Airlines In The Philippines IV

[filipinoavgeek]

Arianespace wrote

In other news, air traffic in the Philippines, both domestic and international, is projected to decline by 30% at the end of the year according to CAB. So there would be no problem with slot allocations.

Is this due to the tourism downturn, or is this due to the higher fuel prices and corresponding higher fares?

[Arianespace]

More to do with higher prices associated with fuel cost. The effect would be clearly noticeable by June this year.

[ewh1]

Arianespace wrote

ewh1 wrote

Looks like Delta isn’t letting PAL launch ORD without some favorable slots for its LAX-MNL flights.

PAL pushes for Chicago route after Manila clears path for rival Delta

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is pushing for the immediate approval of its planned nonstop service to Chicago, arguing that the recent commitment from Manila regulators should resolve objections raised by the United States (US) rival Delta Air Lines.

PAL urged the US Department of Transportation to grant its application on an expedited basis following a formal pledge from the Philippines’ Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) to support Delta’s future operations at Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

In a letter addressed to US DOT Secretary Sean Duffy, CAB Executive Director Carmelo Arcilla clarified that there is no pending application from Delta for any flight schedule or slot allocation at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Should Delta submit its application, Arcilla said the CAB is ready to “give due course to and to act favorably on such requests, consistent with applicable laws, rules, and regulations.”

“Please accept the assurances of our highest consideration”, he said.
https://mb.com.ph/2026/03/20/pal-pushes-for-chicago-route-after-manila-clears-path-for-rival-delta

DL is going to lose this game. This is why filing an "offline operator" at CAB is sometimes necessary to obtain rights. It is not a useless undertaking if indeed you have interest to fly. Other carriers did and DL took it in stride.

Yeah, if they actually haven’t applied for anything, it’s definitely a losing game.

I never mentioned this before but, I also had a feeling DL was hoping to lean into the “America First” rhetoric so that the regulators would side with them. Hopefully there’s still some pragmatism with something as standard as slot applications.

[Arianespace]

Marcos scrambles to keep planes flying as jet fuel runs low

The country’s airlines are bracing for a possible jet fuel supply crunch, with current inventories expected to last only until the end of April.

A Bilyonaryo source said President Bongbong Marcos and his economic managers have been in talks with the airline industry, led by Philippine Airlines of Lucio Tan III and Cebu Pacific of Lance Gokongwei, to finalize contingency measures and secure more shipments before existing supplies run low.
-
PAL and Cebu Pacific rely on a broad network of suppliers to keep their fleets running. PAL sources Jet A-1 from local refiner Petron and importers Shell Pilipinas and Caltex Singapore, with Phoenix Petroleum supporting regional hubs such as Davao and SUAT Fuels handling into-plane services at NAIA. Cebu Pacific, meanwhile, relies heavily on Phoenix Petroleum as its main supplier and logistics provider across 17 sites nationwide, with support from its subsidiary Subic Petroleum Trading & Transport.

The concern over jet fuel comes on top of the country’s thinning overall fuel reserves, which have reportedly fallen to about 30 days. Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the government has been exploring alternatives to Middle Eastern producers, including suppliers from North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and other parts of Asia.
https://bilyonaryo.com/2026/03/22/burning-the-lines-marcos-scrambles-to-keep-planes-flying-as-jet-fuel-runs-low/business/

Its actually now the trend in Southeast Asia, with Thailand and Vietnam most affected at this time. By May, we would be in the same boat.

[frequentflier]

https://simpleflying.com/lufthansa-airbus-a350-900-rejects-takeoff-high-speed-denver/

A Munich-bound  Lufthansa flight departing from  Denver International Airport (DEN) came to a screeching halt after attempting to take off from the Colorado airport runway. The aircraft, an Airbus A350-900, had reached a total ground speed of around 173 knots when the aborted takeoff was undertaken.

Those onboard have taken to social media to relay the experience, with one traveler on Reddit, under the pseudonym CargiverSeparate498, noting that the pilot decided to abort takeoff at the very last second due to strong tailwinds. Due to the speed at which the aircraft was already traveling, the abrupt halt almost damaged the wheels, and the brakes allegedly were close to catching on fire.

