PPRuNe Forums - Lion to start full-service flights

Privately owned carrier Lion Air will expand to full service flights through its Batik Air division next year and it is currently prepares the requirements to do so, an executive revealed Thursday.

"Our economic condition remains healthy and the demand for full-service flights is increasing. We want to tap this opportunity and Batik Air will start its operations in March 2013," general affairs director Edward Sirait said on the sidelines of the launch of the airline’s flights from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport’s terminal 3.

He said that the company was processing the airline's flight permit (SIUAU) with the Transportation Ministry.

After they obtain the SIUAU, they would then process the Air Operator Certificate (AOC).

The new full-service airline will use 10 Boeing 737-900s, in line with the 2009 Aviation Law on aircraft possession.

"The full-service airline will focus its market on international routes such as South Asia, East Asia, and Australia," he said.

He said that the aircraft body will be painted with a batik motif that distinguishes them with other airlines.

Each passenger's seat will be equipped with a monitor to watch movies and listen to music, and passengers can use cell-phones and Internet during flights.

"The new airline will offer the best service for the passengers," he said.

He was optimistic that Batik Air could compete with flag carrier Garuda Indonesia and new player Pacific Royale.

Jakarta Post 05/25/2012