Discussion On Planes & Aviation

[benice]

Flew Cathay to Taiwan via HK early last year. Don't remember too much except that the food was pretty good. Entertainment was fine since HK isn't exactly far away but I think SQ's in-flight is better. Hope this helps, enjoy the flight!

[Channing]

Whats your impression of Cathay Pacific? I will be using them during CNY2013 for the 1st time..

To be honest, some ppl dun like cx a lot, includling me…

Cx is much worse than sq in terms of hospitality, meal services, leg room, etc especially in economy class

It is actually commonly known that cx is always purchasing second hand aircrafts and a lot are from sq…

Previously for cx, there were several cases that smoke suddenly appeared in the cabin so plane had to go through an emergent landing halfway. I can rmb at least four cases, one is from london to hk and had to land in moskow, once is from hong kong to london and had to land in wuhan, once is from manila to hk and one is from shanghai to hk

At least it will not be my preferrence. If the price is really competitive, i may consider LOL

Edited December 12, 2012 by Channing

[sgbotl]

Breaking News! SIA loses it's Virgin(ity) to Delta..

This deal has been rumoured for some time. Looks like SIA were really desperate to get rid of its stake since they sold it at for third of what they paid in 1999.. Read somewhere that the price is worth less than the Heathrow slots that Virgin holds. God bless our beloved SIA :/

Oh well, at least it has been an interesting year for the local aviation scene.. First Qantas moves it's hub to Dubai and gets into ebd with it's long time rival Emirates, then SIA hooks up with Virgin Australia, SilkAir's large 737Max order, Scoot partnering with Tiger and getting SIA's 787s, and now this. Looks like SilkAir, Scoot, and Tiger are the future of the SIA Group.

Interesting titbit from Centre for Asia-Pacific Aviation, I wasn't aware of this:

Despite paying more than GBP600 for the share in the 1990s and recouping a bit over a third of that amount from the sale, it had written down the value to such an extent that it will now book a profit from the sale. Its original purchase justification, to gain access from London to the US via the Atlantic, soon disappeared once those rights became directly available to SIA.

[Marineboy]

The Virgin SIA marriage in my opinon was really weird.

The style of management is so too diverse. How are they ever going to agree on anything.

One is so prim n proper...they other relak lah...casual.

Branson is one lucky dude too...SIA took his share of hit after 911........

There was this joke that went around...after SIA CEO Cheong took credit for closing the deal....

The deal was sealed and announced in US$$........the joke was Branson thought the deal was suppose to be S$$ hahahaha

Nvm if you dont get it

Channing....where did you hear about it;s commonly known that CX pruchasing 2nd hand planes and a lot from SQ??

Anyway your experience with each airline is varied and due to circumstances it can be good or bad.

Each airline has its good crew n lousy ones too...its your luck to meet them though generally the culture of the company plays a role in the long run.

New planes like new cars are not problem free too.

Frankly most top airlines are about there...what else can you offer that the ohters cant

SIA had the youthful singaproe Girl....then one time they had the youngest fleet...that was when you are small...you cannot be new with a large fleet...quite impossible.

First time i flew Emirates i was rather impressed...the next time was quite ordinary.

Domestic flights in the US...lots of aunties..but they will shout at you if you dont follow rules keke

If you do business studies...the advice is never to put your money in airlines. It's tough to run such a business.

The most profitable airline had the edge of cheaper labour and nil stirkes as far as i know then.

Connection and choice of flights is certainly a pull factor.

One thing i find SQ did right was the way they handled the SQ6 crash aftermath.

They could have paid the minimum compensation according to ICAO rules....but they had the $$ and paid ea victim US$400k ...VVIPs were handled seperately undisclosed.

That reminded me when i read the article in our locap papers.....A great way to Die....left a deep impression on me.

[Hiboy]

Hmm... since we are on the topic of CX, some news abt CX to share

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2246817/Cathay-Pacific-airline-attendants-threaten-strike-withholding-drinks-smiles-holiday-season.html

Will really be crappy if i paid for a full service flight and I get budget airline service.

My experience on CX: pathetic amount of food served. I guess it was in the midst of budget cuts. I will still fly if they provide competitive fares. And HKG is a good airport to transit in anyway. I guess most of us (ordinary folks) are price sensitive. Fly with the airline with the cheapest fares

[Guest Guest]

The Virgin SIA marriage in my opinon was really weird.

