Jakarta, Thursday, 25 August 2022 -- President Joko Widodo has emphasized the need to adjust flight ticket prices in the country by taking various proactive steps so that they are more affordable for the public using air transportation modes. In order to fulfill the President's mandate, Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air Group, and PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk collaborated under the coordination of the Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of SOEs of the Republic of Indonesia.
This collaboration is realized through the Flying Economics with BNI 2022 Program which was launched in Jakarta, Thursday (25 August 2022). This program opens up opportunities for users of air transportation modes to get more affordable flight tickets.
The launching of the Flying Economics with BNI 2022 Program was witnessed directly by Minister of Transportation, Budi Karya Sumadi, Deputy SOEs Minister II, Kartika Wirjoatmodjo, Garuda Indonesia President Director, Irfan Setiaputra, Owner of Lion Air Group, Rusdi Kirana, Lion Group President Director, Capt. Daniel Putut Kuncoro Adi, Lion Air President Director, Rudy Lumingkewas, and BNI President Director, Royke Tumilaar.
Budi Karya conveyed that the aviation sector is entering a period of healing from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Therefore, he appreciates the collaboration between the banking and aviation sectors, which will be very useful in bringing together the operational capabilities of airlines with the purchasing power of the people who are also just entering the recovery period.
"Once again I appreciate this unique collaboration or program. Of course, this step will support President Joko Widodo's vision to be able to restore economic growth. Hopefully this successful collaboration can benefit many parties," he said.*
Kartika Wirjoatmodjo, who is familiarly called Tiko, said that this initiative is good to answer the challenge where more and more people began to feel that tickets are getting more expensive.
He said that his party would encourage Garuda Indonesia as a government-owned airline to be proactive in adding aircraft so that it can optimize travel needs that are getting stronger.
"Of course with BNI with the Co Branding program, more and more people can access it at affordable prices, of course with a good offer program. We want aviation to recover so that the Indonesian economy recovers and can return to being a connectivity backbone," he said.
Meanwhile, Royke said, the mobility level for domestic and foreign travel has grown along with the easing of travel regulations by the government.
"Of course, we also hope that this step can help the government to return flight ticket prices to normal conditions. However, furthermore, we hope that this program can accelerate the recovery of the tourism sector's performance," he said.
In the meantime, Irfan Setiaputra conveyed, the commitment to cooperation with BNI is a form of synergy in the air transportation industry ecosystem, especially through collaboration with the banking sector in responding to public needs for the accessibility of safe, comfortable and reliable flight services.
This is in line with Garuda Indonesia's ongoing efforts to provide various additional benefits for Garuda's full service flight services at special prices through various programs offering special Garuda Indonesia flight tickets.
"Of course, we will continue to intensify this commitment in the future in line with the momentum of the revival of the national tourism sector.”
He continued the collaboration with BNI had lasted for more than 10 years at various promotional events for Garuda Indonesia flight services including the holding of Garuda Indonesia Travel Fair.
This has also become a separate manifestation for us to continue to provide a variety of value-added options for the accessibility of flight services that can be reached by all Indonesian people.
"We will continue to present this commitment through various collaborative innovations with BNI to continue to optimize synergies in carrying out its role as part of SOEs in order to continue to contribute to supporting the momentum of national economic recovery, especially through accelerating the revival of the tourism sector. Hopefully the synergy with BNI which has been going well so far can continue to be developed and provide positive benefits and contributions to the community," explained Irfan.
Capt. Daniel said that Lion Air Group welcomed the initiation and collaboration that had been established in line with providing more benefits to customers, prospective passengers from banking and flight services. Airline and BNI innovations can facilitate air travel preparation which is expected to be able to answer and accommodate the needs of high market demand.
"This collaboration is part of the joint commitment of banks and airlines in supporting efforts to accelerate regional and national economic recovery programs," he said.
Attractive Opportunity
Royke explained that the company offers various promotional programs with several loyal partners including Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air Group and Traveloka. Currently, various programs are ongoing in the form of Discounts, Cashback, 0% Installment and Additional Discounts using BNI Rewards Points.
In addition, BNI has various types of Garuda Indonesia and Batik Air Co-branded Card products that specifically provide exclusive offers to customers who travel using selected airlines.
"Of course the programs we offer include Welcome Cashback or Miles, Cashback for Top Spenders, Special Mileage Programs, to Exclusive Privileges at the Airport. And of course also equipped with various other interesting features," he concluded. (*)