Minister of SOE Releases Prime Pelita Airbus A320, Provides Jakarta-Bali-Jakarta Flights

Jakarta, April 28, 2022 - PT Pertamina (Persero), through its subsidiary PT Pelita Air Service (PAS), realizes its commitment to support the air transportation industry development and strengthen connectivity in the country by serving scheduled commercial flights (regular flights).

The momentum was marked by Pelita Air's first flight on Thursday, April 28, 2022, serving the Jakarta route from Terminal III Soekarno-Hatta Airport, Tangerang, to I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport, Bali.

The inaugural regular flight of the Airbus A320-200 took off at 09.20 WIB and arrived at 12.10 WITA. It was followed by the second route with the opposite destination, Jakarta - Bali departing at 14:55 WITA and arriving at 15:45 WIB. Currently, these routes and flight schedules have a once per day frequency.

The flight was released by the Minister of SOE, Erick Thohir, President Director of PT Pertamina (Persero), Nicke Widyawati, and President Director of PT Pelita Air Service, Dendy Kurniawan.

Minister of SOE, Erick Thohir, in Pelita Air's Inaugural Flight event, said that the potential for domestic flights in Indonesia is very large. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, 70% of Indonesia's tourism industry was domestic and 28% international tourists. For this reason, Pelita Air Service, as a subsidiary of an SOE, must focus on being one of the backbones for the domestic aviation industry development. This is a huge market potential that must be exploited. Especially at this time, the economy has started to rise, but people get expensive tickets.

"Therefore, the Ministry of Transportation, the Ministry of SOE, and other ministries have agreed to intervene. We do not want Indonesia's large market to also become a monopoly or oligopoly. Following the breath of this nation's economy, namely an equitable and prosperous economy. Free markets are allowed, but a balance must occur. Because it is impossible for a country of this size to be subservient to other nations or this large market to be monopolized by only a few,” said Erick.

According to him, Pelita must be part of a new paradigm to nourish the Indonesian aviation industry, and mistakes cannot be made. Therefore, it must be transparently managed with good corporate governance with a focus on the domestic market as an opportunity for Pelita to become big. Erick also reminded the importance of integrating SOE tourism holdings, ensuring maximum service with the current infrastructure, such as airports, and integrated with domestic flights. Thus, it can encourage economic growth and create jobs consistently in the regions.

“With good intentions, Pelita can fly high. Pelita will also become a domestic company that can compete globally,” added Erick.

On the same occasion, President Director of PT Pelita Air Service (PAS), Dendy Kurniawan, revealed that to date, PAS has had experience serving charter flights, from the presidency, ministries/agencies, and the private sector, especially the national oil and gas industry. With this reputation and experience accompanied by great opportunities in the commercial sector of scheduled flights to support national connectivity and encouraged by the Government and stakeholders, PAS expanded its business by serving scheduled commercial flights on the Jakarta - Bali - Jakarta route with Airbus A320-200 aircraft with 180 seat capacity.

"Today's flights will soon be followed by additional frequency flights and further flights to new destinations in Indonesia," he said.

According to Dendy, Pelita Air's steps in scheduled regular flights cannot be separated from stakeholders' support. He expressed his gratitude and highest appreciation to the Ministry of Transportation, which has issued a flight-worthy certificate, the Ministry of SOE, and PT Pertamina (Persero) as the holding company.

"I am inviting all related parties to support and advance Pelita Air. Thus, Pelita Air can continue to grow and make a significant contribution to the national aviation industry," stated Dendy.**