Governor inaugurates Warukin Airport

Tanjung, South Kalimantan (AntaranewsKalsel) - South Kalimantan Governor Sahbirin Noor inaugurated the operation of Warukin Airport in Tabalong along with the anniversary celebrations of the northernmost regency in the province.

According to Sahbirin, Warukin Airport operation as a means of air transportation is very supportive of regional development considering the district with the nickname `Bumi Saraba Kawa` is located in the golden triangle area.

"The operation of Warukin Airport is an attraction for investors to invest their capital to the district, besides providing air transportation services for the community," Sahbirin said in Tanjung on Monday.

Sahbirin was speaking in a press conference with the Regent of Tabalong Anang Syakhfiani, the ranks of PT Pertamina including Asset Management Director Dwi Wahyu Sudaryanto, President Commissioner Tanri Abeng and President Director of PT Pelita Air Dani Andriananta.

Regent Anang Syakhfiani said previously the management of Warukin Airport is held by PT Adaro Indonesia, then  PT Pertamina wants to manage its own assets through its subsidiary PT Pelita Air Service.

"The long enough waiting finally result, Warukin Airport operates for public flights," said Anang.

However, the operation of Warukin Airport for public transportation, according to President Director of PT Pelita Air Dani Andriananta, will be officially opened at the end of 2017.

"We are targeting before the 2017 Christmas, Warukin Airport serve general flights from Tabalong to Banjarmasin and including flight routes to Surabaya and Solo," explained Dani.

To support the operation of the airport, PT Pelita Air Service has prepared ATR 72 aircraft with 40 to 75 seats.