The style of management is so too diverse. How are they ever going to agree on anything.

One is so prim n proper...they other relak lah...casual.

Branson is one lucky dude too...SIA took his share of hit after 911........

There was this joke that went around...after SIA CEO Cheong took credit for closing the deal....

The deal was sealed and announced in US$$........the joke was Branson thought the deal was suppose to be S$$ hahahaha

Nvm if you dont get it

Channing....where did you hear about it;s commonly known that CX pruchasing 2nd hand planes and a lot from SQ??

Anyway your experience with each airline is varied and due to circumstances it can be good or bad.

Each airline has its good crew n lousy ones too...its your luck to meet them though generally the culture of the company plays a role in the long run.

New planes like new cars are not problem free too.

Frankly most top airlines are about there...what else can you offer that the ohters cant

SIA had the youthful singaproe Girl....then one time they had the youngest fleet...that was when you are small...you cannot be new with a large fleet...quite impossible.

First time i flew Emirates i was rather impressed...the next time was quite ordinary.

Domestic flights in the US...lots of aunties..but they will shout at you if you dont follow rules keke

If you do business studies...the advice is never to put your money in airlines. It's tough to run such a business.

The most profitable airline had the edge of cheaper labour and nil stirkes as far as i know then.

Connection and choice of flights is certainly a pull factor.

One thing i find SQ did right was the way they handled the SQ6 crash aftermath.

They could have paid the minimum compensation according to ICAO rules....but they had the $$ and paid ea victim US$400k ...VVIPs were handled seperately undisclosed.

That reminded me when i read the article in our locap papers.....A great way to Die....left a deep impression on me.

SIA investmnt in Air New Zealand also went terribly wrong. Their independent consultant and board of director dont seems to have the midas touch. Hope no one here lost money investing in SIA share.

[Channing]

The Virgin SIA marriage in my opinon was really weird.

The style of management is so too diverse. How are they ever going to agree on anything.

One is so prim n proper...they other relak lah...casual.

Branson is one lucky dude too...SIA took his share of hit after 911........

There was this joke that went around...after SIA CEO Cheong took credit for closing the deal....

The deal was sealed and announced in US$$........the joke was Branson thought the deal was suppose to be S$$ hahahaha

Nvm if you dont get it

Channing....where did you hear about it;s commonly known that CX pruchasing 2nd hand planes and a lot from SQ??

Anyway your experience with each airline is varied and due to circumstances it can be good or bad.

Each airline has its good crew n lousy ones too...its your luck to meet them though generally the culture of the company plays a role in the long run.

New planes like new cars are not problem free too.

Frankly most top airlines are about there...what else can you offer that the ohters cant

SIA had the youthful singaproe Girl....then one time they had the youngest fleet...that was when you are small...you cannot be new with a large fleet...quite impossible.

First time i flew Emirates i was rather impressed...the next time was quite ordinary.

Domestic flights in the US...lots of aunties..but they will shout at you if you dont follow rules keke

If you do business studies...the advice is never to put your money in airlines. It's tough to run such a business.

The most profitable airline had the edge of cheaper labour and nil stirkes as far as i know then.

Connection and choice of flights is certainly a pull factor.

One thing i find SQ did right was the way they handled the SQ6 crash aftermath.

They could have paid the minimum compensation according to ICAO rules....but they had the $$ and paid ea victim US$400k ...VVIPs were handled seperately undisclosed.

That reminded me when i read the article in our locap papers.....A great way to Die....left a deep impression on me.

ya, i agree with you

In some sense, the profitability of airlines not only comes from the strategy of the management or how hospitable the service is, it depends on something uncontrollable... the most profitable airlines in the past two years was probably Air China but you know their service sucks....all their success comes from the large population of China and its monopolistic position in Beijing Airport

CX is also benefiting a lot from its geographical location, in some sense SQ is sad as it might not be able to capture too much from the emerging China market except the route to Australia and New Zealand

[MeowPrince]

Mmmm. CX did buy over used SQ planes in the old days, 747s, and a couple of smaller craft for their Dragonair subsidiary, though a long time ago. Nowadays, its more of leasing rather than buying, as planes do get obsolete faster. While older pilots might disagree on the part of the flyability of the planes, I doubt anyone can dispute the economic sense in keeping a new fleet - fuel economics. Which is probably SQ's present shortcoming - keeping those 340-500s which are fuel guzzlers. All the rest of the SQ fleet are more fuel-saving in comparison. But having invested in them and converted them to all-business class, guess management wasn't so keen to let go. TG grounded their 340-500s some time ago already. Four fuel-guzzling engines (A340s) vs two more-economical engines (B777s, A330s), it doesn't take much to count the beans.

