at unrelentingly in Argentina because, he says, 97% of the inhabitants are of white European origin. But the seriousness, like Hester's stay in each country, never lasts long.

--After reading Plane Insanity, Elliott Hester instantly became my Hero! :)--

AMEX 576 Hijacked

2009-09-11T01:37:00.001+08:00

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - A Bolivian-born man clutching a Bible and claiming a divine mission hijacked a plane in Mexico with more than 100 people aboard on Wednesday, but the incident ended quickly and without bloodshed.

Jose Flores, who told police he was a Protestant minister, seized the AeroMexico Boeing 737 after take off from the Caribbean resort of Cancun demanding to speak to Mexican President Felipe Calderon.

Flores, 44, smuggled a false bomb on board and threatened to blow up the aircraft if he could not warn the president of what he said was an impending earthquake, police said.

"He said he is a minister and that it was a divine revelation that made him carry out this action," Security Minister Genaro Garcia told reporters.

The plane landed safely in Mexico City, its original destination, and police stormed the aircraft after the passengers had been allowed off, but not the crew.

Police apparently detained Flores without a struggle and a few minutes later led him away in handcuffs, ending Mexico's first hijack drama in years,

Transport Minister Juan Molinar told reporters that all 104 passengers and crew of 8 were safely off the aircraft. "There was no bomb," he said.

Nine men were initially detained, but Security Minister Garcia said eight were ordinary passengers caught up in the drama. He said Flores, wearing a shirt and jeans, was the only hijacker.

Smiling and chewing gum, the hijacker was presented at a news conference but refused to answer journalists' questions.

Earlier, security forces raced to Mexico City airport and helicopters circled above the airport as the plane landed and taxied to a part of the airport reserved for emergencies.

CALM EXIT

Some passengers said they were not aware of the hijack during the flight, although one man noticed Flores was carrying a Bible.

"We really didn't know what was going on," passenger Adriana Romero told Mexican television. "We realized it was a hijack when we saw the police trucks."

Mexico has no major radical political groups who espouse violence, although Calderon is embroiled in a bitter war with drug cartels, whose turf wars have killed more than 13,000 people since he took power in late 2006 and set the army on them.

Direct attacks by drug gangs on the public or attempts to force talks with the government are very rare.

The last major hijack in Mexico was in 1972, when four men describing themselves as part of a group of armed communists seized an aircraft in the northern city of Monterrey and redirected it to Cuba.

In 1999, a flight leaving the capital for Monterrey returned after 40 minutes after a man threatened the pilot and said he had bombs in his belt, El Universal reported.

Cancun is Mexico's top tourist destination and attracts millions of U.S. and European sunseekers every year to its white-sand beaches and luxury hotels.

Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE5885K420090909?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0

Airline industry recession bottoming out?

2009-09-09T20:47:00.001+08:00

Airlines and their suppliers are reporting tentative signs a severe industry recession is bottoming out, sending shares higher on Tuesday.

Airbus, the world's largest producer of passenger jets, said airline traffic had possibly seen "the trough of the recession" and could start to rebound from next year.

"In 2009 we believe total traffic is down 2%. In 2010 we may experience a 4.6% growth rate," Laurent Rouaud, senior vice president of market and product strategy, said at the Asian Aerospace exhibition in Hong Kong.

In Europe, Air France-KLM said passenger traffic fell 2.9% in August but its planes were on average 84.8% full, a rise of 1.1 percentage points from the same holiday peak month a year ago.

Its shares rose 6.6%, helping push the DJ Stoxx pan-European Travel and Leisure index up 2.4%, with traders also citing catch-up by an underperforming sector.

Shares in Aer Lingus, British Airways, Ryanair and Lufthansa rose between 2 and 4%.

The Air France figures came as industry data for July showed airline passenger and freight traffic dropped much less sharply year-on-year than in the first half of 2009.

ACI Europe said after a survey of 106 airports passenger traffic at European airports fell 4.3% compared with July 2008, versus an average 9.6% drop during the preceding six months of this year.

Freight traffic — a widely watched indicator of economic health — fell 13.4% compared with July 2008, an improvement on the average 22.4% decrease during the preceding six months.

"That would fit with our picture," said economist Cristoph Weil at Commerzbank. "We believe we will see a strong recovery in Q3 and Q4 in the euro area."

Air France-KLM said its cargo business had in August confirmed signs of stabilisation seen in recent months.

Ireland's Aer Lingus said on Monday passenger numbers had risen 7.7% year-on-year in August.

Growth predicted

Economists say the global economy looks to be pulling out of recession, with the OECD predicting a renewal of growth for the United States and euro zone in the third quarter.

But, like the airline industry, the broader economy remains on life support and G20 finance ministers agreed on Sept. 5 to keep stimulus measures in place..

ACI Europe's numbers were helped slightly by weak comparative figures in July 2008, when the economic downturn first started to bite and passenger data entered negative territory for the first time in six years.

But weak comparatives account for only about a fifth of the improvement in freight volumes, ACI archive figures show.

Airbus and rival Boeing Co are headed for their worst annual order tally in at least 15 years as struggling airlines cancel or defer almost as many planes as they buy.

