ER
STRENGTHENING South East Asia’s regional connectivity, Indonesia’s national flag-carrier Garuda Indonesia Airlines just announced the launch of a new route direct from Singapore to Tanjung Pandan on picturesque Belitung Island in the Bangka-Belitung province. Starting recently the Singapore-Tanjung Pandan direct flight will operate 4 times weekly using Bombardier CRJ-1000 aircraft with 96 seats capacity in the economy.
According to Garuda Indonesia CEO, Pikri Ilham Kurniansyah said that the new route is in line with Garuda’s commitment to support Indonesia’s tourism growth, in particular, to boost the 10 priority tourist destinations that are being developed beyond Bali, among which is Tanjung Kelayang on Belitung island.
“The direct flight is part of the company’s strategy to expand Garuda Indonesia’s international network, at the same time strengthen connectivity in this South East Asian region. Singapore is one of the busiest international hubs in the world and closest to Indonesia. With the addition of a direct flight which will take an hour from Singapore, Belitung is sure to surge as a perfect short vacation destination,” he said.
Pikri Ilham also mentioned that we believe that with the addition of this flight route Garuda will also contribute to the growth of trade and business in Belitung and nearby areas, considering that Tanjung Pandan has already been designated a Special Economic Zone. Tanjung Pandan is also among the 10 National Priority Tourist Destinations that boasts picturesque white beaches scattered with monumental boulders, and is being developed to become equal in its attraction as Bali.
“The Singapore-Tanjung Pandan Direct Flights will leave Changi Airport, Singapore at 17.20 LT on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, while on Sundays it leaves at 17.30 hrs. The flight will arrive at Hanadjoeddin International Airport at Tanjung Pandan at 17.50 Local Time on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Whereas, on Sundays, it arrives at Tanjung Pandan at 18.00 hrs West Indonesia Time,” Pikri added.
There is a one hour difference between Singapore and West Indonesia Time. Return flights will leave Hanandjoeddin International Airport Belitung at 14.50 hrs, arriving Changi International Airport at 16.20 hrs. Currently, Garuda Indonesia serves 84 flights per week to and from Singapore, being: Singapore – Jakarta (9 times a day), Singapore-Surabaya (daily), and Singapore-Denpasar/Bali (twice daily). [photo special]
