Words: Farheen Ali Photography: Adeel Halim

A man feeds an elephant outside the circus tent

     The word ‘circus’ conjures images of fun and gaiety, and brings me back to my childhood where days were full of games and laughter and the only deadline was bedtime. For over 100 years, going to a circus was typically an annual event in many Indian households. I remember rushing with other children to catch a show before a travelling circus moved on to the next town. Today, the number of active travelling circuses in India is dwindling. Falling collections, strict regulations and lack of suitable talent are making it difficult for this industry to compete with other forms of entertainment.

The Early Indian Circus

India’s ancient history has several references to the tradition of travelling entertainers and artistes. The first official Indian circus came into existence around 1880. In those days, circus shows consisted primarily of equestrian performances. This trend changed soon after and acrobatic performances took precedence, especially in international circuses. Today, less than 20 big circuses are members of the Indian Circus Federation, while a large number of small circuses operate unregistered.

Men wait for the circus gates to open to watch the next show.

     An Indian travelling circus typically has two to three performances a day, each lasting about two hours. Ticket prices vary from INR 50 to INR 500, allowing people of all social strata to enjoy the shows. The more expensive tickets offer access to front rows seats for a close up view, while visitors holding the cheaper tickets often sit on wooden planks placed at the periphery of the circus tent.

     There is also often a canteen tent where snacks and refreshments are available. Normally, circus employees walk around selling popcorn, ice creams, colas and even hand-fans to generate extra income. A striking feature of an Indian circus is the absence of fancy props. With a minimalistic use of technology, most performances are a result of years of practice and human perseverance. One often notices the same entertainers coming into the arena and performing multiple acts. Trapeze artists, fire dancers, rope walkers, mono-cyclists and animal show experts often take on several roles.

Women on mono-wheel cycles take centre stage while another group stands by to join in the act.

     There are also some feats that are unique to particular performing artistes; the Fish Man, for example, drinks a jug of water, swallows a live fish, and then sprays out all the water including the fish! Circus owners try very hard to source such uniquetalent to become a part of their circus act, and create added value. Most of the artistes are not well educated, but they have immense talent. It is the task of the circus master to recognise and nurture their gifts.

“The performers put on their best show during the few minutes of their appearance, but once done, they retire to their tents where they wait to repeat the same tedious routine.”

]]> http://www.airasia.com/travel3sixty/disappearing-act/feed 0 http://www.airasia.com/travel3sixty/locks-in-lombok http://www.airasia.com/travel3sixty/locks-in-lombok#comments Wed, 15 May 2013 03:48:46 +0000 Admin http://www.airasia.com/travel3sixty/?p=12448 read more»]]> On Lombok’s Kuta beach, the locals celebrate an age-old legend by harvesting marine worms that are believed to be the magical manifestation of a princess’ locks.

Words & Photography: Edgar Alan Zeta-Yap 

The practically deserted Tanjung A’an beach in Lombok.

     Scrambling up a rocky outcrop in the middle of Kuta Beach on Lombok, I admired the serene beauty of the island. Nearby, a lonesome fisherman on a small one-sided outrigger canoe cast a net over the turquoise waters that lapped the immaculate crescent of sand, hemmed in by verdurous hills.

     Languid beach-goers snoozed in the shade of pandanus palms, whilst lithe lady vendors promenaded with colourful ikat and songket sarongs piled high on their heads. Next to humble warung (stalls) of bamboo and thatch, little children selling seashell bracelets laughed and gambolled. “This is the nicest beach we’ve been to in Indonesia!” admitted Liz and Jodie, two blonde sunbathers I’d met on the shore. “We just arrived from Bali; it can get pretty crazy over there”.

A local craftswoman spinning cotton on a traditional spindle at the Sasak Cultural Village in Sade, Lombok.

      Worlds away from its hedonistic and overcrowded Balinese namesake, Kuta Beach in southern Lombok harbours pristine coves, remote surf breaks, indigenous villages and local legends that come alive every year through a unique ritual harvest.

     Only the festive music of gamelan could’ve torn me away from the relaxing vista. Following the music to the main road, I found throngs of Sasak villagers on parade, carrying in regal sedan chairs the most beautiful lasses in town, towards Seger Beach, a rough-hewn cove right next to Kuta. Wearing Mona Lisa smiles, the young ladies were ornately dressed as princesses.

