Jakarta, October 8, 2024 – The Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy/Head of the Tourism and Creative Economy Agency, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, welcomed the inaugural direct flight of AirAsia on Hong Kong – Jakarta route.
"Connectivity is key to increasing the number of foreign tourists visiting Indonesia, especially direct flights from Hong Kong to Indonesia, which have been highly anticipated. This flight is expected to attract more tourists from Hong Kong and other countries, contributing to an increase in foreign exchange and creating more jobs in the tourism sector," said Sandiaga.
Minister Sandiaga Uno explained that the airline would operate daily using an Airbus A320 with 7 flights per week. Hong Kong - Jakarta route (QZ401) departs from Hong Kong at 13:20 Hong Kong time and arrives in Jakarta at 17:20 WIB. Meanwhile, Jakarta - Hong Kong route (QZ400) departs from Jakarta at 06:50 WIB and arrives in Hong Kong at 12:35 Hong Kong time.
"We believe that more airlines will open direct routes from Hong Kong in the future, considering the consistent increase in number of tourists from Hong Kong. Indonesia is one of the most favorite destinations, especially due to its natural beauty and cultural similarities,” said Minister Sandiaga.
To celebrate the inaugural AirAsia flight on the Hong Kong-Jakarta route, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (MOTCE) collaborated with the Jakarta Provincial Government, the Airport Authority Region I of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, PT. Angkasa Pura II, and AirAsia Indonesia to support the inaugural flight ceremony held on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at Terminal 2F, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Tangerang, Banten.
Ni Made Ayu Marthini, Deputy Minister for Marketing at MOTCE, emphasized the importance of direct flights from tourists countries of origin to Indonesia, particularly Hong Kong, which has long been an international hub. “Hong Kong is a hub in Asia, and we hope the opening of this new route will further boost tourist visits from Hong Kong and other countries to Indonesia," said Ni Made.
The direct HKG - CGK flight carried around 180 passengers. Upon arrival at the International Arrivals Terminal, passengers were greeted and garlanded with flowers by the Deputy Minister for Marketing and the Director of Regional I Tourism Marketing, and welcomed by Jakarta's Abang and None from the Jakarta Provincial Government’s Tourism and Creative Economy Office. Passengers also received Wonderful Indonesia souvenirs.
"The opening of Jakarta - Hong Kong route is a concrete step by Indonesia AirAsia in expanding its international destinations, especially in Asia, and strengthening its position as an airline with a wide network. AirAsia Indonesia is committed to providing the best service to passengers by offering strategic new routes," said Veranita Yosephine, President Director of Indonesia AirAsia.
AirAsia is the largest low-cost carrier (LCC) from Malaysia in terms of fleet size and destinations. AirAsia has also been named the world's best LCC by Skytrax and operates regular domestic and international flights to over 166 destinations across 25 countries in ASEAN and Australia.
