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• This important milestone reflects a dedication to providing accessible and reliable air travel options for pilgrims and religious travelers, ensuring a comfortable and meaningful worship travel experience.
• Flights from Balikpapan can accommodate the trending needs of young people, creating a more interesting, relevant and useful travel experience for the active and dynamic young generation.

B A L I K P A P A N – August 12, 2023. Lion Air (flight code) JT member of Lion Air Group announced the start of the inaugural Umrah flight period 1445 Hijri from Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This strategic initiative aims to meet the growing demand for worship and leisure travel during the summer (Rethink Summer) from Kalimantan Island, by providing convenient and reliable air travel options for pilgrims in the region.

Flights operate from the prestigious Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan International Airport (SAMS) in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan (BPN) to King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (JED). Lion Air is committed to ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey for passengers (pilgrims and tourists).

Umrah flights and tourists from Balikpapan that accommodate the needs of trends among young people have various aspects that are relevant to the preferences and desires of the younger generation, including: 

1. Flights with a modern and dynamic touch that suits the tastes of young people. From attractive cabin designs to aircraft types such as Boeing 737-9, Airbus 330-300, Airbus 330-900NEO according to the latest trends, all can be integrated to create an engaging experience for the younger generation.

2. There is a wide selection of food and beverages that are in accordance with healthy food trends. Instagrammable or instagenic food options also add to the appeal for young passengers who actively share their travel experiences on social media.

3. During the Umrah Travel Fair in July, Lion Air invited influencers or celebrities who are popular among young people to educate or create positive buzz and attract more young passengers.

Significant advantages for pilgrims and tourists from Kalimantan Island and surrounding areas who perform Umrah or tours to the holy land. 

1. Provide easy access for pilgrims and tourists, so there is no need to travel meandering with multiple transits that may take time and energy.

2. Saves travel time, allowing pilgrims and tourists to arrive faster at their destinations. It is very important in the context of Umrah worship and tourism, so that the schedule of visits to holy places and destinations is easier to manage.

3. Reduce the emotional and physical burden for pilgrims and tourists, so that they can feel more comfortable and ready to undergo a worship trip or tour with higher spirits.

4. Pilgrims and tourists have greater flexibility in choosing a schedule that suits their plans. Allows them to arrange trips according to their individual needs and preferences.

5. Provide more affordable travel options for pilgrims and tourists. Help reduce the total cost of travel and make travel to the holy land more affordable.

6. The cooperation of travel tour partners such as Samira Tour Travel and others that are trusted and safe is Lion Air's commitment in providing more complete and high-quality travel services for customers. Assurance and confidence to customers that their trips are handled well, to the best standards and optimize their travel experience.

7. Lion Air prioritizes its high safety standards and good service. Pilgrims and tourists feel confident that they will have a safe and reliable travel experience.

8. These flights also have a positive impact on economic growth in the region (East Kalimantan and Saudia), the potential increase in the number of pilgrims and tourists visiting from Kalimantan Island and surrounding areas can contribute to the tourism industry and local economy.

Lion Air expresses its deep appreciation and gratitude to regulators, civil aviation authorities in Indonesia and Saudi Arabia, SAMS Sepinggan Airport management managed by PT Angkasa Pura I and airport management in Saudi Arabia, air traffic management service providers, ground handling partners, travel partners, and various other parties who have contributed significantly in facilitating and simplifying the travel process for the Umrah pilgrims and tourists.