Garuda Indonesia achieved predicate 5-Star Airlines

Garuda Indonesia has confirmed a five-star airline. Predicate five star airline for Garuda Indonesia is based on the assessment of Skytrax, an aviation consultant company based in the UK. Some aspect of primary value to get this predicate, namely the provision of food in flight, ticket service, quality of service on the ground and in flight, as well as the situation in the airport.

Garuda Indonesia. AeroTourismNews | Garuda Indonesia achieved predicate 5-Star Airlines.

Garuda Indonesia.

5-Star Airlines For Garuda Indonesia.

Skytrax has confirmed that Garuda Indonesia has become the latest member of the exclusive five-star airlines in the world. Skytrax is an aviation consulting firm based in the UK who do various research about airlines, airports, aircraft entertainment, staff and other cost elements. "It is a recognition of major changes in the quality standards of Garuda Indonesia. In recent years, the airline has been working hard. We confirm that Garuda Indonesia is eligible to become a five-star airline," said Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax in its official website, airline quality, Thursday (12/11/2014).

This assessment, Plaisted said, is based on an assessment of products 'sales' (including meals, tickets) as well as the quality of service on land and air, as well as the situation at the airport. "We realize that many people use the economic cost, but this is how they maintain the quality and consistency of services. The standards this is a great contribution and securing the position of Garuda Indonesia as a five-star airline," he said.

Consistency of an airline product and services that are considered to meet the standards Skytrax. In business class service, Garuda Indonesia offers the use of a more spacious seating area with a size of 32-34 inches in economy class. While in business class, the airline offers seats that can be used as a bed. Passengers can also use the experience to feel first and business class flight with five-star service that was launched for the entire fleet of Boeing 777-300ER.

Giving a five star rating is also based on the plan of Garuda Indonesia's move to its new home. In 2015, Garuda Indonesia will occupy its new home at the terminal three Soekarno-Hatta. It is claimed will allow Garuda Indonesia and Syktrax to provide premium services to passengers.

The success achieved the prestigious is regarded as an important step for Garuda Indonesia. This is a form of world recognition of the transformation and improvement of Indonesian airline's done. "The success of Garuda Indonesia was awarded a five-star airline is a manifestation of the commitment and hard work to provide the best service to service users," said the former Director of Garuda Indonesia, Emirsyah Satar.

This achievement is also at the same time is a success inscribed Emirsyah Satar to Indonesia during the dedication served as President Director of Garuda Indonesia. Results of General Meeting Extraordinary Shareholders (EGM), Friday (12.12.2014), set M. Arif Wibowo as President Director of Garuda Indonesia which replaces Emirsyah Satar.

Lufthansa is now flying from Europe to Indonesia

The Aviation News. European-Indonesian flight path has now served by Lufthansa, the German airline. From Europe to Indonesia with Lufthansa service, the aircraft will be transiting in Singapore or Bangkok. For flights to Singapore and Bangkok, Lufthansa has formed a partnership with Garuda Indonesia, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways and Jet Star.

Lufthansa. AeroTourismNews | Lufthansa is now flying from Europe to Indonesia.

The airline from Germany, Lufthansa, has opened a flight routes from Europe to Indonesia. Lufthansa considers that Indonesia has a huge aviation market. The flight routes will serve six flight regions in Indonesia, namely Jakarta, Surabaya, Semarang, Denpasar, Medan, Balikpapan and from Dili, East Timor. "We not only have competitive products but also competitive prices and the fastest flight time," said Leo Tonidandel, Country Manager Indonesia Lufthansa.

All travel destinations to Europe from Indonesia which served by Lufthansa will transit in Singapore or Bangkok (as voted by consumers). Transit time can also be adjusted by the consumer through the flight schedule that already booked. Tonidandel confirmed that using the service from Lufthansa, flight time remained the fastest compared to other airlines.

For flights to Singapore and Bangkok, Lufthansa has collaborated with four other airlines, namely Garuda Indonesia, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, and Jet Star. After doing transit, passengers will use the Lufthansa airline.

From Singapore, Lufthansa prepared daily flights using two carrier options, namely Lufthansa Airbus A380 with destination to Frankfrut and Swiss Airbus A340-300 with destination to Zurich.

