JAL Orders $9.5 Billion Worth of Airbus Jets

JAL and Airbus said the Japanese carrier would buy 31 A350 wide-body jets, which are expected to replace Boeing 777 jetliners in the carrier’s long-haul lineup. Deliveries will begin in 2019, and the order also included options for 25 more aircraft.

The A350 order breaks down to 18 of Airbus’s latest 314-seat wide-body, the A350-900, as well as 13 of its larger, 350-seat A350-1000s, a person with knowledge of the deal said.

While Boeing and Airbus have been battling each other for global market share for years, things have been different in Japan. JAL has never bought a plane from Airbus, and its main rival, All Nippon Airways, also mostly operates Boeing jets.

Although it is the first Airbus purchase for JAL, the airline acquired Japan Air Systems a few years ago and inherited some Airbus jets in that transaction.

“Certainly this is the big order Airbus was hoping for, the big foot in the door that could lead to new orders,” said Will Horton, an analyst at the CAPA Center for Aviation in Hong Kong.

Analysts say Airbus may have offered substantial discounts to alter the airline’s all-Boeing policy.

The longstanding ties between the Japanese carriers and Boeing also have been subject to new tensions over a series of problems with Boeing’s new 787 jet. Both All Nippon and JAL have bought 787s, and substantial portions of the work on the planes is done in Japan.

But the introduction of the 787 was delayed several times, and then the plane was grounded by problems with batteries, causing scheduling and logistical difficulties for the Japanese carriers and other 787 customers.

JAL’s decision to go with Airbus comes amid other signs of change in the cozy relationships that long held sway in the Japanese aviation business. The government, which used to own JAL, is increasingly distancing itself from the carrier.

Last week the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism announced that it was awarding 11 of 16 new international takeoff and landing slots at Haneda Airport in Tokyo to All Nippon, the biggest domestic rival to JAL, leaving only five for JAL.

All Nippon and JAL have an equal number of slots at Haneda, which are coveted because of the airport’s proximity to central Tokyo. Haneda is only about 15 kilometers, or 9.3 miles, from the city’s major business districts, about a quarter of the distance to Narita, the other main airport serving the Tokyo area.

The government described the decision as a way to promote fairness in the industry, after JAL benefited from several bailouts. Most recently, after JAL filed for bankruptcy protection in 2010, the airline received a capital injection of ¥350 billion, or about $3.6 billion, from a fund supported with taxpayer money.

But JAL has protested the decision on Haneda, saying it was a flawed way to try to level the playing field. The move also has ramifications for partner airlines of JAL and All Nippon; JAL operates flights in cooperation with carriers in the OneWorld alliance, including British Airways and American Airlines, while All Nippon has a deal with United Continental Holdings and other members of the Star Alliance.

Having secured its first contract with JAL, Airbus is eyeing the airline’s rival. All Nippon has a handful of single-aisle Airbus planes, and executives have said it is considering the A350 or a new version of the 777 for a pending order.

Some Japanese low-cost carriers also operate Airbus planes, but the JAL deal was the first purchase of wide-body jets, which carry higher prices and profit margins, by either of the two major Japanese carriers.JAL and Airbus said the Japanese carrier would buy 31 A350 wide-body jets, which are expected to replace Boeing 777 jetliners in the carrier’s long-haul lineup. Deliveries will begin in 2019, and the order also included options for 25 more aircraft.

The A350 order breaks down to 18 of Airbus’s latest 314-seat wide-body, the A350-900, as well as 13 of its larger, 350-seat A350-1000s, a person with knowledge of the deal said.

While Boeing and Airbus have been battling each other for global market share for years, things have been different in Japan. JAL has never bought a plane from Airbus, and its main rival, All Nippon Airways, also mostly operates Boeing jets.

Although it is the first Airbus purchase for JAL, the airline acquired Japan Air Systems a few years ago and inherited some Airbus jets in that transaction.