The world air travel market is now focusing on 3 pivots - East Asia (China), Middle East and South America. Qatar's joining Oneworld. Skyteam grabbing for China carriers. And the growth of Qatar, Etihad and Emirates. The merger of LAN and TAM to Latam. Look at the order books of Airbus and Boeing and you see most of it being Asia/ME-centred. Though I personally think the notion of 120 A380s for on Dubai's tarmac is a little over the top. Bleaah.

Remember the old Cathay Pacific theme song - Marineboy or any of the older guys here remember their ad where they had people forming those shapes in the desert?

edit - found the music!

Edited December 13, 2012 by MeowPrince

[avalux200]

Mmmm. CX did buy over used SQ planes in the old days, 747s, and a couple of smaller craft for their Dragonair subsidiary, though a long time ago. Nowadays, its more of leasing rather than buying, as planes do get obsolete faster. While older pilots might disagree on the part of the flyability of the planes, I doubt anyone can dispute the economic sense in keeping a new fleet - fuel economics. Which is probably SQ's present shortcoming - keeping those 340-500s which are fuel guzzlers. All the rest of the SQ fleet are more fuel-saving in comparison. But having invested in them and converted them to all-business class, guess management wasn't so keen to let go. TG grounded their 340-500s some time ago already. Four fuel-guzzling engines (A340s) vs two more-economical engines (B777s, A330s), it doesn't take much to count the beans.

The world air travel market is now focusing on 3 pivots - East Asia (China), Middle East and South America. Qatar's joining Oneworld. Skyteam grabbing for China carriers. And the growth of Qatar, Etihad and Emirates. The merger of LAN and TAM to Latam. Look at the order books of Airbus and Boeing and you see most of it being Asia/ME-centred. Though I personally think the notion of 120 A380s for on Dubai's tarmac is a little over the top. Bleaah.

Remember the old Cathay Pacific theme song - Marineboy or any of the older guys here remember their ad where they had people forming those shapes in the desert?

[media=]

edit - found the music!

Meowprince! I remember this ad! It was quite iconic of them in the 90s or late 80s I think! Came across this last time when youtubing their ads. :3

[avalux200]

Anyway I don't really see why CX deserves the flak it gets. I flew with them a few times, and really, I think they are quite the brilliant airline. I find their crew charming (the guys look especially hot omg haha) The service too was fantastic, very unfrazzled.

And I don't really think CX bought a lot of ex-SQ birds. Just a few 744, as meowprince pointed I think. Theur 772 and 773 fleets are still as they were when they first took delivery in the late 90s haha! But I feel that both CX and SQ do make the effort to maintain high maintenance standards of their aircraft, and it shows.

Both airlines have wrongly committed to gas-guzzlers in the past and are now regretting it sorely. CX bought the 346s which they trumpeted for their HKG-JFK route, only to find them grossly inefficient. Enter the 77Ws (777-300ERs) and it became CX's favoured child over the 346s. The last I know, these birds are with Hainan Airlines. SQ committed to the 345s which, while very efficient for ULH (Ultra long haul) routes, was very inefficient cost-wise.

Now I don't get these comparisons of CX with SQ and neither do I get why people always think really highly of SQ. My take is that SQ's standards have fallen sharply. Perhaps I hold them to high standards, but I feel like something is lacking that they used to have.

