Western Australians pining for an escape from winter and an embrace of the sunny coasts of Bali will be thrilled to know that they might soon get a much sought-after discount on their flights.

Budget carrier Citilink, a feather in the cap for the prominent Garuda group, has marked its triumphant return to the Perth to Indonesia service.

Of course, like any classic tale of rivalry, this return to service means going head-to-head with some established big hitters in the low-cost airline industry.

Citilink's triumphant return to the Perth to Indonesia service brings new competition and the potential for lower flight prices, while travellers may still consider the airline's performance and reliability. Image from flickr

First up, we have Jetstar. Boasting competitive pricing, a comprehensive network and a host of flights to the sun-kissed shores of Bali, Jetstar has been a go-to choice for many.

But the Citilink comeback? That’s a swing at Jetstar, poised to unsettle its prized position amongst price-savvy travellers.

According to travel expert Quentin Long, the increase in flight capacity will likely put pressure on other airlines, compelling them to reconsider and potentially reduce their current costs.

'Aviation is such a supply and demand market, so as soon as you put more supply in, it really does put pressure on prices to come down.' he said.

Now, wouldn’t we all love a drop in flight prices? But let’s pause to ask what does this mean for travellers?

You're in control! More airlines joining means more choices for you. But remember, while going for the cheapest ticket available, consider the added costs.

Think of the meals, baggage, and the legroom you'll be compromising on. And always read the cancellation policy.

Jetstar has established itself as a go-to choice for many travellers, boasting competitive pricing and a comprehensive network, although its frequent cancellations have been a cause for concern. Image from flickr

Qantas and its loyal customer base, in the meantime, aren't biting their nails over Citilink's reentry.

Mr Long stated that given the loyalty of Qantas’ customers, it would be pretty hard to get them to look elsewhere.

The addition of a new airline option comes after a challenging period for the aviation industry, with both Qantas and Jetstar facing criticism from frustrated customers due to issues such as lengthy delays, flight cancellations, and unsatisfactory service. You can read more about Jetstar’s flight cancellation record here.

These concerns expressed by customers have prompted the need for alternatives, and having another flight option is seen as positive news for everyone involved.

Mr Long believes that increased competition in the market can lead to improvements in service and overall customer experience across all airlines.

Even Kate Holsgrove, Perth Airport's Acting Chief Executive Officer, agrees that the introduction of Citilink's service to Denpasar will bring about increased competition for travellers.

She said, ‘Indonesia is our nearest neighbour and one of the most popular tourism destinations for Western Australians.’

What's next for our seasoned sunseekers? Brand new destinations are just over the horizon too, such as Citilink's new flight path from Perth to Jakarta.

Quentin shared, 'Indonesia is currently really trying very hard to find another half a dozen Bali-like destinations without some of the negatives that you get associated with Bali. So this is the start of being able to access those extra [areas].’

Now that's a travel secret worth knowing! Potential future hotspots like Lombok and the famous nearby Gili Islands might soon be a direct flight away.

He added, ‘It does require some investment in the airports themselves, but it wouldn't surprise me if, in the next five years, you see some secondary destinations fly direct into Australia, particularly Western Australia, which has such a love affair with Bali.’

Key Takeaways

• Citilink, a low-cost airline, is reintroducing a Perth to Indonesia service from July 19, creating competition for other airlines like Jetstar.
  
• Travel expert Quentin Long believes Jetstar will be most affected due to its price-sensitive customer base. However, loyal Qantas customers are less likely to switch airlines.
  
• The increased competition is considered good news for customers, particularly after criticisms of Qantas and Jetstar regarding delays, cancellations, and unsatisfactory service.
  
• Citilink also introduces a new flight from Perth to Jakarta. This indicates Indonesia's efforts to promote other tourist destinations apart from Bali.

Considering the tempting deal on offer from budget carriers, it is important to take into account the track record of certain airlines, like Jetstar, which has a reputation for frequent cancellations.

While the lower prices may be enticing, assessing your risk tolerance and travel priorities is crucial.

Members, we’d love to hear your opinions: Given the track record of certain airlines, with their frequent cancellations, how do you weigh the appeal of budget carriers against the risks involved?

