Lion group to receive 44 aircraft
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Lion Group will procure 44 aircraft this year for the airlines under its operations, including Lion Air, Wings Air, and Batik Air, Edward Sirait, its president director, stated here on Monday.
He noted that the aircraft fleet is being expanded to increase capacity in view of the growth this year, which is expected to reach 15 percent.
Edward remarked that 14 aircraft will be for Lion Air, 18 for Wings Air, and 12 for Batik Air.
“The number will be adjusted based on the market demand in line with the transportation ministrys forecast that the number of passengers will increase by 15 percent,” he claimed.
He affirmed that all the new aircraft for Lion Air are Boeing, while Batik Air will receive Boeing and Airbus aircraft, and Wings Air would get ATR aircraft.
He stated that the aircraft were procured through operating lease and financial lease schemes.
He noted that the new aircraft will be used to serve new routes, especially for direct flights such as on the Balikpapan-Bandung, Tarakan-Semarang, and Banjarmasin-Denpasar routes.
He remarked that Lion Group will also start flight services for minor Hajj pilgrims, with direct flights to Madinah using the wide-bodied Boeing 747 and Airbus 330.
“Other airlines only offer flights to Jeddah, from where the passengers have to undertake a six-hour land journey. We have prepared direct flights to Madinah, so that the passengers could immediately proceed to carry out their religious rites,” he added.
Lion Group currently has two Boeing 747 and three Airbus 330 aircraft.
Questions & Answers
Q.How will the new aircraft be acquired by the Lion Group?
How will the new aircraft be acquired by the Lion Group?
The Lion Group is procuring the 44 new aircraft through both operating lease and financial lease schemes. These methods allow them to expand their fleet without outright purchase of all planes.
Q.What is the reason for the Lion Group's expansion of its aircraft fleet?
What is the reason for the Lion Group's expansion of its aircraft fleet?
The fleet expansion aims to increase capacity, driven by an expected 15 percent growth this year. This growth forecast is in line with the transportation ministry's prediction for passenger numbers.
Q.Which aircraft types will each airline under the Lion Group receive?
Which aircraft types will each airline under the Lion Group receive?
Lion Air will receive Boeing aircraft, while Batik Air will get a mix of Boeing and Airbus planes. Wings Air is set to receive ATR aircraft as part of the group's procurement.
Q.What is unique about the new flight services for minor Hajj pilgrims?
What is unique about the new flight services for minor Hajj pilgrims?
Lion Group will offer direct flights to Madinah for minor Hajj pilgrims using wide-bodied Boeing 747 and Airbus 330 aircraft. This avoids the six-hour land journey from Jeddah required by other airlines.
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