[Marineboy]

Mmmm. CX did buy over used SQ planes in the old days, 747s, and a couple of smaller craft for their Dragonair subsidiary, though a long time ago. Nowadays, its more of leasing rather than buying, as planes do get obsolete faster. While older pilots might disagree on the part of the flyability of the planes, I doubt anyone can dispute the economic sense in keeping a new fleet - fuel economics. Which is probably SQ's present shortcoming - keeping those 340-500s which are fuel guzzlers. All the rest of the SQ fleet are more fuel-saving in comparison. But having invested in them and converted them to all-business class, guess management wasn't so keen to let go. TG grounded their 340-500s some time ago already. Four fuel-guzzling engines (A340s) vs two more-economical engines (B777s, A330s), it doesn't take much to count the beans.

The world air travel market is now focusing on 3 pivots - East Asia (China), Middle East and South America. Qatar's joining Oneworld. Skyteam grabbing for China carriers. And the growth of Qatar, Etihad and Emirates. The merger of LAN and TAM to Latam. Look at the order books of Airbus and Boeing and you see most of it being Asia/ME-centred. Though I personally think the notion of 120 A380s for on Dubai's tarmac is a little over the top. Bleaah.

Remember the old Cathay Pacific theme song - Marineboy or any of the older guys here remember their ad where they had people forming those shapes in the desert?

[media=]

edit - found the music!

The LoveTheme once was played during the takeoff run....a fren told me it was fantastic as the plane seem to takeoff in synch with the music.

I dont quite remember the ad where they had people forming shapes in the desert i keep seeing the BA advert....worlds favourite airline ad which . seems to cloud my mind...damn hehe

Need to see it again.

I like their slogan though...arrive in better shape...to which some of our guys/girls cheekily calling the singaporean cathay girls...singapore rejects hahaha

I thought it was mean.

[azimuth]

I flew Cathay to Hong Kong in October. The in-flight service was alright but the seats are really quite bad. You can recline backwards but can only "slide downwards". Bad design IMO.

[MeowPrince]

The LoveTheme once was played during the takeoff run....a fren told me it was fantastic as the plane seem to takeoff in synch with the music.

I dont quite remember the ad where they had people forming shapes in the desert i keep seeing the BA advert....worlds favourite airline ad which . seems to cloud my mind...damn hehe

I have a friend who has a jinx with CX, complains that everytime company put her on CX, her flight would be clouded all the way. LOL!

Haiz, I just wish SQ will buck up and clean up their horrible website and mobile app very soon. I'm already looking at Emirates and Qatar for my Europe plans next year. Hmmm.....maybe a layover in Dubai to shoot their pretty airport.

[bullet78]

http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/asian-skies//2012/12/malaysia-airlines-retro-livery.html

Malaysia Airlines painted one of their new 737-800 into old school original livery to celebrate 40 yrs anniversaries.

[Marineboy]

Bullet 78..

It was nice to see the old livery again...cheers

MeowPrince..

When you layover at Dubai n taking pics of their nice airport..be aware

The last time someone asked me a favour to take a photo for them and include an arab sitting there in their arafat pyjamas....sorry you know what i mean.

I did and he actually came back quite some time later with a paper in his hand and read it to me,

Excuse me please do not cast me in your photo!! wtf ...later i was told that some actually believe we capture part of their soul in the photo crap pardon me lingo...anyone can verify that....any Arabs here?

Salamalikum

[MeowPrince]

MeowPrince..

When you layover at Dubai n taking pics of their nice airport..be aware

The last time someone asked me a favour to take a photo for them and include an arab sitting there in their arafat pyjamas....sorry you know what i mean.

I did and he actually came back quite some time later with a paper in his hand and read it to me,

Excuse me please do not cast me in your photo!! wtf ...later i was told that some actually believe we capture part of their soul in the photo crap pardon me lingo...anyone can verify that....any Arabs here?

Salamalikum

Haha, no worries, I'm not interested in taking people. But that is one pretty airport from the pics I've seen. Think you know too, that photography-inclined forum.

[skyfdream]

Anyone interested in going to see planes together ?

[sgbotl]

Anyone interested in going to see planes together ?

Me me!! Been wanting to go spotting for sometime but got no kaki. We could turn it into a meet up too

http://www.flightglo...tro-livery.html

Malaysia Airlines painted one of their new 737-800 into old school original livery to celebrate 40 yrs anniversaries.

That's so retro. :hat:

Come to think of it, the MAS livery has changed much more than the SIA livery. Not to say that the SIA one looks dated, but somehow, the SIA's golden phoenix still looks good after all these years..

