Lion Air full-service subsidiary Batik Air to expand with A320s, 787s and new base at Jakarta Halim

Lion Air Group new full-service subsidiary Batik Air is planning further expansion as it starts to focus on longer routes, including international services.

Two medium-haul domestic routes will be added in Dec-2013 as the carrier takes delivery of a fifth and sixth 737-900ER. More domestic and the start of international expansion is expected in 2014 as Batik takes the first batch of A320s from the landmark 234-aircraft deal signed by Lion and Airbus in Mar-2013. In 2015 Batik intends to start operating 787s, supporting further international expansion.

Batik is also preparing to move its base from Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta to closer-in Halim Airport, which Indonesian authorities are opening up for commercial jet services in a bid to relieve congestion at Soekarno-Hatta. Halim will provide further differentiation and product segmentation for Batik as the main Lion brand will focus on operating aircraft in single-class configuration from Soekarno-Hatta.