SIA launches Bali recovery program

JAKARTA: Singapore Airlines (SIA) said it would offer discount packages for all flights to Bali under a recovery program it hoped would lift sagging passenger volume since the Oct. 12 bombing on the island.

SIA vice president of marketing and the regions, Huang Cheng Eng, said on Wednesday it would cooperate with the Indonesian government to help restore Bali's tarnished image.

"A key element in this program is the specially priced packages that we plan to roll out progressively over the next few weeks to all countries in the SIA network," said Eng in a statement.

SIA launched the first package in Singapore on Tuesday, bundling its tickets with a three-day stay in Bali.

The airline said it would also work with the local Bali travel industry in planning events and visits to the island.

Security jitters after last month's bombing killed more than 190 people, mainly foreign tourists, have dealt a severe blow to the island's tourist industry.

As a result of falling tourist numbers, SIA has cut its Singapore-Bali flights from four to three times a week. -- JP