Yes, you read that right. I really meant to use the verb “to pick up” rather than, say, “how to catch a plane,” in case Edsa’s a deadlock and you’re late for your flight; or “how to ride a plane,” in the unlikelihood that it’s your first time to go airborne.
Admittedly, the title of today’s The Sunday Times Magazine cover does seem unusual, only because it was a very unusual experience to travel thousands of miles where they make airplanes, fetch a phenomenon of science and engineering, and finally bring the winged giant to your country of origin.
Now those who were part of the delegation that picked up the very plane in topic should and do know that I also use the word “unusual” in the most remarkable way.
This is the story of how four-star flag carrier Philippine Airlines—Asia’s first and a true pride of the nation—officially joined the world’s most elite air passenger companies when Airbus delivered the first of six A350-900 XWB [Extra Wide Body] to the “heart of the Filipino.”
First time
The Manila Times has been fortunate to be invited to cover PAL’s most recent inaugural flights since it embarked on re-establishing the brand as one of Asia’s premier carriers in the last six years.
I have had both the honor and pleasure of joining its top executives, led by revered company president Jaime Bautista and of course its owner, the legendary Lucio Tan and his family members on PAL’s maiden flights to Toronto in 2012, London in 2013, and New York and Auckland in 2015.
In between those dates, I must have heard once or twice that a media group had left Manila “para manundo ng eroplano” [literally translated in English as “to pick up a plane”], which, to be honest, sounded a little less exciting than my list above.
You see, an inaugural flight coverage, especially for the Lifestyle media, does not only involve writing about official ceremonies and press conferences from Manila to the point of origin, but also a whirlwind tour of the city’s top attractions for travelogues.
To my mind, picking up an airplane seemed to be more of a Business coverage, that is, one that is filled with facts and figures regarding the transaction between airline and aircraft manufacturer, and the specs of the unit.
Flying to Toulouse, France, however, to cover “Philippine Airlines’ first A350-900 Delivery,” proved to be an experience like no other. A very memorable first time to pick up a plane.
Amazing Airbus
Toulouse is home to the headquarters of commercial aircraft manufacturer Airbus, whose land area is apparently bigger than that of Bonifacio Global City. With multiple divisions and an approximate number of employees at 20,000 spread across 100 different nationalities, the complex is a veritable metropolis in itself.
To ride into Airbus, therefore, is reminiscent of those scenes in movies where a gate slowly opens to reveal to the characters “an other world.” Think entering Jurassic Park and the awe that would bring, so much so that you’ll come to love dinosaurs even if you never did.
So now, I declare that I am in love with airplanes. Because at Airbus, you are strikingly reminded that they are not just a form of transformation that takes you from country to country, but the phenomenon that it has always been since the Wright brothers, Wilbur and Orville, first invented it 1903.
Since visiting Airbus, I no longer consider airplanes as a place in which to catch up sleep or the latest movies to while away travel time, but a true marvel, given the sheer number of people, the collective geniuses, the science and engineering, and dedication and passion it entails to design and manufacture a single unit.
Let me tell you what it’s like to see all these first-hand.
In our day-long visit to Airbus, we felt like children on our first stop, finding ourselves in a huge playground with life-sized models of what is touted by the European company as the new cornerstone of its commercial aircrafts. That “which is shaping the future of medium, long and ultra-long haul travel.”
Imagine trying out seats from First Class through Economy, lingering at a model swanky bar just outside the door of the cockpit, or trying out the secret resting cabins for the in-flight crew.
From the Mock-up Center, we were taken to The Final Assembly Line (FAL) where things get technical and all the more incredible.
The FAL covers 11 hectares of space just for the manufacture of the aviation world’s most sought after A350-900 alone, comprised of highly efficient stations that number way beyond 50 if you’re counting. This is where the biggest to the tiniest of details are installed to finally get this sophisticated flying goliath up in the air: Special LED mood lighting to help passengers ease into to differing time zones and lessen jetlag; wider and deeper overhead bins to accommodate more hand luggage; and hands-free faucets for heightened convenience and hygiene among others.
Of course, there are the more complex “steps” taken at the FAL, from joining the forward, center and aft fuselage to installing the all-important landing gears.