“Certainly this is the big order Airbus was hoping for, the big foot in the door that could lead to new orders,” said Will Horton, an analyst at the CAPA Center for Aviation in Hong Kong.

Analysts say Airbus may have offered substantial discounts to alter the airline’s all-Boeing policy.

The longstanding ties between the Japanese carriers and Boeing also have been subject to new tensions over a series of problems with Boeing’s new 787 jet. Both All Nippon and JAL have bought 787s, and substantial portions of the work on the planes is done in Japan.

But the introduction of the 787 was delayed several times, and then the plane was grounded by problems with batteries, causing scheduling and logistical difficulties for the Japanese carriers and other 787 customers.

JAL’s decision to go with Airbus comes amid other signs of change in the cozy relationships that long held sway in the Japanese aviation business. The government, which used to own JAL, is increasingly distancing itself from the carrier.

Last week the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism announced that it was awarding 11 of 16 new international takeoff and landing slots at Haneda Airport in Tokyo to All Nippon, the biggest domestic rival to JAL, leaving only five for JAL.

All Nippon and JAL have an equal number of slots at Haneda, which are coveted because of the airport’s proximity to central Tokyo. Haneda is only about 15 kilometers, or 9.3 miles, from the city’s major business districts, about a quarter of the distance to Narita, the other main airport serving the Tokyo area.

The government described the decision as a way to promote fairness in the industry, after JAL benefited from several bailouts. Most recently, after JAL filed for bankruptcy protection in 2010, the airline received a capital injection of ¥350 billion, or about $3.6 billion, from a fund supported with taxpayer money.

But JAL has protested the decision on Haneda, saying it was a flawed way to try to level the playing field. The move also has ramifications for partner airlines of JAL and All Nippon; JAL operates flights in cooperation with carriers in the OneWorld alliance, including British Airways and American Airlines, while All Nippon has a deal with United Continental Holdings and other members of the Star Alliance.

Having secured its first contract with JAL, Airbus is eyeing the airline’s rival. All Nippon has a handful of single-aisle Airbus planes, and executives have said it is considering the A350 or a new version of the 777 for a pending order.

Some Japanese low-cost carriers also operate Airbus planes, but the JAL deal was the first purchase of wide-body jets, which carry higher prices and profit margins, by either of the two major Japanese carriers.

City Lights

In these deep city lights, a boy could get lost tonight. I'm finding every reason to be gone, but there is nothing here to hold on to. Could I hold you? I am just being left here to reminisce all those moment again and again. I wouldn't say it's easy, but I do wish it was. 

For some reasons, I wanted so many things. And it was all those little things in life that I didn't really cherish. I miss my hair, I miss being able to eat what I wanted. Even my mom got me mckers but after having a bite, it just couldn't stay in. I miss those times I was just able to do what I wanted. 

Listening to rain drops and it got me thinking, have I really lived? Whenever this questions pops, it made me realize being human, we will somehow find that loop hole to say we haven't. Everyone wants more, even I do. I have D being there for me always, my besties who always push me up, even zombie trying his best to be. I have unconditional love, I have that passionate love I always wanted, I have the love that is being shared among best friends. So what do I wanna hold on to right now? 

I know that the fact that things I wanted needed time to heal. But why do I still feel this way? A mixture of every emotions that could be. Where can I go from here? I just wanted to get over with all this treatment and move on. Or I should say live on. 

I know I am being loved and I am grateful for everything. But somehow, I am just all over the place right now. Just wished it was much simpler. But I know, life is life. I have every reason to be gone, but I know I just gotta hold on. Hold on to you. 

Acceptance

I would be lying if I say that I've fully accepted what I am or how I am. From time to time, you will be asking a lot of questions like how long more will it be? or even when will I be like those survivors shouting out loud that they are chemo free? Maybe it's just one of those really worst days you get after treatment. I wanted to feel that everything will be alright again. But like what people says, you can fool the world, but to fool yourself, that is just one thing that could possibly break you. I know optimism is one thing, but we can't really brush aside the fact that sometimes, the life we are living is just pure side by side with fear. It isn't a bad thing at all sometimes. Fear, after all is just a very primal state of human emotions. From the very start of humanization till this very day, it's just a part of us that we have to accept. I know partly that this is just the way life is. 

