AirAsia to connect Pontianak with Kuching in June

1 min readApr 2, 201712:41 AM

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Budget airline AirAsia is set to open a new direct route from Pontianak in West Kalimantan to Kuching in Sarawak, Malaysia, starting on June 5.

The carrier currently serves only one route from Pontianak to Malaysia. Its planes fly to Kuala Lumpur. The new service also marks its first direct flight from Indonesia to Kuching.

AirAsia Berhad commercial head Spencer Lee said that the move aimed to contribute to the development of local tourism, economics and trade in the two cities.

Available once a day, the flight from Pontianak to Kuching is scheduled to depart at 12:10 p.m. and the one from Kuching to Pontianak at 11:55 a.m.

To celebrate the new service, AirAsia is currently offering promotional tickets for flights taken between June 5 and Sept. 30 for starting prices of Rp 249,000 (US$19) for bookings made through its mobile app by April 2.

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What this means

AirAsia's new Pontianak-Kuching route, its first direct Indonesia-Kuching flight, directly enhances cross-border trade and tourism. This strategic network expansion pressures regional competitors by establishing a unique daily service where AirAsia currently only connects Pontianak to Kuala Lumpur. Compared to ZUS Coffee's aggressive 200-store expansion in Malaysia, AirAsia's move is a more targeted, high-impact regional play. The risk lies in sustaining demand beyond the initial promotional Rp 249,000 ticket offer. This initiative builds on AirAsia's established presence, using its brand recognition for direct flight connectivity, unlike brand-led physical store expansions seen with Tiffany & Co. Watch the flight's average fare prices post-September 30.

Rajiv Menon · Retail News Asia newsroom

Questions & Answers

When does AirAsia's new direct flight from Pontianak to Kuching begin?

The new direct route from Pontianak to Kuching is scheduled to start on June 5. This service will operate once a day, connecting West Kalimantan and Sarawak.

Does AirAsia currently operate any other routes from Pontianak to Malaysia?

Yes, AirAsia currently serves one other route from Pontianak to Malaysia. Its planes fly directly to Kuala Lumpur, making the Kuching service its second direct connection.

What are the scheduled departure times for the new flights?

The flight from Pontianak to Kuching is scheduled to depart at 12:10 p.m. The return flight from Kuching to Pontianak will depart slightly earlier, at 11:55 a.m.

Are there any promotional fares available for the new route?

Yes, promotional tickets are being offered for flights taken between June 5 and September 30. Bookings made via the mobile app by April 2 start from Rp 249,000 (US$19).

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