[SINGAPORE] Indonesia’s Pelita Air Service is said to be taking over the check-in premises of Jetstar Asia at Changi Airport terminal 4 after the budget carrier exits, The Business Times understands.
This marks the first venture into the international market for the carrier, which has been serving domestic routes in its Indonesian home base.
When asked to confirm its landing in Singapore’s Changi Airport T4, Pelita Air’s corporate secretary told BT it is currently finalising all necessary requirements and approvals.
“As for the exact date of the inaugural flight, we’re waiting for an official release from management,” the corporate secretary added.
Based on BT’s understanding, the airline could make its inaugural Singapore flight in December. Also, ground handler and inflight caterer Sats will be serving Pelita Air.
The carrier has earlier reportedly said it will start flights to Singapore this year, followed by Bangkok next year. It chose the city-state as the initial international destination due to its short flight duration and high traffic volume.
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Delays in delivery of six A320s have resulted in Pelita Air expecting only four new planes this year, based on a March report.
The carrier was started by Indonesian oil and natural gas player Pertamina to replace its air service department in 1970. Today, it serves economy and premium classes, covering 17 domestic destinations including Jakarta, Kendari and Sorong, based on its website.
As Changi Airport prepares to receive Pelita Air, it will be bidding farewell to an airline based in Singapore.
Budget carrier Jetstar Asia earlier announced that it is exiting Singapore for good on Jul 31, closing a chapter of about 20 years being the third carrier anchored in Changi Airport.
Jetstar Asia operates out of T4 and its departure will affect 16 intra-Asia routes but will not have an impact on sister airlines Jetstar Airways and Jetstar Japan, with them continuing their current schedules, including Jetstar Airways’ flights between Australia and Singapore.
Jetstar Asia carried some 2.3 million passengers or 3 per cent of Changi Airport’s total passenger traffic in 2024, but it has been racking up losses amid increased competition and costs.