I flew Cathay to Hong Kong in October. The in-flight service was alright but the seats are really quite bad. You can recline backwards but can only "slide downwards". Bad design IMO.

Cathay screwed up when they introduced their previous generation inflight products. Everyone hated their herringbone business class seats cos it was too cramped and the economy class seats for not being able to recline. If i'm not wrong, the whole episode caused the resignation of the manager responsible for introducing the new seats.

[Guest boeing777]

Look at the MH chiobu A380 before its maiden flight from KUL to LHR! It's on my desktop screen now!

http://www.airliners...hoto/2138898/L/

[avalux200]

Me me!! Been wanting to go spotting for sometime but got no kaki. We could turn it into a meet up too

That's so retro. :hat:

Come to think of it, the MAS livery has changed much more than the SIA livery. Not to say that the SIA one looks dated, but somehow, the SIA's golden phoenix still looks good after all these years..

Cathay screwed up when they introduced their previous generation inflight products. Everyone hated their herringbone business class seats cos it was too cramped and the economy class seats for not being able to recline. If i'm not wrong, the whole episode caused the resignation of the manager responsible for introducing the new seats.

We should go to outside of Changi to see planes! You know that changi coast there! Always very nice to see there! hehe

And yah Cathay's older product (the semi-recline forward Y class seats, and the herringbone seats) were vastly unpopular. Which was a shame. I heard names likes "coffin seat" for the business class seat.

[azimuth]

Me me!! Been wanting to go spotting for sometime but got no kaki. We could turn it into a meet up too

That's so retro. :hat:

Come to think of it, the MAS livery has changed much more than the SIA livery. Not to say that the SIA one looks dated, but somehow, the SIA's golden phoenix still looks good after all these years..

Cathay screwed up when they introduced their previous generation inflight products. Everyone hated their herringbone business class seats cos it was too cramped and the economy class seats for not being able to recline. If i'm not wrong, the whole episode caused the resignation of the manager responsible for introducing the new seats.

I guess Cathay is not really my preferred airline these days. I have yet to try Qatar and Emirates. Heard the middle eastern airlines are up and coming!

[sgbotl]

I guess Cathay is not really my preferred airline these days. I have yet to try Qatar and Emirates. Heard the middle eastern airlines are up and coming!

Don't forget Turkish Airlines too. They're highly rated and are growing fast.

We should go to outside of Changi to see planes! You know that changi coast there! Always very nice to see there! hehe

And yah Cathay's older product (the semi-recline forward Y class seats, and the herringbone seats) were vastly unpopular. Which was a shame. I heard names likes "coffin seat" for the business class seat.

Changi beach would be the best, in terms of amenities. If not changi business park is a good place too

Mmmm. CX did buy over used SQ planes in the old days, 747s, and a couple of smaller craft for their Dragonair subsidiary, though a long time ago. Nowadays, its more of leasing rather than buying, as planes do get obsolete faster. While older pilots might disagree on the part of the flyability of the planes, I doubt anyone can dispute the economic sense in keeping a new fleet - fuel economics. Which is probably SQ's present shortcoming - keeping those 340-500s which are fuel guzzlers. All the rest of the SQ fleet are more fuel-saving in comparison. But having invested in them and converted them to all-business class, guess management wasn't so keen to let go. TG grounded their 340-500s some time ago already. Four fuel-guzzling engines (A340s) vs two more-economical engines (B777s, A330s), it doesn't take much to count the beans.

The world air travel market is now focusing on 3 pivots - East Asia (China), Middle East and South America. Qatar's joining Oneworld. Skyteam grabbing for China carriers. And the growth of Qatar, Etihad and Emirates. The merger of LAN and TAM to Latam. Look at the order books of Airbus and Boeing and you see most of it being Asia/ME-centred. Though I personally think the notion of 120 A380s for on Dubai's tarmac is a little over the top. Bleaah.

Remember the old Cathay Pacific theme song - Marineboy or any of the older guys here remember their ad where they had people forming those shapes in the desert?

edit - found the music!

Speaking of old airline songs, check this out.

