Indonesia AirAsia is taking to the skies with ambitious expansion plans, aiming to launch two to three new international routes by the end of 2024. This announcement comes on the heels of the successful launch of the Jakarta-Hong Kong and Bali-Hong Kong routes, which have received positive feedback and witnessed high passenger traffic, solidifying the airline’s commitment to international expansion. The new routes are strategically targeted towards China and India, further enhancing connectivity between Indonesia and these key markets. The airline’s international route network has seen rapid growth in 2024. Out of the planned 12 new routes, 7 are already operational, including popular destinations such as Jakarta-Kota Kinabalu, Bali-Kota Kinabalu, Jakarta-Brunei Darussalam, Denpasar-Phuket, Denpasar-Hong Kong, and Jakarta-Hong Kong. The remaining five routes are currently awaiting approval. Krismeidi, a representative from Indonesia AirAsia, expressed optimism about the airline’s growth potential, recognizing the competitive landscape with other low-cost airlines like Brunei Darussalam’s Royal Brunei Airlines and Singapore’s Scott Air Airlines. The robust performance of the newly launched Jakarta-Hong Kong and Bali-Hong Kong routes is a testament to their growth potential. The Jakarta-Hong Kong route has experienced impressive passenger occupancy rates, with early data showing 163 passengers on outbound flights and 133 passengers on return flights, signifying a return rate of approximately 75 percent, even reaching above 85 percent. This promising performance is especially noteworthy considering that October is typically the low season for travel. Krismeidi is confident that the market has responded positively to the routes Indonesia AirAsia has opened. The expansion of Indonesia AirAsia’s international routes will have a significant impact on the travel industry. Travelers will have more affordable and convenient options for travel to and from Indonesia, boosting tourism to the country and benefiting its economy. The expansion will also have global effects. It will increase connectivity between Indonesia and other countries, promoting trade and investment. It will also contribute to the growth of the tourism industry in Southeast Asia. With its strategic focus on key markets and its commitment to affordability, Indonesia AirAsia is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of travel in the region.