Like I said, you’ll never take for granted riding an airplane again when you see this beautiful complicated process.
Nevertheless, what literally took my breath away was our final stop at the Airbus facility—the hangar where Philippine Airlines’ brand new A350-900 stood in all its glory. As our van turned the corner, a sense of pride came upon us all as the colors of our flag slowly emerged. A small image on the tail that grew bigger and bigger to finally reveal a magnificent aircraft bearing a single name across its body: “Philippines.”
There were goose bumps, hairs standing on end, and misty eyes too, when we finally approached the vessel up close. To be engulfed by the name and symbol of our nation—a sign of Filipino prosperity—amid this faraway European city.
When a hush took over the PAL executives, media delegates and even Airbus’ representatives, Lucio Tan’s eldest son, LTG Group President and PAL Director Michael “Mike” Tan gently and humbly declared, “I feel very proud… This is our commitment to the country and our people.”
Proud celebrations
To be sure, the delivery of a new aircraft brings about a heightened feel of celebration and national pride compared to a maiden voyage.
That very night following our first encounter with the new PAL A350 on July 13, Airbus feted the company with a delivery dinner at les Abattoires, the Toulouse Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. Again, it brought shivers down the Filipino spine to step into this 19th century building and see the Philippine flag center stage amid the European city’s valuable collection of paintings and sculptures.
A French choir singer opened the short program with our National Anthem, impressively learning and mastering “Lupang Hinirang” within a day, and touching all of us to the core.
As we all sat down—a small delegation from a country still on its way to reaching its full potential—we continued to be feted by the topmost executives, engineers and technicians of this world class pioneer in the aerospace industry.
All eyes were on PAL President and COO Jaime Bautista who stood tall beside Airbus Chief Commercial Officer Eric Schulz and Rolls Royce [engine manufacturer for the A350]Chief Customer Officer Dominic Horwood, symbolically receiving the world’s latest A350-900 for the Philippines.
When he took to the podium, Bautista’s speech was greeted by thunderous applause.
“More than 77 years after our airline was born, PAL’s first A350-900 will finally start its long journey home to Manila. I am proud and happy to welcome the Airbus A350 fleet to the PAL family. The aircraft is a game changer in the industry, and we look forward with full confidence that our new Airbus A350-900 will help us attain our goal to become a true five-star Philippine carrier, a gift to the people of the Philippines, the Asia-Pacific region, and the world.”
The following day, PAL’s A350-900—the first of six the airline has ordered from Airbus—began this “long journey home to Manila” in ceremonies incorporating European and Filipino touches.
For first time “fetchers” like me, it was definitely a treat to fly out not from the Toulouse-Blagnac International Airport where this adventure began, but the Airbus Delivery Center. Yet another impressive building on the premises, the delivery center has its own check-in counters, security facilities, and French immigration representatives invited specially to stamp you out of the country.
What would therefore take a couple of hours at a regular airport if you’re lucky unfolded in less than 20 minutes, and with a classical string trio, champagne, wine and hors d’oeuvres immediately waiting at the “gate.”
Then, just outside panoramic windows, PAL’s gleaming A350 lorded the tarmac, as Bautista, Airbus Executive Vice President Jean Francois Laval and Senior Vice President Christophe Molus officially started the departure program by sharing ribbon-cutting duties. Now while that first part is considered a common inaugural tradition on both sides, what followed was a very Filipino practice. For, just like we ask a priest to bless our new family or company cars before driving them, PAL requested Airbus to arrange for thanksgiving prayers and a blessing of the 66.80-meter-long vessel—inside and out, tires and propellers included.
As I doubled my steps behind the main celebrant, a Canadian priest who allowed his con-celebrators to go on ahead the considerable walk around the airplane, I whispered to him, “Father, how many buckets of Holy Water did you bring for this airplane blessing?”
Hardly surprised by my question, he chuckled good-naturedly and said, “I know many Filipinos where I live in Vancouver and I always enjoy their humor. Several liters, my dear. Several liters.”
As the final sign of the cross was made and we all prepared for boarding, fond goodbyes were exchanged with the party that saw us off—a gathering of different nationalities all involved in one way or another across the two years it took to complete this delivery.
