Lion Air Rethinking its Perth Service

(11/26/2005)

Lion Air has again indicated delays ahead in their plans to commence service between Denpasar (Bali) and Perth, Western Australia. Initially indicating the new service would start flying in late November 2005, the management of the airline pushed the start date back to mid-December following the October 1, 2005 terror attack.

However, in the wake of Air Paradise's collapse and continuing weak market demand for Bali holidays from the Australian market, the Airline has again signaled that the commencement of their flight services to Australia may be delayed once again.

Quoted in the Indonesian-language Bali Post,, the Airline's Public Relations Manager Hasyim Arsal Akhasby told the press on Wednesday, November 23, 2005, that the start date for services "all depends on the market conditions."

In anticipation of their new schedule to Australia, Lion Air has opened an office in Perth and have stated publicly that they have all the necessary licenses in hand from both the Indonesian and Australian civil aviation authorities.

In its originally announced plans to fly to Perth, the low-cost operator Lion Air said they planned to operate a daily service between Bali and Perth.