BALIKPAPAN - Balikpapan Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan (SAMS)Airport for the first time serve departure Umrah pilgrims, Wednesday (2/12). A total of 180 pilgrims departed using Garuda Indonesia with flight number GA 988 at 22.30 WITA. To support the Umrah flights, Balikpapan SAMS Airporthas made various efforts, such as the standardization of PK-PPK category 8in the form of additional facilities 1 unit of ambulance and 2 human resources of licensed technicians.
"The number of Umrah pilgrims in Balikpapan is the largest in East Kalimantan," said Wendo Asrul Rose, the Operation Director of Angkasa Pura Airports. "With the opening of Umrah flights from Balikpapan SAMS service, this will facilitate pilgrims from East Kalimantan to fly directly from Balikpapan to the holy land," he continued.
Wendo admit, with the opening of Umrah flights from Balikpapan SAMS service will have a positive impact for Angkasa Pura I as the airport operator. "International PJP2U will increase, so that airport revenues are expected to rise significantly," said Wendo.
In the third quarter of 2015, Balikpapan SAMS airport reach the 35 ranks of the survey Airport Service quality (ASQ) organized by Airports Council International for the category of airports with 5-15 million passengers per year. "This is a proof that the SAMS Balikpapan Airport is ready to provide the best service for Umrah pilgrims," said Wendo.
SAMS Balikpapan Airport is the largest airport in eastern Indonesia which was inaugurated by the President in September 2014. With an area of 110 thousand m2 terminal, a commercial area of 33 thousand m2 and 140 900 m2 apron, SAMS airports have been equipped with the technology Balikpapan Airport Operation Database (AODB) as well as technologies hold baggage screening (HBS) level 4. [DSS]
