Exploring Explore!

Indonesian flag-carrier Garuda Indonesia has launched a new subsidiary, Explore, as it tries to boost its presence in the domestic market.

The new airline will operate the ATR72-600 aircraft which have recently been added to the parent fleet.

Garuda Indonesia recently introduced another brand, Explore Jet, which operates of Bombardier CRJ1000 NextGen fleet, to serve its network in both eastern and western parts of Indonesia.

Garuda Indonesia president Emirsyah Satar said: “The implementation of both sub-brands is in line with the excellent features of Garuda Indonesia’s ATR72-600 and Bombardier CRJ1000NextGen planes.

“Both have the ability to serve flights to new destinations in eastern Indonesia, which has limited runway space.”

Satar added: “The “Explore” ATR72-600 aircraft will support Garuda Indonesia’s Bombardier CRJ1000 NextGen aircraft operations to improve the nation’s connectivity programme by developing our flight network to the fast growing economic regions and tourist destinations in the remote areas of Indonesia.”

The operation of these turboprop aircraft are also in line with the company’s efforts to enhance customer service by offering a wider choice of destinations and travel options to passengers as well as part of the airline’s move to join the SkyTeam global alliance in March 2014 and in anticipation of 2015’s ASEAN Open Sky policy.

Explore will launched all economy class flights on December 3rd.

The 70 seat flights will depart from Denpasar to Labuan Bajo, Ende, and Bima, as well as from Makassar and Ambon to destinations within those regions.

In line with its fleet development programme, Garuda Indonesia will receive 35 ATR72-600 in stages up to 2017.

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