Air links between Singapore and Indonesia has received another boost.

AirAsia Indonesia -a subsidiary of the Malaysian budget airline - will operate a total of 12 weekly flights to Singapore, comprising 6 weekly flights from Pekanbaru, the capital city of the Riau province, Indonesia.

By the end of the year, the airline will also operate another 6 weekly flights from Padang.

It is the third airline to commence operations in Singapore Changi Airport this year following Air Asia and TNT Airways.

Earlier this morning, AirAsia Indonesia's inaugural flight touched down at Changi Airport from Pekanbaru. Guests onboard included AirAsia Indonesia's Chief Executive Officer, Captain Dharmadi.

Celebrating the start of AirAsia Indonesia's operations at Changi Airport. From left to right: Captain Dharmadi, Chief Operating Officer of AirAsia Indonesia and Mr Yam Kum Weng, Senior Director (Air Hub Development Group) of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS).

Said CAAS' Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Lim Kim Choon, "Last year, some 1.96 million visitor arrivals came from Indonesia, which accounted for nearly 20% of the total visitors to Singapore. Total passenger movements by air between Indonesia and Singapore reached 3.86 million in 2007, registering a 6.5% year-on-year growth over 2006."

He added, "The launch of AirAsia Indonesia's new service between the two countries today is well-poised to capitalise on such strong growth."

With the launch of AirAsia Indonesia's flights to Singapore, there are now 12 airlines operating more than 630 weekly passenger flights between Singapore and 12 cities in Indonesia.

Currently, Changi Airport is served by 80 scheduled airlines operating over 4400 weekly scheduled flights to 191 cities in 61 countries.