Merpati Nusantara Airlines serves the pioneer flights in Maluku

The Aviation News. 9 pioneer flights in Maluku is now served again by Merpati Nusantara Airlines using aircraft types a Casa 212. 9 pioneer flights in Maluku that served by Merpati Nusantara Airlines is namely Saumlaki-Larat, Ambon-Namrole, Ambon-Kisar, Ambon-Banda, Ambon-Amahai, Ambon-Namlea, Ambon-Wahai, Kisar-Saumlaki, and Larat-Langgur.

Merpati Nusantara Airlines. AeroTourismNews | Merpati Nusantara Airlines serves the pioneer flights in Maluku..

The pioneer flights in Maluku has operated again after four months suspended due to a new contract with the bidder winning airline has not been signed. "Since the end of April 2013, Merpati Nusantara Airlines, which won the tender for the aviation pioneer in the Moluccas, and is now was operated again," said the head of the branch Merpati Nusantara Airlines in Ambon, Lano Suprayitno, Tuesday, May 28, 2013.

Previously, the pioneer flights in Maluku has been suspended since the beginning of 2013 until the end of April 2013. It happened because the contract between the government and the airlines that serve the pioneer flights had expired at the end of 2012 and not yet created a new contract for 2013.

According to Chief Dumatubun Airport in Southeast Maluku, Amran Hamid, a new contract was delayed because the subsidy fund for the pioneer flights from the Ministry of Transportation late thawed.

Lano said that after the new contract was made, 2 aircraft of type CN-212 belonging Merpati Nusantara Airlines which can carry up to 15 people immediately operated again. This aircraft serves 9 pioneer flights in Maluku, namely Ambon-Kisar, Ambon-Banda, Ambon-Namlea, Ambon-Namrole, Ambon-Wahai, Ambon-Amahai, Kisar-Saumlaki, Saumlaki-Larat, and Larat-Langgur.

Malaysia Airlines increases frequency of flights to Jakarta, Bali, and Medan

The Aviation News. Malaysia Airlines has prepared to additional the schedule flights to and from Jakarta, Bali, and Medan. Malaysia Airlines already serves flights in Indonesia since 1972 is considered that the aviation market in Indonesia is growing so need added services.

Malaysia Airlines. AeroTourismNews | Malaysia Airlines increases frequency of flights to Jakarta, Bali, and Medan.

Malaysia Airlines plans to increase the frequency of flights to Indonesia. To date, Malaysia Airlines flying from Kuala Lumpur to destinations to three cities in Indonesia, namely Jakarta, Bali, and Medan. "We flew to Jakarta seven times a day, three times a day to Bali, and to Medan 12 times a week. Aviation market in Indonesia is growing. So, we will add three aircraft for this route," said Indonesian Area Manager of Malaysian Airlines, Roslan Ismail, during a press conference at the event in MH moment "Acoustic on Board" in Jakarta, Monday, May 27, 2013.

Roslan said that in early July 2013, to service flights to Bali will increase to four times a day. Meanwhile, by the end of 2013, the flight routes to Jakarta will increase to eight times a day. Roslan said that the aviation market in Indonesia is very important for Malaysia Airlines. Moreover, Malaysia Airlines was flies to Indonesia for 40 years since 1972. "We first flew to Medan, then to Jakarta," he said.

Therefore, to further introduce and reinforce the image of Malaysia Airlines to the Indonesian people, it held MH Moment "Acoustic on Board". "We want to strengthen brand Malaysia Airlines to bring it closer to the hearts of the people of Indonesia through MH Moment," Roslan said.

Concert of MH Moment "Acoustic on Board" featuring the top singers, such as Afgan, Andre Hehanusa, Ari Lasso, Rossa, Raisa, Pasto, Sandhy Sandoro, Marcell, Tompi, Duo Maia, and Once. The music concert will be held in cafes and restaurants scattered in Jakarta and Bandung during 2013. The first concert will take place on June 14, 2013 with featuring singer Afgan.

Trigana Air temporarily shut the flight services Solo-Banjarmasin until June 1, 2013

The Aviation News. Trigana Air is closing while flight services on the routes Solo-Banjarmasin and reopened on June 1, 2013. This temporary closure is done by Trigana Air because the aircraft that used to flight services on the route was entered maintenance schedule. This airline operates the flight services Solo-Banjarmasin using Boeing 737-200.

