Kuala Lumpur (TAN): Malaysia-based budget airline AirAsia has launched a new hub on the Indonesian island of Lombok in the country’s West Nusa Tenggara province.
Lombok became the carrier’s fifth hub in Indonesia after Jakarta, Surabaya, Medan and Bali.
Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia Indonesia Dendy Kurniawan said: “We are very pleased to inaugurate our newest hub here in Lombok, a destination with rich tourism charms, and one that holds a special place in many people’s hearts.”
[ALSO READ: ‘I’m not the most adventurous person but I couldn’t let the days just roll by’]
“Today’s announcement will not only enhance international and domestic connectivity, but also create local job opportunities, stimulate tourism growth, and contribute to Lombok’s vitally important visitor economy,” he continued.
AirAsia’s newest hub is expected to give Indonesia’s tourism a push. Indonesian government and Ministry of Tourism is working together to “develop Lombok as one of ‘10 New Balis’”.
The airline inaugurated a special livery on the occasion, featuring Lombok tourism icons Mount Rinjani and the Gili islands.
Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism Arief Yahya thanked AirAsia for turning Lombok into a hub and unveiling the new livery as show of support to the Wonderful Indonesia campaign.
“In developing tourism destinations, I always use the 3As formula: Attractions, Access, Amenities. What AirAsia has done is aligned with this, especially Access. AirAsia has made the right choice by picking Lombok as Mandalika has been selected one of the 10 New Balis. Backed by its natural beauty and cultural heritage, the number of international visitors to Lombok has been rapidly growing, and we truly appreciate AirAsia’s cooperation in helping us to develop Indonesian tourism,” he added.
AirAsia will deploy its Airbus A320 aircraft to fly between Lombok and Perth, Australia starting June 9. It will also connect Indonesian destinations such as Jakarta, Yogyakarta and Bali later.
Flights between Lombok and Kuala Lumpur will commence on May 8.
AirAsia claimed to have transported over a million international visitors to Lombok since it started flying from Kuala Lumpur to the island in 2012.
Kurniawan said: “Data from Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism shows that AirAsia continues to be the largest contributor of international visitors to the country, accounting for around 3.2 million foreign arrivals or 25% of all international visitors to Indonesia last year. With two aircraft being based in Lombok, today’s announcement affirms AirAsia’s commitment to support tourism here in Indonesia by helping to develop Lombok into one of the 10 New Balis, and we hope our new livery slogan ‘I Love Lombok’ will encourage more people to visit our new home.”
“The officiating of AirAsia’s Lombok hub is a positive move, especially in growing the number of international visitors. Nonetheless, airlines are required to continue ensuring safety, security, service and compliance to aviation regulations,” said Polana B Pramesti, Indonesian Director General of Air Transport.
AirAsia will also launch several sustainability initiatives through Arkom Indonesia, its philanthropic extension.
According to the schedule, flight QZ463 will leave Lombok at 0700 hours daily, reaching Kuala Lumpur at 1000 hours, while the return flight QZ462 will depart Kuala Lumpur at 1025 hours daily, and arrive at Lombok at 1340 hours.
[ALSO READ: Airbnb contest winners toast Mona Lisa on night at the Louvre]
Flight QZ461 will take off from Lombok on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 1405 hours, and reach Kuala Lumpur at 1710 hours. The return flight QZ460 will depart Kuala Lumpur at 1735 hours, and land in Lombok at 2100 hours.
While flight QZ461 will leave Lombok on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 1405 hours, arriving at Kuala Lumpur at 1705 hours, the return flight QZ460 will depart Kuala Lumpur at 1730 hours, and reach Lombok at 2100 hours.
Flight QZ470 will depart Lombok on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 1445 hours, and arrive at Perth at 1840 hours, local time. The return flight QZ471 will take off from Perth at 1930 hours, and reach Lombok at 2325 hours, local time.
Related posts:
Qantas Airways introduces special fares to attract tourists to Western Australia’s Exmouth and Ningaloo Reef
Australia: Jetstar to launch direct flights from Gold Coast to South Korea’s Seoul this December
Air India delays flight for elderly passenger, earns appreciation
Qantas-American Airlines joint venture gains final approval from US