Woven textile for sale at the Sasak Cultural Village

The ornate door to the king’s bedroom at Narmada Park in Lombok, believed to have been built in 1727 by King of MataramLombok, Anak Agung Ngurah Karang As The Legend of Princess Mandalika

     Kendang drummers rhythmically swayed, as young men brandished long swords in a show of fearlessness. I arrived in Kuta just in time for the Bau Nyale – one of the biggest festivals in West Nusa Tenggara province, east of Bali – that celebrates the legend of Princess Mandalika with the annual harvest of marine worms along the southern beaches of the island.

     Legend has it that a long time ago, when many kingdoms ruled Lombok, there lived a beautiful princess named Mandalika, who was besieged by numerous suitors. To prevent the enamoured noblemen from waging war to win her hand in marriage, the princess scaled the cliff above Seger Beach and jumped to her death. 

     Her people frantically searched the tidal flats below, but found only colonies of nyale marine worms, which many believe to be the magical manifestation of the princess’ hair. Since then, every 20th day of the 10^th month of the Sasak calendar – which falls between the Gregorian calendar months of February and March – the spirit of the princess revisits her people with the emergence of these sea creatures.

      The Bau Nyale festival is celebrated all along the southern coast of Lombok, but the main festivities centre on Seger Beach, where the legendary princess is believed to have perished.

 “The Sasak believe that nyale are harbingers of a bountiful rice harvest, and that gathering these worms will bring them prosperity. Daybreak signalled the end of the harvest with the crowd trooping back to the beach to rinse their catch.”

Local fisherman on an outrigger boat at Kuta Beach

By Ellyse Ng

We’re sure you’re constantly bombarded by enviable photos of friends/colleagues/arch-enemies on their summer vacations, but for you guys who live under the rock (or forgot your Facebook log-in passwords), here is a quick guide to the TOP 10 essential photos to take on a beach holiday for your friends to “LIKE” and earn bragging rights as well.

1. Selcas

Show off that tan, natural beach hair and that expensive sunnies you rushed to get the day before your trip. Selca is the term coined from “self-camera” where people with much pride for their glowing holiday looks (plus to rub it into your face that they are on a holiday) want to show you their wonderful pictures. No wrong in that.

 2. Jump Shots

The necessity for every holiday every traveller has taken – the jump shot! For those of you blessed with great physique, it’s time to put your athleticism to great use. After all, what’s a holiday by the beach without a jump shot? The best ones are always when the sea is at its bluest or the sun is starting to set behind you.

3. Hadoken

The latest trend that makes planking seem like yesterday’s news, this ‘powerful’ stance may require more than an accomplice or two. Read up and pre-plan your shots, and of course, the message you’re giving out here is “I’m hip and too cool for school”.

4. Figurines at landmarks

Mostly catered to the womenfolk, this is a creative way to tap into their creativity and innate love for cuteness. Of course, you must bring along a figurine (ditch the Barbie Dolls, go with Darth Vader or Spongebob), get to a famous landmark (so people will know that you’re really there) and snap away. Chances are, you’ll be able to start a whole series of figurines on vacation, and people will flood your blog/instagram accounts with “LIKES” and comments!

5.Slippers

Just in case you didn’t know, I’m on the beach…in my flip-flops…facing the clear blue sea. If you’re still not convinced, here’s a photo to prove it!

]]> http://www.airasia.com/travel3sixty/the-ultimate-holiday-photos-guide/feed 0 http://www.airasia.com/travel3sixty/shanghai-rising http://www.airasia.com/travel3sixty/shanghai-rising#comments Tue, 14 May 2013 07:20:22 +0000 Admin http://www.airasia.com/travel3sixty/?p=12408 A financial powerhouse, city of arts and culture and, a bustling metropolis, Shanghai is an amazing blend of the old and new that proudly showcases its economic juggernaut status.

Photography: Yuanchang Wang

A pavilion decorated for the Chinese New Year celebrations in front of the Orient Shopping centre in Shanghai, renowned for retail of luxury goods.

The magnificent barrel-vaulted atrium of The Grand Hyatt Shanghai hotel in Pudong. Occupying the top 36 floors of the 88-storey Jin Mao Tower, this atrium is 33-floors high and one of the highest in the world.

