Indonesia AirAsia, Capital A Support Danau Toba Tourism, Launch Jakarta-Silangit Route

By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar DANAU TOBA (North Sumatra), Sept 2 (Bernama) -- Indonesia AirAsia has officially launched its inaugural flight from Jakarta to Silangit on Friday to reinforce its support for the development of domestic connectivity and tourism in the country. The new flight route reflects a strong partnership between the airline, its parent company Capital A Bhd and key government, tourism and industry stakeholders to boost Lake Toba's (Danau Toba) presence globally. "Indonesia is one of our most popular and most important destinations and therefore we're thrilled to be able to play our part in supporting and promoting this incredible destination," Capital A chief executive officer Tony Fernandes said. Speaking at a press conference, he said Lake Toba, as one of Indonesia's super-priority destinations which are also part of UNESCO's Geopark, has huge unlocked potential to offer both local and international tourists. Indonesia AirAsia also launched its new tagline "Terbang Lagi Indonesia" or "Fly Again Indonesia" to signify its commitment to the economic development of the region and community empowerment. Indonesia AirAsia chief executive officer Veranita Yosephine Sinaga said its partnership with Lake Toba Tourism Authority and a social enterprise, Tobatenun, will promote more tourism products and the creative economy as well as being involved in efforts to develop rural education and empower the surrounding community, especially in Lake Toba. The inaugural flight which earlier departed from the Soekarno Hatta International Airport at 11.50 am local time and arrived at the Silangit International Airport at 1.50 pm, was greeted on arrival by a water cannon salute provided by PT Angkasa Pura II Silangit Airport. The airline will provide Jakarta-Silangit flights three times a week every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday using an Airbus A320 aircraft with a capacity of 180 passengers. -- BERNAMA