Miyuru Sandaruwan: February 2013 Archives

 Emirates already has a significant presence in Philippines with three daily flights to Manila and it has been well known that the carrier was keen to add more capacity to this fast growing city. Yet, Manila (MNL) at present is one of the most crowded airports in Asia - and getting a slot, specially one at your preferred timings is proving to be no easy task. Emirates has found an answer - and one that is both risky and innovative at the same time.

 Effective 1st October, the Middle Eastern mega carrier will add a daily nonstop service to Clark in Philippines. Clark, situated 90km from the main Manila Ninoy Aquino International airport, is presently predominantly served by Low Cost Carriers with Asiana as the sole Full Service Carrier.

Emirates will be entering the market with a two class Boeing 777-300, configured with over 400 seats - and fitting into one of its key hub banks which will offer very good connectivity.

EK338 DXB CRK 0400 1640

EK339 CRK DXB 1835 2305

Clark itself offers Emirates an advantage over the crowded Manila International as Luzon, the area where Clark is situauted, is home to a large community working in the Middle East. And Emirates launch of services into Clark could not be more timely with Philippine's own Cebu Pacific planning to launch Manila - Dubai services also in October.

Japan Airlines today announced that it is postponing until further notice, the launch of its recently announced new route between Tokyo and Helsinki, due to the grounding of Boeing 787 aircraft.

The airline originally planned to start this route on 25th February, with Boeing 787 aircraft.

Originally planned schedule:

JL413 NRT HEL 1145 1505HEL x357

JL414 HEL NRT 1725 1015+1 x357

 Due to the grounding of Boeing 787 fleet worldwide, JAL is currently substituting its Boeing 767 and 777 fleets on existing 787 routes - while some routes have been temporarily suspended.

The airline will be offering affected passengers alternate flights with other airlines. Fellow oneworld member Finnair already operates on the Helsinki - Tokyo route.

Alitalia will be cancelling its four-times weekly Rome - Beijing service from 6th March 2013. The airline presently operates the route with an Airbus A330-200.

Schedule:

 AZ790 FCO PEK 1335 0655+1 x246

AZ791 PEK FCO 0940 1415FCO x357