Being bald now isn't really a new thing to me. But to be able to put myself out there, it's just another story. I realize that on my Facebook or even Twitter, I never really posted how I look after treatment. I would be lying again if I say I don't know. The fact is being a CA patient is one thing, but to put yourself out there like that would be another story. I know it has been a long time now, but yet, I am still taking baby steps. I know that the overwhelming support and love were given to me, and I do really appreciate that. But at times, the ones that I do wish it was from will never be there. Instead, judgement, pity, or even the most hilarious reasons you can think of will just arise. 

I know I am just being paranoid or something, but all these emotions are just too overwhelming for me to digest right now. Or I would say, I don't wanna accept it at this very moment I guess. But I have to say, the support from my love one and my besties are just the source that I needed right now. They just know how to put that big smile on my face and stop thinking of things that I shouldn't even be thinking of in the first place. And thank you Dumdum for flying in to just get me through this. I wouldn't even know what I could be if you weren't here to remind me that it's just okay, not to be okay. 

I came across this very meaningful quote today. 

You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.

Mae West

I guess with everything I learn in these years, everything just made sense. And there is one person out there I really have to thank, Baby J. Without everything I have been through, I would never really know what loving is all about. Thank you for letting me grow. 

Pair Of Wings

Not gonna say anything much on this post. But just this song is exactly what I feel right now.

If I had a pair of wings

I'd pick you and fly you far away form here

And you'd put your worries upon my shoulders, my dear

Now I know I can't save you

From the troubles of the world

And this sounds like such a silly thing

But if I could fly you away

With a big old pair of wings

And if I had a pair of wings

I'd pick you and fly you far away form here

And we'd fly so high up in the sky

Where the stars are so clear

And then I could save you

From the troubles of the world

And all you'd have to pack is your heart to bring

And there we are, you and me

Flying on a big ol' pair of wings

We keep getting older, the world keeps getting colder

Tell me when did we lose our way?

It's so hard not to lose your mind in such crazy days

And if I had one wish I know what I'd wish for

There's only one thing that'll do

I'll fly away on this pair of wings with you

If I had a pair of wings

I'd scoop you up we'd fly away and disappear

And you could put your worries upon my shoulders, my dear

Now I know I can't save you

From the troubles of the world

And this sounds like such a silly thing

But if I could fly you away

On a big old pair of wings

And if I had a pair of wings

I'd pick you and fly you far away form here

And I could stay right by your side and keep you so near

And then I could save you form the troubles of the world

And all you'd have to pack is your heart to bring

And there we are, you and me

Flying on a big ol' pair of wings

We keep getting older, the world keeps getting colder

Tell me when did we lose our way?

It's so hard not to lose your mind in such crazy days

And if I had one wish I know what I'd wish for

There's only one thing that'll do

I'll fly away on this pair of wings with you

If I had one wish I know what I'd wish for

There's only one thing that'll do

I'd fly away on this pair of wings with you

I said if I had one wish I know what I'd wish for

There's only one thing that'll do

I'd fly away on this pair of wings with you

With lots of love, forever yours,

Ricky.

Moving Forward & Leaving Behind

How long does it take, a minute, a week, a life time? I know the patience is everything but what if people can't really change? Deep down, what we all are capable of doing is distracting everyone than what is going on underneath.

Watching and waiting, telling time, telling lies, half true, whole true and nothing but truth. But does it really matter now? At least nothing I can concern. It's the feeling like, life just happening...  To you. As if you are not apart of what's going on. Constantly dreaming of reality for ourselves, but what it seems like reality is more than a dream than anything. You watch yourself living, but it's like you're helpless. You can't do anything to change it.

