BNI-Garuda-Lion Collaboration To Reduce Airline Ticket Prices

JAKARTA - 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 presidential mandate, Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air Group, and PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk collaborated under the coordination of the Ministry of Transportation and BUMN.

This collaboration is realized through the Flying Economics Program with BNI 2022 which was launched in Jakarta, Thursday, August 25.

This program opens up opportunities for users of air transportation modes to get more affordable flight tickets.

The launch of the Flying Economics Program with BNI 2022 was witnessed directly by the Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi, Deputy Minister II of BUMN Kartika Wirjoatmodjo, President Director of Garuda Indonesia Irfan Setiaputra, Owner of Lion Air Group Rusdi Kirana, President Director of Lion Group Daniel Putut Kuncoro Adi, President Director of Lion Air Rudy Lumingkewas, and BNI President Director Royke Tumilaar.

Budi Karya conveyed that the aviation sector was entering a period of healing from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Therefore, he appreciates this 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 collaboration or unique program. Of course, this step will support President Joko Widodo's vision to be able to restore economic growth. Hopefully this collaboration is successful and can benefit many parties," he said.

Kartika Wirjoatmodjo, who is familiarly called Tiko, said that this initiative was good to answer the challenge where more and more people began to feel that tickets were getting more expensive.

He conveyed 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 which are getting stronger.

"Of course with BNI with the Co Branding program, more and more people can access 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," Tiko told reporters, Thursday.

BNI's President Director Royke Tumilaar said that the level of mobility for domestic and foreign travel experienced growth 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, we hope that this program can accelerate the recovery of the tourism sector's performance," he said.

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 percent Installments 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.

Meanwhile, the President Director of Garuda Indonesia, Irfan Setiaputra, said that 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 community 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," said Irfan.

He continued, the collaboration with BNI has lasted for more than 10 years on various promotional events for Garuda Indonesia flight services, including the implementation of the 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 has been going well So far, it can continue to be developed and provide positive benefits and contributions to the community," Irfan explained.

Lion Group President Director Daniel Putut Kuncoro Adi said that Lion Air Group welcomes the initiation and collaboration that has been established in line with providing more benefits to customers, prospective passengers from banking and aviation services.

Airline and BNI innovations can facilitate the preparation of air travel 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," said Daniel. (ADV)