Batik Air has begun operating direct flights between Canberra and Denpasar in Bali three times a week. Photo: Canberra Airport.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is investigating Batik Air’s maiden flight into Canberra Airport for what it describes as a “serious incident”.
The Indonesian carrier was holding an event at the airport on 14 June to celebrate its first direct commercial flight from Denpasar in Bali, attended by dignitaries, including the Indonesian ambassador.
The flight arrived on time at 7 am, but the ATSB said it was too low on approach.
About 19 kilometres south of the runway, the crew decided to hold the Boeing 737-800 at a designated ‘waypoint’ in the air. A waypoint is a computer-checked coordinate at each stage of a flight.
“During the holding, the aircraft was operated below the minimum holding altitude,” an ATSB statement said.
The investigator described it as a “serious incident” and launched an investigation. No injuries have been associated with the incident.
The ATSB has already interviewed the flight crew and air traffic controller, analysed recorded flight data and air traffic surveillance data and examined pilot and operational records.
“Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties so that appropriate safety action can be taken,” the ATSB said.
The ATSB expects to complete its investigation in the last three months of this year and its report will be released to the public.
Direct flights from Canberra to Bali launched on 14 June. Photo: James Coleman.
Batik Air has committed to operating three flights a week between Canberra and Denpasar, with hopes for five if demand proves strong.
At the launch, Canberra Airport Head of Aviation Michael Thomson said it was “exciting” to bring yet another international carrier to the airport and offer the region not only direct flights to Indonesia but also connections to other destinations.
Through Denpasar, Batik Air goes on to other destinations, including Labuan Bajo, Lombok, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Jakarta, Makassar and Manado.
Canberra is the airline’s fifth Australian destination and the airport’s second international airline, with Fiji Airways already offering a direct service to Nadi three times a week.
Flights from Denpasar arrive in Canberra at 7 am each Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, after departing Bali at 10:10 the night before. Flights departing Canberra leave at 8 am each Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
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