Jakarta (ANTARA) - State-owned domestic airline Pelita Air has recently launched the Jakarta-Sorong flight route to enhance connectivity in eastern Indonesia and foster tourism growth in the region.

"We hope this route will significantly benefit our passengers and serve as a foundation for tourism development in Sorong and its surroundings," Pelita Air President Director Dendy Kurniawan said in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Sorong became Pelita Air's 10th destination, joining Yogyakarta, Bali, Surabaya, Padang, Palembang, Pekanbaru, Balikpapan, Pontianak, and Banjarmasin.

Kurniawan affirmed that Pelita Air prioritizes customer comfort and efficiency, and now, passengers can enjoy direct flights between Jakarta and Sorong.

"This reduces travel time and allows passengers to reach their destination faster, with more time to enjoy their vacation or conduct business," he remarked.

He expressed hope that Pelita Air's Sorong flight route would cater to the demand of domestic tourists seeking travel during the year-end holidays.

Kurniawan stated that Pelita Air not only focuses on connectivity but also supports tourism industry growth in eastern Indonesia.

Sorong boasts immense potential with its natural beauty, including its exceptional marine wealth, he said.

"We hope that this new route will open more doors for tourists eager to explore the beauty of Sorong and its surroundings," he added.

Pelita Air's 10th route launch event took place at the Domine Eduard Osok Airport in Sorong, West Papua, on Wednesday.

The airline operates daily flights on the Jakarta-Sorong-Jakarta route utilizing Airbus A320-200 aircraft, accommodating 180 economy-class passengers.

The schedule is Jakarta-Sorong, departing at 12:50 a.m. local time and arriving at 6:50 a.m. local time, and Sorong-Jakarta, departing at 7:40 a.m. local time and arriving at 9:35 a.m. local time.

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Translator: Benardy F, Kenzu
Editor: Anton Santoso
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