 

[Baz1960]

Western Australians pining for an escape from winter and an embrace of the sunny coasts of Bali will be thrilled to know that they might soon get a much sought-after discount on their flights.

Budget carrier Citilink, a feather in the cap for the prominent Garuda group, has marked its triumphant return to the Perth to Indonesia service.

Of course, like any classic tale of rivalry, this return to service means going head-to-head with some established big hitters in the low-cost airline industry.

View attachment 24593

Citilink's triumphant return to the Perth to Indonesia service brings new competition and the potential for lower flight prices, while travellers may still consider the airline's performance and reliability. Image from flickr

First up, we have Jetstar. Boasting competitive pricing, a comprehensive network and a host of flights to the sun-kissed shores of Bali, Jetstar has been a go-to choice for many.

But the Citilink comeback? That’s a swing at Jetstar, poised to unsettle its prized position amongst price-savvy travellers.

According to travel expert Quentin Long, the increase in flight capacity will likely put pressure on other airlines, compelling them to reconsider and potentially reduce their current costs.

'Aviation is such a supply and demand market, so as soon as you put more supply in, it really does put pressure on prices to come down.' he said.

Now, wouldn’t we all love a drop in flight prices? But let’s pause to ask what does this mean for travellers?

You're in control! More airlines joining means more choices for you. But remember, while going for the cheapest ticket available, consider the added costs.

Think of the meals, baggage, and the legroom you'll be compromising on. And always read the cancellation policy.

View attachment 24594

Jetstar has established itself as a go-to choice for many travellers, boasting competitive pricing and a comprehensive network, although its frequent cancellations have been a cause for concern. Image from flickr

Qantas and its loyal customer base, in the meantime, aren't biting their nails over Citilink's reentry.

Mr Long stated that given the loyalty of Qantas’ customers, it would be pretty hard to get them to look elsewhere.

The addition of a new airline option comes after a challenging period for the aviation industry, with both Qantas and Jetstar facing criticism from frustrated customers due to issues such as lengthy delays, flight cancellations, and unsatisfactory service. You can read more about Jetstar’s flight cancellation record here.

These concerns expressed by customers have prompted the need for alternatives, and having another flight option is seen as positive news for everyone involved.

Mr Long believes that increased competition in the market can lead to improvements in service and overall customer experience across all airlines.

Even Kate Holsgrove, Perth Airport's Acting Chief Executive Officer, agrees that the introduction of Citilink's service to Denpasar will bring about increased competition for travellers.

She said, ‘Indonesia is our nearest neighbour and one of the most popular tourism destinations for Western Australians.’

What's next for our seasoned sunseekers? Brand new destinations are just over the horizon too, such as Citilink's new flight path from Perth to Jakarta.

Quentin shared, 'Indonesia is currently really trying very hard to find another half a dozen Bali-like destinations without some of the negatives that you get associated with Bali. So this is the start of being able to access those extra [areas].’

Now that's a travel secret worth knowing! Potential future hotspots like Lombok and the famous nearby Gili Islands might soon be a direct flight away.

He added, ‘It does require some investment in the airports themselves, but it wouldn't surprise me if, in the next five years, you see some secondary destinations fly direct into Australia, particularly Western Australia, which has such a love affair with Bali.’

Key Takeaways

• Citilink, a low-cost airline, is reintroducing a Perth to Indonesia service from July 19, creating competition for other airlines like Jetstar.
• Travel expert Quentin Long believes Jetstar will be most affected due to its price-sensitive customer base. However, loyal Qantas customers are less likely to switch airlines.
• The increased competition is considered good news for customers, particularly after criticisms of Qantas and Jetstar regarding delays, cancellations, and unsatisfactory service.
• Citilink also introduces a new flight from Perth to Jakarta. This indicates Indonesia's efforts to promote other tourist destinations apart from Bali.

Considering the tempting deal on offer from budget carriers, it is important to take into account the track record of certain airlines, like Jetstar, which has a reputation for frequent cancellations.

While the lower prices may be enticing, assessing your risk tolerance and travel priorities is crucial.

Members, we’d love to hear your opinions: Given the track record of certain airlines, with their frequent cancellations, how do you weigh the appeal of budget carriers against the risks involved?

Hasn't Garuda got the record for most aircraft incidents?

 

[Judy HB]

Would think twice before flying with Jetstar again