"Operation plan in May 2013, after the launch of the Air Batik in March 2013," said General Director of Lion Air, Edward Sirait, when met at his office VIVAnews last weekend.
Edward explains, for the initial stage, Malindo Air will start operations with two new 737-900 ER aircraft, and by the end of this year will increase to 12 aircraft.
The establishment Malindo Airways, he added, is a strategy to capitalize on Lion Air orders 408 Boeing 737-900 ER and 737 Max 9 and five Boeing 787 aircraft which began to arrive.
Malindo Airways, he continued, would-concept low-cost airlines (low cost carrier / LCC), but still provide food and beverages to passengers. This is allowed under the rules of the applicable airline in Malaysia.
For now, Edward continued, Malindo Water is reviewing domestic routes in Malaysia before opening international routes from Malaysia. There are some cities that have been targeted by Malindo Air, including flights to Kinabalu and Cats.
Meanwhile, to the needs on the ground, working with Air Malindo MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) or workshop aircraft, as supporting ground, so Malindo Airways does not need to invest as hangar facilities ashore. By holding MRO, Air is the biggest investment Malindo aircraft.
"While the aircraft, we had a message on behalf of Lion Air Boeing. Later we will turn it into Malindo registration country," he said.