[media=]

[Guest arowana]

post deleted 

Edited October 25, 2013 by arowana

[Guest arowana]

post deleted 

Edited October 25, 2013 by arowana

[Channing]

I guess Cathay is not really my preferred airline these days. I have yet to try Qatar and Emirates. Heard the middle eastern airlines are up and coming!

Qatar is nice, after all it's one of the seven best airlines in the world LOL

Emirates...okie...i do hear many ppl commenting that the service onboard varies greatly. Maybe better on those flights to States or crucial hubs like HKG

[Channing]

Anyone interested in any Taiwan based airlines? Like China Airlines or Eva Air?

CAL used to be the most notorious airlines globally in the 1980s and 1990s tgt with Korean Airlines after those shocking aircrash like CI006 CI611 CI676 etc

Btw, i do like the national geography series 'Air Crash Investigation'

they include the SQ006 investigation in the latest season

there was a time when i was watching one episode using my laptop on a flight without entertainment system, the person sitting next to me just couldn't calm and suggested me to turn the laptop off haha

Edited January 5, 2013 by Channing

[GreatMast]

Anyone interested in any Taiwan based airlines? Like China Airlines or Eva Air?

CAL used to be the most notorious airlines globally in the 1980s and 1990s tgt with Korean Airlines after those shocking aircrash like CI006 CI611 CI676 etc

Btw, i do like the national geography series 'Air Crash Investigation'

they include the SQ006 investigation in the latest season

there was a time when i was watching one episode using my laptop on a flight without entertainment system, the person sitting next to me just couldn't calm and suggested me to turn the laptop off haha

I love watching every episode of aci/ mayday... but more inclined to watching those which involve planes being rescued by the pilots from crashing! It's v v sad n devastating to c ppl die due to human/pilot/maintenance error when a plane crashes...

For those interesting, you may know catch them on youtube for the full running episode on one clip.. (few years back you've to load it in parts, which is kinda irritating)

[sgbotl]

Anyone interested in any Taiwan based airlines? Like China Airlines or Eva Air?

CAL used to be the most notorious airlines globally in the 1980s and 1990s tgt with Korean Airlines after those shocking aircrash like CI006 CI611 CI676 etc

Btw, i do like the national geography series 'Air Crash Investigation'

they include the SQ006 investigation in the latest season

there was a time when i was watching one episode using my laptop on a flight without entertainment system, the person sitting next to me just couldn't calm and suggested me to turn the laptop off haha

As much as I love air crash investigation, watching it inflight is big a nono for me. hahaha!

I love watching every episode of aci/ mayday... but more inclined to watching those which involve planes being rescued by the pilots from crashing! It's v v sad n devastating to c ppl die due to human/pilot/maintenance error when a plane crashes...

For those interesting, you may know catch them on youtube for the full running episode on one clip.. (few years back you've to load it in parts, which is kinda irritating)

This is the video for those who want to watch it.. It's gonna bring back memories the crash..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vI_y00hr1FY

Edited January 8, 2013 by sgbotl

[GreatMast]

As much as I love air crash investigation, watching it inflight is big a nono for me. hahaha!

This is the video for those who want to watch it.. It's gonna bring back memories the crash..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vI_y00hr1FY

I only know how it's a total pilot error after watching this episode...

As for saving planes episodes, try "turning point" northwest 85, it's a remarkable save of the plane!

[sgbotl]

New American Airlines livery and rebanding! They redid their website too. http://www.aa.com/ho...en_US&pref=true

What do you guys think?

I didn't like the livery at first but it's growing on me. The tail still looks horrible though! It's too radical. Wish that they'd just modernised the eagle instead of what they did with the logo. It really is a timeless insignia like the SQ phoenix. Their website, on the other hand, is much better than it has ever been. haha, It used to be as cluttered as Amazon's.

Previous livery

Edited January 19, 2013 by sgbotl

[Channing]

It looked like Air France at the first sight

[benice]

New American Airlines livery and rebanding! They redid their website too. http://www.aa.com/ho...en_US&pref=true

What do you guys think?

I didn't like the livery at first but it's growing on me. The tail still looks horrible though! It's too radical. Wish that they'd just modernised the eagle instead of what they did with the logo. It really is a timeless insignia like the SQ phoenix. Their website, on the other hand, is much better than it has ever been. haha, It used to be as cluttered as Amazon's.