We were bringing their baby—now Philippine Airlines’—home.
Fiesta time
Again, unlike a maiden flight where formalities are observed, the “fetchers” of PAL’s A350-900 let their hair down the moment PAL’s Chief Pilot, Captain Butch Generoso ordered, “Cabin crew, prepare for take-off.”
PAL’s VIPs excitedly got out of their suits, most of them changing into sweats and jogging pants, feeling quickly at home amid the specially designed A350 interiors by the fabulous Daniel Baron. An American, Daniel is the owner of Lift Strategic Design, a Tokyo-based consultancy dedicated to airline cabin and brand design, and customer journey development. He has been working with PAL since the Airbus orders were placed in order to execute very Filipino details in the cabins. (See sidebar, “Fun Challenge”).
Once airborne, boisterous cheers and applause erupted from the group that probably occupied less than a quarter of the plane especially when Capt. Generoso tilted the wings from side to side to wave its former home goodbye.
Meanwhile, like a typical Filipino “excursion,” the mood was relaxed and lively albeit high up in the air and amid a very sleek and sophisticated environment.
My seat 7D was right in front of Mr. Bautista with whom I enjoyed chatting with about family. Knelt over my chair as he stood in front of his, I talked about my sons and this doting dad and grandfather, his only daughter and her two children whom he was so pleased were able to join him and wife Joji from Singapore where they are based.
A little later, as I took my turn and changed into my “lounge wear,” I passed by the ever perky PAL Vice President for Marketing Ria Carreon-Domingo, also in her sweats by, happily eating a chocolate covered popsicle from several ice chests laid around the cabin.
A little later, as I took my turn and changed into my “lounge wear,” I passed by the ever perky PAL Vice President for Marketing Ria Carreon-Domingo, also in her sweats, happily eating a chocolate covered popsicle from several ice chests laid around the cabin.
“Tessa! You want one?” she offered excitedly.
“Oooh! I’ll have that one instead,” I replied as one of the flight attendants started passing a tray full of crisp packets around.
“Ang sarap ng ice cream,” Ria licked away, suddenly bending down to wipe a bit of the vanilla that dropped as any of us would in our kitchens at home. It was an adorable scene.
As we snacked away, our next “passerby” was PAL Senior Vice President Ismail “Nikki” Gozon, who broke into a cheeky grin when he saw us staring at his arms. They were filled with his ultra-warm Business Class comforter and fluffy pillows.
“Tulog muna ako sa Economy—ang ingay nila doon eh!” he came clean.
Before we all felt the joyful exhaustion from the whirl of activities the past few days, we managed so many more selfies and we-fies, a little party at the aft where I got to live out another one of my dreams pretend to be a flight attendant working those metal cupboards and of course enjoy half a movie, we buckled down to sleep on our flat beds dreaming of Toulouse.
Before we knew it, Capt. Generoso landed the plane smoothly as he always does to a water canon salute, and the rest of the PAL family welcoming their much-awaited new aircraft and colleagues.
Two days later, on July 17, no less than President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and PAL Chairman and CEO Lucio Tan led the ceremonial welcome for the A350-900 at Villamor Airbase. The occasion also marked the business leader’s 83rd birthday.
In his speech, Mr. Duterte lauded both the PAL patriarch and his company’s latest acquisition.
“It is my pleasure to witness the unveiling of the new aircraft of Philippine Airlines. This milestone would not have been possible without the decisive leadership of Dr. Lucio Tan, who is celebrating his 83rd birthday today.
“Dr. Tan, I wish you a happy birthday and may you continue to be endowed with good health, countless blessings and greater success in all endeavors. Today marks a momentous achievement not only for PAL, but for the entire country as well.
“I commend the airline for its efforts to deliver quality flight experience to all its passengers by modernizing its fleet, expanding its reach and providing wholehearted care that is distinctively Filipino.”
Impressed with the massive aircraft, the President—who proudly declared he has been a “PAL customer for over 50 years”—looked delighted to receive his very own scale model of the A350-900 from his gracious hosts.
Now I may not have one of those, but I certainly have such a memorable experience that the President hasn’t had, or may never have. I picked up a plane, and I am more than delighted I did.
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