LOMBOK: 21 March 2019 – Lombok is set to become the new Bali, with AirAsia announcing new four flights weekly between Perth, Western Australia and Lombok from 9 June.
The announcement, which follows AirAsia’s commitment to developing a new hub in the West Nusa Tenggara province, will accelerate post-earthquake recovery efforts and lay the foundations for the Indonesian Government’s sustainable development initiative to create ‘10 new Balis’.
AirAsia Indonesia CEO Dendy Kurniawan said: “AirAsia is laying the foundations of its newest hub, transforming Lombok into the new Bali. Just a short flight from Perth, this island will become a thriving tourist destination for many Australians over the next few months.
“The development of Lombok as an AirAsia hub will also serve as the catalyst for healthy growth and competition in Indonesia. By stimulating the market with low fares we want to provide more opportunities for Australians and Indonesians to fly.”
The new service between Perth and Lombok also provides a welcome boost to the local tourism and visitor economy, and in coming months, AirAsia will unveil a number of sustainable tourism and community initiatives to assist with the islands recovery efforts.
Kurniawan continued: “When our first flight touches down in June, Lombok will be well and truly open for business and we look forward to making this new route a success”
Perth Airport Chief Corporate Services Officer Debra Blaskett said Australians have a great propensity for travel to Indonesia, especially from Perth, where it represents Perth Airport’s largest outbound market.
“Indonesia is also Western Australia’s eighth largest visitor market. Just last year, it welcomed 31,000 Indonesian visitors, injecting more than AUD60 million into the WA economy.
“AirAsia has been in the vanguard of a low-cost carrier revolution that has delivered more affordable and accessible travel options than ever before.”
The new service will further strengthen the airline’s position in Australia, adding more than 77,000 seats to the Perth market annually.
Special launch-day fares from just AUD99* one-way are on sale from now until 24 March 2019. Fares are valid for travel between 09 June and 26 October 2019.
