The Lonely Score

A big part of me drown, I cave in to the physical pain that is constantly going on. Wanted to look at the bright side of things but the skies were dark and gloomy. The cold breeze blows on my face. Whenever I close my eyes, all I feel is that helplessness within.

Was talking to my bestie who is now in Sweden. Was just telling him about how I wanted to change to see the world. Even when time didn't allow it to be. He didn't say anything at all. I told him I was sick of myself. Even the way I feel the world. I wanted to see things differently. I wanted to change myself. 

G didn't say anything at first. And he told me he was happy that I wanted that change. And... He drop the bomb on me. "How are you going to write your songs Ricky?" And silence ate me up whole. I realize how much I miss my best friends who are all over the world right now. It just felt different without them being here. No matter how much I wanted to change, they see me for who I am. Music is a big part of me. It defines who I am. And only they know best on what I do. Many thinks I should be writing more positive songs. I agree with them to a certain extend. But what I write best when I let my vulnerability over shadow me. 

Feeling tired of the pain, and feeling a little calm in me. I wonder to myself, am I pushing myself to change to hard? I don't think so. But in ways, I am pushing that big part of me into the cupboard. I remember Andrew once told me this. "Ricky, you just need to accept yourself. No matter what others say, they don't see the Ricky that I do. That is the beauty that you hold" As depressing as that sound, but that part of me being said, those who are really close to me accepts me for that part most people sees as something negative. Kel also told me this months ago, "Ricky, nothing really explains who you are beside your scores." 

Taking a deep breathe, maybe I was just too afraid of coping everything alone. All of them are so far away. And maybe that was how I start to cope and adapt myself into that guy. But I got carried away. Part of being alive is to celebrate not just the happy things in life, but also all the dark memories that is with us or even all those that have not happen. Sometimes, forgotten that all these events are ok to feel. G saw something that is happening that even I didn't see. The more I try to keep everything in, it will just roll and roll. And deep down, that is something I can't afford to do. 

"Accept responsibility for your life. Know that it is you who will get you where you want to go, no one else." - Les Brown

I wasn't strong to see my own reflection. Instead, I followed all the shadows that is around me. And the longer I go, I didn't realize the distance that I was now to the place I wanted to be. It's been a long day, It's been a long week, it's been a long year, it's been a long decade. And I finally wanted to be here. I accept the fact that no matter what state I am now, I will be content with it. But the part of wanted to be heard, that is one thing no everyone could do. Many listens, but how many will hear?

But still, thankful to those that makes these few weeks easier for me. Especially Leo. I kept looping the cover of Smile he did for me. And even now, listening to that song he did, it isn't about how the would evolve  around us, but how we evolve around it instead. This Charlie Chaplin classic even gave me another level of understanding to this track. The smile that matters to those who care that sees you isn't just about the smile but also the tears that comes with every laughter. And for that, I need to take a few step back, and look at my own reflection again before taking a step forward.

Malaysia Airlines Continues Uptrend in Growth

Malaysia Airlines today announced a Net Income After Tax (NIAT) of RM51 million for the fourth quarter ended 31 December 2012 against a Net Loss of RM1.3 billion in the previous corresponding quarter.

For the full year of 2012, Malaysia Airlines reported a Net Loss of Tax of RM433 million compared to a Net Loss of RM2.52 billion registered for the 12 months ended 31 December 2011.

Without the one-off provisions amounting to RM1.09 billion recorded in Quarter 4, 2011, NIAT for the fourth quarter 2012 registered an improvement of RM233 million. For the full year 2012, there was an improvement in the results of RM1.0 billion.

This is the second consecutive quarter of profit for the national airline following 6 consecutive quarters of losses. This is also the best result since the launch of the airline’s Business Plan at the end of 2011.

“The massive swing from a RM1.3 billion loss in the fourth quarter of 2011 to a profit of RM51 million achieved in the similar quarter of 2012 shows that our Business Plan is working. We continue to gain traction in multiple initiatives that focus on increasing revenue and managing costs. The results are very encouraging for our team who has worked hard throughout the year”, said Ahmad Jauhari Yahya, Malaysia Airlines Group CEO.

The operating profit of RM44 million and NIAT of RM51 million for the fourth quarter of 2012 compared favourably against an operating loss of RM1.32 billion and a Net Loss After Tax of RM1.28 billion y-o-y in 2011.

A key contributor to the continued positive trend in yearly financial performance at the operating level was the Route Rationalisation Programme which saw an overall 6% reduction in ASK (Available Seat Kilometre) over 2012. This was matched by a marginal 2% reduction in revenue to RM13.76 billion in 2012 and Seat Factor holding at 75 ppts. The reduced ASK also helped Malaysia Airlines register a corresponding 13% decrease in expenditure.

Fuel spending, which accounted for 38% of expenditure, fell 9% equivalent to RM518 million, to RM5.33 billion for the twelve months of 2012. The average price of fuel over the period continued to remain high at an average USD134 per barrel.

With fuel prices remaining high, Malaysia Airlines’ current fleet renewal programme becomes even more significant for operations. Over the course of 2012, Malaysia Airlines took delivery of 18 new fuel efficient aircraft (7 B738s, 7 A333s, 4 A380s). The fleet renewal programme began in 2010 and will see progressive deliveries until 2017.

For the twelve months ended 31 December 2012, the Group was able to make savings of RM1.8 billion on aircraft fleet-related expenses of maintenance, fuel costs, depreciation expenses and leasing costs.

Commenting on the recent quarter’s performance, Ahmad Jauhari Yahya said, “The 4th quarter of 2012 is really a milestone for our team. There were signs of solid revenue recovery as seen in the improvement in Seat Factor and RASK (Revenue per ASK) - the highest registered in 8 quarters to-date. Yields were also maintained at a high level.”

The national airline had much to celebrate in 2012 – from its award wins at Skytrax for recognition as a 5-star airline, World’s Best Cabin Crew and Best Signature Airline Dish, to the arrival of the A380 super jumbo into its fleet starting from July, to improving productivity through ensuring the right mix of fleet for its network, amongst a long list of initiatives.

On Time Performance (OTP) for 2012 averaged 87.3%, up from 84.6% in 2011.

“When we began the year 2012 by announcing our Business Plan, many were sceptical on our team’s ability to make a change and succeed especially in a highly competitive market, with high operating costs, particularly fuel spending. The business environment continues to be very dynamic and challenging. Going forward, we will need to work even harder to ensure we keep up this strong momentum to deliver sustainable profitability”, said Ahmad Jauhari.

