MELBOURNE, 2015-3-6 — /Travel PR News/ — Indonesia AirAsia X today announced it has been granted approval to fly direct between Melbourne and Bali (Denpasar) by Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).
The long haul low fare airline will commence its services from 18th March 2015 with two flights per week between Melbourne and the popular Indonesian island getaway, increasing to five flights per week starting from 1st April 2015.
Co-Founder and Group CEO of AirAsia, Tony Fernandes said, “We’re absolutely delighted to have the approvals we’ve been seeking to commence this long awaited service”.
“We have been working very closely with CASA and are very pleased to have their full approval to operate, having met all requirements throughout this process. We adhered to standard aviation practice in selling the flights but unfortunately we were caught up by bad timing during Christmas, in which we were not able to rectify the matter in time. We deeply apologize for the inconvenience caused to all of our guests and now look forward to welcoming them on board”.
“Contrary to what has been said by one airline CEO, Airasia has been extremely successful in developing the Australian market within a short period of time and this is reflective in our immense popularity. We carried 1.5 million guests from Australia last year, which translates to a 30% growth. Now we are even more determined to provide Australians the best possible service at the best value. We are driven”.
“Once the final documentation is complete, we will announce a special AirAsia sale with some great fares for our guests”.
Datuk Kamarudin Meranun, Co-Founder and Group CEO of AirAsia X said, “Bali is developing into an important hub in the region with its connectivity continually expanding. AirAsia plans to grow the existing hub network from Bali to 16 direct onward destinations in Asia and this will be further developed over time.”
“Since 2007, AirAsia Group has carried over 7.5 million guests from/to Australian cities such as Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Adelaide and Darwin. With the commencement of our direct flights from Melbourne to Bali, we look forward to offer Victorians a chance to enjoy their Bali getaway, with an opportunity to further explore various destinations within our comprehensive network”.
Dendy Kurniawan, CEO of Indonesia AirAsia X said, “We are excited with the approval from CASA. From 18th March 2015, the direct flights will depart Melbourne Airport to Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport with 2 times weekly, which will be increased to 5 times weekly from 1st April 2015 onwards. Total flight time is 6 hours and 10 minutes, to be operated on an Airbus A330-300 aircraft with a seating capacity of 377 seats. The configuration will be as per AirAsia X’s configuration of 365 economy seats and 12 business class flat bed seats”.