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AVIATION -LION AIR FLIGHTS |
Lion Air launches Jakarta-Banda Aceh flight
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BY OUR AVIATION CORRESPONDENT
17th August, 2005: Indonesia's low cost airline Lion Air has commenced operations to Banda Aceh, making it the fourth airline to connect to the island from Jakarta. This is the first domestic service by the carrier, as was operating only to an international destination, Ho Chi Minh in China.
"We are happy with Lion Air new operation in Aceh. However, we hope Lion could help make Banda Aceh as international gateway too," Aceh Governor Azwar Abubakar said, inaugurating the services.
At present there are four companies - Garuda, Jatayu, and Adam Air - connecting Jakarta to Banda Aceh.
Earlier, Lion Air had announced its intent to order up to 60 Boeing 737-900ER earlier this year. This was followed by a firm order for 30 new derivative airplanes, with purchase rights for 30 additional models. The order is worth $3.9 billion at list prices.
The first of the 737s is scheduled for delivery in the first half of 2007.
"The Next-Generation 737 is the most efficient single-aisle airplane family today, and we are thrilled to have Lion Air as the launch customer to increase the 737 family's capability with the additional range and seating of the 737-900ER," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and Chief Executive Officer Alan Mulally said.
The 737-900ER is the same size as the present day 737-900, but, with the addition of a pair of exit doors and a flat rear pressure bulkhead, is capable of carrying 26 additional passengers. This increases the maximum capacity from 189 to 215 in a single-class layout.
BY OUR AVIATION CORRESPONDENT
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