Previous livery

Agree! Website looks much better. I think the new font and look will take some getting used to. I like how they wanted to put the flag on the tail of the aircraft but I don't like the white strips, maybe the stars themselves would work better? Or the stylized eagle like you said

[azimuth]

I only know how it's a total pilot error after watching this episode...

As for saving planes episodes, try "turning point" northwest 85, it's a remarkable save of the plane!

Most of the crashes I watched are related to human errors actually somehow. Enter the wrong runway or non approved repair to the plane even by the plane manufacturers themselves.

[Guest arowana]

post deleted 

Edited October 25, 2013 by arowana

[MeowPrince]

recent snapshots around Singapore

[Marineboy]

Wow how come when i shoot to the sky i dont get these results? sigh! kekeke

[MeowPrince]

Wow how come when i shoot to the sky i dont get these results? sigh! kekeke

I was using a wrong lens anyway, one meant for closeup and macro work, and with manual focus. So these are pretty lucky to get.

At least don't use that overgrown samseng tab.... (I won't get such on my S-II either)

[jeffrysky]

Ethiopian Airlines to Addis Ababa !

[xoxo77]

Hey all, I joined BW quite recently, but haven't commented much. I read with great interest on this thread. Aviation is one of my hobby. Glad that there are many PLUs out there who have interest in aviation. I thought I was the only weird and rare ones.

I see quite a lot of you are interested in CX topic. CX bought B744 and A343 before from Singapore Airlines, although the latter was through Boeing Aircraft Holding Co. Boeing bought all 17 A343s that SQ had in late 1998 in exchange for 77 B777s SQ order at that time. It was the single largest order by transaction amount then. Emirates was still in infancy. Nowadays even 200+ aircraft in single transaction is considered common. SQ A343s were traded in and found home in EK, CX, and GF.

B744 that went to CX, some became pax aircraft, a number became freighter. KA also bought the last two B743 before from SQ. KA wasn't owned by CX then, CX was minority shareholder.

As for CX cabin service, if one is to read a lot of travel forum, the services has been hit-and-misses. Service is generally better in premium cabin F and J class. However Y class depends on your luck. You may get good apple as well as horrendous apple at the same flight. The same goes to SQ. Somehow, all these legacy carriers put themselves in a different league compared to LCCs. Same goes to their staff who thinks they were 'upper class' than those of LCC.

However the world demand has changed considerably after 9/11, today's travellers are more financially conscious, going for more value for money airfares. The cheapest and most convenient time. Don't mind the luggage or meal. Just want to get from Point A to Point B, although sometimes LCC may cancel or suspend flight. It is not that all rosy. Travellers are willing to take the risk since it just CHEAP.

On the same note, some travellers who will still want to fly FSC for better services and convenience like using aerobridge to board plane and free meal. Business travellers as well loyalty club members as well. However, we can see from SQ, MH and CX example, the service at Y class has been cut to bare bones nowadays. No wonder some if not many opt for LCC.

CX made a mistake when they decided to purchase SQ B744 when the travel industry was in doldrums. They would have thought buying aircraft at bad days could save them money however, the oil spike in 2008 and global economic crisis between 2008-2012 had decreased the demand for premium class. And B744 are drinking more fuel than B77W. Airlines like SQ and CX suffered greatly as they do not have many B77W in their fleet.

One could have argue that these two events weren't foreseeable, however, if one is to notice, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways and Emirates are rising (non-stop) at the Middle East but traditional airlines became complacent. EK went on to order 150 B77Ws, 90 A380s, 90 A350WXBs and are now 'dictating' Boeing and Airbus. Same goes to Qatar Airways.

[jeffrysky]

I think SQ started trimming off the 4 holers early enough - I think there was also a factor for ETOPS .. now with the twin-holers' increased ETOPs reliability and fuel-efficiency, there is a definite noticeable shift away from traditional 4 holers (747s, A340s)

J

[MeowPrince]

At least SQ finally made the decision to chop off the remaining 340-500s.

Their route updates in the last few months have axed the unprofitable routes altogether (eg Sin-Athens), and upped some (more biz-class for Sin-Zurich). For a carrier with so much legacy baggage in its management, one can only hope it can return to some semblance of decent decision-making. I for one detest the Singaporeair website - so darn unfriendly to use.

