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Airport operator encourages airlines to open new routes to Ambon
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The mesmerizing Ora Beach on Seram Island, Maluku. (Shutterstock/File)
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tate-owned airport operator PT Angkasa Pura I (AP I), which manages 13 airports in central and eastern Indonesia, said it would scrap landing fees for a limited time for airlines opening new routes to Pattimura International Airport in Ambon, in a bid to spur tourism to Maluku.
According to a statement, AP I said it would exempt airlines from paying landing fees for six months and halt promotional charges for one month for airlines opening a new route to the Ambon airport.
The move aims to increase tourist arrivals, especially from foreign countries.
"The full incentive of landing fee exemption is expected to attract airlines to open new routes to and from Ambon through Pattimura airport. In addition to Pattimura airport, a full incentive landing fee will be offered to airlines opening new routes in El Tari in Kupang and Frans Kaisiepo in Biak," Angkasa Pura I president director Faik Fahmi said.
The airport operator will also renovate several areas of Pattimura airport, including by extending its terminals, refurbishing the boarding lounge, check-in area, baggage claim and corridors.
Read also: Garuda Indonesia opens direct flight to reach Wakatobi from Ambon
The announcement comes following a discussion on Maluku tourism stimulation, which was held recently in Ambon with the participation of Angkasa Pura I and related stakeholders, such as the local government, tourist industry representatives and academics.
Last year, Pattimura airport served 1.19 million passengers. In the first half of 2018, 346,116 passengers passed through the airport, up from 297,777 in the same period last year.
Maluku province is targeting 25,000 domestic tourists and 150,000 foreign tourists this year through 23 major events in the region.
In 2017, Maluku welcomed 18,000 foreign tourists, an 20 percent increase from the 15,000 in 2016. (liz/kes)