2013 Prospects

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) projected the outlook for 2013 to be moderately better than 2012. Economic growth and world trade growth is expected to increase at a slightly faster pace in 2013. Air traffic volume in Asia Pacific is expected to see strong growth in 2013 as cargo recovers.

Whilst Malaysia Airlines is located at the centre of aviation’s future growth hub, the airline remains cautiously optimistic of a challenging operating environment in the future. Although increased demand will be driven by emerging markets, a host of low cost carriers (LCCs) now offer value-for-money travel and increased competition, thereby putting pressure on yields of all airline players. In addition, rising fuel costs, demand shocks and seat over-capacity continue to bring challenges.

Malaysia Airlines will however continue to improve its products and services for the growing premium customer markets globally.

oneworld®

On 1 February 2013, Malaysia Airlines becomes part of oneworld®, adding one of Asia’s leading airlines to the global airline alliance that aims to be the first choice for frequent international travellers the world over. For Malaysia Airlines, joining oneworld completes yet another successful phase of its Business Plan.

Becoming part of the world’s premier global airline alliance strengthens the Malaysian national air carrier’s competitiveness, enabling it to offer customers an unrivalled alliance global network served by partners including some of the best and biggest airlines in the world.

More significantly, this membership strengthened Malaysia Airlines’ connectivity between many key business cities in Asia and other parts of the world providing increased opportunities for improved loads and yields on its services.

Better Value Proposition Our Guests – Increased Free Checked Baggage Allowance

Effective 14 February this year, Malaysia Airlines introduced an additional 10 kilograms free checked baggage allowance and reduced excess baggage charges for travel in all classes.

The revised checked baggage policy improves the airline’s product proposition in the ever-changing competitive landscape of the commercial aviation industry and also simplifies the excess baggage rates to introduce a consistent policy for its passengers, providing significant savings while they enjoy the airline’s premium service hospitality.

Fleet Renewal Continues with More Deliveries

The national carrier is currently continuing its fleet renewal plan, essential to maintaining relevance in the competitive premium service market. This started in 2010 for 35 new B737-800 and in 2011 for 15 A330, in addition to the six A380s ordered earlier.

The more technologically efficient aircraft reduce the fuel bill (current Malaysia Airlines fuel spending is equivalent to 38% of monthly operating costs) and enable Malaysia Airlines to offer a heightened level of products and services to guests at better yields.

This year alone, the company is taking about one B737-800 every month, and that is 12 deliveries with the remaining 9 of the 35 to be received by next year. In addition, it will receive a total of 4 new A330s in 2013 with the last one by early next year to complete the 15 firm order. Last week the fifth A380 joined its fleet and the sixth one will be added by end of March this year, completing the A380 programme,

A380

The first A380 aircraft entered service in July 2012 marking the start of the airline’s change. Customer response in all 3 classes (First, Business and Economy) to the 5-star product and service onboard the A380 service on the Kuala Lumpur-London route has been very encouraging. Average passenger load from July to October was 88%, with passengers commenting positively on the wider seats, quieter aircraft interior and overall more comfortable and enjoyable travel experience.

Effective tomorrow (1 March 2013) the national carrier commences daily A380 services on the Kuala Lumpur-Paris route. Despite daily capacity increase of around 75% with the introduction of this aircraft, the flights for the first week are fully booked in each direction and booked load is averaging above 85% for March this year.

Customers can look forward to this Pride of Malaysia continuing its delivery of the unique Malaysia Hospitality to more travellers in a refreshed travel environment with greater benefits.

Hang The Moon

Music is the most wonderful thing in the world. Do you think so? Maybe not so to many. But to me, it is. Whatever you wanna put it. Maybe I am in the industry and I am a music geek. But sometimes, all it takes just a simple tune to shine all emotions that are trapped. I recently bought Bombshell The Musical on iTunes. Loads of jazz and hype up with the vibe. But tonight, this special song really hits me somehow.

Maybe part of what I am going through mellow down everything that is around. And when I first listen to this song, I clearly know that it would be perfect for you. So many things going on now between us. We both are going through all the tough times that has been thrown to us. But just you know, I would hang the moon for you.

The beautiful lyrics of this song and the melody seems put so much light into the darkness. Feeling the light and thinking of you before I hit the sack. A timeless love from a mother to daughter, and what life is. I am holding on a baggage myself and so are you. But without everything that we have gone through, we won't cherish life as how it is now. It will never be the same from the way we see the world.

Part of me wanna kept crying and blaming on the world for throwing all that is on my shoulder. But as frighten as it could be, I took the other approach. Maybe some may say I haven't had a choice to do so. But fact is there is a choice. A choice to keep fighting on the fight or to just let go. Everything in life is a choice. It is just exactly like how writing music is. The music could not be in tune but yet heart felt at the same time. Or the grandeur of a symphony that meant nothing at all.

I know that behind me, there will always be so many people that would hang the moon for me. This song really gives me so much strength and peace at the same time. As in return, I would do the same to those that needed that light in the darkness. This isn't just a song about love, it is also about unconditional support and also strength that were extended by others. As little as it may sound, but it is a powerful faith to hold on to. Even the past few days, the pain attacks were unbearable. But it didn't stop me from kept believing that it will all be fine. Even till today, I haven't went for my operation as my body somehow couldn't take it. But it doesn't stop me from living the life I should have.

To you out there. I know there are a lot of emotions that I will never understand. But just you know that doesn't stop me from just being here having faith in you. I will just be here without judgement and without prejudice. Extending the strength and love that is left in me. Here is the beautiful lyrics that I wanna share with everyone. A song from a mother (Gladys Pearl Baker Mortensen) to daughter (Norma Jeane Mortenson later known as Marilyn Monroe).

If our lives were a movie 

I'd know what to do 

I'd write every scene with my heart 

An archaeal picture that stars me and you 

And this time I'd learn my part

I'd paint you some scenery 

We'd sing, and we'd dance 

From morning till late afternoon 

And when that scene is done 

Then I'd paint down the sun 

And for you darling, I'll hang the moon

We'd wake up to sunshine 

Like lights on a set 

You'd reach out and there'd be my hand 

All day there'd be music, a perfect duet 

That flows from the white baby grand

At night when you're frightened 

I'll play you to sleep 

That melody from Clair de Lune 

And to fill up the sky As the clouds, I would fly 

And for you darling, I'll hang the moon

Hang the moon forever 

So you'd never fear the darkness 

The darkness I've known 

Moon protect Norma Jean 

So that she'll never be alone 

Never alone

If our lives were a movie

Then you'd be the star 

Cause now I know the role I should play 

To applaud all you do 

All the things that you are 

And just be there on opening day

I know in the past 

That the lines were all wrong 

And the music was never in tune 

But the wish that I make Is for just one more take 

Because then darling I'll hang the moon

I'll hang the moon above you 

So that you'll never fear the darkness 

The darkness of night 

Then you'll know I love you 

Each time that you feel the light 

Feel the light

If our lives were a movie 

Then I'd cut away 

All the moments when I wasn't there 

The scenes that are happy 

Are all that will stay 

The rest will dissolve into air

As the final reel ends 

We might both shed a tear 

For the ending is coming out soon 

But when the screen fades to black 

We can smile and look back 

And for you darling I'll hang the moon

Malindo Air Gets Air Operators Licence

It's all go for Malindo Air after it received the air operators licence from the Malaysian government to operate in the country.

