Capt's Blog:FBO Asia.Resource: October 2011

Welcome to FBO Asia.Resource.

Capt's Blog Stardate 17032011:

Hello and welcome to FBO.Asia.Resource. The objective of this blog is to share experiences and impart some of the knowledge gained so others may have a better picture of what to expect when they operate into Asia. Landing at an unfamiliar foreign airport and trying to get your pax safely through CIQ and turn around your aircraft can be overwhelming if you don't know who your handlers are or what services they can offer. You may try to call your flight coordinator if you get your mobile to work, but sitting in a cubicle in Houston half a day apart , they cannot help you much either. So here is where I will share some of our experiences. At the moment I am operating within SE Asia and China. hopefully I will be flying into more exciting cities in other parts of Asia. I have heard stories about landing and handling in India so that would be a good experience to write about.

I will attempt to get a few contributors who flies to different destinations or uses a different handler so the wealth of experience and knowledge will be even greater. At the end of the day, your pax are happy, you feel safe and secure that your aircraft is ready and we can all head for the bar and get our well deserve drinks.

20111030

RPLL

Capt's Blog: RPLL/MNL Manila International Airport is also known as Ninoy Aquino International Airport NAIA. It is the main international gateway into the Philippines. It has intersecting runways and the shorter one caters for domestic traffic. The longer runway has ILS and RNAV and can be busy because of bigger international airline traffic. We were radar vectored for the approcah instead of doing the STAR. Pretty standard stuff, landed at night in the rain and was directed to park at the cargo apron which is just next to the international terminal. If this is your first time flying a private jet into Philippines, during the application for permit, you will need sent aoc certs, licences and even medical certs of crews. However once landed, there's no ramp checks to verify. Our handlers will meet and greet pax with cars right at apron. Refueling, lav and potable water services are all available. Catering is also provided so no issues there. English is the main mode of communication. Once your are ready to leave jet, the handlers would have cleared crew passports and ready to transport you to hotel of your choice. Makati or surrounding Metro Manila is 45-60 mins away. Then cold san miguel beers would be waiting for you at the nearest bar!

Parking bay at cargo apron next to international terminal (background)