Batik Air Indonesia eyes int'l expansion outside of Jakarta

Batik Air (ID, Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta) is planning to commence international operations out of the tourist town of Manado a CAPA report has suggested. In line with Lion Airlines CEO Rusdi Kirana's comments last year that the Group intends to develop international hubs in the east and west of the Indonesian archipelago, so Batik's long-term strategy is to develop Batam and Manado into its own international gateways. In the east, Manado will serve China and South Korea while in the west, Batam will serve India in particular.

According to CAPA, Batik Air is currently considering linking Manado with Seoul Incheon in South Korea sometime early next year and, pending the issuance of suitable slots, it is also looking at serving Shanghai from either Bali and/or Balikpapan. 

Another destination said to be under consideration is Perth Int'l, Australia which Batik plans to serve from both Jakarta and Denpasar using its existing Indonesian Air Operator Certificate (AOC). The carrier is hoping to secure approval from the Australian authorities in early 2016 ahead of a possible launch later on in the year.

While it currently operates a fleet of ten A320-200 (sl)s, fourteen B737-800s, and six B737-900(ER)s on flights throughout Indonesia, Batik expects to enhance its international coverage beyond the current Singapore Changi with the arrival of its first A320neo jets in 2017.