Sources said on Tuesday Malindo can now start selling tickets for its low fare operations.

It will start flying at end-March.

Malindo's major shareholders are National Aerospace and Defence Industries Sdn Bhd (Nadi) and Indonesia's PT Lion Grup.

Malindo is 51% owned by Nadi and 49% by PT Lion Grup, the parent of Indonesia's privately-owned airline, Lion Air, which in turn controls about half of the Indonesia domestic air travel market.

The airline has also received an Air Operators Certificate (AOC) from the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) to perform commercial air operations.

In a statement today, Malindo Air said the approval marked a significant achievement in the unleashing of the much-awaited newly-formed low cost carrier.

The member of the Lion Group said it is on target to commence operations in March.

"This regulatory milestone is significant from an operational policy and procedures perspective, as it is mandatory for an airline to obtain the AOC prior to starting services," it added.

Malaysia’s very first hybrid airline said it will introduce business and economy class product offerings.

The all-leather seats aircraft has wider seat pitches of 45 inches in business class and 32 inches in economy, offering a new option of comfort for travellers.

Also available on board are facilities such as personal TV for an in-flight entertainment system, full meal service in business class and light snacks in economy.

Other value add-ons that Malindo Air offers is a free baggage allowances of 30kg for business class travellers and 15kg in economy.

Malindo Air said its emergence in Malaysia’s low cost carrier market will position the country as the hub that connects Asian cities, promoting sustainability in the industry and generating economic growth.

To be based at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, it will be the first airline to operate the brand new B737-900ER in Malaysia.

The new airline will induct 100 aircraft over the next 10 years and initially serve routes with distances of up to five hours from Kuala Lumpur.

IATA Code OD, ICAO Code MXD. First destination will be Kota Kinabalu - BKI, followed by Kuching - KCH. Next in line probably LGK and SIN. Third month onwards, they will launch flights to India or China, or both.

First A350 XWB With Wings Complete Emerges For Outdoor Testing

The first A350 XWB – MSN001 – now showing its completed wings, has moved to its next phase of ground testing, from Roger Béteille A350 XWB FAL “Station 30” to the Clément Ader area “Station 18” in Toulouse. The aircraft is structurally complete and shows the installed winglets, belly fairing panels, main landing gear doors.

The aircraft has recently completed successfully a series of indoor ground tests as well as stability tests on ‘movable’ elements such as rudder, elevators, ailerons and wing spoilers and landing gears extraction/retraction. The next steps which will take place outdoors at the Station 18 ground test station will include three planned families of tests: Fuel tanks testing – including levels, flows, sealing and internal fuel transfer functions; pressure testing of the fuselage; and radio equipment testing.

AlI The Good Vibes I Need

Before I go on mumbling, I gotta say this, I know it is unusual that my playlist starts with something so upbeat and high on it's energy. But just what I needed now.

Well, it's just getting tougher and tougher each day, but I am trying to look at the bright side of what life has to offer. I'm not gonna in there to begin with. Just trying to push everything away and blasting my iPod. What matters now is what and where am I heading to.

Partly, once there was one person who was in my life told me this. When we worry, we send out negative vibes to the other person. Well, I know you are going through a rough patch at the moment, but like you always tell me, it's just a phrase. It will be over sooner than you think it will be.

And for the past week, I got to talk to my bestie who is in Melbourne. Well, things are also rough for her. But what we always say, everything happens for a reason. And she is one strong women to begin with. The situation that she is going through right now. One word --- "Kulei" ( Slave in cantonese ) period.....

But well, it isn't that bad when things that is evolving around her. Somehow she is one reason we remain close and fond to each other. We just say what is in our mind. What a bitch right. But I love her loads! And please, if you happen to read this, making babies are by sex, not fax! So... you get the picture. Period.... Again...

Airbus To Decide In 2013 If Adding Another Assembly Line For A350-1000.

Airbus said it’s looking to add another assembly line for the new A350 wide-body plane to meet rising demand as Airlines show no sign of putting orders on hold after Boeing’s battery troubles with the 787 Dreamliner.
With more than 600 orders placed for the A350, due for its first flight this summer before deliveries begin in the second half of next year, Airbus is looking at adding capacity for the largest -1000 variant, chief operating officer John Leahy said.

“I would like to believe that sometime this year we’ll be able to make a decision to do that,” Leahy, who is also Airbus’s chief salesman, said in an interview in Singapore. Production of the baseline A350-900 began in October/2012, with the smaller -800 due to enter service in 2016 followed by the -1000 in 2017.
Demand for new models will continue to be driven by a need to cut fuel bills, Leahy said, adding that Boeing will find a fix for the 787’s glitches, which won’t ultimately impact sales at either manufacturer.

Leahy said that the A350 has been “very popular” in Asia. That’s after Airbus Chief Executive Officer Fabrice Bregier said on 23/Oct he was confident the company could sell 70 or 80 -1000 variants a year as customers upgrade to bigger jets, compared with a previous planning assumption of 40 or 50.
The 350-seat -1000, which has a list price of $332 million, broke a four-year sales drought on 11/July as Cathay Pacific Airways of Hong Kong placed an order for 10 aircraft. The model has accrued 105 firm commitments in total.

‘The Vampire Diaries’ Post-Mortem

The Vampire Diaries exec Julie Plec has spoken to TV Line and EW about taking Elena to the dark side and the decision to kill off Jeremy – whose demise was cemented in Thursday’s episode “Stand By Me” when his body was burned with the Gilbert house.

Why Jeremy had to die

Plec explains that at this point in the series, they wanted to see Elena go to the darkest possible point, and needed to let go of someone close to her to do it.

“This whole year has been about the evolution of Elena as a vampire,” Plec explains. And as “it’s her protectiveness of her brother that kept her together,” the last vestige of her humanity has now been taken away from her. “Tearing her brother away from her would be the thing that would make her fall apart,” Plec says, and therefore he had to die for the story to progress.

Elena without her humanity: Katherine 2.0?