The world's airlines are expected to post total 2009 losses of $9 billion including at least $6 billion in the first half, says the International Air Transport Association..

A Boeing executive said any recovery in the economy would not translate into recovery in demand for aircraft until 2012.

"Next year will be a year of economic recovery, 2011 will be a year of airline industry recovery and then in 2012, airlines will probably increase their demand for new airplanes," Randy Tinseth, vice president of marketing for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, told Reuters in a Hong Kong interview.

Air France-KLM last week announced 1,500 voluntary redundancies, adding to thousands of airline job cuts worldwide.

Even once airlines fly out of recession, they will be haunted by big questions on costs, especially fuel, Rouaud said.

At $67.90 a barrel, benchmark North Sea Brent crude futures prices have risen 38% since the end of March.

Plane Insanity

2009-09-07T20:37:00.004+08:00

I bought a book last week entitled "Plane Insanity: A Flight Attendant's tale about sex, rage and queasiness at 30000 ft". Now, before I say anything about it, let me just tell you first how I got this book. I've been buying stuff from ebay since last April. Since then, I have searched for items that have anything to do with being a Flight Attendant. From Lanyards to Shirts, Collectibles to Tags, and Books. I ordered this book way back in June and I have been waiting impatiently for it to arrive but no luck. After 3 months and 1 follow up (they lost my book in the mail the first time, and no it hasn't arrived yet) I saw a book sitting just in-front of my right foot at Book Sale. I was looking for other Rough Guide titles and when I looked down, there it was. It was just a fraction of the cost of the one I bought from ebay (75php against 650php). I felt so excited that I called my cousin out loud (you guessed it. Everyone at the store was staring at me). I quickly bought the book and went home. It was already late when we got home. I quickly took it out of its plastic covering and opened the book with a smirk on my face. I flipped the pages just to see some of its contents, and had the urge to read the book but it felt like it wasn't the right time to read. It's all about timing right? I decided to bring it with me to school so I could read a few chapters during my vacant hours.

I started reading the book from the very first page (reviews). The book tackles about the life of a Flight Attendant behind glitter and glamour. From crying infants to adventurous adults, Elliot Hester had faced them in 16 years of flying. He started as a baggage handler working underneath the plane's belly with the temperature dropping below zero before stepping up and worked as a Flight Attendant.

Here's some interesting situation he/ his coworkers had in their career.

While a female flight attendant was serving food from the meal cart, a female passenger thrust a small bundle of trash toward her. "Take this", the passenger demanded. Realizing that the trash was actually a used baby diaper, the attendant instructed the passenger to take it to the lavatory herself and dispose of it. "No", the passenger replied. "You take it!" The attendant explained that she couldn't dispose of the dirty diaper because she was serving food-- handling the diaper would be unsanitary. But that wasn't good enough answer for the passenger. Angered by her refusal, the passenger hurled the diaper at the flight attendant. It struck her square in the head, depositing chunks of baby dung that clung like peanut butter to her hair. Thw two women ended up wrestling on the floor. They had to be separated by passengers.

When bad weather closed the Dallas/Fort Worth airport for several hours, departing planes were stuck on the ground for the duration. One frustrated passenger, a young woman, walked up to a female flight attendant and said, "I'm sorry, but I have to do this". The passenger then punched the flight attendant in the face, breaking her nose in the process.

A flight attendant returning to work after a double-mastectomy and a struggle with multiple sclerosis had a run-in with a disgruntled passenger. One of the last to board the plane, the passenger became enraged when there was no room in the overhead bin above his seat. He snatched the bags from the compartment, threw them to the floor and put his own bag in the space he had created. After hearing angry cries from passengers, the flight attendant appeared from the galley to see what the fuss was all about. When the passengers explained what happened, she turned to the offending passenger. "Sir, You can't do that," she said. The passenger stood up, cocked his arm and broke her jaw with one punch.

Definitely defies the fact that flight attendants aren't just there to serve peanuts...

This book by Elliot Hester has 3 titles. The one I have is Plane Insanity, the 2nd name is Air Confidential, and I forgot the last title but it’s basically all the same. These books can be purchased on Amazon.com.

---back to reading---

Elliott Hester (Planning his trip for his next book: The Continental Drifter)

AI B747's engine catches fire while taxiing

2009-09-05T01:29:00.005+08:00

NEW DELHI September 4

More than 200 passengers and crew of an Air India flight had a
narrow escape at the Mumbai airport Friday when they were evacuated
after an engine of their plane caught fire, a news report said.

The ground staff at the airport noticed the fire and smoke from
the engine as the aircraft was taxiing for takeoff, the IANS news
agency reported.

The passengers and crew were evacuated through emergency exit
chutes of the Boeing 747, which was brought to a halt on the
taxiway.

No one was hurt in the incident because the blaze was put out
immediately, Air India spokesman Jitendra Bhargav told the news
agency.

The Air India flight was bound for the Saudi Arabian capital of
Riyadh. The passengers are to leave for Riyadh on another plane
later Friday.

