Garuda Indonesia airline management is conducting a study opening international routes Saumlaki – Darwin, said General Manager of Garuda Ambon, Sonny Pongoh.
“At this time management while reviewing the opening of new routes Saumlaki -Darwin or Ambon – Darwin on request Maluku provincial government,” he said in Ambon on Sunday.
According to him, the Governor of Maluku Said Assagaff previously had a meeting with the Managing Director of Garuda Indonesia to convey the proposed opening of a route Saumlaki – Darwin.
“The request was followed up with a study that assessed the extent to which these benefits or not, because we may not open a new route without regard to the economic value,” he said.
Sonny said it has also asked the Maluku provincial government support in the form of cross-subsidy if the later route was opened.
“Maluku provincial government’s commitment to support the opening of the new route is needed, because the current condition of our aircraft with the type ATR that serves a number of cities and kabupatan in Maluku is also lacking,” he said.
He explained that his department has been conducting studies on Batlayeri Airports in Saumlaki to look at the possibility of opening the International Airport.
Being International Airport is a need for completeness such as customs, immigration and supporting facilities. Besides the status of the city will also be increased to the International airport.
“Towards this direction, the Maluku provincial government is also ready to help realize the preparation bernagai supporting facilities,” said Sonny.
He said the presence of Garuda Indonesia to counties and cities in Maluku could bring benefits to the area, such as the presence of investors.
“At least there is the added value to be gained of the area, as investors generally want to come into an area they want to trip them indirectly linked, without changing flights, therefore we also tried to counties and cities in Maluku can be served,” he said.
Source: Antara