Now that Elena will presumably be more ruthless, many fans speculate that she will begin to act more like her doppelganger Katherine. But while in a lot of ways these two characters are cut from the same cloth, Plec says that there is one key difference: “[Elena is] Katherine minus all the machinations and the sexual manipulations.” To differentiate the two characters, the writers worked out a very useful rule of thumb, which says that, “Everything that Katherine says is a lie and everything Elena says is true.”

So we can expect her to be brutally honest with the other characters in upcoming weeks, and to give in to her urges – exactly as they are – with no regrets or reservations.

What this means for the sire bond and love triangle

A convenient side-effect of having this new honest Elena is that we might get some answers about how she really feels about Damon. “What is their dynamic going to be moving forward when she’s not driven by a love for him necessarily?” Julie Plec asks. “A lot of questions come up and get answered in the next couple episodes.”

When/how will Elena as we know and love her come back?

“It’s going to be very difficult to bring her back from this place that she finds [herself in],” Plec warns. Not least because, ironically, it’s “actually her new happy place because it is a place with no pain, no guilt, no suffering and no extremes other than just an appreciation for life as a vampire and a desire to feed.”

But while we wait for her to get her humanity back (if she ever does), we can look forward to Damon and Stefan getting closer. “As they struggle to try to figure out what to do with this girl that they don’t recognize any more, they start to realize how much their relationship has been impacted by their shared love for her,” Plec explains. “And having kind of watched her lose her brother and them have that feeling of, ‘Oh my gosh. As much as I fight with my brother that I have, if I lost him, I’d have nothing,’ it has a nice healing effect on these two over the next chapter.”

Plec can also confirm that while there might be more deaths, “I definitely will try not to shatter everyone’s souls as deeply as what they went through last night.”

She also previews the Silas plotline, which will take off in the episode after next. “And Stefan and Caroline — and Klaus, of all people — figure out what’s going on and and try to put a stop to it,” she says. Will this lead into Klaus leaving Mystic Falls for New Orleans?! We’ll have to wait and see.

The Vampire Diaries returns March 14 with “Bring it On.” (Get it, cause Elena’s a cheerleader?) We can’t wait!

And The Oscars Goes To... 2013

Just wow with the show. One of the greatest moment for me was when Shirley Bassey did the tribute for 007! At that ages of hers. Oh my god. And also Jennifer Hudson! She literally blew me away! I guess no one would wanna miss a chance not seeing her singing live.

But anyway, here are the winners. The Oscars for :

• Best Supporting Actor                  Christoph Waltz
• Best Animated Short Film             Paperman
• Best Animated Feature                 Brave
• Best Cinematography                   Life Of Pi
• Best Visual Effects                       Life Of Pi
• Best Costume Design                   Anna Karenina
• Best Makeup and Hair                 Les Miserables
• Best Live Action Short Film         Curfew
• Best Documentary Short Film      Inocente
• Best Documentary Feature          Search For Sugarman
• Best Foreign Language Film         Amour
• Best Sound Mixing                       Les Miserablkes
• Best Sound Editing                       Skyfall & Zero Dark Thirty (It's a tie)
• Best Supporting Actress               Anne Hathaway 
• Best Film Editing                          Argo
• Best Production Design                Lincoln
• Best Original Score                      Life Of Pi
• Best Adapted Screenplay             Argo
• Best Original Screenplay              D'jango Unchained
• Best Director                               Ang Lee - Life Of Pi
• Best Leading Actress                   Jennifer Lawrence
• Best Leading Actor                      Daniel Day Lewis
• Best Motion Picture                     Argo

Best Motion Picture - Argo, directed by Ben Affleck.

Jennifer Hudson paying tribute for Dream Girls singing, You Gonna Love Me.

Airbus Leans Towards A330-200 To Replace Beluga Fleet

Airbus has tentatively identified an A330-200 derivative as the most promising long-term candidate to replace its five A300-600ST Beluga oversize transports.

The airframer has already embarked on a programme to restructure its A300-600ST operations to cope with the demands of ramped-up production over the next four or five years.

This programme, designated Fly 10,000, is intended to increase the flight work performed by the transport fleet to 10,000h per year in 2017, from the current level of about 6,000h.

Airbus says it is changing “ways of working, opening hours and organisation” to meet this demand, which would double the number of weekly flights to around 120.

The greater Beluga workload will primarily arise from a surge in A350 output. But Airbus will also require capacity for the A400M, which will partly offset a decline in A330 production, while A320 and A320neo rates are set to remain high.

Airbus recently indicated to Flightglobal that the A300-600ST fleet would probably remain in service for another 10 years or so.

But while the fleet could remain in service until around 2025, the cost of operating the type will increase as the aircraft age. The airframer has initiated a study to replace the A300-600ST fleet in the long term.

“No decision for immediate launch has been taken,” it stresses. But to address any capacity limitations beyond the Fly 10,000 scheme as well as the ageing of the current Beluga fleet, Airbus is likely to aim for 2018-20 as a window to have a new aircraft available.

Several airframes are being considered as a platform for a Beluga successor, notably the A330-200 and -300, as well as the A340-500 and even the A300-600.

The current Beluga fleet carries A350-900 fuselage sections, and is capable of handling the A350-1000, although the final cross-section for any new transport has yet to be fully determined. The A300-600ST has a hold diameter of about 7.1m.

Airbus wants an aircraft which not only meets high payload capabilities – including capacity to carry two fully-fitted A350 wings – but can operate within airfield landing limitations at its UK wing facility at Broughton, to which it will deliver A350 wing covers.

Broughton’s declared available landing distance for the shorter runway 04 approach is 1,663m (5,460ft).

Airbus considers this restriction to be too tight for a modified A330-300 or A340-500, while the payload requirement is too high for an A300-600. It believes an A330-200 variant – tentatively designated the A330-200XL – could potentially cope with the landing criteria at projected weights of around 135t, and is the most promising option.

Malaysia Airlines Serve KL-Paris On A380 Daily

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) will begin daily operations for its Kuala Lumpur-Paris-Kuala Lumpur route on March 1 with the arrival of its fifth superjumbo Airbus A380.

The 5th A380 touched down at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport from Toulouse, France, yesterday.

Fares for Business Class from Kuala Lumpur to Paris start from RM15,026 and First Class from RM31,491, as part of its all-inclusive promotional return rates.

Economy class travel from Kuala Lumpur is also available with all-inclusive return airfare starting from RM3,861.

MAS said in a statement that daily seat capacity would be increased by 75% as the A380 would replace the 282-seat B777-200 operations.

“The French capital is the second European destination after London to be operated by the superjumbo.”

