Garuda Indonesia now flies to Komodo Airport at Labuan Bajo

Starting 3 December, Garuda Indonesia launched its flights to Indonesia's many attractive tourist destinations airports in Eastern Indonesia that are accessible only to smaller aircrafts.

Using the newly acquired ATR72-600 turboprop planes, Garuda Explore now serv es daily flights from Bali to the Komodo Airport at Labuan Bajo in Flores. The flight takes the route: Denpasar (Bali) - Labuan Bajo - Ende.
Besides serving the East Nusatenggara Islands, Garuda now also flies Denpasar-Bima (Sumbawa) - Mataram(Lombok) in West Nusatenggara, while starting 20 December 2013, Garuda will also operate the Denpasar-Labuan Bajo -Tambolaka (Sumba), and Denpasar - Mataram - Bima routes.
The ATR 72-600 aircrafts have a capacity for 70 passengers and are suitable for small airports which have runways of less than 1.600 meters. Therefore, they are appropriate for pioneering flights or to reach remote areas.

The opening of the new routes was marked by an inaugural flight from Denpasar to Labuan Bajo and Bima, carrying the theme Explore Flight. The inaugural flight ceremony was conducted at the Ngurah Rai Airport Bali and attended by the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Mari Elka Pangestu, the Deputy Minister of Transportation Bambang Susantono, the Ambassador of France Corine Breuze, CEO ATR Philipo Bagnato, Miss Indonesia 2013 Whulandary Herman, and members of the media.
Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Mari Elka Pangestu welcomed Garuda's initiative, and was confident that the opening of the new routes will draw more international tourists to come and visit more places in the country. "The addition of flights can increase the opportunities for international tourists to reach Bima and Ende. Soon, Wakatobi,Ambon, and other destinations will follow" she added.
"The ATR 72-600 is a milestone for Garuda Indonesia flights which can be flown to any new tourist destinations or cities. The ATR 72-600 is a reliable airplane which comes with the latest technology", explained Emirsyah Satar, Garuda's CEO, as reported by detik.com.

Garuda Indonesia plans to bring 35 units of the ATR72-600 with 25 firm orders and 10 optional orders for point to point short flights. "Two units have arrived in November and December, while the others will arrive next year", added Emir.

CEO of Garuda Indonesia, Emirsyah Satar stated that the opening of the routes is a part of the commitment of the airline to improve the connectivity in the archipelago. "Garuda Indonesia is furthering the transformation and company expansion programs in line with the positive development of the airline industries", said Emir as reported bybisniswisata.co.
Photo Courtesy http://www.runway-aviation.com

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