Although a busy city, locals have ample space to practise their early morning dance movements in public squares such as this spot at Shanghai Gymnasium’s North Gate.

Statue of a female comrade in The Shanghai French Concession.

By Ellyse Ng

Don’t miss out your onboard goodness! Pre-book these yummy snacks now!

Vegetable Pulao Briyani

• Price: RM15
• Availability: Available on all AK flights or pre-book online now!
• Per serving: 410kcal energy, 10.8g protein, 56.7g carbo, 16.2g fat

I’m a good ol’ meat eater, so when I saw the words “vegetable” in front, I wasn’t sure if this was the right choice for my inflight meal. Still, I love my Northern Indian dishes and choosing briyani can never go wrong. Once I opened the silver aluminium food pack, the fragrant aroma wafted into my nostrils. Basmati rice is considered the best quality rice, and its distinctive aroma is further accentuated by the perfectly-cooked Channa Masala. Both go perfectly well with each other, where the combination of the Masala’s flavourful spices and the light, fluffy basmati rice is a ‘match made in culinary heaven’. With generous amounts of green peas, raisins and vegetable subji, this dish packed so much of a punch that I no longer craved for meat during my flight.

EQ8 Energy Drink

• Price: RM6
• Availability: Available on all AK flights 
• Per serving: 103kcal energy, 0.25g protein, 25.5g carbo, 23.3g sugar

Flights are energy draining, and lethargy creeps in especially after a filling meal of briyani. They called it EQ8 (pronounced “equate”), the natural energy drink. I cracked open the orange can and a small fizz escaped the opening. My first sip was a tangy burst of orange and passion fruit – delightfully tingly and refreshing. It’s perfectly sweetened (and mind you, I do not enjoy overly-sweet drinks) by natural ingredients – that means no artificial flavourings, colourings or sweeteners (double yay!). EQ8 is also made from other nutritional goodies such as green tea, guarana and a nip of natural caffeine. Exactly what I needed for a quick pick-me-up! Needless to say, I arrived at my destination fully energized and ready to take on the day.

Don’t miss out your onboard goodness! Pre-book these yummy snacks now!

By Ellyse Ng

“He’s coming, he’s coming”. There was an excited buzz in the air. My head spun from my 6 hours flight from Kuala Lumpur to Perth, just to see ‘Mister Virgin’ himself. Suddenly, the crowd rushed to the entrance of the VIP lounge of Perth International Airport, and there, clad in his red AirAsia cabin crew uniform (complete with fishnet stockings and red ballet flats), Sir Richard Branson stepped out with his coifed head held high and his AirAsia handbag on his shoulder.

Red hot lady coming through…and he’s holding a handbag! Doesn’t he look great?

     Just this morning, I touched down in Perth – blurry yet excited. Today’s the day I get to meet the great billionaire up close, along with inspirational entrepreneur Tony Fernandes. Two brilliant minds, one crazy bet! Just over two years ago, the both made a bet and to cut a long story short, the loser (that is Sir Richard) will serve onboard the winner’s airline. Two years down the road and some fine-tuning later, the originally ‘fun and spontaneous’ bet is now back on…for a good cause! The special AirAsia X charity flight from Perth to Kuala Lumpur aims to raise funds for the Starlight Children’s Foundation, a body specially created to assist and support seriously ill children, helping them feel better about themselves, expanding their creativity and giving them a sense of belonging.

(L-R) AirAsia X Marketing Manager Stuart Myerscough, AirAsia X Head of Commercial Angelina Fernandez, CEO of Starlight Children's Foundation Louise Baxter, AirAsia X CEO Azran Osman-Rani and mascot Captain Starlight along with two red hot AirAsia cabin crew.

Just the night before, Sir Richard Branson bravely got his legs shaved. Such dedication!

     The flight was crowded of course, but that didn’t dampen Sir Richard’s spirit at all. He strutted through the immigration check-points with much flair (and the blatant lack of a female’s finesse to wear a skirt), smiling warmly at the media fanfare he has caused with his presence. A light-hearted moment was shared between him and Tony Fernandes, when Tony introduced his latest (and hottest) recruit, and Sir Richard promptly planted a big wet kiss on Tony’s cheek. Of course, playing his ‘damsel-in-distress’ role down to a tee, he even got Tony to carry him just like how a shining knight would carry his maiden. Not an easy task, since Branson overshadowed Tony by a head and a half.