Even knowing you are not alone, this feeling, is no consolation at all. Fact remains, it's just no good keep walking through life. But what can I do? Do I actually have that choice? For a person who is fighting on a daily basis, can I just choose to be? The idea of even have to keep up with new adaptation and all. I thought I would be alright. But am I?

As a child, I always thinks that riding at the back of a car is an emotionally driven experience. My father and I never really got along when I was younger. When he use to pick me up from somewhere and take me home, I always feel that he is taking me away from the places I usually rather be. It was as if I was force to leave something behind. A part of myself, maybe. I would spend the entire car ride home, turning around in the back seat, watching my happiness disappear into the distance.

It's all I could do from keep jumping out of the car, I could be where I've been, but at least I could turn my back to where I was headed. It was like that as long as I could remember. Until one day, my father finally said something about it. He said :

Son, moving forward isn't always leaving something behind. 

It's probably the most profound thing he has ever said. Only it took me this long to finally get it. It is the same "then" as it is "today". I can't turn around any more. And for the first time in my life, I finally feel I am looking at the right direction. 

Four Big Names In Talks To Helm 'Wicked' Adaptation

It looks like the adaptation a decade in the making is finally picking up some steam.

BroadwayWorld is reporting that producer Marc Platt, composer Stephen Schwartz, and writer Winnie Holzman have began meeting with potential directors for the upcoming adaptation of "Wicked."

A musical that opened on Broadway in 2003, "Wicked" is the story of two girls that meet in the land of Oz; One, born with emerald-green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood, and the other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular.

It tells the story of the creation of the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda the Good.

The list of potential directors is a who's who of Hollywood right now: J.J. Abrams (upcoming "Star Wars Episode VII"), James Mangold ("The Wolverine"), Rob Marshall ("Chicago"), and Ryan Murphy ("Glee").

While I see the film going to either Marshall or Murphy for obvious reasons I would really like to see Mangold step up to the plate.

He did, after all, make "Walk the Line" so he has some history with music, and he is an excellent story teller, and can dig deep into actors for depth and emotion.

Holding On & Letting Go

Whenever people says Rock Music, the thing usually pops into their mind is just noises. But does it really means that? I've devoted my life to rock music. It's a really big part of me in many levels. In these recent few weeks having my time off, I realize that the more I wanted to write a hit, the more I drifted away from my roots. I remember I tweeted this years ago.

Music isn't just some melody I wanna write about for people to love. It's just a part of me I wanna express and share it with the world. That is what music is to me. 

But now, where am I standing? Everything seems out of reach to me. Life is kind to me and I will be damn if I think other wise. But why the more I am having right now, I feel like the more I am loosing it. The only person I really wished to hold right now and tells me it's gonna be ok is on the other side of the world. And when I pick up the phone to text, all I could key in was, "I miss you" and a quick reply "Silly boy, I miss you too. XOXO"  And I just left it where it was.

I have been avoiding to write for the past few days. Just keeping myself busy on my work. But the more I wanna keep myself running away from reality, the more everything seems to be building inside. For one little reason, I won't be going under the knife any more. Somewhat with the reason that I wasn't fit enough to go under anesthetic.

The more I am telling myself I am ok, the more I don't really believe myself. Is anybody out there? Is anybody listenin'? Does anybody really know it's the end of the beginning? The cry a rush a one breath, Is all we waiting for? Sometimes I want my taking, but changes everyone before. Sometimes we're holding angels and we never even know. Don't know if we'll make it, but we know i just can't let it show. Some prayers finds answers, some prayers just don't.

What is there left for me to pick it up? I have even tried unconventional drugs( Ain't those I was doing ). It does seems working well for now. Cytoxin is like a miracle for me. But the question is just how long will it be this time. All I am left is just time. Maybe it just is.

Singapore Airlines Unveils Grand New Cabin Designs, Launches 777-300ER

The race for the best international premium cabins heated up yesterday when Singapore Airlines unveiled a new interior design in their upcoming Boeing 777-300 ER fleet. In a small event at the Boeing delivery facility outside of Seattle, the airline previewed the next phase of their cabin experience set to reach customers later this year.

