Neha Jain: http://philippinesaviationnews.blogspot.com/22

1. Cebu Pacific seeks partnership with flight training schools
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MANILA, Philippines – Cebu Pacific is seeking partnerships with flight training institutions approved by Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).

After the success of CEB’s grand recruitment event last February 11, the airline announced another innovative way to source high quality personnel for its growing workforce by creating a sustainable crew resource program.

Cebu Pacific opens the doors for partnerships with quality flight training organizations. According to CAAP, there are approximately 50 registered flight training institutions in Clark, Subic, Pasay, Bacolod, Zambales, Lapu-Lapu, and Manila, among others.

“We encourage the leading flight training organizations from all over the Philippines to develop competitive proposals and send them to Cebu Pacific so we can forge a partnership with them. This will help their students secure employment with Cebu Pacific after graduation,” said CEB VP for marketing and distribution Candice Iyog.

Interested flight training institutions should contact CEB’s Special Projects Office for a request for tender document.

“As the country’s largest airline, CEB continues to find innovative ways to support its growing workforce. This will deepen our pool of technical experts in various airline functions and ensure that CEB strengthens its high-quality value proposition to its passengers.” Iyog said.

Iyog added that this is a win-win situation for both the flight training organization and the airline. “CEB looks forward to welcoming even more qualified individuals into the CEB family, as we take delivery of more brand-new Airbus A320 aircraft."

The airline has already received four brand-new Airbus A320 from October 2010 to January 2011. By the end of 2011, CEB will be operating a fleet of 37 aircraft with an average age of less than 2.5 years one of the most modern aircraft fleets in the world. Between 2012 and 2014, Cebu Pacific will take an additional 16 Airbus A320 aircraft. (EHL).

2. Mt. Bulusan now a 'no fly zone': CAAP
MANILA, Philippines - The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) on Monday making the vicinity of Mt. Bulusan in Sorsogon Province a "no fly zone."

CAAP Director General Ramon Gutierrez confirmed the issuance of the NOTAM and said they will issue updates accordingly as the condition of Mt. Bulusan changes.

The NOTAM informs pilots about the volcanic eruption in the area so they can avoid the area and prevent the possible ingestion of ash in its engines which can be fatal.

The NOTAM was issued just before noon Monday following the eruption of the volcano Sunday morning.

The volcano erupted a thick column of ash that has risen to over 3,000 meters from the crater creating a danger to passenger airplanes.

3. Air Philippines restructures

Air Philippines Corp., the low-cost airline owned by beer and tobacco tycoon Lucio Tan, will restructure its equity to improve business operations and address the long-term viability of the company.

Air Philippines, which operates Airphil Express, said in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that it will use the firm’s additional paid-in capital worth P6.1 billion to partially wipe out a deficit that stood at P6.8 billion as of end September 2010.

Air Philippines said the company also planned to generate additional revenues and reduce operating cost to boost operations.

It said it planned to tap the credit and capital markets to finance the equity restructuring, change fleet type to suit core markets and reduce manpower and overhead costs.

Air Philippines lost P941 million in the first nine months of 2010, up from the loss of P687 million posted in the same period last year, due to higher expenses.

Revenues totaled P1.9 billion, up 35 percent from P1.42 billion on year on higher passenger and cargo revenues. Expenses grew 31 percent to P2.9 billion from P2.2 billion on year.

Air Philippines said last year it was allotting $250 million for fleet expansion in two-and-a-half years and planned to add 18 Airbus 320 until 2012 to compete in the local aviation industry.

It said it would finance the fleet expansion partly by internal funds and the rest from the capital market.

Air Philippines is the country’s third largest airline, behind sister company Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific of the Gokongwei group, at the end of the first half of 2010 after carrying 676,686 passengers.

The airline hopes to increase its Airbus 320 aircraft fleet to 18 by 2012 and add more domestic routes like Vigan and Marinduque and regional routes, including Korea, Bangkok and Hong Kong.

The airline currently flies to Bacolod, Busuanga, Cagayan de Oro, Calbayog, Catarman, Caticlan (Boracay), Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Jolo, Kalibo, Legazpi, Masbate, Naga, Ormoc, Puerto Princesa, San Jose(Mindoro), Singapore, Surigao, Tacloban, Tagbilaran, Tuguegarao and Zamboanga.

4. Del Monte out to end Canlubang’s reign

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The 64th Philippine Airlines Interclub golf team championships get under way Wednesday with Del Monte Golf Club emerging as the biggest obstacle in Canlubang’s bid to extend its five-year unbeaten run.

Del Monte, which won its first and only title in 2004, is making a serious title run with reigning national champion Clyde Mondilla at the helm of a young squad, majority of which are products of the club’s junior golf program.

Mondilla, 17, is fresh from a runner-up finish in the WWWExpress-DHL amateur championship and looms as the event’s top attraction.

“Clyde is a class of his own,” said Del Monte playing captain Yoyong Velez, the only remnant of the 2004 championship team.

Mondilla returns to the site of his greatest triumph so far.

Less than a year ago at Del Monte, Mondilla routed Miguel Tabuena, 9 and 8, in a clash between two of the country’s top prodigies.

Julius Bautista, the player Tabuena narrowly beat in the semifinals of the same event, is one of six Del Monte holdovers that include Mondilla, Velez, Bannie Abano, Noel Langamin and Leonard Lofranco.

Del Monte’s new faces – all in their twenties – are Lawrence Cubillo, Magno Arangcon, Mark Mondilla and Jovencio Lusterio.

Tommy Manotoc, one of Canlubang’s Old Guards, said Del Monte’s young players can play, but added he would like to know how they handle championship pressure.

With the departure of Mark Fernando and Jonnel Ababa coupled with the adoption of a new handicapping system, Canlubang’s once formidable squad has been reduced into a selection of tested veterans, former caddies, junior and club players.

Aside from Rolly Viray, Canlubang reactivated old hands Dave Hernandez and Abe Rosal and tapped Gabriel Manotoc, 12, and club player Mico Ochoa. Completing the team are world junior champion Rupert Zaragosa, Jobim Carlos, Art Arbole, Paul Echavez and Joey Huerva.

Del Monte foiled Manila Southwood’s bid in 2004 by shooting a record 12-under in the opening round at its home course. Buboy Jaraulla’s seven-under 65 remains an Interclub mark.

“The 2004 team is stronger than what we have now, but the field before was tougher,” said Velez.

On a scale from 1 to 10, Velez places their chances at seven.

Except for Mondilla and Abano, who will both see action at Del Monte and Pueblo, the rest of the team will play exclusively in one course, according to Velez.

This year’s competition is backed by platinum sponsors Boeing, Airbus, Radio Mindanao Network, Business Mirror and Interactive Broadcast Media (DWWW).

Major sponsors are People Asia, 105.1 Crossover, GE Aviation, Asia Brewery and Traversing the Orient.

Also lending support are corporate sponsors Manila Bulletin and Bombo Radyo Philippines, while minor sponsors are Lufthansa Technik Philippines, MasterCard and Century Park Hotel. Prize donors include Panasonic Avionics and Tanduay.

NEHA JAIN

International Airlines Training Expo