MASAlert

#MASAlert More details have arisen regarding the possibility of the aircraft turning towards the west. The Aircraft Communications And Reporting System (ACARS) regularly transmits data regarding the aircraft's operational status to the airline operations centre. Some

authorities say that after the aircraft went off radar, the ACARS continued transmitting for 4-5 hours, implying the aircraft could have flown for quite some time. Military radar reports detecting an unidentified aircraft in the area over the Straight of Malacca, which could have been the aircraft. The search area is now being widened to the Indian Ocean.

MH370 Preliminary Report

Flag at half-mast out of respect for the family and victims of MH370. More than 48 hours after contact was lost, many, many questions remain. The main being the location of the aircraft. In a modern world where flying has become increasingly commonplace, it is strange and hard to believe how a modern airliner can simply disappear off radar without a trace left behind. The following is a summary of the events as well as my theories relating to the possible incident cause.

8/3 0341 - MH370 departs KUL. 227 PAX, 12 crew inc. 2 tech crew

8/3 0540 - Signal and communication lost. Last comm. with Subang Centre.

8/3 1500 - Vietnam confirms loss of contact and radar connection

8/3 1525 - Details about captain released. 53 yr old Zaharie Ahmad Shah with 18,365 flying hrs 

8/3 1531 - China dispatches 2 ships to investigate waters

8/3 1730 - Vietnamese report that the aircraft has intact crashed into sea.   UNCONFIRMED BY MAS

8/3 1800 - Malaysia PM hold press conference stating search underway, but no signs of aircraft

9/3 0000 - Reports of oil slicks discovered near last contact site. Unconfirmed as being related to MAS

9/3 0400 - Reports arise of two passengers travelling under passports stolen from Thailand

9/3 1000 - USA will send FBI to KUL to assist with investigation surrounding terrorism

9/3 1500 - Malaysia have activated counter-terrorism unit

9/3 1700 - Malaysia aviation chief confirms CCTV footage of boarding/security is being examined 

9/3 1800 - Revealed that the two people travelling on stolen passports booked their flights together. The flights were one way and included a connection from Beijing to Amsterdam on KLM.

The mesmerising Singapore Airlines Suites | SYD-SIN-HKG

So it's my birthday on the 24th of September, and for this, I am flying the amazing Singapore Airlines A380 Suites! My itinerary involves flying from Sydney to Singapore on the 24th of September, and then Singapore to Hong Kong on the 26th of September. After several conversations with the KrisFlyer Contact Centre about stopovers, unaccompanied minors, the website not working properly and redemption nominees, finally the flights are booked. At this stage, I have just got off the phone with KrisFlyer, and will update the report accordingly. This will be an amazing two flights, especially the one on my birthday! It'll be amazing using the First Class drive-in check-in in Singapore and The Private Room in T3. Can't wait! ✈

Extra 10kg baggage for Singapore Airlines

As of 15 November 2013, passengers in all classes on Singapore Airlines can enjoy an extra 10kg of checked in luggage. Economy will now receive 30kg, Business will receive 40kg, and Firstr and Suites will receive 50kg. Star Alliance/ KrisFlyer Gold members will continue to receive 20kg extra on top of these new allowances. PPS Club members can receive double the base amount. That is, 100kg in Suites and First, 80kg in Business and 60kg in Economy. The universal maximum 32kg per piece still applies (for OH&S). When travelling to and from the US or Brazil, all customers in all classes are limited to 2 pieces not exceeding 32kg each. Star Alliance Gold may carry 3 pieces, and PPS Club may take 4 pieces. 

This increase in baggage allowance is the latest in the string of amazing improvemts to the world's best airline.

The end of the Boeing 747?

                                 

                                   The final resting place for many 747's (Photo: Airliners.net)


The '747', 'Jumbo Jet' or 'Queen Of The Skies'  may soon be a rare sight. Why? Airlines simply don't want to buy them.

The introduction of the 747 into commercial service with Pan Am in early 1970 saw massive support throughout the whole aviation industry. For nearly 40 years it held strong as the biggest and most amazing airliner in the world. Every major airline in existence had huge orders for the aircraft. Singapore Airlines once had over 50 747's in their fleet, and had the largest fleet of 747's in the world. In April 2012, they retired their last 747. Many airlines are beginning to do the same, and every day the chances of seeing a 747 take-off or land get smaller. 

Tata and Singapore Airlines to launch new airline in June next year

After lengthy discussion and a final 'OK' from the Foreign Investment Promotion Board, Tata-Sons and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have announced that they hope to commence operations of their new Indian based commercial airline in May-June next year. This announcement was provided by Prasad Menon, the Chairman of the new airline. Plans state that SIA will initially hold a 49% stake, with a $49 Million investment. Tata will hold the remaining 51% as well as provide $51 Million for investment.

Unsurprisingly no information about the name, branding, cabins or routes has been released as yet. However, the Chairman stated that they may be utilising aircraft from SIA's current fleet. This will most likely include the airline's older 777-200s, as they are progressively replaced by the 777-300ER, A350 and 787-10X. This airline will be a premium full service carrier, and in the midst of this, Tata have revealed plans to create an Indian budget carrier with Air Asia.

Left to right: Goh Choon Phong (SIA CEO), Ratan Tata (Tata-Sons Chairman Emeritus), Anand Sharma (Indian Minister For Commerce And Industry) - Photo : AFP

Singapore Airlines New Cabin Launch and New Indian Carrier

It was recently revealed by a Singapore Airlines spokeswoman that the new cabins, that were revealed earlier this year, will be launched into service on September 27. SQ 318 on the day will be the first commercial flight of the first of the airline's brand new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. SQ 318 operates from Singapore to London, departing Singapore at 12:45pm. This aircraft features new Economy, Business and First class seating, along with the new KrisWorld entertainment system. It is apparent that the aircraft will not operate regular flights until October. Up until October 27, it shall be operating on various different flights between Singapore and London.
As well as this, Tata and Singapore Airlines have announced plans to create a new full service premium carrier based in India. Tata will own a 51% stake, with SIA holding the remaining 49%. This is another huge step into making SIA into a larger airline. Currently, the SIA group consists of a full service premium long haul carrier (Singapore Airlines), a full service premium short haul carrier (Silk Air), a budget long haul carrier (Scoot) and a budget short haul carrier (Tigerair). This new Indian airline will add to the airline's growing group.

The new Business Class seat (Photo: Singapore Airlines)