Garuda considers flying to Bali via Jakarta
October 3rd, 2006
Garuda Indonesia in Australia has confirmed reports that the airline is considering dropping Bali as an international hub and restructuring its network such that many of its Australian, and all its Japanese, flights will operate via Jakarta.
This move, should it proceed, would take effect with the commencement of the Northern Hemisphere Summer Schedules at the end of March 2007 and would apply to routes utilizing wide-bodied A330 aircraft. Only Australia’s East Coast routes would be affected, with Perth services continuing to operate direct to Bali.
The airline’s Executive Vice President for Sales and Marketing, Mr. Agus Priyanto, stated that “running two hubs was like running two different airlines.”
While acknowledging that efforts to sell Bali to travelers in the Southwest Pacific would need to be stepped up, Mr. Priyanto said that the recovery of the Australian market to Bali had been slower than expected and that this strategy would boost more traffic beyond Indonesia.
Garuda’s SWP Regional Manger, Mr. Suranto Yitnopawiro, stated that he understood that in global planning, individual markets must be assessed on their own merits and decisions taken that will benefit the network as a whole.
While final decision will rest with those who are in a position to make this assessment, he remains hopeful that a significant growth in the Australian market to Bali might still have some impact on a final decision regarding summer schedules for 2007.
“Garuda Indonesia in Australia will continue to support the Bali market, whether direct or via Jakarta, and we will keep the industry informed of any firm decisions on this matter”.
source :www.etravelblackboard.com
Entry Filed under: Bali Tourism News
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