Indonesian-based low-cost carrier Lion Air Group offers up to 60% discounts on domestic flights to make up for coronavirus losses. The currently escalating outbreak weighs down the aviation business as the number of tourists, mostly from China, is significantly declining.
Following a discussion with the government pertinent to the concern, Lion alongside Indonesia’s aviation giant Garuda decided to boost up sales through discounts. Nevertheless, whether other aviation corporate joins the programs remains unknown.
Regarding the discounts, Lion Air offers three top domestic destinations that are currently low on sales. The discounts cover flights to and from Batam, Riau Islands; Manado, North Sulawesi; and Denpasar, Bali.
The three destinations previously are favorites for Chinese tourists. For years, the aforementioned cities have received high rates of visitations from foreign tourists, not only from China.
As the industry experiences a low season and the spreading coronavirus rumor in the country, the number of visitors decreases. Bali, for instance, reported that it might lose roughly a trillion in the subsequent months thanks to the outbreak and restrictions.
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Lion Air: Discounts as a Strategy to Make Up for Coronavirus Impacts
The rampaging coronavirus has jeopardized not only lives but also economy and business, and Lion Air is among the casualties. Considering that international flights are not prospective at the moment, the aviation industry turns to domestic flights for income generators.
Danang Mandala, the company’s spokesperson, confirmed that the company will issue discounts up to 60% to and from three destinations throughout the archipelago. They are Bali, Manado, and Batam.
“Regarding the requests for cheaper pricing to and from the mentioned destinations, Lion Air is already giving acceptable cheapest deals,” Danang stated.
Lion Air cuts prices up to 50% for flights from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) to Sam Ratulangi International Airport, Manado (MDC) and 60% to I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, Bali. Similar discounts also apply for flights to Hang Nadim International Airport, Batam (BTH).
“We also discount flights to other destinations apart from government’s requests,” he added.
Also Read: The Economic Impact of Coronavirus On China Could Be Worse Than SARS, Reports Say