Passengers on the Paris-Kuala Lumpur route can look forward to French food as MAS will engage a French chef, Amandine Chaignot, to design its menu.

The MAS A380's 494 seats comprise eight first class and 350 economy class seats on the main deck, as well as 66 business class and 70 economy class seats on the upper deck.

“MASholidays, the travel and tour arm of Malaysia Airlines, is offering three exclusive yet incredibly affordable and promotional tour packages from Malaysia to Paris in conjunction with the national carrier's commencement of A380 services to the French capital.

For more information and travel booking, visit www.malaysiaairlines.com, call its 24-hour toll free number 1300-88-3000, MHBuddy (Facebook) or download its MHmobile app.

Information about MASholidays can be accessed at http://holiday.malaysiaairlines.com, or call 03-7863 4000 during working hours.

Family

Say something awful

As if fucking the world is your right

And I watch you stumble

Drunk out into the night

To cat call ladies

You're thirsty for blood, you're picking a fight

And I wanted to ask you

Man, what do you do in the daylight

So bum me a cigarette, buy me a beer

Till I'm happy to be here, happy to be here

With all of my family, hookers in heels

And the men who watch them like hungry black eels

Run into me sunday

Tell me you had one hell of a time

And through the haze and the gun smoke, i'm forced to believe

You're probably right

Someone lies bleeding

Someone got violent and did not think twice

And i watched you my brother, making a fool of the moon tonight

So bum me a cigarette, buy me a beer

Till I'm happy to be here, happy to be here

With all of my family, hookers in heels

And the men who watch them like hungry black eels

Am I just a spark?

When I listen to this song, the lyrics were so beautiful. The whole song were metaphor. I know that somehow you will get what is it trying to say. So many things is going on now and I know you are stressed out. Just wanted you to know, no matter how hard things gonna be for you, I am here for you sis. Always. And it won't be hard to get to me. You know how and whenever you are ready. I couldn' find a better way to reach out to you than this song. 

Others Lost, My Reflection

I came across this article thing morning through Facebook. Somehow it was someone else's lost but a reflection of my own. There are so many things going through my mind. In ways, I thought to myself, that person in the article could be me. For all the reasons, I am thankful and grateful that I have quit it so far. I attached this article for your reading.

Well, this thing isn't really uncommon among us. So called "Chem Fun" is the culprit. But don't get me wrong, I am not trying to judge nor being an ass to this issue. I was once one of them. Being a hardcore drug addict not only once but twice in my life. From 16-19 and 26-27. I stray twice in my lifetime. Would there be a third? I really hope not. Those who knew me, I am a person who really go all out and screw myself over. The dosage that I have taken, it's crazy. Now being clean for 16 months, I have to say that what I have been feeling emotionally is really good. Being under the influence just never for a minute makes us think straight. I have lost control a few times and a clear mind really is nothing better than that. When I was under the influence, I always told myself it was ok. Key is to control over it. And I know I have mention this many times, that is also the key to fucked ourselves up.

Well, I wouldn't say that quitting is easy. But there are a lot that needed to give up. I gave up the circle of friends, put myself right and forced myself to renew everything in life. I wouldn't say all of them are bad or what, but not many left in my life now. The only ones that left here with me are those who knows to respect and without interfering the quitting process. And even after that, they weren't the ones that tempt me. Honestly speaking, till today, after I have stop, the crave is still here. And I know no matter how strong that mind could be, it will never work that way. 

I know in many ways, we tend to give that excuses. Bad relationship, bad life, stressed and all that. I say it is all crap. I used that excuses before. And one day, we will run out of excuses. The thing is, I wanna say this for only once last time. I know you might be or you might not be reading. But I don't know. But I wanna say that what I feel for you. I know we haven't been seeing each other for a long time. And I know you have been having a bad patch the whole last year. And you know all I wanted is your happiness. You taught me how to love myself a little bit more. And the thought of you having using just kills me. I know you are not using it frequently. But what is the definition of all these frequencies? It meant nothing. What really meant to me is YOU.

I haven't been around you a lot when you needed. But I know you weren't this weak to begin with. And honestly, when I read this article, it just flashes my mind that it could be you. Our body is something we can't control the system that is running. No matter how we can control our mind, the body is not. One day, it will still gives in. And I won't forgive you if you were to go this way. I won't wish that you will rest in peace. Instead, I really hope you will never find peace. Call me evil, but I love you and care for you. You were the one that made me kept fighting on all these years. And this is the only thing I wouldn't accept at all. I wouldn't wanna see you go this way. Just not this way. 

Well, to make things less gloomy here, I actually showed my bestie who is in Melbourne this article. Told her that somehow I am blessed to have her to support me and believed that if I could quit once, I can do so the second time. I am really no one without her. This bitch is one of a kind. And so after she read that article, she send me this picture instead. I love you for that bitch. You really made me feel everything is worth living for. And yes, I agree totally with that statement. I am really one. I miss you loads. Hope to see you when I am in Melbourne next month. 

Air France-KLM Sees Airbus A350 Deal In 2013

Franco-Dutch carrier Air France-KLM expects to sign a definitive order for a long-delayed purchase of Airbus A350 long-range jets "during 2013", Chief Executive Jean-Cyril Spinetta told a news conference on Friday.

Air France Chief Executive Alexandre de Juniac had said last month that it hoped to complete the purchase by the end of March.

"The contract is still being negotiated with Airbus," Spinetta said. "It should be signed during 2013."

Air France-KLM placed the provisional $7 billion order for 25 wide-bodied A350-900 passenger jets in September 2011 at the same time as ordering 25 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, a deal which has since been confirmed.

Pratt & Whitney Said to Study Airbus A350 Engine to Rival Rolls Royce

Pratt & Whitney would offer an engine based on its PW1000G geared turbofan technology, said the people, who asked not to be named because the plan isn’t public. A decision to formally pursue the program may come as soon as this year, one of the people said.

Airbus had originally sought a second engine offering to Rolls-Royce’s TrentXWB on its A350. It had failed to persuade either General Electric Co. (GE), which powers the competing Boeing Co. (BA) 777, or Pratt & Whitney, which was tied up developing the geared turbofan. Airlines including Air France-KLM (AF) have said they’d welcome a choice because it would give them leverage on maintenance, a major source of revenue for Rolls-Royce.

Airbus, based in Toulouse in France, would have to sign off on the Pratt plan before airlines could opt for the engine. The company is “happy that the one engine we have on offer has already achieved 617 sales,” spokeswoman Marcella Muratore said. “However we have always said that we would consider other offers if they are competitive in terms of performance.”

