Garuda to offer flights to east Indonesian destinations
Indonesia’s national airline, Garuda Indonesia, has revealed the launch of new flight services to secluded islands within Indonesia in a bid to tap growing tourism and business travel in the eastern parts of the country.
Serviced by the airline’s new fleet of ATR72-600 aircraft and branded under the name ‘Explore’, the new routes enable passengers to discover new destinations in the Indonesian archipelago.
With the ATR72-600’s ability to land on runways of less than 1,600 metres, Garuda Indonesia Explore will launch flights from Bali to tropical destinations including Tambolaka, Lombok, Ende, Bima and Labuan Bajo from this month onwards.
Culture buffs can now visit Tambolaka to explore the beautiful traditional villages and discover the attractions of centuries old civilisation.
Sun-seekers looking for a relaxing getaway can fly to Lombok and Ende’s scenic beauty and Bima’s nature trails are also within reach.
Travellers can also discover the wonders of Labuan Bajo, one of Indonesia’s best kept secret and home of the famous Komodo dragons.
“With the new Garuda Indonesia ATR72-600 ‘Explore’ flights, travellers can now enjoy a wider choice of beautiful Indonesian destinations that were previously inaccessible.
“Our new fleet of ATR72-600 and expanded flight offerings signifies our ongoing efforts to develop and strengthen our flight network.
“With our upcoming entry to the SkyTeam global alliance in 2014, we are investing to increase our connectivity to link Indonesia with major destinations around the world,” said Sentot Mujiono, vice president, area Asia, Garuda Indonesia.
The ATR72-600 fleet of turbopop aircraft accommodates 70 economy class passengers, and Garuda Indonesia expects to operate 35 of the aircraft on new routes by 2017.