REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, AMBON -- Garuda Indonesia will start operating flights on the Ambon (Maluku)-Sorong (Papua) route in May 2015, General Manager of Garuda Indonesia at Ambon, Sonny Pongoh, stated here on Tuesday.

"We now await the approval on the schedule from the Ministry of Transportation to commence operations on the route, effective May 16," he said.

It is feasible to open the Ambon-Sorong route as there are no direct flights.

So far, the passengers have to transit at Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport in Makassar, South Sulawesi.

"So far, the passengers from Ambon leaving for Sorong, Jayapura, Timika, and other destinations in Papua have to first transit in Makassar. This new route is expected to provide best possible services to the people," Pongoh noted.

He remarked that the management of the air carrier considers the route as an opportunity since the flights to the Eastern region of Indonesia are increasing, primarily to Ambon and Sorong.

"The airport in Sorong city is ready to cater to flights as its supporting facilities are adequate," Pongoh said, adding that Boeing 737-500, with a capacity to fly 96 passengers, will serve the Ambon-Sorong route.

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