Air India authorities were investigating the cause of the fire,
officials said.

Source : the RichmarkSentinel

8 Things an Airline Would Never Tell You

2009-09-03T19:21:00.005+08:00

1. "Airport luggage scales often lie."

It's bad enough that the airlines charge a fee for overweight luggage, varying from $39 to $300 per bag industrywide. But it's galling that they may also hit you with the fee by mistake. At JFK last November, New York City's Department of Consumer Affairs found that 14 percent of the airport's scales were not properly calibrated. At Boston's Logan airport, 10 percent of the scales recently inspected gave incorrect readings. The South Florida Sun–Sentinel has discovered numerous busted scales at area airports. And the list goes on. What to do? Stand up for yourself, especially when a scale barely tips the balance into the "overweight" category. Brandon Macsata, executive editor of the D.C.-based lobbying group Association for Airline Passenger Rights advises passengers to weigh their bags at home first, and if the airport scale comes up with a different number, insist that your bags be weighed on a different scale. Yes, it's come to that.

2. "Our air may make you sick."

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating whether potentially harmful fumes have been circulating in airplane cabins. Between 1999 and 2008, air became contaminated on 926 flights, reports the FAA, without specifying any possible health risks. Currently, the agency is looking at a particular type of "fume event" that involves "bleed air," or air that's been compressed by the airplane's engines. If there's a malfunction in plane equipment, the air that's fed into the cabin can be contaminated with chemical residues from engine oil—specifically TCP, or tricresyl phosphate. "Passengers may have symptoms like tremors," says Clement Furlong, a research professor of genome sciences and medicine at the University of Washington. So far, federal reviews of the research have been inconclusive about whether bleed air actually endangers the health of passengers and flight crews, though two civil lawsuits about fume events are under way.

3. "That nonstop flight you booked? We can add a layover to it—without explanation."

Think you scored a sweet fare on that transcontinental flight? Think again. You may be making a previously unscheduled layover. Airlines can cancel your nonstop and rebook passengers onto flights with connections, which are obviously less desirable. Advises Brett Snyder, author of The Cranky Flier and a former pricing analyst at America West: As soon as you find out that your nonstop flight has been canceled, check to see if there's another nonstop option. If there is, call the airline and ask—nicely—to be put on it. But if nonstop service on the route has disappeared, threaten to switch to another carrier for the trip. Major airlines will typically agree to refund your money without any fees if you refuse to accept a new, multistop flight that will arrive at your destination more than two hours later than you were originally scheduled.

4. "We wouldn't tell you right away if there's an emergency."

The FAA leaves it up to the airline to decide if it wants to tell passengers about an engine failure or other significant crisis. And many flight crews opt to keep their lips sealed. The reason? Flight crews don't want to scare passengers or say something they'll regret later. "In one recent emergency, the cockpit crew was faulted for making a public announcement before some of the required procedures were accomplished," explains Kent Wien, a pilot for a U.S. carrier. So attendants tend to err on the side of being secretive to avoid trouble. Last June, passengers traveling from Brussels to Newark on Continental Airlines were not informed when the captain died during the flight. The plane continued along its scheduled route with nary a peep from the rest of the crew, beyond a cryptic question: "Is there a doctor on board?"

5. "When we let you pick your seat assignment, we were only joking."

As the airlines decrease the number of seats they fly in an attempt to eke out a profit, they're swapping out larger planes for smaller ones more often. Whenever fliers are put on a new plane, seat assignments are scrambled. A traveler may end up in a middle seat he or she would never have selected. If it happens to you, there's not much you can do—airlines aren't obligated to honor any seat assignment. "Passengers are actually purchasing a fare and not a seat," says Macsata of the Association for Airline Passenger Rights. Checking in online 24 hours prior to departure is often the best you can do to boost your chances of getting the seat assignment you want. Print your boarding pass with your seat assignment on it before you get to the airport as proof in case you need to argue with a gate agent over a last-minute switcheroo.

6. "Our planes are antiques."

Compared to the rest of the world, we're flying the airplane equivalent of grandma's Cutlass Supreme—except Uncle Sam isn't interested in paying cash for these clunkers. American owns 268 MD-80 class airplanes, with an average age of 18 years old. Meanwhile, thanks to a geriatric fleet of DC-9s, Delta and Northwest's average fleet age is 13 years old. In contrast, Emirates has an average fleet age of about 5 years. Singapore Air's is 6 years. And, while Ryanair is often faulted for lacking basic amenities, its planes average less than 3 years of age. Luckily, U.S. airlines aren't having problems maintaining their aging aircraft from a safety standpoint, notes Bill Voss, president and CEO of the Flight Safety Foundation. "There's no real indication of anyone cutting corners," says Voss. "Planes don't age like wine, but they do remain flight-worthy with proper maintenance." The FAA doesn't have a maximum age limit for planes, though it does require more frequent inspections for planes that have flown for more than 14 years. But aside from safety there's just plain old comfort. If you've ever wished you had a personal seatback flat-screen TV instead of having to share a view of a cathode-ray tube in the aisle—well, now you know the reason.

7. "Our crew is totally exhausted."

