Air Paradise International`s Airbus A310 – 300 has arrived in Bali (Saturday night Jan 25) after its delivery ferry flight from…
Air Paradise International`s Airbus A310 – 300 has arrived in Bali (Saturday night Jan 25) after its delivery ferry flight from Toulouse France where it had been repainted and where it had been waiting the call to commence flight operations.
Air Paradise International, which temporarily postponed its start-up operation to Australia because of the tragic events of October 12, will commence flight operations on February 16, 2003 with four flights a week to Perth and three to Melbourne. March 1 will see the commencement of three flights a week between Bali and Jakarta.
Commenting on the timing of the airline`s re-launch Chairman, Mr Kadek Wiranatha said Now more than ever I firmly believe Bali has a need for its own international airline. An airline that will be dedicated to actively promoting our island to ensure the recovery of Bali`s main source of income – tourism.
Sales of tickets were resumed on January 14 and set at prices to encourage passengers to return to Bali. Prices and packages have been set well below those of other carriers. Perth has been attracting passengers with its Return to Paradise fare of Aus $539.00 including 4 night`s accommodation, while Melbourne is offering a fare of Aus $739.00 also with 4 night`s accommodation. To date more than 5,700 tickets have been sold.
Ticket sales in Indonesia resumed on 14 January. Fares are competitive and include attractive packages for the ex Jakarta – Denpasar service. Says Farshall Hambali, Commercial Manager, Indonesia: We will be offering a special opening air and accommodation package where our customers can enjoy a great range of other benefits including free cover charges in several of Bali`s renowned restaurants, pubs and clubs.
Along with planned flights to Australia, Air Paradise International is viewing the North Asian market where the proposed schedule for the second A310-300 aircraft will include flights to Fukuoka, Osaka, Seoul and Taipei. These flights could begin as soon as mid June when the second Airbus is due for delivery.
API has set up its commercial operation in Australia (offices in Perth and Melbourne already set up and operating) driven by a city-based reservations and retail centre and an experienced Sales and Marketing team that will ensure maximum brand exposure, product development and revenue streams. The same is true for the offices in both Denpasar and Jakarta.
Air Paradise International has its own executive offices and an in-house training center in Denpasar. A significant investment in staff training has been effected. Dynamic trainers from the Asia Pacific region have been responsible for the selection, grooming, training and personal development of the Indonesian cabin crew. Highly trained Cabin Managers and cabin crew are ready and will be expected to maintain levels of service and cabin efficiency.
The Air Paradise International Airbus A310 – 300 formerly in operation with Singapore Airlines and still to be maintained by SIA, offers a two class configuration of 12 Paradise Class (business) and 171 economy class cabin. Full meal service will be provided on all flights with visual and audio entertainment on board.
In selecting the appropriate operating fleet unit, consideration was given to providing an aircraft with a proven safety record and operational reliability and dependability. In view of this, the Airbus A310-300 was selected.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
