Banyuwangi, E Java, Feb 6 (Antara) - Low cost carrier Citilink Indonesia will open Jakarta-Banyuwangi flight route as part of efforts to expand its business and support development of the tourism industry in the region.
Banyuwangi District Head Abdullah Azwar Anas said here on Monday he has received a notification on the airline company's plan to open the flight route.
"This is good news that will motivate all of us in Banyuwangi to move forward in the midst of various challenges and shortcomings. May this stimulate the people's economy," he said.
With the presence of Citilink flight, air passengers will have many choices, he said.
Right now the Jakarta-Banyuwangi flight route is served by Garuda Indonesia and NAM Air (Sriwijaya Air Group), while the Surabaya-Banyuwangi flight route is served by Garuda Indonesia and Wings Air.
"This is positive development for the region. In the first year (of the airport's operation) in 2011, there were only around seven thousand passengers and the figure jumped more than 1,450 percent last year. Banyuwangi also has new airport terminal with green concept which can serve 250 thousand passengers," he said.
Citilink Indonesia President Director Juliandra Nurtjahjo said the Banyuwangi district government's strong desire to introduce its tourism at an international level has drawn attention from Citiling Infonesia for a quite long time.
"That is why we will open a new flight route to encourage the development of the tourism sector as well as to increase Banyuwangi's connectivity to the rest of Indonesia," he said.(*)