Airline jobs are famously hard on the Circadian rhythms, and flight crews simply aren't getting enough rest. Pilot fatigue has been a factor in crashes that have led to over 250 fatalities in the past 16 years, including the recent crash of a Colgan Air flight to Buffalo, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. The night before that accident, the copilot commuted from the West Coast to Newark while the pilot slept on a couch in a crew lounge at the airport. Crews on reserve (that is, crews readily available for service on short notice) don't have it much better. "On reserve, we don't have control over what we're doing," says Heather Poole, a flight attendant for a U.S. carrier and a contributor to travel blog Gadling. "One day we're flying a 5 a.m. departure, and the next day we're working a red-eye. Do this for a few trips in a row—add the delays in there—and that's when it gets bad." Working reserve can stretch crews to the limit. "Once during a terrible reserve month, I remember staring at my emergency exit door, thinking, Is it armed? Is it armed? Is it armed? I could see that it was, indeed, armed (the evacuation slide was attached to the door properly). But it wasn't clicking in my brain because I was so tired."

8. "Your ticket might not be with the airline you booked."

Two airlines may sell seats on the same flight, a sales strategy called code sharing. You may think you'll be traveling on one airline, but you actually fly on another. The situation seems harmless enough but can cause major headaches for passengers. For example, most major airlines farm out their short, commuter flights to regional airlines. "By and large, you haven't heard of Chautauqua or Republic, but you may be flying them when you click to buy a ticket on Continental," explains Randy Petersen, publisher of InsideFlyer. "With two airlines involved, there's a constant passing of the buck. Worse, many regional carriers operating on code shares are exempt from reporting their on-time statistics. And God forbid if you need to file a claim with them for lost baggage."

Source: http://guides.travel.msn.com/Guides/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1088188

Mid Exam Week

2009-08-27T17:16:00.000+08:00

Yesterday was a very bad day for me. I hardly slept because I was preparing for my exams. Since I didn't sleep, I expected that I was going to arrive in school early (big deal if you're always late). My anxiety was growing as I prepare to leave my house. Things started to change when our driver turned the van around to take a different route. What a waste of time (15minutes of it, plus the time we traveled to get back on the usual route). I arrived in school at around 8:30 (30 mins late for my exam) when I remembered that I still have to print something. Ugh. The printer at the shop was acting weird, it wouldn't print my documents unless it's on normal mode (I prefer draft coz it prints faster). By the time it was done, it's already 9am. I was arguing with the person in charge on the shop about how slow their printer is. I remained calm because she is my friend and it wasn't her fault anyway. Then I went inside the campus to find my professor and talk to him about the exam I missed. He was kind enough to give me the exam right there in the office. As I was taking the exam, I noticed that almost none of what I reviewed was there. Wtf!. After that, I prepared for my exam by 12. I was cramming to review the topic I missed on that subject just to learn it is not included in the exam. But I can say that I did well. Bad lucks are over.

Malling with Angelo

2009-08-25T19:00:00.004+08:00

As usual, food tripping was fun. We decided to eat at Burger King since we were at Wendy's last week (we love expensive burgers). Like I told him, I don't want to say big burgers coz it sounds like we're gluttonous. After indulging our taste buds, we walked around the mall and visited the usual places we go to whenever we are there. Bench (underwears), Surplus shop (anything), Our Home (stuff), and Book Sale for DUH!.. I was looking for books about travel so we went to BS. We scoured through shelves of books and managed to find a few. I only bought one to see if it's worth reading. Marrakesh is the capital city of Morocco. An Arabic country that also speaks french. Nice!. The book is published by Rough Guides. They have other titles or should I say countries?. Well, that's all I can tell for now coz I haven't read the book yet.

Emirates flies to Morocco daily through Casablanca Mohamed V Airport. EK751 DXB-CMN Departs DXB 0735 and Arrives in CMN 1155

cont. of the previous post

2009-08-23T22:30:00.006+08:00

By 1pm we went all went to our tambayan (a.k.a tita B's house). And there, we enjoyed the free aircon. Lolz.. Tita C followed by 3pm coz we’re going to visit my cousin's new house in Silang. The place is really nice. It's overlooking Laguna de Bay. Nice setting for breakfast on the terrace while the sun is rising. Sooo romantic. After 30 minutes or so, we decided to go home. On the way, we stopped to buy japanese corns. A guy approached us and asked if we would be interested in viewing their model houses. Since we are scouting for a nice community to live in, we said yes (I thought he was cute).