“A kiss for my new boss!”

     In the plane, Branson’s career as an AirAsia flight attendant was taking off…or maybe not so. Revenge is sweet, but it’s even sweeter when you’re wearing a dress he’s put you in and spilling an entire tray of drinks all over him. Yes, to true Branson/Fernandes fashion, let me just say – Tony was soaked, Branson was laughing, and all was done in the name of entertainment! My initial impression of millionaires never stepping out of their comfort zone was proven wrong, as the funny moment continued with Branson slowly and seductively wiping the juice from Tony’s clothes with a cheeky grin on his face. “I’m so sorry Sir; let me get you nice and dry”. Funnily, Tony seemed to be enjoying the moment as much as we did *grin*.

“That tray of drinks look potentially dangerous, Sir Richard.” And it was…to Tony Fernandes!

     The flight took off smoothly, and the blonde-wigged cabin crew started their safety demo. Of course, Sir Richard clowned away with his own version of “what NOT to do in an emergency”, much to the delight of everyone! Once the seatbelt sign was turned off, he proceeded to walk down the aisles to greet the guests onboard. I waited in anticipation!

]]> http://www.airasia.com/travel3sixty/the-day-i-was-served-by-sir-richard-branson/feed 3 http://www.airasia.com/travel3sixty/tasmania http://www.airasia.com/travel3sixty/tasmania#comments Fri, 10 May 2013 10:48:31 +0000 Admin http://www.airasia.com/travel3sixty/?p=12288 read more»]]> Australia’s smallest state enchants with its raw, natural beauty and island vibe.

Words: Chitra S. Photography: Adam Lee 

“Oh, so you’re going down under Down Under,” said a friend when she heard I was visiting Tasmania, which has long been overshadowed by the larger Australian states and their vibrant cities. 

     Approximately 68,000 square kilometres in size, Tassie as it’s affectionately known, lies across the southern coast of mainland Australia. Having heard of Tasmania’s spellbindingly beautiful natural landscapes and rugged charm, I was all geared up to experience the draw of this heart-shaped island.

The majestic Cradle Mountain looming over picturesque Dove Lake. In the foreground is the old boatshed built by the park’s first ranger, perhaps the most photographed boathouse in Tasmania.

Keeping it in the family – Julia Fisher and her son Sam smile for the cameras at Freycinet Marine Farm, listed among the 100 Greatest Australian Gourmet Experiences by the Australian Traveller in 2012. The Fishers serve platters of fresh oysters and mussels they harvest themselves at nearby Great Oyster Bay.

City Bound

It’s almost the end of summer when I arrive in Tasmania, and my guide Diane Hollister eagerly bounds up to me, giving me my first taste of Tassie hospitality. My first stop is Hobart, Australia’s second white settlement after Sydney.

Hobart’s appeal lies in its laidback charm. High rises are few and far between and many of the original buildings have withstood the ravages of time. Bright spinnakers billow in the harbour, and fishing punts and waterfront restaurants serve up the day’s catch. Across the docks on Hunter’s Street, Georgian buildings stand proud as a testament to the city’s rich colonial heritage.

     The old and the new exist in perfect harmony here. At Salamanca Place, sandstone warehouses from the days of the early settlers have been turned into hip galleries, artists’ studios, bars and swanky dining establishments while maintaining the original façade. Every Saturday, Hobart hosts the colourful Salamanca Market – one of Australia’s best outdoor markets.

     A short drive away is Battery Point with rows of cottages and mansions built in the Georgian and Regency styles. Perhaps the most charming is Arthur Circus, a ring of cottages huddled around a village green, built during colonial times to house shipmen and merchants. Hollister points out a Widow’s Walk atop an old mansion-turned hotel where once, the wife of a mariner would’ve awaited the safe return of her beloved.

Dried lavender flowers for sale at Bridestowe Lavender Estate in Nabowla, near Launceston.

