The NT News reports on interest by AirAsia Indonesia to increase their current four times per week service to Bali to daily, on the back of an average load factor of 75%.
The opening of Bali's new international terminal is also sighted as a positive. This may indicate that there is scope for the new terminal to cater for transiting passengers to other destinations in Indonesia and South East Asia served by AirAsia. At the old Bali terminal there was no convenient transit service available with transiting passengers required to clear immigration and customs and then re-enter the airport to contiunue their journey. A proper transit service would allow a smooth transition from an arriving to a departing flight without immigration, baggage and customs hassles.
AirAsia are currently advertising onward flights beyond Bali for Darwin passengers although their website provides no indication that "Fly-thru" services are currently available in Bali. Fly-thru is available in Kuala Lumpur and represents a break from the traditional low cost carrier approach to only facilitate point to point flying.
AirAsia to consider boost to Bali flights
'NT News' - 2013-11-26 By COURTNEY TODD
HIGH sales and a new international terminal at Bali airport have AirAsia looking to increase the number of flights between Darwin and Denpasar each week.
The budget airline returned to the Top End on July 1 after a month’s absence and flies to Bali return four times a week.
AirAsia Indonesia CEO Mr Dharmadi said business has been good, even with tension over allegations of Aussie spies tapping the Indonesian president’s phone.
‘‘ We hope that problem will be solved soon but it won’t affect our guests — a holiday is a holiday,’’ Mr Dharmadi said.
‘‘Australia is a very good friend of ours, a good neighbour and Australia and Indonesia are really cooperating to improve tourism in both countries.’’
He said AirAsia flights from Darwin flew at an average 75 per cent of capacity.
‘‘Normally it’s time to increase flight numbers when capacity has increased to 70 per cent so that’s why we’re looking at it now,’’ he said.
Flights from Darwin may be increased to a daily frequency and there is a possibility AirAsia could soon be taking off from Broome or Port Headland as well.
Mr Dharmadi said the new international terminal at Bali airport also made it easier and more comfortable for Aussies to arrive at and depart from the Indonesia tourism hot spot.
‘‘Our guests are really excited to see the new terminal and facilities,’’ he said.
Malaysia Airlines has returned flying to and from Darwin for the first time in 11 years.
Silkair and Philippine Airlines have also started operations in the Top End during the past 18 months.
During a recent tour of Asia, NT Government representatives spoke with Japan Airlines about direct Tokyo to Darwin flights.
Discussions have also been held with other Asia-based air carriers.