Visitor arrivals to Indonesia from the UK are set to rise following the announcement by 3 carriers of extra airlift to the world’s largest archipelago. Garuda Indonesia Airlines, Royal Brunei Airlines and Oman Air are all capitalizing on the soaring popularity that Indonesia is enjoying among the British traveler, giving tourism to the country an extra boost.
Garuda Indonesia, the national carrier of Indonesia, recently launched its new direct service from London Gatwick to Jakarta via Amsterdam on the 8th September. Recently voted the world’s Best Economy Class Airline by Skytrax, Garuda will use the new Boeing 777 300ER aircraft on the only direct service from the UK to Indonesia.
Royal Brunei Airlines also recently launched a service from London Heathrow to Bali on 26th July, capitalising on the increasing popularity of this favourite holiday island. The carrier now offers four flights to Bali a week on-board an Airbus A319 narrow body aircraft. Holidaymakers will also be able to combine their trip to Indonesia with a stop off visit in Brunei upon their return trip.
Finally as of December 2014, Oman Air will be expanding its service into Asia, with the introduction of its new London Heathrow to Jakarta via Muscat route. From 12th December three flights per week will run with a fourth to be added in January 2015. Combining high service levels and comfort with true Omani hospitality on-board its popular A330 aircraft, it will create new opportunities for UK Travellers flying from London Heathrow to Indonesia for both stand alone and twin centre options.
Commenting on the airlift increases, Richard Hume, Country Manager, says: “We are delighted to see this increased capacity, giving customers more flexible options to visit Indonesia. We are confident that numbers will continue to grow and the air capacity will continue to rise.”
The increased airlift follows increased visitation from the UK to Indonesia, with an increase of 8.9% so far in 2014 on the back of an increase of 7.83% the previous year.