Trigana Air. AeroTourismNews | Trigana Air temporarily shut the flight services Solo-Banjarmasin until June 1, 2013.

Trigana Air is closing while the flight schedules on the Solo-Banjarmasin routes until June 1. Commercial Director Trigana Air, Daniel Kurniwan, said the temporary closure of Solo-Banjarmasin flight was due to routine repairs agenda for Trigana Air's aircraft that used to serve the route.

Trigana Air operates Boeing 737-200 aircraft to serve routes flying Solo-Banjarmasin. The aircraft flew every day from Adi Soemarmo Airport (Solo) to Banjarmasin at 11:45 local time. "Temporary closure has been started since Sunday, May 26, 2013. We have notified the agenda to all agents. Route will be serviced again the start date of June 1, 2013," said Daniel, Monday, May 27, 2013.

General Manager of PT Angkasa Pura I Adi Soemarmo Airport in Solo, Usman Abdullah confirmed this information. "Yes, we have received information from Trigana that the aircraft they use are in routine maintenance. Because they do not have a replacement aircraft that can take over to Solo, then the flight to Banjarmasin closed for a while until the next four days."

Commercial flight ticket prices of Susi Air soaring in Papua

The Aviation News. Aircraft ticket prices of Susi Air for commercial flights in Papua soaring to Rp 1.5 million for one-time of flights. Operations Director Susi Air reasoned that the skyrocketing price of plane tickets in Papua due to flight terrains in Papua region is more difficult and dangerous than the other airspace in Indonesian. Consequently, to ensure the safety, the flights was not done after 14.00.

Susi Air. AeroTourismNews | Commercial flight ticket prices of Susi Air soaring in Papua.

Airfares to pioneer aviation, including Susi Air, the majority is fairly cheap. But, it was not all pioneer aviation that are served by Susi Air pegged at a low cost. Susi Air's aircraft ticket prices soaring higher in Papua. Why so? According to Operations Director of Susi Air, Christian von Strombeck, the flight terrain in Papua is much more difficult than in other regions in Indonesia.

For routes that have obtained subsidy funds from government, passangers only pay around Rp 200 thousand for a one-time of flight. To the commercial flights that do not get the subsidy, airfares around Rp 800 thousand for a one-time of flight. "In Papua, the commercial flight ticket prices can be up to Rp 1.5 million for a one-time of flight," said Christian.

The aircraft ticket prices are usually valid for a 1 hour flight with a distance of about 300 Km. This high price, according to Christian, adjusted to the flight path that is difficult to flown there. "If in other places can still fly until late afternoon. In Papua, can only be up at 14:00," he said.

Aircraft which conducting flight in Papua region should have arrived at the destination before 14.00 hrs. After 14.00, the weather there can't be unpredictable and became dangerous for the flights. The reasons that led to the commercial flight ticket prices in Papua who are served by Susi Air became expensive.

Susi Air has an aircraft simulator of the type Cessna Grand Caravan 208B in Pangandaran, West Jawa

The Aviation News. Aircraft simulator from model of Cesna Grand Caravan 208B has become an important part of the existing facilities at the Susi Training Center that located in the Central Office airline Susi Air in Pangandaran, West Java. CEO Susi Air, Susi Pudjiastuti said that the reason for the purchase of aircraft simulator from Canada is because Susi Air can not afford if to send all aircraft pilots to simulation practice in the United States. To be more economical, Susi Air prefer to buy and own their own aircraft simulator required by the aircraft pilots.

Aircraft simulator owned by Susi Air. AeroTourismNews | Susi Air has an aircraft simulator of the type Cessna Grand Caravan 208B in Pangandaran, West Jawa.

An airline usually has a training center for flight crew, as well as Susi Air who having Susi Training Center in Pangandaran, West Jawa. The training center has its own flight simulator. "This is an internal Training Centre for Susi Air’s plane pilots," said CEO Susi Air, Susi Susi Pudjiastuti the inauguration ceremony at the Training Centre headquarters Susi Air, Merdeka Street, Pangandaran, Ciamis, West Jawa, on Friday, May 24, 2013.

