Batik Air, a member of the Lion Air Group, will now offer direct flights from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang to the new Yogyakarta International Airport, and from Yogyakarta to Palangkaraya, starting from May 29.

Batik Air will be the first and only airline so far to offer scheduled return flights on both routes, with a frequency of one flight per day.

The new routes are expected to improve connectivity and increase tourism, trade and business in the two regional areas. 

"Batik Air expresses its gratitude for the full support from regulator, airport and air traffic management, and all employees and crew involved in the preparation for the opening of these two new routes," chief executive Capt. Achmad Luthfie said in a press statement received by the Jakarta Globe on Monday.

Batik Air's ID-6372 flight will depart from the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport at 8 a.m. and arrive at 9.10 a.m. at the new Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA). The return ID-6373 flight will take off from YIA at 2.10 p.m. and arrive at Soekarno-Hatta at 3.20 p.m.

On the same day, Batik Air's ID-6696 will leave YIA at 09.50 a.m. for Tjilik Riwut Airport in Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan, with expected time of arrival at 11.20 a.m.

The return ID-6697 flight will leave Palangkaraya at 12.00 p.m. and is scheduled to arrive at YIA at 1.30 p.m.

Batik Air, the upscale sister of budget airline Lion Air, will use an Airbus A320-200 with 12 business class seats and 144 economy seats, a Boeing 737-800NG with 12 business class seats and 150 economy seats or a Boeing 737-900ER with 12 business class seats and 168 economy seats on the two routes.

All the planes  are equipped with inflight entertainment (audio and video on demand) on each seat.

"The new routes, connected by the new airport in Yogyakarta, are part of our strategic steps to develop business, strengthen network, expand market and respond to the high demand for travel between Jakarta, Palangkaraya and Yogyakarta," Achmad said.

He said the airline also intends to support the government's program to expand the tourism industry and create new regional economic centers.

"We are optimistic we can boost tourism and business visits to Palangkaraya and the surrounding destinations," Achmad said.

Batik Air currently flies to 46 domestic and international destinations including Singapore, Chennai in India, Perth in Australia and Guilin and Kunming in China. It serves more than 350 flights per day.