Though the airline has widely been heralded as one of the best international carriers, it continues to innovate in this long range Boeing aircraft only five years after launching a new product on the A380. Asked about the short development cycle, James Boyd, VP of PR Americas said “We never want to rest our laurels,” and pointed to a tradition of innovation at the company.

While that evolution has resulted in aesthetic changes and inflight entertainment upgrades throughout the entire aircraft, the upgrades are most apparent in the first and business class cabins.

Seats have been redesigned to accommodate the ergonomics and needs of today’s business traveler with power, USB, lights and seat controls all at arm’s reach. There’s now space to stow a tablet computer and noise-cancelling headsets, and the seats have been updated to recline in a wider variety of positions.

At large, these are all updates to an existing premium product to make it even better. First class seats, for example, are still enormously wide at 35” across. Now, however, they also have audio jacks on both sides of the bench to accommodate two passengers.

Updates to the inflight entertainment pump Singapore’s Krisworld platform out through a Panasonic eX3 system. While most passengers won’t recognize the updates compared to the other Singapore aircraft, they will notice the size of the screens. First class screens are now 24” instead of 23”, business goes up to 18” from 15.4” and economy even upgrades from 10.6 to 11.1 inches. Each seat has USB and iPhone connections, and the front two cabins have HDMI inputs. There is also a touchscreen handset in each seat that acts as a handheld menu for the inflight entertainment, something particularly handy in the front cabins where it’s more difficult to reach the televisions.

The updates seem ready to keep Singapore Airlines on top of the heap of premium international carriers. As to when North Americans will see the service, the answer is still unclear. The airline’s 777-300ER will initially operate in late 2013 between Singapore and London, with additional planned routes across the eastern hemisphere. San Francisco and Houston both are serviced by Singapore Airlines on a 777-300, though the airline’s plans to use the new equipment on those routes has not been established.

Economy Class

Business Class

First Class

Breathing Air

Have you ever feel like you were under the water and you couldn't rise above to catch a mouthful of air? Somehow, that is how I am feeling right now. Sometimes, things ought to be seen as something beautiful. But when you peel it off a layer by layer. Reality sometimes is just harsh and cold.

So many things to let go right now, so many part of me wanting to hold on. All the chains around were just pulling you in deeper. The more you wanted to stay on, the more you knew it was just steps away being a wreak.

It's been 8 days since you left me there. I understand what you are going through, I understand that this is part of the deal. But nothing can take away the loneliness that is growing. I know it isn't fair to say I am cause I know, it will be 100 times worst for you than for me.

I know that nothing I can compares to you. Nothing will. But sometimes, I feel am I just enough for you? I am tired too. I am human too. I am not tired that I love you. But I am just tired of all the other factors that makes me feel how I am feeling right now.

I wanted to say it is okay. I really do. But just.. I needed air myself. I wanted to be just enough for you. But will I ever be? I am your safe person, I am yours as you are mine. But why does all this emotions still stirs?

To Bali With Love?

Well, everything seems to be at a boiling point. I needed this break and honestly, Bali did me good. There are so many things going on right now and I just didn't know how to deal with it somehow. I am lost at words. A tight slap from reality just didn't really help.

Listening to Siobhan Magnus's cover of Nothing Compares To You just put me at peace somehow. I just hang up on the phone with Andrew. Somewhat, I miss that cutie little boy very much. He is such a beautiful light. But he reminds me a lot with what being a normal human can be. All the emotions that is going on right now, it is just part of being alive.

Somehow, I wouldn't be able to go back to the States this coming few weeks. But anyhow, everything happen for a reason right? I know at this moment, I needed to be here. To be just where you needed. I thought I would feel miserable but actually, it ain't that bad. Maybe it's just the vibe I am having right now. Listening to music really does help.

