Garuda to increase Brisbane - Bali service

DENPASAR (indo.com): The national flag carrier Garuda Indonesia will boost its services from Brisbane to Bali by adding seat capacity due to the increase in demand for the flights. The Monday service, which has been shared with Auckland following the Bali tragedy, will be returned to the dedicated Brisbane service.

Starting from August 4, 2003, passengers from Brisbane will be offered the full capacity of an A330 aircraft.

Garuda Indonesia's general manager for New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory, Iriansyah Antemas, said that an average monthly load factor in excess of 90 percent in June was the primary reason behind the airline's move to introduce additional seat capacity, especially for the Brisbane - Bali route next month.

An earlier departure will allow the passengers to arrive at Bali with plenty of time to enjoy a cocktail before dinner. The Garuda Indonesia will continue its Wednesday and Saturday services that have been shared with New Zeland.

Bali has been Australians' most preferred holiday destination since 1996. The Bali tragedy has caused the number of Australians traveling to Bali to drop significantly. But with the government's concrete steps to arrest the perpetrators and with the restored security in Bali, the Island of Gods has regained its confidence.

The signs of tourism recovery in Bali have started to be seen, with the increase in load factor and flights serving Australia to Bali.