In a strategy to diversify its business, flag carrier Garuda Indonesia is to soon launch an application called Avia Mall that offers aircraft chartering and leasing services to those seeking unscheduled flight services or air taxis.

The application, which is to be launched in late May, is to connect aircraft owners with potential customers, kompas.com reported recently.

“Through the application, people could charter an aircraft as easily as ordering ride-hailing ojek (motorcycle taxis),” said Garuda Indonesia cargo and business development director Mohammad Iqbal, adding that Avia Mall would also help aircraft owners optimize their assets' value.

Iqbal said Avia Mall also offered users the ability to order air medical services, whether by plane or helicopter, he said. The application already offered a variety of aircraft to choose from, with varying prices.

“For those traveling as a group, chartering an aircraft will be more efficient. It could be cheaper than buying airplane tickets,” he said.

Avia Mall was also had a feature for ordering aircraft components as well as booking maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services.

Iqbal believed the country had great potential for the air charter services market, and that the new application would allow the market potential to be explored optimally.

“We are optimistic that this new service will receive a positive response from air transportation users,” he said. (Ban)