Lion Group has decided to make Batam its second major hub in Indonesia, so as to relieve congestion faced at Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, which has already caused the Indonesian government to decline additional flight requests from carriers such as Garuda and Air Asia (see here).
This comes after the group recently increased the number of domestic destinations it serves from Batam to 15. The aim is to eventually serve 20 domestic routes in Indonesia from Batam, thereby making Hang Nadim Airport a more attractive and convenient transit choice for passengers.
The Indonesian low-cost carrier (LCC) company will soon be launching daily non-stop services from Batam to Pontianak, Makassar and Bali. Geographically, these destinations are situated closer to Batam than Jakarta. For an analysis of LCCs, click here for “The Long Game” article that featured in the December 2013 issue of Business Traveller Asia-Pacific.
“Batam is ideally located for people wishing to travel between eastern and western Indonesia,” said Rusdi Kirana, Lion Group president director. “The distance is actually shorter if you transit in Batam rather than flying further south to Jakarta.”
Kirana also explained that the situation would be mutually beneficial to both carrier and consumer. Passengers will appreciate the shorter flying times, while the airline would be able to burn less fuel, leading to significant cost savings for both parties.
International passengers will have to wait until next year, when Lion Group launches overseas services from Batam. Destinations currently being considered include popular markets in southern China such as Guangzhou and Hong Kong. The group also plans to serve Bangkok and Jeddah from Batam, as well as New Delhi and Mumbai.
Northeast Asia is also closer to Batam than Jakarta, which means the benefits seen in domestic travel would also be felt here.
For more information, visit www.lionair.co.id
Clement Huang
