A report in The Territorian says the dogfight is on for Northern Territory travel, with Garuda Indonesia doubling its services to and from Darwin.
It is upping the ante on the Darwin international flights in the wake of Jetstar’s revelations this week that it will fly daily services to Bali, in competition with Garuda’s thrice-weekly flights.
Garuda will introduce a new route between Darwin and the Indonesian capital of Jakarta in March next year.
Garuda chief executive Emirsyah Satar said it would run three times a week, which – when added to its Bali flights – would double its Darwin services.
He said the route would be aimed at both the business and budget traveller markets, with Jakarta flights scheduled so business travellers could arrive in time to catch a host of 8am flights to other Asian destinations.
Mr Satar said that Jetstar’s aggressive move would have an impact on Garuda’s Darwin operations.
“(But) I think competition is good,” he said.
“Of course we have to compete … but basically I think we can differentiate. Jetstar is a low-cost carrier.”
But he could not say whether Garuda would be forced to cut down flights on the Darwin/Denpasar sector.
Garuda Indonesia vice president commercial Agus Priyanto said the new Darwin/Jakarta route could be a boon for Territory tourism.
“Darwin is very unique, a very big adventure,” Mr Priyanto said. “There’s a big chance for Darwin tourism, not only from the Indonesian market but also outside.”
He said he will approach the NT Government for support in pushing the Territory as a destination.
Mr Satar said the new route would give travellers the chance to explore the cosmopolitan face of Jakarta, and put them on South-East Asia’s doorstep.
A Report by The Mole