She’s talking to angels, counting the stars

Making a wish on a passing car

She’s dancing with strangers, falling apart

Waiting for Superman to pick her up

In his arms, In his arms

Waiting for Superman

Well, I guess music is just really a part of me. This is just a song that really helps me a lot right now. And I guess that is all that matters. The lyrics of this song were inspired by a real life person. She indeed reminds me of someone I love very much.

Anyway, here are some shots I've taken in Bali. Will continue writing soon. Good night y'all.

Royal Brunei to Start Boeing 787 Operation from December 2013

Royal Brunei on Thursday opened reservation for its Boeing 787 operation. First Boeing 787 route opened for reservation is Bandar Seri Begawan – Dubai – London Heathrow, scheduled to start from 01DEC13 (DXB/LHR departure from 02DEC13).

BI097 BWN2100 – 0140+1DXB0300+1 – 0640+1LHR 787 D
BI098 LHR1705 – 0410+1DXB0535+1 – 1730+1BWN 787 D

Royal Brunei’s 2-class 254-seater Boeing 787 includes 18 Business Class seats (2-2-2) and 236 Economy Class seats (3-3-3).

I guess that Royal Brunei is going to go head to head with BA, EK, and QF on the LHR-DXB route. Hope the great success on the route.

New sensation

A customer’s first 787 will also feature another first—a brand new livery. The first 787 for Royal Brunei Airlines recently came out of the paint hangar in Everett with a bright yellow tail featuring the national crest of Brunei.

The airplane features a classic styled new livery and logo. Royal Brunei Airlines says it is designed to create a family-like, peaceful and tranquil atmosphere with high class customer service.

Royal Brunei Airlines has five 787s on order, with this first one scheduled for delivery this fall. Congratulations to them on the sensational new look.

Glee Season 5, Episode 1 Sneak Peek

Hey Gleeks! It's been awhile, and oh I have missed you all!! 

Season 5 of Glee is fast approaching us, and I personally have a feeling this is going to be the best season of Glee yet! Us Gleeks have been on an emotional roller-coaster ride for the past few months, but if Glee has taught us anything, it's that channeling sadness through song can make us all stronger people.

We've got your first look at photos from the Season 5 premiere, "Love, Love, Love". It’s very exciting to see the cast of Glee back doing their thing with smiles on their faces too!

Glee season 5 premieres Thursday, September 26th at 9/8c on Fox. The original premiere date was pushed back 1 week after the passing of Cory Monteith set production back. We’ve also learned recently that the show is currently filming that Cory Monteith tribute episode and that there will be a hiatus for an undetermined amount of time once shooting has wrapped.

Are you excited for the Beatles centric episode of Glee premiering in just a few weeks?

What's your take on these carnival-themed photos from the inaugural Season 5 episode? Find out their context on the season premiere of Glee Thursday, September 26 at 9.00 et/pt on Global TV.

Malaysia Airlines Offers Super Low Fares For Travel Until July 2014

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) continues to offer travellers super low airfares for bookings effective immediately until Sept 16, 2013.

These promotional offers are for selected domestic and international air travel on the national carrier's flights out of KL International Airport and for travel from now until July 2014.

Malaysia Airlines Regional Senior Vice President Malaysia, Muzammil Mohamad, said, "We have slashed ticket prices up to 55 per cent on selected routes.

"Hence, we invite our customers to grab this incredible opportunity to plan their travels with us well in advanced and purchase their tickets."

Customers can fly to Darwin, Australia for an all-inclusive return economy class fare that starts from RM899.

All-inclusive return economy fares to Singapore and Manila start from RM269 and RM519 respectively.

Special promo fares to Bandar Seri Begawan start from only RM399 for all-inclusive return economy class travel.

On the home front, all-inclusive return economy class fares to Kota Kinabalu are priced from RM190 while economy class fares to Miri, Sibu and Kuching are priced from RM130.

Customers can book their travel on Malaysia Airlines through all distribution channels mainly www.malaysiaairlines.com, Malaysia Airlines 24-hour toll-free number 1 300 88 3000, MHmobile, Malaysia Airlines ticket offices and appointed agents throughout Malaysia.