Further reports on the flight identify that the aircraft then sat on the taxiway for around six hours. Passengers were eventually being disembarked by stairs onto the taxiway to awaiting buses. The airport fire brigade team is also on site, with videos shared on X of them surrounding the aircraft.

Due to the speed the aircraft had reached before it was decided to abort takeoff, it is very lucky that the aircraft's landing gear was able to handle the immense pressure that would have been created. The brakes could have likely burst into flames. Operating the flight was an A350-900 that bears registration D-AIVD, and remains on the apron at DEN.

[ewh1]

frequentflier wrote

https://simpleflying.com/lufthansa-airbus-a350-900-rejects-takeoff-high-speed-denver/

A Munich-bound  Lufthansa flight departing from  Denver International Airport (DEN) came to a screeching halt after attempting to take off from the Colorado airport runway. The aircraft, an Airbus A350-900, had reached a total ground speed of around 173 knots when the aborted takeoff was undertaken.

Those onboard have taken to social media to relay the experience, with one traveler on Reddit, under the pseudonym CargiverSeparate498, noting that the pilot decided to abort takeoff at the very last second due to strong tailwinds. Due to the speed at which the aircraft was already traveling, the abrupt halt almost damaged the wheels, and the brakes allegedly were close to catching on fire.

Further reports on the flight identify that the aircraft then sat on the taxiway for around six hours. Passengers were eventually being disembarked by stairs onto the taxiway to awaiting buses. The airport fire brigade team is also on site, with videos shared on X of them surrounding the aircraft.

Due to the speed the aircraft had reached before it was decided to abort takeoff, it is very lucky that the aircraft's landing gear was able to handle the immense pressure that would have been created. The brakes could have likely burst into flames. Operating the flight was an A350-900 that bears registration D-AIVD, and remains on the apron at DEN.

Former PAL RP-C3507 having some rough times with LH. Scary to think what could’ve happened. 6 hours on the taxiway is a long time though no?

[JNC03]

AirAsia Philippines, one of the country’s biggest airlines, could face significant operational disruptions as nearly P1 billion in unpaid government dues threatens its licenses and airport access, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines warned on Monday.

Philippine aviation regulator issued today a final demand letter to the carrier via president Suresh Bangah covering P833.7 million in unpaid obligations, giving the airline a non-extendible five-day deadline to settle.

This amount includes unpaid air navigation, landing, and parking fees, as well as unremitted domestic passenger service charges (DPSC) collected from passengers.
“Despite repeated written demands, reconciliation meetings, and follow-ups, the foregoing obligations remain outstanding as of date. This continued non-compliance is a matter of serious concern to the Authority,” CAAP said.



https://insiderph.com/airasia-ph-hit-with-final-demand-notice-as-dues-near-p1b-key-operations-at-risk?

[Spartan117]

“The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has certified an increased maximum takeoff weight (iMTOW) for the 787-9 and 787-10. The change gives Boeing airline customers the option to carry more payload or fly longer routes.

The first jets built with the capability are now progressing through ticketing and delivery activities.

Shaped by customer needs: Program leaders say iMTOW upgrades reflect airline feedback and ongoing product development.

“We started this effort after airlines sent Boeing a clear message: they wanted greater flexibility,” said John Murphy, 787 chief project engineer. “Some wanted the 787-10 to fly longer missions; others wanted the 787-9 to carry additional payload with range trade-offs. Boeing designed a solution that delivers both.”

Air New Zealand, the 787-9 launch customer, will be among the first operators to use the iMTOW capability.”


Boeing announced increased MTOW for the Dreamliners.

https://www.boeing.com/features/2026/03/faa-clears-higher-takeoff-weight-for-787-9-and-787-10 

[Arianespace]

Here is the previous post talking about it in January this year which the article is not talking particularly about.

Arianespace wrote

By the way, the new Boeing 787-10IGW, with an MTOW of 260t (+6.4t, 6,330+430nm=6760nm) first introduced in 2019, which PAL has been looking very keenly, will fly for British Airways as its first operator, this March 2026, while Air NZ will take delivery of the first 789 IGW in February 2026. Told you they are forthcoming.