[Marineboy]

I for one will feel more at ease with the 4 holers. More so on long trips over the oceans. You lose one its 25% loss only

ETOPs range got a lot further these days....its good the the engine reliability is so much better these days...

However you happen to be on the 2 holer plane that one time the engine fails you better pray the other one can take you across the oceans without needing an ocean ditching

[Phil]

ETOPS operations are very carefully certified, and modern engines' reliability has considerably improved.

This being said, I understand Marineboy...

When I fly, during the night, over some "hostile" route, a large ocean for instance, I sleep better onboard an A 380 than on a 777, even if I must admit that this is irrational...

[MeowPrince]

LOL Phil, me too, me too! In 2008, I got to fly an assortment of planes between Singapore and London/Greece/Saigon/Phnom Penh/Bali. I still remember how I was on edge throughout the flight on an Olympic 737-300/400 (iirc) and yet could sleep through the flights on the A380 and 777-300ER, or relax when on the 737-900 (Lion Air was the first operator in SEA).

[azimuth]

SIA let go of 70+ pilots. Sounds like turbulent times ahead.

[Guest Guest]

SQ everything also cut cost now. The old management is better, treats the employers better and understand the grounds. Now the old management has made way for new and younger management who lacks experience and just wanna outperform each other and produce 'results' by coming out with several cost-cutting measures. Cost cutting is understandable but the new management does not take care of employers and does not understand the grounds. Cabin crew and pilots morales are at all time low now. They feel shitty and maybe the cabin crew will give you an angry stare if you try to be nasty. Alot of FT ground staffs who do not even care about service or upholding the image of SIA.

SIA is all about cost cutting now and soon customers will also cut themselves away and good performing staffs will also flock to other coys. U hear insider news from me here!

[Phil]

LOL Phil, me too, me too! In 2008, I got to fly an assortment of planes between Singapore and London/Greece/Saigon/Phnom Penh/Bali. I still remember how I was on edge throughout the flight on an Olympic 737-300/400 (iirc) and yet could sleep through the flights on the A380 and 777-300ER, or relax when on the 737-900 (Lion Air was the first operator in SEA).

I can imagine, MeowPrince...

Brain and heart are différent organs.

And in the case of Olympic, well... Lots of reasons not to sleep well... But PM me If you want détails...

In addition, the A380 has a wonderful air conditioning system and is really noiseless.

Anyway, I have to say that one of my best flights was with Singapore airlines to Paris, on a B777... Nice airline, even If some people do not like it.

[Guest Guest]

SIA let go of 70+ pilots. Sounds like turbulent times ahead.

all 76 pilots are foreign pilots, kena sent back home.

okay lah, leave the jobs for locals, opps sorry FTs.

[MeowPrince]

I can imagine, MeowPrince...

Brain and heart are différent organs.

And in the case of Olympic, well... Lots of reasons not to sleep well... But PM me If you want détails...

In addition, the A380 has a wonderful air conditioning system and is really noiseless.

Anyway, I have to say that one of my best flights was with Singapore airlines to Paris, on a B777... Nice airline, even If some people do not like it.

Yeah... Olympic... that was the one and only time I'd ever board them. I stuck with Aegean thereafter - slightly cheaper fare and better service onboard. IMO, it was a good thing for Aegean the merger fell through. Cannot imagine them lowering standards to take in Olympic's baggage of problems. Doesn't matter that they upgraded to new planes, I'd still fly Aegean. Flew on the latter's RJ100 (Athens-Thira), A320 (Iraklio-Athens) and A321 (Gatwick-Athens) back then.

[Phil]

Yeah... Olympic... that was the one and only time I'd ever board them. I stuck with Aegean thereafter - slightly cheaper fare and better service onboard. IMO, it was a good thing for Aegean the merger fell through. Cannot imagine them lowering standards to take in Olympic's baggage of problems. Doesn't matter that they upgraded to new planes, I'd still fly Aegean. Flew on the latter's RJ100 (Athens-Thira), A320 (Iraklio-Athens) and A321 (Gatwick-Athens) back then.

I never tried Aegean, but from what I heard, you are right...

I was mainly thinking about safety.

But anyway, Greece is such a wonderful country!

You posted excellent photos from there.