Pelita Air to operate from T4 when it lands in Singapore, likely using Jetstar premises
The Indonesian airline could make its inaugural Singapore flight in December
[SINGAPORE / JAKARTA] Indonesia’s Pelita Air Service is said to be taking over the check-in premises of Jetstar Asia at Changi Airport Terminal 4 after the exit of the budget carrier, The Business Times understands.
This marks the first venture into the international market for Pelita, which has been serving domestic routes in its Indonesian home base.
When asked to confirm its landing in Singapore’s Changi Airport T4, the carrier’s corporate secretary told BT that it is finalising all necessary requirements and approvals.
“As for the exact date of the inaugural flight, we’re waiting for an official release from management,” the corporate secretary added.
Based on BT’s understanding, the airline could make its inaugural Singapore flight in December. Also, ground handler and inflight caterer Sats will serve Pelita Air.
The carrier was reported to have said that it would start flights from Jakarta to Singapore this year, followed by Bangkok next year. It chose the city-state as the initial international destination because of the short flight duration and high traffic volume.
Delays in delivery of six A320s have resulted in Pelita Air expecting only four new planes this year, based on a March report.
The carrier was started by Indonesian oil and natural gas player Pertamina to replace its air service department in 1970. Today, it serves economy and premium classes, covering 17 domestic destinations including Jakarta, Kendari and Sorong, based on its website.
As Changi Airport prepares to receive Pelita Air, it will bid farewell to the Singapore-based Jetstar Asia, which announced that it would exit Singapore for good on Jul 31, ending about 20 years of being the third carrier anchored in Changi Airport.
Jetstar Asia operates out of T4, and its departure will affect 16 intra-Asia routes. But its exit will not affect its sister airlines, Jetstar Airways and Jetstar Japan; both will continue their current schedules, including Jetstar Airways’ flights between Australia and Singapore.
Jetstar Asia carried some 2.3 million passengers or 3 per cent of Changi Airport’s total passenger traffic in 2024, but it has been racking up losses amid increased competition and costs.