See the ACAP here. I think it was certified by the FAA only in October last year.
https://www.boeing.com/content/dam/boeing/boeingdotcom/commercial/airports/acaps/787_ACAP_Rev_Q.pdf

They will be looking at the real world performance of this bird before taking the plunge. The GE PIPs should likely bring this bird to 7000nm in range.

Why does PAL look at it with great interest? Because it can fly to LAX comfortably at 330 passengers (32 BUSINESS CLASS, 298 ECONOMY CLASS). While, the 254t version can only do SEA and YVR, this second generation dreamliner can fly you further to LAX. B787s are envisioned to replace 77w and A330 replacement, capacity wise. This early, you can already see PAL 77w going ME.

[Arianespace]

It took one President to demand full payment from Lucio Tan for its debts at MIAA accumulated since the time of President Fidel Ramos. The secret, don't ask for campaign funds, one way or another. Don't use their plane too for free. Its particularly the reason why Vince Dizon wasn't able to resolved LTP and NNIC dispute. His able assistant now DOTr Secretary wouldn't be able to demand the amount from PAA either. For the same reason.

[Arianespace]

Arianespace wrote

In other news, air traffic in the Philippines, both domestic and international, is projected to decline by 30% at the end of the year according to CAB. So there would be no problem with slot allocations.

As I was saying,

Cebu Pacific raises fares, flags potential capacity cuts amid Middle East conflict

HONG KONG, March 23 (Reuters) - Philippine budget carrier Cebu Pacific (CEB.PS), opens new tab on Monday said it raised all-in average fares by as much as 26% and may ​cut capacity in the third quarter as soaring jet fuel costs ‌triggered by the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran threaten to erode profitability.

Here are some details that matter:

    + all-in average fares for March through May were running ​roughly 20% to 26% higher compared with early March levels.

    + The ⁠carrier said it had secured jet fuel supply through the end of April ​and was working to lock in requirements for May and beyond, adding there ​were no imminent flight cancellations.

    + Management said second-quarter demand remained resilient ‌on ⁠both domestic and international routes. It flagged a potential shift in travel patterns, with some passengers opting for intra-Asian destinations rather than longer-haul travel to Europe.
   
    + Capacity growth in the first quarter came in ahead of expectations at around 10% year-on-year ​and the carrier ​said it was ⁠seeking to maintain growth of roughly 12% to 15% through the second quarter. It said its Dubai service had been ​suspended until mid-April, while its Riyadh operations were continuing.

    + Management ​said it ⁠would reassess third-quarter capacity depending on the duration of the fuel price shock and the availability of jet fuel supply.

    + Management said capital expenditure for the year remained at ⁠35 ​billion Philippine pesos ($579.8 million), with 95% to 96% ​tied to aircraft deliveries and financing largely in place, but noted that the volatile environment may ​require a review of the capex plan.

[Arianespace]

Its already happening

Cebu Pacific halts flights to Singapore, Bangkok from Iloilo

Budget carrier Cebu Pacific is temporarily halting international flights in and out of Iloilo Airport due to high oil prices.
Cebu Pacific will temporarily halt its Iloilo-Singapore, Iloilo-Bangkok, and vice versa flights.

Iloilo-Bangkok and vice versa flights will cease from April 17 to Oct. 24 while the Iloilo-Singapore and back trips will be suspended from June 15 to Oct. 24

[kilohakdog]

Apparently, 5J now randomly cancels its Manila-Naga or Clark-Naga and vice versa flights, and instead routes passengers to Legazpi Airport. Is it due to poor load factors?

[Arianespace]

CEB additional flight cancellations and reductions


 

[ewh1]

Richard Nuttall appeared on Bloomberg during the Aviation Festival Asia and here are some insights:

https://youtu.be/FRp-8rPQRSA?t=3116&si=zCnM84eGqtbNR29G

- Prices will be higher in the coming months which will have more of an impact on Philippine traffic and more price sensitive destinations, but they’re also benefiting from increased traffic that can’t go over the Middle East and finding alternative routes through PAL. The real question is how will the higher prices affect off season/low demand traffic.