“As Pratt & Whitney looks ahead to powering future wide- body applications, we will scale the geared turbofan architecture to the required thrust levels,” the company said in an e-mailed request for comment. “We continue to keep all airframers informed of our progress on the PW1000G family, including studies with Airbus for potential wide-body applications.”
Managing Resources

Pratt & Whitney’s A350 engine would have to be more than twice as powerful as its existing versions. The company, a subsidiary of Hartford, Connecticut-based United Technologies Corp. (UTX), has undertaken studies that show the leap can be made even if technical hurdles must be overcome, one person said.

The engine maker remains interested in using its technology to power big jets, Bob Saia, who oversees Pratt’s next- generation products, said in an interview this month. Pratt decided not to compete for a spot on the upgraded version of Boeing’s 777 due around the end of the decade, a program drawing interest from GE and Rolls-Royce, the industry leaders.
Approved Engine

Development of Pratt engines for regional and single-aisle jets is nearing an end, with the turbines in flight testing. That’s freed up resources to pursue a slot on larger airliners.

Rolls has won exclusive rights from Airbus to offer the TrentXWB on the A350-1000, the largest model, while its position on the -900, the first and most popular version, and on the smaller -800, can be challenged.

The A350 is set for its maiden flight in the middle of this year. The aircraft’s small and mid-sized variants compete with Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner, while the large model is positioned against the popular 777, which boasts the world’s largest engine made by GE.

European safety authorities gave their approval this month to the TrentXWB ahead of first flight on an A350-900. The engine has already flown on an A380 test bed.

Air France has been trying to gain rights to maintain turbines from Rolls-Royce as part of a long-planned order for A350s. Failure to strike an accord between the airline, which wants to bolster its technical unit, and the engine maker, which wants to protect its profitable after-sales income, has delayed a deal.

The airline, which has already place a firm order for 787 Dreamliners, plans to have an accord with Airbus on the A350 by the end of this year, Chief Executive Office Jean-Cyril Spinetta said today.

Love That Was Left Behind

This isn't a post about sadness, this isn't a post about happiness either. On a very neutral grounds, just out of no where, the feeling of missing from the past. A family, a loved one. My brother.

I don't know where all this comes from but just I do more than ever comparing with any other day. Thinking of those days growing up together, the talk that you always gives me that made me feel safe. You were always my safe haven. Just wanted to say how much I miss you. For the past 12 years, there isn't a day you were not on my mind.

Anyway, I am just hoping that tomorrow will be the end of the long wait. From one day to another, I was being delayed again and again for my opt. The only thing I know was my body isn't really strong enough for me to go under anesthesia. Well, by me just waiting day by day is really more torturing that being incubated. In many ways, things were getting tougher and tougher. Not that I am complaining. Just feeling weak isn't something we get use to it. Therapy by therapy gone by, and here I am, still hoping that everything would hide away.

I guess somehow that inner peace is something that is really crucial for anyone to go through anything they are facing in life. I know comparing with them, I am no where near to their pain. The physical pain isn't easy, but it isn't some reason for me to complain about it either. Where do I find peace? In music.

People tells me music is art. But I say no, music are genuine human emotions put down in melody. Just like how we write our stories. Been turning my iTunes upside down. Flipping all those old tracks I have and losing myself in it. Somehow it is one of the places I feel I am free. Free from pain, free from everything that was going on around me. I know there are many issues in life I needed to address for the reason of me going forth. Or maybe I know I wasn't ready to cope with so many thing at once.

Remember I was doing harmony earlier for some tracks. That sense of peacefulness in me. It was one thing that I had not feel for a long time. It felt right, it felt home, it felt just right. Having to give all that I have now, it just put a smile on my face. From every bit of other emotions that sums up, I smile cause everything that was going through me made me feel alive. And life is really one great thing that is worth celebrating. With that, Eli, I understood everything at last. It all makes perfect sense now. A beautiful life.

British Airways To Offer 'Hand Luggage Only' Fares

The airline says the fares – which will initially be offered on flights from Gatwick to Amsterdam, Dubrovnik, Jersey, Tunis and Turin – will give its passengers “more choice”, but they are likely to be viewed as an attempt to compete with low-cost airlines such as Ryanair and Easyjet.

“The suprise is not so much that BA has made this move, but that it has taken so long to do so,” said Nick Trend, Telegraph Travel’s Consumer Editor. “It appears to be a reaction to commercial pressure from its no-frills rivals, which quote lower headline fares because they don't include the cost of checked bags. This can make BA's fares look expensive and so less attractive by contrast.

“BA says that the new fares are about giving it customers ‘more freedom to choose the kind of flying they want’, but they are also about giving British Airways the freedom to make its fares look cheaper.”

He added that those passengers who do check a bag into the hold could eventually end up paying more.

“Airfares are so variable that, within a few weeks, it will be impossible to know whether BA passengers without hold luggage are getting a better deal, or whether those who check in their bags are being charged extra,” he said.

But Peter Simpson, director of Gatwick for British Airways, claimed that passengers who check in a bag will not be expected to pay extra to make up for those who choose the cheaper fares.

"It is all about giving our customers more freedom to choose the kind of flying they want," he said. “Many British Airways customers at Gatwick choose not to check in a bag as they’re already taking advantage of our generous two-bag hand luggage policy. Those who still want to check in a bag will simply pay the same price they do now.”

The new “hand baggage only fares” go on sale next Tuesday (February 26), with starting prices ranging from £39 (one-way to Amsterdam) to £69 (one-way to Turin). BA said that, depending on the route, the fares are between £9 and £15 cheaper than usual.

The announcement by BA - which axed free meals on some flights in 2009 in a bid to cut costs - follows KLM's decision to begin charging customers who check in luggage on short-haul flights. KLM's policy will be effective from April 22.

A spokesman for Ryanair said: “We welcome BA’s conversion to the Ryanair way".

Malaysia Airlines Firms Orders For 20 ATR 72-600s

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) has signed a firm order with Avions de Transport Regional G.I.E (ATR) to acquire 20 new-generation ATR 72-600s valued at US$840 million, with options for another 16 aircraft, in a bid to grow the network and frequencies of its subsidiary airlines, Firefly and MASwings.

The newer-generation ATR 72-600s will work to replace the older ATR 72-500 series, with deliveries commencing from mid-2013.

The purchase agreement is a follow-up to the memorandum of understanding signed in December last year.

MAS currently has 22 ATR 72-500s in its fleet, operated by its subsidiaries Firefly (12) and MASwings (10).

In a statement yesterday, MAS group CEO Ahmad Jauhari Yahya said the new ATR 72-600s will enable Firefly and MASwings to further expand their regional offering by adding new routes, frequencies and connectivity to MAS' global network.