In the building which has 4 floors, there are classrooms, a instructor room, administration rooms, Susi Pudjiasti's workspace, and the aircraft simulators. This building has been operated since 6 months ago, but on the day it was inaugurated. "We could not send all plane pilots to the U.S. for simulator training, it is better if we buy and has its own simulator," said Susi.

According to Operations Director Susi Air who also Susi's husband, Christian von Strombeck, all aircraft pilots of Susi Air has been do training here. One of the facilities to be proud at this building, is a aircraft simulator they have. "In addition, the simulator can also explore the capabilities of the aircraft pilot and co-pilot," said Christian.

The aircraft simulator is a model of Cessna Grand Caravan 208B. In the simulator were purchased from Canada, the aircraft pilots could practice with more leverage before practice using the original aircraft. If using an airplane, can not possibly put the pilot and copilot who being practices simultaneously within a single plane. It becomes different when using the simulator. That may be done, and make it easier for instructors to observe the pilot and co-pilot who was practicing.

In addition to the simulator, the training center buildings also has a classrooms with style of minimalist and modern. Each floor has a large glass window that became a substitute the wall. The room became brighter when during the day. Fresh shades even more so because a lot of potted trees placed in the building. And the latter, which is also arguably the coolest, there is a helipad on the top floor, which is located on the roof of the 4th floor.

Garuda Indonesia using Bombardier aircraft to serve flight in Kuala Namu Airport, North Sumatera

The Aviation News. Bombardier CRJ1000 NextGen aircraft operated by Garuda Indonesia to serve flights to and from Kuala Namu Airport in North Sumatera. As is known, Garuda Indonesia using Kuala Namu Airport as a hub for flights in the western part of Indonesia.

Kuala Namu International Airport, North Sumatera. AeroTourismNews | Garuda Indonesia using Bombardier aircraft to serve flight in Kuala Namu Airport, North Sumatera.

Garuda Indonesia has prepared three new aircraft type Bombardier CRJ1000 NextGen with capacity of 96 seats to serve flights to and from Kuala Namu Airport, North Sumatera. "The provision of aircraft with a capacity of 12 seats in executive class and 84 economy class seats in the Kuala Namu airport is in line with the development the city of Medan as a 'hub' Garuda Indonesia and Kuala Namu Airport as a 'hub' in the western region," said General Manager of Garuda Indonesia Medan, Syamsuddin, in Medan, Thursday, May 23, 2013.

Henceforth, the flight service users from other airports, such as from Padang and Palembang could soon resume flights with Garuda Indonesia from Medan to international destinations such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Penang, which will soon be opened. The routes Medan-Penang will be opened on June 1, 2013. Garuda Indonesia to open three domestic flight routes, namely Medan-Batam, Medan-Padang and Medan-Palembang. "All the steps taken by Garuda Indonesia is part of the development of Medan (Kuala Namu Airport) as a hub Garuda Indonesia after Jakarta, Denpasar, and Makassar," said Syamsuddin.

Syamsuddin explains, the aircraft will be stationed at Kuala Namu International Airport is part of a fleet of new aircraft that has been ordered by Garuda Indonesia, which will soon be accepted this year as many as 24 units consisting of a Boeing 777-300 ER, Airbus A330, Boeing 737-800NG , and Bombardier CRJ1000 NextGen.

Chairman of the Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA) North Sumatera, Solahuddin Nasution said that the tourism industry operators in North Sumatera increasingly optimistic in doing business with the operation of Kuala Namu Airport. Maketh Kuala Namu Airport as a hub in the western region is believed to further increase the volume of traffic of people and goods. "I hope Kuala Namu Airport could soon be in operation because the project is one of the MP3EI program (Master Plan for the Acceleration and Expansion of Indonesian Economic Development) is expected to further boost economic growth in North Sumatera," said Solahuddin.

Flights from Jakarta to Bali has been served by Batik Air

The Aviation News. Jakarta-Bali flight service has been officially served by Batik Air since Sunday, May 19, 2013 with the frequency of flights 2 times a day. Before opening the flight service on the routes Jakarta-Bali, Batik Air has also opened the flights Jakarta-Manado and Jakarta-Balikpapan. Two of routes each served 3 times a day.

Batik Air. AeroTourismNews | Flights from Jakarta to Bali has been served by Batik Air.

