Lion Air History
Lion Air was founded in 1999 by Rusdi Kirana and his brother Kusnan Kirana. Their first flight took off in 2000, and since then, the airline has grown rapidly to become Indonesia’s preferred domestic airline. Lion Air is the country’s largest privately run airline and the second largest low-cost airline in Southeast Asia.
With the growth of aviation and travel within Indonesia, Lion Air founded Wings Air in 2003, a regional carrier wholly owned by Lion Air. In 2013, Lion Air also founded Batik Air, a full-service airline that operates domestic and international flights.
Despite its rapid growth, Lion Air has faced some challenges over the years. In 2018, one of its Boeing 737 Max 8 planes crashed, killing all 189 people on board. The incident led to the grounding of all Boeing 737 Max planes worldwide. Lion Air has since taken steps to improve its safety procedures and restore passenger confidence.
Fleet Overview
Lion Air’s fleet consists of 118 aircraft, including Boeing 737-800, Boeing 737-900ER, Boeing 737 MAX 8, and Airbus A330-300. The average age of the fleet is 10.7 years. The airline has one of the largest fleets in Southeast Asia and is the largest low-cost carrier in Indonesia.
The airline’s Boeing 737-800 and Boeing 737-900ER aircraft are configured with one class of service and can accommodate up to 189 and 215 passengers, respectively. The Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, which were grounded in 2019 following two fatal crashes, have since been recertified and are back in service.
Lion Air’s Airbus A330-300 aircraft are configured with two classes of service and can accommodate up to 440 passengers. These aircraft are primarily used for long-haul flights to destinations such as Jeddah, Medina, and Guangzhou.
Overall, Lion Air’s fleet is relatively young and well-maintained, with the airline regularly adding new aircraft to its fleet to meet growing demand.
Key Destinations and Routes
Domestic Routes
Lion Air operates flights to over 36 destinations in Indonesia, including popular tourist destinations such as Bali, Lombok, and Yogyakarta. The airline has a strong presence in Jakarta, with flights to major cities such as Surabaya, Medan, and Makassar. Lion Air also offers flights to smaller cities such as Berau, Tanjung Pandan, and Tambolaka, making it easier for travelers to explore Indonesia’s hidden gems.
International Routes
Lion Air offers flights to several international destinations, including Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and Ho Chi Minh City. The airline also operates flights to Jeddah and Medina in Saudi Arabia, catering to the needs of Indonesian pilgrims traveling to Mecca for Hajj.
Lion Air is expanding its international network, with plans to launch flights to new destinations in the Asia-Pacific region. The airline is committed to providing affordable air travel options to its passengers, with a focus on safety and quality service.
In-Flight Services
Lion Air offers a range of in-flight services to make your journey more comfortable and enjoyable. Passengers can choose between Economy and Business Class, both of which come with different perks and amenities.
Economy Class passengers can enjoy complimentary meals and beverages, as well as in-flight entertainment, such as movies, TV shows, and music. They can also purchase additional snacks and drinks from the onboard menu.
Business Class passengers can enjoy even more comfort and convenience, with wider seats, more legroom, and a dedicated cabin crew. They can also enjoy a wider selection of meals and beverages, as well as access to priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling.
All passengers can access Lion Air’s in-flight magazine, which features interesting articles on travel, lifestyle, and culture. Additionally, passengers can purchase duty-free products, such as perfumes, cosmetics, and souvenirs, from the onboard store.
Overall, Lion Air’s in-flight services aim to provide passengers with a comfortable and enjoyable journey, whether they are traveling for business or leisure.
Lion Air Group Companies
Lion Air Group is a privately-owned airline holding company based in Indonesia. The group consists of several airlines from Southeast Asia, including:
Wings Air
Wings Air is a subsidiary of Lion Air Group and operates short-haul flights to destinations across Indonesia. The airline operates a fleet of ATR 72-500 and ATR 72-600 aircraft, with a seating capacity ranging from 72 to 78 seats.
Batik Air
Batik Air is a full-service airline that operates both domestic and international flights. The airline offers a range of services including in-flight meals, entertainment, and baggage allowance. The airline operates a fleet of Boeing 737-800 and Airbus A320 aircraft.