Modern art

Hobart is also home to a burgeoning arts scene. Two years ago, MONA (Museum of Old and New Art), the brainchild of hometown boy David Walsh opened its doors. MONA is Australia’s largest private museum and home to a collection of ancient, modern and contemporary art. Notorious for amassing a fortune on professional gambling, Walsh is known for his eclectic taste. Stepping in, I’m transported to a subterranean labyrinthine gallery with exhibits that push the envelope.

     Guests are presented with an iPod Touch like device that offers quirky notes on the exhibits. Since its opening, word of Mona’s mischief has spread and the museum has welcomed over 700,000 visitors (more than Tasmania’s entire population) lured by the promise of new art that shocks and delights in equal measure. Installations range from the innocent to themes of sex and death. Among notable installations are Bit Fall – a waterfall that spells out the most Googled words of the day and the curious and (stinky!) Cloaca: A work of art that consists of pipes and glass tubes that reproduce the inner workings of the human digestive system.

Local folklore and heroes are celebrated in art in the little town of Sheffield. Pictured here is a mural that honours senior constable Harry Clark, Tasmania’s longest-serving policeman who led search and rescue operations in the Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park.

The terroir of the Tamar Valley is ideal for growing luscious grapes that are used to produce a variety of cool climate wines.

Wild encounter

After my fill of art, I have my first encounter with Tasmanian wildlife. At the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, rangers care for some of the island’s most precious treasures. Wandering around the park with a ranger, I get up close and personal with a Tasmanian devil – Earth’s largest carnivorous marsupial. It’s almost impossible to see a Tasmanian devil in the wild as disease in the form of facial cancer has led to their decline, and you’ll only get close to one in parks like Bonorong.

     A diminutive devil bares its teeth at me, as if to challenge me to a battle of strength, and I’m glad that I opted to stay outside the pen. Devils are fearsome creatures that can chew through bone and it’s for this purpose that rangers protect their feet by wearing steel-capped boots. The park operates Tasmania’s only 24-hour wildlife rescue service and is a temporary home to baby wombats, many of which were rescued from bush fires and road accidents. Cradling a baby wombat in my arms, I see firsthand what makes the wombat so endearing. Be warned though, as cuddly as they look, these are wild animals, so resist the urge to touch wild ones.

Words: Efi Hafizah Hamzah

DA LAT RAILWAY STATION

• Lam Dong Province, Vietnam

• UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009

Image: Getty Images

Da Lat town resembles a quaint French village, and aptly so as it was a refuge for French troops, civil servants and administrators fleeing the muggy air of the Mekong and coastal plains in the late 19th century. Set about 1,500 metres above sea level with temperatures between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius all year round, the city is known as the ‘city of eternal spring’.

FASCINATING FACTS: Not quite as old as other cities in Vietnam, Da Lat was founded in the late 1890s. The construction of the Da Lat Railway Station was proposed in 1908 by Paul Doumer, the French Indochina Governor. However, the actual design was only approved in 1932, and it was later built and opened in 1938. It is the station’s French art deco architectural style that makes it a landmark and a true attraction. The three-roofed entrance was designed to represent the three peaks of Da Lat’s well-known Lang Biang Mountain and, the overall design of this little railway station is reminiscent of the Trouville-Deauville Station in Normandy. The handiwork of architects Moncet and Reveron, the station is the fi rst colonial-styled structure in the area. The Vietnam War saw the Viet Congs destroying railway tracks rendering the Da Lat Railway Station useless by 1968. An abandoned beauty for over 20 years, the station was revived in the 1990s with only a seven-kilometre track as a tourist attraction connecting Da Lat to a nearby town called Trai Mat.

THE REAL STUNNER: The train ride from Da Lat to Trai Mat is scenic. Da Lat is beautiful and French, and its wellmaintained railway station is equally so with polished floors and flowerbeds of geraniums at the entrance. The train may only have a couple of carriages, but it is possibly the prettiest train ever!

GETTING THERE AirAsia flies to Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City from various destinations. Go to www.airasia.com for details.

ANGKOR WAT

• Siem Reap Province, Cambodia

• UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992

Image: Corbis

Of the many temples around the world, the Angkor Wat is considered one of the best preserved. Built in the early 12th century by the order of King Suryavarman II, it remains one of the most significant religious centres – first, in Hinduism, and now, Buddhism – worldwide. It’s also the largest religious monument in the world, and the only temple oriented to the west (the direction associated with Lord Vishnu); other Khmer temples face east. 