On Sunday, May 19, 2013, Batik Air has opened a Jakarta-Bali flight service. With the operation of Batik Air in Denpasar is expected to make it easier for passengers and tourists who were in the area to travel by plane with full service.

On May 3, 2013 ago, Batik Air has also done the first flight on the routes Jakarta-Manado and Jakarta-Balikpapan. Both the route each served 3 times a day. On May 8, 2013, Batik Air has opened a Jakarta-Ambon flight routes are serviced 1 time a day, and the flight from Jakarta to Pekanbaru with the frequency of flights 3 times a day. Subsequently, on May 17, 2013, has opened the flight from Jakarta to Yogyakarta.

Batik Air is a subsidiary of Lion Group is working on the full service aviation market which means that each passenger will be given services in the form of food and beverage in accordance with the length of the flight. The aircraft used was Boeing 737-900ER is a new aircraft that is equipped with a comfortable cabin. Number of available seats as many as 180 seats, consisting of 12 business class seats and 168 economy class seats.

Seats for economy class passengers with a very comfortable design, where the distance between each seat is quite roomy and the type of chair that is used is the most modern type of chair. Every seat in Economy class and Business class is equipped with entertainment facilities such as TV with touch screen monitors sized 16 x 21 cm for each passenger. Flights from Soekarno-Hatta airport conducted from terminal 3.

Sriwijaya Air will open flights Makassar-Timika

The Aviation News. The flight routes Makassar-Timika served Sriwijaya Air will begin in June 2013. By operating the Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft, Sriwijaya Air plans to serve the flight routes Makassar-Timika every day.

Sriwijaya Air. AeroTourismNews | Sriwijaya Air will open flights Makassar-Timika.

After the success of the third internasiona flight, namely Jakarta-Dili, Sriwijaya Air re-expand the reach of its territory to the eastern part of Indonesia from Makassar.

District Manager Sriwijaya Air Makassar, Sri Budiyanto, said that Sriwijaya Air will flown one more the east area, namely the flight routes Makassar-Timika in June 2013.

Opening flights to Timika to exploit the potential of existing businesses in the area, which transported the Freeport company employees, and business partners of the company. Flights to Timika planned to be serviced every day with the latest aircraft belonging Sriwijaya Air, Boeing 737-800 NG. "The dominance of the number of passengers are still concentrated in the East areas. Till March 2013, the load factor reached 93.9%," said Sri Budiyanto.

Currently, Sriwijaya Air in Makassar has been serving flights connecting Surabaya, Sorong, Jayapura, Ternate, Manokwari, Biak, Ambon, Gorontalo, Kendari, Luwuk, Balikpapan, Jakarta, and Palu.

Mandala Airlines opens flight routes Jakarta-Yogyakarta

The Aviation News. Service of on flight routes Jakarta-Yogyakarta has been officially opened Mandala Airlines. Accordance schedule, flight routes Jakarta-Yogyakarta is serviced by Mandala Airlines's plane every day. Routes this has the the potential for makin improve the tourism visits on both cities.

Mandala Airlines. AeroTourismNews | Mandala Airlines opens flight routes Jakarta-Yogyakarta.

Mandala Airlines to open flight routes Jakarta-Yogyakarta to improve its network in the tourism area. President Director of Mandala Airlines, Paul Rombeek, explained that the opening of the flight routes Jakarta-Yogyakarta to meet the needs of domestic and international tourists in Yogyakarta. "We are excited about the opening of this new route. Opening of this new route is one important step in the strategic expansion of Mandala Airlines in Indonesia," he said in a press release on Friday, May 17, 2013.

Paul Rombeek considered that the opening of the flight to Yogyakarta is very potential because the number of tourists in Yogyakarta reached 1,881,911 people in 2012, up 5% compared to the year 2011. According to him, with the addition of daily flights on the Jakarta-Yogyakarta route it will add six other flight services, namely Jakarta, Denpasar, Pekanbaru, Medan, Padang and Surabaya, and three international destinations to Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

Mandala Airlines currently operates seven new aircraft of the type Airbus A320 serving 43 flights per day.

Paul Rombeek said that one of the ways used by Mandala Airlines to attract the attention of potential passengers is to provide interaction services through social media and give them a souvenir to mark appreciation for passengers.