South Forbes Golf City is a 250 hectares of land located just a few minutes away from Sta. Rosa. It is divided into 6 classifications of modern subdivision living + 2 condominiums. Bali Mansions, Phuket Mansions, Chateaux de Paris, Mediterranean Villas, Miami, and the Tokyo Mansions. When we entered the model house for the Tokyo Mansions I was so impressed by how it is designed. The Meiji model is the best for me. It has a huge staircase, a T&B to die for, 3 bedrooms (1 convertible to entertainment room), living area, a not so dirty kitchen, main kitchen, and dining. A fully furnished Meiji costs around 40M. Expensive, right?. The agent advised me that it would be more practical if we buy just the lot and we can find our own contractors to build the house for us. More cheaper. He gave me a computation for the lot price. I think I may be able to start saving money for that in 1 year. Too bad, I was unable to charge my phone enough (just bought it today) so I can take pictures inside the model house itself. But my agent was kind enough to give me a portfolio of the properties. I took a picture of it instead. :)

This model house is the one I was talking about. Few teleseryes had been filmed here. "Eva Fonda" and the "Ang Babaeng Hinugot sa Aking Tadyang".. I hate GMA.. \m/

Visit w w w .s o u t h f o r b e s .c o m for more info. :)

My new Imate

2009-08-23T21:00:00.004+08:00

My uncle and my mom went to Our Lady of Manaoag in Pangasinan yesterday. I wanted to go but I was too tired so I decided to stay home. My cousin slept over at our house so I could go with her to her house to fix her TV in the morning. It was already 9am when we got off of the bed. I was craving for some fastfood when I found out that I didn't have any money left. So I just sipped a cup of coffee with pandesal, and off we went to her house. I immediately assembled her newly bought TV in the living room. After assembling it, I quickly suggested that we put it inside her room and turn the aircon ON (It's so darn hot in her living room). I was rummaging stuff on her bed when I saw a zip lock bag with wires in it. I got curious and opened it. I was surprised to see that there was a phone inside the plastic. She told me that she was selling it. Since I needed a new phone, I told her that she could help me convince my mom to buy it for me. I was so ecstatic that I immediately put my SIM on the phone and then off we went to my aunt's house for lunch. We thought we were the first to arrive in our auntie's house when we saw my mom sitting right under the mango tree. My cousin had to find the right timing to tell my mom to buy the phone. I must say that she nailed it coz she got my mom to buy the phone. Hurray! After years of waiting patiently, at last, a new phone. It's actually a pda phone so it's more than what I expected. It has a 2 megapixel cam (which is not too important for me), Microsoft Office Mobile (2007), Wi-Fi, and some other programs that can be found usually on smart phones. And its operating system is Windows Mobile 6.1. I actually typed this blog on the phone’s MS Word. That’s what I call break-in!. The phone may look like a china phone (for people who doesn't know the difference between a Nokia and a Sony Ericsson phone). The phone is available only on few countries including Dubai, Italy, UK and Singapore being the only country in SE Asia to market the phone. visit www.imate.com for more info.

MJ "The King of Pop" '58-'09

2009-06-27T19:24:00.006+08:00

I'm joining the bandwagon by blogging about MJ. I'm not a fan of him but I always find myself singing and dancing to his tunes. I like some few songs of him such as ABC Song, Heal the World, The Earth Song and who could ever resist Thriller?. MJ passed away Thursday due to cardiac arrest. The doctors tried to resucitate him for more than an hour. He was supposed to start his world tour next month. So, It is really a shock for his fans waiting for him to return on stage. He lived his life filled with controversies but nevertheless remained an icon for everyone. He is truly The King Of Pop.. R.I.P. MJ

Baby Names

2009-06-15T15:17:00.002+08:00

If I'd have a chance to have a family of my own, I would name my 3 babies Dubai, Zurich, and Sydney. Dubai being the eldest, Zurich has to be a boy, and Sydney has to be a girl.. la lang.. Just a thought. Why can't I name them after my favorite cities on the earth?. It kinda sound nice so I don't think there will be a problem. =)

Jon Dubai

Jay Zurich

Joan Sydney

On a brighter side

2009-06-09T12:57:00.002+08:00

I just found another school where I can train to fly... I'm just excited so I have to blog it!! hehehehe.. The Oxford Aviation Academy is located in Oxford England.. Duh! In 5 years I will be there.. or In other case, If Emirates can train me then I won't leave the airline.

Air France tail fin found...

2009-06-09T11:56:00.003+08:00

The rudder of the missing flight found: This is a major breakthrough for the recovery team since the black boxes of the aircraft can be found on the tail section of the aircraft. It narrows down the search area where they should be looking for the black boxes. The rudder may also give a vital clue why the plane crashed. See, the rudder fins have a "swing" limit although it prevents the aircraft from spinning. It might have detached itself after suffering from the forces of the turbulence caused by the stormy weather in that area. The pitot tubes from the fuselage may also be a factor. The pressure of the air entering the pitot tubes measures the airspeed and the angle of the plane. If in case it froze up during the flight, it will certainly give the wrong airspeed. This one that crashed was supposed to have its pitot tubes replaced "in the coming weeks" before it went down. AF should have grounded their A330 fleets for replacements. So far, 24 bodies had been found. 202 to go. I just hope they find the black boxes before the end of this month because it only emits frequency/signal for 30 days.

Black BoxES.. yes there are two black box in a plane. The Cockpit Voice Recorder and the Flight Data Recorder

Airbus A330 has history of airspeed problems

2009-06-08T14:42:00.000+08:00

PARIS (Reuters) – Airbus has faced problems with the speed sensorson its A330 aircraft dating back to at least 2001, forcing changes in equipment as well as the pilot's flight manual, according to regulatory documents.

