AirAsia Plans New Padang-Singapore Route
5 June 2015 12:16 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - AirAsia airline plans to open a direct flight from Padang-Singapore. "I have met with AirAsia management and they have agreed to open flight [route] from Padang to Singapore," West Sumatra Governor Irwan Prayitno said on Thursday, June 4, 2015.
According to Irwan, AirAsia have conducted a feasibility study before deciding to open the route. Irwan added that airline is currently waiting for available flight schedules from Changi Airport in Singapore to Minangkabau International Airport in Padang.
Irwan asserted that the tourism sector potential in West Sumatra will attract foreign tourists to the region. Irwan said that the Padang regional government has set a target of 20 million foreign visitors in 2019.
Previously, Mandala Tiger Air had opened a flight route from Padang to Singapore. However, the airline failed to gain profits and decided to shut down the route.
Indonesia AirAsia company secretary Audry Petriny confirmed that the airline is still studying the potential of the Padang-Singapore route. Audry however, cannot confirm when the route will be opened.
ANDRI EL FARUQI