- PAL has jet fuel till mid to late June for domestic and end of May for International. Long haul flights are going to be less affected since North America will have little fuel shortages. Still, lots of potential rationing and bilateral agreements to negotiate in the next while. They don’t see major aircraft groundings but some minor route consolidation unless shortages go to critical levels worldwide.

-They are putting on hold going to the capital markets to
raise liquidity. They have enough cash on hand and local credit to sustain them until they have more clarity on the situation. Even though they are delaying, they still see themselves taking 5 A350s and 4 A320s this year unless things drastically change.


The justification for more aircraft was interesting when he said this:

“If you look where we’re looking to expand, if the current situation remains as it is, those are actually markets that require alternative uplift because those passengers were going over the gulf”

Would you say this would be South Asian expansion to Delhi, Mumbai or even Karachi, or possibly a reentry into Europe? They nixed it before but maybe they’re re-evaluating? In any case, I know there must be many South Asians in NA affected since many fly through ME. Possibly adding more frequencies on NA routes to handle more transit pax to Asia?

Also, will A330 replacements be deferred for another year with the pause of capital injection or will they still order more A350s or B787s especially knowing they won’t be available till 2030s? Hmm.

[Solblanc]

Well, the only routes where PAL’s network overlaps with the ME3 aside from the Middle East is the traffic from BKK/SIN/KUL to the US East Coast, so the A35Ks will be needed to boost JFK and YYZ.

If they can’t start ORD anytime soon, perhaps they can send that A359 to Europe. But SQ is ahead of the game. Upgauged several AU frequencies to the A380 and increased capacity to Europe, including more LGW frequencies. A little late to get a slice of the kangaroo route pie now.

And Richard also admitted that some of their high-density A330s are grounded. Which goes to show that having a significant number of widebodies for just one market is a dumb idea. Australia needs more capacity now in general as CX/SQ/MH/TG are now focusing on picking up slack from the ME3 so that leaves space for AU-JP traffic in which PAL is already a pretty big player. And they can’t reallocate those high-density A330s to Australia without backlash.

[airline_builder]

Solblanc wrote

Well, the only routes where PAL’s network overlaps with the ME3 aside from the Middle East is the traffic from BKK/SIN/KUL to the US East Coast, so the A35Ks will be needed to boost JFK and YYZ.

If they can’t start ORD anytime soon, perhaps they can send that A359 to Europe. But SQ is ahead of the game. Upgauged several AU frequencies to the A380 and increased capacity to Europe, including more LGW frequencies. A little late to get a slice of the kangaroo route pie now.

And Richard also admitted that some of their high-density A330s are grounded. Which goes to show that having a significant number of widebodies for just one market is a dumb idea. Australia needs more capacity now in general as CX/SQ/MH/TG are now focusing on picking up slack from the ME3 so that leaves space for AU-JP traffic in which PAL is already a pretty big player. And they can’t reallocate those high-density A330s to Australia without backlash.

Totally agree on the stupidity of the aircraft configuration designated only for a particular market - talk about ironic flexibility.

[seven13]

A35K will start service to YYZ come April or May

[seven13]

PR to halt CEBGUM/SGN starting mid April except certain dates in May for SGN

[Arianespace]

ewh1 wrote

The justification for more aircraft was interesting when he said this:

“If you look where we’re looking to expand, if the current situation remains as it is, those are actually markets that require alternative uplift because those passengers were going over the gulf”

Would you say this would be South Asian expansion to Delhi, Mumbai or even Karachi, or possibly a reentry into Europe? They nixed it before but maybe they’re re-evaluating? In any case, I know there must be many South Asians in NA affected since many fly through ME. Possibly adding more frequencies on NA routes to handle more transit pax to Asia?

Also, will A330 replacements be deferred for another year with the pause of capital injection or will they still order more A350s or B787s especially knowing they won’t be available till 2030s? Hmm.

More like reentry to EU, ie LHR. We did discussed how the ME3 siphoned vast volume of UK bound passengers. It is also not yield dependent as it has plenty of J pax.

As to the A330 replacement, he did discussed deferment of capital outlay so the anticipated announcement wouldn't happen this year.