GARUDA Indonesia will launch a new daily service from Singapore to Makassar from June 1. This is in line with the carrier’s plans to develop Makassar as its third domestic hub after Jakarta and Bali, and as a gateway to East Indonesia.
The airline will operate this route daily using Boeing 737-500 aircraft, with 12 executive-class and 84 economy-class seats.
“The launch of this new route will mark a significant step forward in our network expansion strategy,” said Risnandi, senior general manager, Area Asia, Garuda Indonesia.
He added that Garuda was experiencing strong growth in passenger traffic from Singapore to Makassar via Jakarta. “There is enormous potential in this market particularly in the leisure segment.”
With 2011 being declared Visit Makassar year, and the city busy adding new events and festivals to its attractions, Risnandi said Garuda would be “teaming up with the local tourism officials to promote Makassar as one of the Indonesian destination of choice”.
“We will be launching great deals and offers to entice travellers from Singapore,” he said.
To celebrate the launch of the new route, Garuda is running a sale from now till May 31. Singapore-Makassar economy-class return tickets are available for S$220, valid for travel from June 1 to August 31.