Malindo Air
Malindo Air is a joint venture between Lion Air Group and National Aerospace and Defense Industries of Malaysia. The airline operates both domestic and international flights from its hub at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Malindo Air operates a fleet of Boeing 737-800 and ATR 72-600 aircraft.
Overall, Lion Air Group companies offer a range of services to meet the needs of different types of travelers, from budget-conscious to full-service travelers.
Safety Record
Lion Air’s safety record has been a controversial topic in the aviation industry. Over the years, the airline has faced a number of safety incidents and accidents. In 2004, a Lion Air flight crashed into the sea, killing 25 passengers and crew members. In 2013, the European Union banned all Indonesian airlines, including Lion Air, from flying to Europe due to safety concerns.
In 2018, a Lion Air flight crashed into the Java Sea, killing all 189 people on board. The crash was attributed to a combination of technical and human factors, including a faulty sensor and pilot error. The incident raised questions about the airline’s safety procedures and maintenance practices.
Despite these incidents, Lion Air has made efforts to improve its safety record. The airline has invested in new aircraft and training programs for its pilots and maintenance staff. In 2019, Lion Air was awarded the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certificate, which recognizes airlines that meet international safety standards.
However, it is important to note that the airline’s safety record remains a concern for many passengers and industry experts. As of 2023, Lion Air is not allowed to fly to the United States due to safety concerns.
Controversies and Incidents
Lion Air has been involved in various controversies and incidents over the years. Here are some of the most notable ones:
- Safety Record: Lion Air has had a poor safety record, with several accidents and incidents over the years. The most notable one was the crash of Flight JT610 in October 2018, which killed all 189 passengers and crew on board. The investigation found that a series of failures led to the crash, including faulty sensors and inadequate pilot training. Lion Air has since been criticized for its safety standards and maintenance practices.
- Ownership and Management: Lion Air is owned by the Lion Group, which is controlled by the family of co-founder Rusdi Kirana. The airline has been accused of nepotism and cronyism, with some alleging that it has received preferential treatment from the government. The airline has also been criticized for its management practices, including its treatment of employees and its handling of customer complaints.
- Regulatory Issues: Lion Air has faced regulatory issues in various countries, including Indonesia, Australia, and the United States. In 2019, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) downgraded Indonesia’s aviation safety rating, citing concerns about Lion Air’s safety record and the country’s regulatory oversight. The airline has also been fined by the Australian government for breaching aviation safety regulations.
Despite these controversies and incidents, Lion Air remains one of the largest and fastest-growing airlines in Southeast Asia.
Corporate Social Responsibility
As a responsible corporate citizen, Lion Air Group is committed to giving back to society through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program. The company channels back to society whatever benefits it can, as part of its contribution to society.
Lion Care is one of the CSR programs that the Lion Air Group has initiated to support the community. The program is aimed at providing assistance to those in need, especially during times of crisis. For instance, Lion Air Group provided assistance to the victims of the Lombok earthquake in 2019 through its Lion Care program.
The company has also integrated social, environmental, and ethical concerns, along with those for human rights, into its daily business and relationship interactions. Lion Air Group recognizes the responsibility placed upon it to integrate and include these concerns in its operations, making it a leader in promoting sustainable business practices.
Future Plans and Prospects
Lion Air Group has ambitious plans to expand its operations across Asia Pacific. The airline plans to add nearly 80 new aircraft to its fleet in 2023, which will help it open new routes in South Asia and increase its market share. The group has orders of the latest generation narrowbody planes from both Airbus and Boeing, and it is looking to scale up operations after the pandemic.
Lion Air Group predicts that international routes will show market opportunities with a very high growth rate from the second half of 2022 onwards. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has reported that passenger traffic figures continued to increase by 41.3% compared to November 2021. Lion Air Group flies to more than 50 leading cities in 15 countries, and it is serious about facilitating foreign travel and contributing to Indonesia’s target of 7.4 million foreign tourist visits.
The airline is also planning to spread its wings across Asia with a series of AirAsia-style regional subsidiaries, the company’s commercial chief said. Lion Air looks to accelerate international expansion by launching more JVs, starting with Thailand. Lion Air has embarked on the first phase of an aggressive international strategy which is starting to see the fast-growing airline group diversify away from its roots in the Indonesian domestic market.