"We have partnered ATR for the last five years, and we are satisfied with the outstanding performance and commercial results that our ATR 72s provide to our growing community networks.

"The ATRs are clearly playing an important role in the development of MAS, as we connect regional destinations and enable seamless connectivity for passengers to larger aircraft at our main hubs," he added.

Winglets Fitted To First Flying A350 XWB

Airbus has started fitting the sweeping winglets to the first flying prototype of its A350 twinjet, ahead of its maiden flight later this year.

The winglets will give this variant of the A350 a total span of 64.8m (212ft).

Airbus's latest aircraft specification document for the A350-900, released in December 2012, indicates that the winglet sweeps 5.2m from its leading-edge attachment to its rear tip.

Airbus is aiming to fly MSN1 in mid-2013. Both of the aircraft's Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines have been delivered to the assembly line in Toulouse for podding and installation.

Being An Idiot

Well, at least I took the courage to admit I am one to someone tonight. A part of me just felt why do I even engaged on such thing. But sometimes, loneliness and desperation drives us do things that we never thought we have. But it didn't meant anything to begin with.

After talking to Mr Tan, I guess he always know how to put a smile on your face no matter how things are. And also not forgetting Soul for being there to hear me vent. Well, the least I know I am getting a white cake when I get back. A damn traditional white cake! I can still remember the taste of it when I had my first piece of white cake. Well, that isn't a story to tell this time.

I guess my besties are really far away from me and it makes it harder in many ways. One in Singapore, one in Sweden and another in Melbourne. It seems like when a sad song is ringing in my head, I even miss them even more. And coping with what I am going through now doesn't make it easy.

Anyway, when I was feeling all these going on, there goes my phone ringing at 1 in the morning. When I held it, to my surprise, You called. Of all the time when I miss you and here you are calling me. My heart stops when I listen to your voice. I knew somehow something wasn't right. But also a sense of relief. A few hundred miles away, when I hear that voice with that happiness in it. I knew that everything was right. Well, here I am, indulging what was left between both of us.

At one point to another. A part of me tells me it wasn't going to last. But a part of me wanted it to last. A conflict between the mind and heart. I feel like there is dark cloud hanging in my heart. But should I really? The more these question lingers, the more of an idiot I felt I am. Remembering the day before Valentine, is it just a dream? It felt perfect, but a little too perfect to be true and to begin with. Bu this has been lingering for years now.

Remembered when I was talking to my bestie MK before he return to Singapore, put everything out on the table. And when I did, as he expected, no responses. Sigh, To let go or to hold on. Oh well, things are always easier said than done. The more I couldn't deny what was right, the wrong seems nothing near to how I am feeling. But well, we are all human. We were born to feel everything we do. So, I am smiling to this. What will life be if without any of these emotions going on. And a big part of it is part of what I am fighting for every day. Anyway, I've been pretty weak these few days. My opt was being delayed again. Just hope to get it done and over it as soon as possible. Hanging this way isn't helping much to begin with.

Whatever things can be now isn't much of a choice of mine. Everything would be better. Thats all I am telling myself. Ricky, you have put on a good show, keep it going. Things will be better. I am proud of you.

MAS Extends 'Chef-on-Call' Service

Malaysia Airlines has extended its "Chef-on-Call" service to Business Class passengers travelling on its flights between Kuala Lumpur and the cities of Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London, Paris, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney and Auckland. 

The chef-on-call menu for Business Class passengers of the national carrier consists of a wide selection of 20 to 30 dishes ranging from Malaysian favourites, chef's recommendations, healthy meals and light meals.

"The Malaysian menu selections comprise among others, the all-time favourites like Nasi Lemak, Assam Pedas Fish, Beef Korma, Chicken Curry Kapitan, Stir Fried Chicken, Wok Fried Egg Noodles, Ayam Kechap, Mutton Curry and Stir Fried Egg Noodles with Seared Prawns. 

"These are not only offered for flights from Malaysia but also for flights originating from the European and Australia/New Zealand cities," Malaysia Airlines said in a statement today.

Director of Customer Services Datuk Salleh Ahmad Tabrani said the exclusive service was originally available to Frequent Flyer members of Enrich Platinum category travelling in First and Business Classes when it was rolled out from Sept 1, 2006 and later extended to all First Class passengers on the Kuala Lumpur-London and Kuala Lumpur-Sydney routes from Feb 1, 2011.

"The Chef-on-Call menu for both our First and Business classes is revised every two months where five dishes will be replaced with new ones to ensure our guests have a variety of meal selections. 

"To encourage booking of preferred meals from the chef-on-call facility, Malaysia Airlines contacts customers through e-mail at least 72 hours before their flight departure," he said.

Customers can then select their meal options from the convenience of their homes or workplaces through the airline's website at www.malaysiaairlines.com or by contacting Malaysia Airlines Call Centre at 1300 88 3000.

The "What If"

Every single day, I asked myself this question. "What if... " From point to point in life, things always goes the opposite way from what we wanted once a while. But faith is something that is strong to hold on to. Well, entering my 7th year after being diagnose, things aren't easy to start with to be honest. But what pulls me through every now and then is just support.

Well, support is one thing I am being blessed with. From family, friends, love ones, and even my fellow bloggers. That was one thing I really cherish very much. At times, there will always be that doubt that was going through every once a while. And honestly during that period, no one could actually understood how that moment was. Sometimes, it may be portray as being negative. Sometimes, it may look like looking at life  with a pair of teary eyes. I know everyone care, I know what they are doing is really the act out of care. But deep down, that hallow and pain wanted to be understood desperately. But it will never be understood.

But I have to say, whenever that doubt lingers deeper, there will be someone. Randomly out of no where, will be there on neutral grounds. It is rare, but it always happen. For that, I am thankful.

Was talking to cornflakes and cow yesterday night. Cow, told me how contented her life is now. For the first time, being in love with the right guy and how happy she was. Planning on her wedding and all. It clears the doubtful path of mine, making me realize even clearer on the life I wanted it to be.

And while talking to cornflakes, I really respect him on how he cope with all the emotions that he is going through. What really kills was the loneliness that lingers. And sometimes, it could be a really dangerous thing. As time past, it could turn into desperation and will link up to another disaster. But well, like I say, usually we let our inner fear eats us up.

Well, everyone has their own way to see how life is. As I always like to put it this way.

The painful yet beautiful thing call Life.

It doesn't really matter how life treats us. But how we live with it. We somehow will never get the best of everything in life. Fact. But we can make the best out of everything we have. But well, we are all lay human. It is always easier said than done. In every different degree, all of us has our own path to walk through. It will always be a path that only you yourself understood how painful or beautiful things are. And every minute of that, made life a thing that is worth living for.

