WINGS Air open MALANG-DENPASAR flight route

The Indonesia airline company, Wings Airs, a subsidiary of Lion Air is starting open their flight route service from Malang - Denpasar, as an answer for the market need for this on the tourist route of these two destinations.

Wings Air uses ATR 72-500 aircraft with a capacity of 72 seats, which is said to have equipped with modern cabin.

Andi Burhan, Wings Air general manager explained, the flight is seven days a week, departing from Abdul Rachman Saleh Airport, Malang at 14:25 with flight number IW 1841, and departed from the Ngurah Rai Airport, Denpasar at 14.00.
This ATR aircraft is a new aircraft purchased from Avions de Transport Regional (ATR) manufacturer, which also manufactured turboprop-powered aircraft in France.

The number of aircraft would be ordered and will be operated by Wings Air is 30 aircrafts, has started operation since January 2010. "Up to February 2011 has been received and operates ten aircrafts, and five more planes is planning arrive until August 2011," said Andi Burhan.

The Malang-Denpasar route had been waiting since 2005, when the Civil Airport Abd Saleh Malang re-operated facilities that utilize the Air Force at Air Field Saleh Abd. "Malang always expect there is a direct route to and from Denpasar flight, as well as to and from Yogyakarta," said Head of Transportation Department of Malang Regency, Nasarudin Selian.

This is to confirm the Malang ambition along with it’s satellite city Kota Batu and Malang regency to assert its identity as a city or region of national and international tourist destination, besides Yogyakarta and Denpasar.

"We always hope that overseas tourists will travel  the Malang - Denpasar flight route, before entering Yogyakarta city, after entering Indonesia through the door of Denpasar. Similarly, on the contrary, from Yogyakarta or Jakarta to Denpasar via Malang," said Nasarudin.

picture: google.com

WINGS Air purchase 15 units of ATR 72-500

Wings Air confirmed to purchase 15 units of ATR 72-500 which came from the aircraft manufacturer Turboprop An Alenia Aeronotica and EADS joint venture. Purchasing of 15 aircraft is a continuation from the year 2009 where Wings Air ordered 30 units of ATR aircraft consists of 15 units is a definite purchase and 15 units is the additional purchase option.

"We are consolidating a partnership with Lion Air and Wings Air, and we are pleased to witness the success of one of the leading company in Southeast Asia," says CEO ATR Filipo Bagnato.

Wings Air hopes, this year the aircraft will be received and operated to reach 15 units. With this addition, Wings Air become the the largest company which use ATR 72-500 aircraft in Southeast Asia.

During this time, Wings Air is using this type of aircraft to fly routes such as Sumatra, Java, Bali, Nusa Tenggara, Sulawesi and neighboring countries. This aircraft type is suitable to serve routes in remote areas as well as a feeder for the airline Lion Air.

Wings Airs first time operating ATR 72 aircraft in Indonesia in January 2010 and until February 2011 there have been about 10 aircrafts. It is expected that five more aircrafts will gradually be received until August 2011.

Lion Air President Director who is also Commissioner of Wings Air, Rusdi Kirana said the increase in the number of ATR fleet is expected to contribute to national economic growth.

"ATR aircraft became very popular in Indonesia because they play a key role in business development and tourism, as well as linking the islands of Indonesia," he concluded.

picture: google.com