FASCINATING FACTS: This monumental structure is decorated with extensive bas reliefs – almost 1,000 square metres worth along the gallery wall alone! Based on modern calculations, the amount of sandstone used to build the Angkor Wat may be over five million tonnes. Theories as to why the Angkor Wat was built in Cambodia continue to be debated; some cite its strategic location to protect from warring enemies, while others refer to more spiritual grounds. Through modern technology and the use of computer simulations, it was discovered that the ground plans for the Angkor Wat complex mirrored the stars in the Draco constellation during the spring equinox in 10,500 BC. Experts refer to a quest for harmonisation of Earth and the stars.

THE REAL STUNNER: According to scriptures, the Angkor Wat was built in 40 years. However, using modern calculations, engineers estimate that it would take 300 years to build such a phenomenal structure today!

GETTING THERE AirAsia flies to Siem Reap from Kuala Lumpur. Go to www.airasia.com for details.

MAUSOLEUM OF THE FIRST QIN EMPEROR

• Lintong District, Shaanxi Province, China

• UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987

Image: Corbis

Many historians believe that it took 70,000 craftsmen to create the Terracotta Warriors of Xi’an. About 40,000 bronze weapons including spears, battle axes, crossbows and arrowheads were unearthed from the terracotta pits. All these pieces have been exquisitely preserved by a protective layer of chromium plating. This technology was thought to have been invented by the Germans and Americans in 1937 and 1950 respectively, but it turns out to have existed in China as far back as 2,200 years ago!

FASCINATING FACTS: Also known as the Terracotta Army, the site was first discovered by local farmers in 1974. Archaeologists then discovered that the sculptures depicted the army of China’s fi rst emperor, Qin Shi Huang (circa 221 BC-210 BC). The army of men, chariots and horses, were part of a funerary art. They were sculpted alongside Emperor Qin to protect him in the afterlife. From historical scriptures written by historian Sima Qian, it seems that Emperor Qin feared death greatly, and was perpetually on a quest to procure potions for immortality. He even sent out over 8,000 people to look for a magic elixir for everlasting life. While awaiting the discovery, he took mercury pills believing they would preserve his health. Unfortunately, this led to his early demise at the age of 50.

THE REAL STUNNER: Emperor Qin’s tomb is believed to contain a splendid array of gold and jewels and rivers of silver to depict the kingdom’s waters. However, it remains intact today as scripture warns that the tomb has been rigged with arrows to shoot trespassers.

GETTING THERE AirAsia flies to Xi’an from DMK, Bangkok. Go to www.airasia.com for details.

]]> http://www.airasia.com/travel3sixty/unearthing-historical-structures/feed 0 http://www.airasia.com/travel3sixty/fuel-for-thought http://www.airasia.com/travel3sixty/fuel-for-thought#comments Thu, 09 May 2013 08:58:20 +0000 Admin http://www.airasia.com/travel3sixty/?p=12157 read more»]]> Will pumping jet fuel into your car make it fly like a Formula One race car (or plane)? In this issue, Captain Lim Khoy Hing dissects the issue of fuel. 

Jet Fuel & Your Car

Unless you drive a diesel car, putting jet fuel into your tank will likely result in a stalled engine! That was what happened to several drivers when they refueled at a gas station in New Jersey, USA. Apparently, a fuel truck had accidentally delivered jet fuel instead of normal gasoline to that particular station.

     Some still erroneously think that using jet fuel in cars will greatly enhance performance just because a jet can cruise at around 500 miles per hour! Amusingly, this is one of many myths surrounding the use of jet fuel and aviation gas or ‘avgas’, which is used by piston-engine propeller planes.

The truth is, jet fuel is basically kerosene, closer to the regular old diesel fuel. As such, you would be able to run it in a diesel car, although it would not lubricate the fuel system as normal diesel fuel would.

     On the other hand, smaller flying club piston planes such as the Cessna 172 use avgas that normally has a very high octane rating (a standard measure of fuel performance) – often around 100. You can use this for your car, but it has only a little advantage: Helping to stop premature detonation (knock). However, this would require modifications to the carburettor or injector settings. 