An automated error message from the flightdeck pointing to discrepancies in airspeed data is among a handful of clues available so far to experts investigating last week's crash of an Air France A330 in an Atlantic storm that killed 228 people.

France's chief crash investigator said on Saturday airspeed problems had arisen on the same type of plane before but stressed it was too soon to say if these were to blame for the crash and added the plane was still safe to fly.

Airbus confirmed on Saturday it had recommended before the crash that airlines change speed sensors called pitot probes. But it said it was an optional move based only on performance rather than concerns about safety, which would be mandatory.

Operators have however been warned in the past of unsafe conditions resulting from potential ice damage to the sensitive probes fixed to the fuselage, according to online filings.

In 2001, France reported several cases of sudden fluctuation of A330 or A340 airspeed data during severeicing conditions, according to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration.

"Lost or erroneous airspeed indications could result in lack of sufficient information for the flight crew to safely operate the airplane, and consequent inadvertent excursions outside the normal flight envelope," the FAAwrote in a 2001 summary.

Airbus was ordered as a result to update the cockpit manual. On Thursday, following the crash, Airbus issued a reminder to pilots on procedures in the event of speed discrepancies.

The plane which crashed was an A330-200, the newer of two variants of the A330 wide-body twinjet. It was built in 2005.

In 2002, operators of the A330-300 sister model had been ordered to upgrade speed sensors, again because of problems in extreme weather, according to a directive issued in Australia.

The pitot probes, angular tubes sticking out from the side of the aircraft, measure speed based on pressure but their measurements can be halted or skewed if they become blocked.

Two companies manufacture sensors suitable for the A330, France's Thales and U.S.-based Goodrich.

A spokeswoman for Thales, which supplied the sensors on the crashed aircraft, said on Friday it was premature to speculation whether they were linked to the crash pending the investigation.

France's weather office said on Saturday the equatorial storm in the plane's path was severe but "not exceptional."

(Reporting by Tim Hepher; Editing by Matthew Jones)

A summary of the final messages from Flight 447

French and Brazilian officials have described a "burst" of messages from Flight 447 just before it disappeared.

A more complete chronology was published Wednesday by Brazil's O Estado de S. Paulo newspaper, citing an unidentified Air France source, and confirmed to The Associated Press by an aviation industry source with knowledge of the investigation:

• 11 p.m. local time — The pilot sends a manual signal saying the jet was flying through CBs — towering cumulo-nimulus thunderheads.

• 11:10 p.m. — A cascade of automatic messages indicate trouble: The autopilot had disengaged, stabilizing controls were damaged, flight systems deteriorated.

• 11:13 p.m. — Messages report more problems: The system that monitors speed, altitude and direction failed. The main flight computer and wing spoilers failed.

• 11:14 p.m. — The final message indicates a loss of cabin pressure and complete system failure — catastrophic events in a plane that was likely already plunging toward the ocean.

Just when I thought....

2009-06-03T20:46:00.005+08:00

Just when I thought I have given up admiring Westlife, I saw a copy of their concert and bought it. I just wanted to see how they have been after 10 years. So I went home and watched their concert in Ireland held just last year. I really wasn't expecting that I would give another "wow" for them. Surprisingly, I did. Hehehe. I have never imagined that I would feel what I felt when I started liking them back in high school. There are too many changes but their songs never fails to touch my heart *mushy mode*. They have this certain melody in their songs that I love so much. Haaays... I may be getting older but my respect for them and for their music will never change. It may sound too nerdy but I really don't care. Westlife is Westlife, They are truly unbreakable. Shane and Nicky both has kids, Kian have a fiance and no doubt they will be married soon, My favorite Mark, announced that he have a boyfriend. I still like him though. They are sooo cute together. Okay, so much for that. Back to reality!

PS : Im still their number 1 fan!!

AF447 wreckage found

2009-06-03T11:03:00.007+08:00

Wreckage spotted in the Atlantic Ocean is "without a doubt" from the Air France jet that disappeared en route to Paris from Rio de Janeiro with 228 people on board, Brazil's defense minister said on Tuesday. A Brazilian Hercules plane on a search mission for the missing passenger jet saw a band of wreckage along a 5-km (3-mile) strip, Nelson Jobim told a news conference. "It confirms that the plane fell in this area," he said. (Reporting by Maria Pia Palermo; writing by Brian Ellsworth; editing by Stuart Grudgings and John O'Callaghan).

==========================================

Although the wreckage has been found, the black box may never be recovered. The tragic event will never be unfolded and questions will never be answered. I have speculations about what happened on this flight. It might have experienced the same fate as TWA800 and CA611. Both disintegrated in the air without warning due to metal fatigues. Of course this could be just a possibility considering that the flight flew into major thunderstorm where it could have suffered from a heavy turbulence. The fact that the aircraft sent an emergency signal stating that there is a loss of cabin pressure. Explosive decompression is somewhat the same thing happens when you pop a balloon. I can just imagine that the passengers died before they hit the water due to suffocation caused by the loss of oxygen. Going back to the issue, This is the first accident involving an Airbus A330 in 11 years. This could not have been a major design flaw. Air France also have their maintenance for every aircrafts every now and then so I doubt what brought this plane down is a technical glitch. I'm sure NTSB will let us know what happened to this ill-fated flight if they can trace every second of this event without the blackbox.

