Indonesia Air enters jet scheduled service

Indonesia Air's A320 PK-TAA seen at Halim Airport's
South Apron. (From Twitter)

Poster depicting the A320 planned routes

Indonesia Air (I8) , better known as Indonesia Air Transport, is getting ready launch its new jet service using Airbus A320s. Initially I8 will base the A320s in Bandung and go head-to-head against Indonesia Air Asia and Lion Air, the other 2 carriers with bases in Bandung. The carrier has deliberately chosen a base outside Jakarta due to the competition and lack of available slots.

The A320 will be configured with 12 Business Class and 148 Economy Class seats. The first A320 (msn 421) has been registered as PK-TAA (previously EI-DNP). Proving flights are scheduled since 15th, and Indonesia Air plans to commence its A320 scheduled operations by the end of this month.

Indonesia Air is not a newcomer to the airline scene. The company was founded in 1968 and has a long history of providing charter flights to the oil and gas industry. Since 2008, I8 has been providing limited scheduled flights out of Bali and Lombok.