And for saying this, I will always remember that beautiful song cover done by a beautiful soul all the way from Sunderland, England. For that, it really made me realize all that "what if" are mere questions that lingers through our mind. But well, I know that "what if" will still be a daily routine. But true enough, the inner happiness is nothing compare from what we have physically.

I can keep asking "what if I wasn't sick?" "what if I was normal? (definitely nothing to do with my orientation)" "what if I was living in a normal life that others are?" Definitely all those question will always be there. But it doesn't change the fact of whatever state I am in. Of course deep down, I still wished that I would have a normal life, a beautiful memory to hold on. A beautiful soul to share my life and build a family with. But none of that will matter if I don't keep on going an fighting for survival.

No doubt, physical and emotion pain is a small price to pay. But that faith that I am holding on to. That is what makes all this worth living for.

Mariah Carey To Release New Song On Tuesday

Just in time for the long weekend, superstar singer, American Idol judge and diva extraordinaire Mariah Carey is letting fans whet their appetite for new music by releasing a snippet of her about-to-be-released single, “Almost Home.”

Featured in the forthcoming Disney feature Oz: The Great and Powerful, starring James Franco and Mila Kunis, directed by Sam Raimi and scheduled for a theatrical release on March 8, the pure pop track was co-written by Carey with Simone Porter, Justin Gray, Lindsey Ray and co-produced by Stargate (Tor Erik Hermansen and Mikkel Eriksen). It goes to radio on Tuesday, Feb. 19 and will be available on iTunes the same day. An accompanying video, directed by Carey's frequent collaborator David LaChapelle, will premiere in the coming weeks.

The vocals for “Almost Home” sit comfortably in Carey’s mid-range, as opposed to leaning more heavily on the breathy falsetto for which the octave-defying performer is also known. Recorded in New York City at Roc The Mic Studios and featuring overlaying harmonies, the song marks a return to form for the multiple Grammy winner, who’s sold more than 200 million albums since her 1990 debut. "It's a feel-good record," said Carey in a statement announcing the tune whose lyrics pine to "find a kingdom I believe in in my heart." "It gives you the feeling of reaching your home and being with people that you love," she added.

Oz: The Great and Powerful is a sort of prequel to the timeless story of The Wizard of Oz that imagines the origins of L. Frank Baum’s iconic title character. Carey is currently working on a new album slated for release in the spring. Listen to a snippet of “Almost Home” above.

Airbus A350 To Avoid Boeing 787-Style Lithium-Ion Batteries

Airbus says it will not use lithium-ion batteries in its forthcoming A350 plane because of problems that have grounded rival Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner.

The European planemaker said it would use traditional nickel-cadmium batteries instead, as already used in the A380 and other models.

According to a BBC report, investigations are continuing after battery problems came to light on 787s operated by Japan’s top two airlines.

Airbus said they remained “unexplained to the best of our knowledge”.

The firm said it did not expect any further delays to the launch of the A350. The maiden flight is due to take place later this year, with the first passenger flight expected in the second half of 2014.

In a statement, Airbus said it was “confident” that the lithium-ion battery that it had been developing with French battery-maker Saft was “robust and safe”.

It added that A350 test flights would continue with the lithium batteries.

“However, to date, the root causes of the two recent industry Li-ion main batteries incidents remain unexplained to the best of our knowledge,” Airbus said.

“In this context, and with a view to ensuring the highest level of programme certainty, Airbus has decided to activate its Plan B and therefore to revert back to the proven and mastered nickel-cadmium main batteries for its A350 XWB programme at entry into service.

“Airbus considers this to be the most appropriate way forward in the interest of programme execution and A350 XWB reliability.”

The A350 is intended as a rival to the Dreamliner, which was grounded last month after a lithium-ion battery on a Japan Airlines plane caught fire, while an All Nippon Airways flight was forced to make an emergency landing because of a battery malfunction.

These planes use lithium-ion batteries because they are relatively powerful compared to their size and weight. They are used for significant functions such as providing the starting and emergency power supply on the A350 aircraft.

Alwaleed Sells Airbus A380

Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Al-Saud, the world’s 15th-richest person, sold his Airbus A380 jet plane in the past four months, according to Shadi Sanbar, chief financial officer of the billionaire’s Kingdom Holdings Co.

The 57-year-old, who bought the plane in 2007, used the proceeds from the sale to expand his investments in Saudi Arabia and the greater Middle East, Sanbar said in an email. He would not disclose the buyer or the sale price, citing confidentiality agreements.

Alwaleed “has been talking about investing in real growth companies, with genuine employment opportunities,” said Saud Masud, chief executive officer of New York-based investment firm SM Advisory Group in a phone interview Friday. “He needs cash for that type of growth.”

The chairman of Riyadh-based Kingdom Holding has a net worth of $29 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. He bought the plane, which is manufactured by Toulouse, France-based Airbus SAS, in 2007. The list price of an A380 was $319 million at the time. He never took possession of the plane.

Alwaleed’s fortune has surged $8.5 billion since April 2012 as Kingdom shares have almost doubled in value. The diversified investment company, which controls stakes in Citigroup Inc. and News Corp., accounts for more than two-thirds of Alwaleed’s net worth, according to the Bloomberg ranking.

Airbus announced Alwaleed’s purchase at the 2007 Dubai Air Show. The billionaire allowed the company to name him as the first private jet customer of an A380, which is 239-feet long and can seat as many as 853 passengers when used for commercial flights, according to Airbus’ website.

David Velupillai, a spokesman for Airbus Corporate Jets in Blagnac, France, said the company had not released any more details about Alwaleed’s purchase, and confirmed that the building of the jet was complete, with the exception of its cabin.

Most corporate-jet buyers customize the cabin interior to their taste, according to Howard Guy, chief operating officer of Design Q, a Redditch, U.K.-based design consultancy that focuses on the luxury transport sector. Design Q made an unsuccessful bid to customize Alwaleed’s jet in 2009.

“We worked on it for about six months,” Guy said by phone Thursday. “We basically came up with the layouts for the aircraft. Our designs were based on how we interpreted what he was looking for. It was a whole blend of styles.”

Guy’s designs, which were published by London’s the Daily Mail newspaper in December, included a concert hall and a marble steam room.

Alwaleed has built much of his fortune investing in companies such as Apple Inc. and News Corp. In the past several years, the billionaire said he has been reallocating his portfolio in favor of the Middle East. He has more than $1.3 billion invested in public and private equities in the region, according to Sanbar.