====================================

This catastrophe will never stop me from flying. It made me stronger by facing what consequences might happen. God Forbid. I am ready no matter what. And the chances of dying in a plane crash is very slim. It's like a 1to a million ratio. Being involved in a car accident is much more imminent than being involved in a plane accident.

====================================

"once you have tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been and there you long to return...."

-Leonardo DaVinci

AF447 Passenger Manifesto

2009-06-02T00:58:00.009+08:00

It is finally confirmed by AF the nationalities of pax onboard as follows:

Brazilian: 80

French: 76

German: 18

Italian: 9

US: 6

Chinese: 5

Hungarian: 4

Spanish: 2

UK: 2

Marrocco: 2

Ireland: 2

Angola: 1

Argentina: 1

Austria: 1

Berlgium: 1

Iceland: 1

Phillippines: 1

Norway: 1

Poland: 1

Romenia: 1

Russia: 1

Slovakia: 1

Sweden: 1

Turkey: 1

7 of these are children and 1 baby

Air France - A332

2009-06-01T20:18:00.003+08:00

An Air France Airbus A330-200 is reported missing several hours ago. The Flight AF447 took off from the Galaeo International Airport (GIG) in Brazil en route to Charles De Gaulle (CDG) in Paris. There are 228 souls on board including 12 crews. An official from Air France reported that they lost contact with the flight after it dropped out of the radar. There are reports that is saying that the aircraft entered an area where it coould have experienced a turbulence. So far there are no reports that there is a possibility of a hijack. The Brazilian Air Force are currently having their search and rescue operation for the flight. Whatever the reason may be, Let's just pray that those on board make it to ground safely.. Even though the flight should have landed 3 hours ago before this was posted..

New Year In New York

2009-05-24T15:12:00.000+08:00

weeeeeeeeeeeeeee I'm so excited...

You know you're a Flight Attendant when.....

2009-05-23T05:39:00.004+08:00

1. You can eat a 4 course meal standing at the kitchen counter.

2. You search for a button to flush the toilet

3. You look for the "crew line" at the grocery store.

4. You can pack for a 2 week trip to Europe in 1 roll-aboard

5. All of your pens have different hotel names on them

6. You NEVER unpack

7. You can recognize pilots by the backs of their heads-but not by their faces

8. You can tell from 70 yards away if a piece of luggage will fit in the overhead bin

9. You care about the local news in a city three states away

10. You can tie a neck scarf 36 ways

11. You know at least 25 uses for air sickness bags-none of which pertain to vomit

12. You understand and actually use the 24-hour clock

13. You own 2 sets of uniforms: fat and thin

14. You don't think in "months"-you think in "bid packs"

15. You always point with two fingers

16. You get a little too excited by certain types of ice

17. You stand at the front door and politely say "Buh-bye, thanks, have a nice day" when someone leaves your home

18. You can make a sentence using all of the following phrases: "At this time," "For your safety," "Feel free," and "As a reminder"

19. You know what's on the cover of the current issues of In Touch, Star, and People magazines

20. You stop and inspect every fire extinguisher you pass, just to make sure the "gauge is in the green"

21. Your thighs are covered in bruises from armrests and elbows

22. You wake up and have to look at the hotel stationery to figure out where you are

23. You refer to cities by their airport codes

24. You actually understand every item on this list

25. Everytime the door bell rings you look up at the ceiling.

26. You change into you "galley shoes" to cook dinner at home!

27. You open your bathroom doors at home slowly incase someone forgot to lock it.

28. You only know 250 or 350 degrees on your home oven

29. When you ask your spouse when they will be coming home from work you ask for their "ETA"

30. You can spot out an airplane from the ground above and tell the other person what airline it is!

31. You go through each room at your friends place looking for magazines to read!

32. You bring home different grocery bags full of goodies that you can't get in your home town! and tell a story about it!

33. You know better NOT to date a pilot!

34. Your a fire fighter, a nurse, a security officer and a server all in one!

35. Your a GREAT multi - tasker!

36. You have mastered the art of walking very quickly down the aisle and not catching anyone's eye.

37. Your at a friends party and you start wiping your hands on their curtains.

38.You call for the car doors to be armed and cross checked before pulling away.

39.you answer your phone by saying "Hi its ..... at "position"

40. when you try and put the foot brake on your shopping cart.

41.When releasing your seatbelt in the car, you try to 'lift the top portion of the buckle and pull apart" and are confused when you can't find it.

42. When sitting in the backseat of your friends car, you check the seat pocket for garbage.

43. when your friends or family ask what time it is, you ask in what time zone!

44. When you're really tired and are staying in for the night, you tell you're friends you're 'slam- clicking'.

45. you remember the hotel phone numbers better than your home phone number.

46. You see rubbish dropped on the floor in your own home and instead of bending down to pick it up, you kick it under the sofa.