Fuel To Fly

Airplanes consume a lot of fuel, which is one of the reasons why the supersonic Concorde was a failure. An airline’s survival, just like any other business, depends on making profit – ensuring costs do not exceed revenue. However, with fuel prices escalating, many legacy airlines are on the verge of bankruptcy or forced to merge in order to stay afloat. Low cost carriers find it easier to thrive because of their operating philosophy. 

     Airplane fuel is seldom measured in litres or gallons, but rather in kilogrammes or pounds for obvious reasons. When flying, it’s easier to work with weight. For instance, I would request 50,000 kilogrammes of fuel to Melbourne from Kuala Lumpur on the A330 aircraft instead of 16,202 gallons. This is because it’s easier for me to work out weight restrictions, for example, whether the plane can take off safely without exceeding the maximum allowable take-off weight.

     Let’s look at this from another angle. A Boeing 747 consumes about five gallons of fuel for every mile flown. This looks very bad when compared to say 25 miles per gallon achieved on some cars on the road. However, if you consider that a Boeing 747 can carry 500 passengers on each flight, it actually gets four times better mileage per passenger as opposed to a single-passenger car! With a bigger Airbus A380 carrying a maximum of 800 passengers and a fuel consumption that is comparable to the Boeing 747, the figures would be even more impressive!

     The fuel bill of an airline makes up to about 30 to 50% of its operating costs. That’s why most airlines are very conscious about fuel saving.

     The story making its way in social media circles is that in order to reduce fuel bills, Qantas pilots flying the Airbus A380 super jumbos are being asked to carry less fuel on long-haul flights. As a result, apparently at least two flights were forced to divert due to fuel issues, although the airline insists that there were other reasons for the diversion. In view of such media reports, some passengers have asked me whether pilots carry sufficient fuel for a particular flight, and how they determine how much is adequate.

A Typical Airline Fuel Policy 

Let me explain the fuel planning policy of a typical flight and how conservativeness is factored into the fuel uplift to comply with international regulations.

     For a typical flight, say from Kuala Lumpur to Melbourne, the total fuel carried would consist of the trip fuel plus a certain percentage for contingency. On top of this, it must carry enough extra fuel to redirect to an alternate aerodrome and hold at this airport for an additional 30 minutes in the event of an air traffic delay. Some airports have long taxiways, which would cause a plane to spend more time on the ground; this too would be taken into account.

     Finally, the captain can carry any extra discretionary fuel he considers necessary in anticipation of approaching storm, snow or fog.

Practising Fuel Saving

Airlines strive to save fuel and initiate many steps in that direction. One simple step is similar to the car driving tip of removing any unnecessary heavy items in the trunk or backseat to reduce fuel consumption. The aviation equivalent of this is captured in the saying: ‘The heavier you are, the more fuel you will burn!’ As such, removing unnecessary items from cabins such as galley tables and magazine racks, reducing water uplift for short sectors, as well as taking only necessary fuel for the flight would be the smart option.

     Operationally, pilots have been trained to fly efficiently with minimum drag (air resistance) during approach to land, delay the start-up of the auxiliary power unit and use minimum reverse thrust  consistent with safety after landing. Such are the fuel saving measures being encouraged.

There’s a lot of traveling involved in football. What are your top 3 things you never leave home without when you travel?

That’s a tough first question! Ok, I like to listen to my music so my iPod has to come with me wherever I go. I also like my sleep – a lot! – so I think I’d bring my own pillow to make sure I can be comfortable. Third thing? I’d bring some nice food, I love my food!

Stephane Mbia of QPR larks around during one training session

Are there any jokers at the club?

There are a lot of characters here. I share a room on away days with Chris Samba and he is a great man. I enjoy playing jokes on him. If he is asleep I take photos of him lying there with his mouth wide open, or even give him a little dig to wake him up! haha

What’s the best piece of advice any coach has given you?

To concentrate. That is the most important thing I have been told, and that’s the advice I would give to young players. You must always, always concentrate when you are playing.

Stephane Mbia in action against Wigan Athletic at Loftus Road on 7th April 2013

Do you prefer city or beach holidays? Why?

Definitely city holidays because there are more things to do. I am not the sort of person who can sit around, I have to be doing things.

Can you remember the first pair of football boots you ever bought?

Yes, my mother bought them for me when I was six or seven years old and I was so happy when I got them.