SilkAir Launches Semarang Services

SilkAir, the regional wing of Singapore Airlines, launched its inaugural flight to Semarang, Indonesia, today, when MI 102 departed Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 at 0845 hours.

The aircraft is scheduled to arrive at Semarang’s Achmad Yani International Airport at 0955 hours today. The return flight, MI 101, will depart Semarang at 1125 hours and is scheduled to reach Singapore at 1425 hours (all times local)*.

Semarang is SilkAir’s 10th destination in Indonesia and the 43rd in the airline’s network. The airline’s other Indonesian destinations include Balikpapan, Bandung, Lombok, Manado, Medan, Palembang, Pekanbaru, Solo and Surabaya.

The capital and largest city of Central Java, Semarang was a major port during the Dutch colonial era. The famous 15th century Chinese explorer, Admiral Cheng Ho set foot here on Java, paving the way for the city’s maritime heritage. From the 17th century, Semarang became an entrepot for the spice trade, and continued to flourish as a port city right through to the 20th century. As a result of its rich legacy, Semarang is a melting pot of Chinese, Indian, Arab and European cultures.

To mark this special occasion, customers on the first flight out of Singapore were presented with a local souvenir from Semarang and inaugural flight certificates personally signed by Chief Executive SilkAir, Mr. Leslie Thng, and the flight commander. Passengers travelling on the first flight out of Semarang also received exclusively produced SilkAir notebooks as well as the specially signed flight certificates.

The thrice-weekly flights on Monday, Wednesday and Friday are operated with the A319 and A320 aircraft, featuring both Business and Economy Class.

“SilkAir is pleased to offer direct air services between Singapore and Semarang. Our new service reinforces our desire and commitment to increase connectivity to Indonesia,” said Mr. Thng. “We believe the route offers good growth potential and we anticipate strong demand for this new service from business and leisure travellers alike.”

On Thursday, 1 August 2013, SilkAir will also be launching flights to another Indonesian point – Makassar, also known as Ujung Pandang. Flights to this largest city in East Indonesia will be operated thrice a week on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.

With the two new destination launches, SilkAir’s frequencies to Indonesia will increase to 64 flights weekly.

The new Semarang services are conveniently connected via Singapore with the rest of the more than 90 international cities in the joint Singapore Airlines – SilkAir network.

For Semarang customers keen to visit Singapore, the Lion City promises a multitude of attractions such as Marine Life Park, Adventure Cove Waterpark, Universal Studios Singapore, Resorts World Singapore, Gardens by the Bay and the famous Night Safari at the Singapore Zoological Gardens.

* Timings applicable only for the inaugural flight.

Customers interested in booking flights and viewing fares for flights to and from Semarang can visit silkair.com .