47. You have 400 mobile numbers in your adress book of crew you still wanted to meet up with....but when you finally get the time and browes for numbers you cannot put their faces and names together!

48. You locate all the exits when on public transport and learn the door operations.

49. You are standing in an elevator in your hotel and cant remember what floor you're supposed to go to, or what your room number is.

50. You can never make definite plans, otherwise you know you'll be delayed/called out, for sure!

51. You can't help saying goodbye to friends or anyone without sounding patronising... "b'bye now.. bye!

52. when you've finished your dinner you throw the dirty plate in the cupboard and kick the door shut.

53. If you check your breast pocket for a pen when you are going to write a shopping list at home.

54. You automatically uncross your legs, sit back, and fold your arms across your lap when you hear an engine rev up, whether you're a passenger on a flight that day or just in the car!

55. Every time someone ask's a question your reply is ... 'Just bear with me, or standby...

56. when ur going out from the hotel on a layover u smile and greet ppl u meet in the lifts... and ur not even in uniform! lol

57. You take out one blanket from the overhead bin or closet....and you hide it behind your back, running fast so no one sees it so you can use it!!!!

58. You know the water gague is showing empty and you grab a bottle of water and start washing your hands!

59. You spin around in the aft galley and yell, i love my job, i love my job....

60. You carry around ultra concentrated spray for the smells that come out of the lavoratory to protect you and your fellow co-workers!

61. You carry around a sharpie marker!

62. You work 18 hour days then go home and start cleaning up after someone else!

63. You have soo much time off you have 2 jobs!

64. Your dead heading on a flight and your sleeping and you wake up when they say "doors for departure and cross check" or when you hear the high low chimes in the cabin!

65. You tell people to turn off their cellphones or ipods.

66. If someone is smoking you show them the sign and remind them not to smoke!

67. You are ready to shop when you get to your destination!

68. You get so use to standing up while eating you don't even look for a chair anymore.

69. You hate people that slam their doors and call them slam-clickers!

70. You have soo many pictures, you don't know what album to start with and what pictures belong where anymore!

71. You don't like long walks at the beach anymore, cause all you do is walk the ocean, but 36,000FT above!

72. you stuff your cell phone in your bra while out clubbing in case you get a call from crew sked

73. you have mastered the art of putting on makeup in the car/bus/subway

74. you carry in your purse a stain-remover pencil at all times

75. you apologize for everything

76. you are no longer disgusted at stepping in dog poo: you've seen worse...trust me!

77. you appreciate time at home more than anyone else

78. when you ask someone a question, you stick your ear in their face and put your hand around it in order to hear better

79. you've developed an interest for astrology, and constantly ask "what's your sign?"

80. you're a pro of small talk and specialize in four categories: children, mortgages, divorces, and your in-laws

81. you've got a bunch of old worthless coins from the pre-Euro era

82. you bring your big suitcase on a one-day layover to get your groceries!

83. you know how to create a gourmet fondue using jersey milk bars, stale crew fruit, plastic cutlery and china from the business class cabin.

84. you bring home some passenger meal trays and wash them, then fill them with your own food and heat it up on board during your next flight!

85. you're dead-heading and you offer to place other passengers' luggage in the overhead bins, or bring them blankets.

86. you keep your crew tags visible when you are dead-heading, so that the flight attendants will know you are crew and offer you free food/booze.

87. you keep all your creams/perfumes/cosmetics in small pots and bottles so that they pass security cause you know its has to be under 100ML

88. You hear your cell phone ring even when it's not ringing

89. You bid flights according to the hotel at a destination, and not necessarily the destination itself

90. Your fruits and veggies at home always go bad because you're always away.

91. You look to the ceiling when your doorbell rings

92. You wish you had jet engines mounted in your bedroom so you could fall asleep faster

93. You get excited over certain kinds of ice

94. You hate boarding

95. You love deplaning

96. You can’t believe that people allow their children to play on the nasty airplane floors

97. You have to turn your head every time you see a passenger enter the lav in socks or even worse bare feet

98. You can’t stand the frequent flyer that thinks they really fly more than you do

99. You get frustrated with the passenger that can’t figure out how to open the lav door, or how to flush the toilet

100. You wish you could wear a sign that stated, no I don’t have a pen

101. You get excited to find a can of a different brand of soda that is not suppose to be provisioned on board

102. You know the real meaning of crop dusting, and it has nothing to do with agriculture

103. You cruise the airplane after every deplaning to get new magazines, newspapers, and paperbacks left behind

104. You hate early morning departures. Unless I’m going to a tropical island, why do these people make me get up so early

105. You hate trying to talk with a passenger that thinks they can hear you with their headsets on

106. You are glad there are no hidden cameras, or microphones, in the galley

107. You can’t figure out why your supervisor is not held accountable for the same things you are

108. Your jump seat partner knows more about you in a four day trip than your spouse of fifteen years

109. You wonder why people don’t excuse themselves and go to the lav instead of passing gas and having people guess who did it

110. You would like to have the opportunity to have a black light to show what the blankets really look like