080. Batik Air

Batik Air

In the competitive landscape of Southeast Asian aviation, Batik Air has established itself as a significant player offering premium services with an expanding network. Operating as part of the Lion Air Group, this Indonesian carrier has experienced remarkable growth since its inception and continues to evolve its service offerings in the region.

History and Origins

Batik Air’s journey began in 2012 when it was established as the full-service division of the Lion Air Group. The airline was initially announced in November 2011 under the name “Space Jet,” conceived as a premium subsidiary to compete with Indonesia’s flag carrier, Garuda Indonesia. By June 2012, the airline had been renamed Batik Air, reflecting Indonesia’s cultural heritage through its connection to the traditional fabric art form.

The airline conducted its inaugural flight on May 3, 2013, connecting Jakarta with Manado and Yogyakarta using Boeing 737-900ERs leased from its parent company, Lion Air. This launch positioned Batik Air as Indonesia’s third full-service carrier at that time, following Garuda Indonesia and the short-lived Pacific Royale Airways.

The initial vision for Batik Air was ambitious, with the Lion Air Group committing to acquiring five Boeing 787 Dreamliners for the carrier, intended for delivery by 2015. However, these plans for long-haul expansion were indefinitely shelved in 2014 when Lion Air Group canceled the Boeing 787 deal, citing Batik Air’s inclusion in the European Union airline blacklist at the time. By June 2016, both Batik Air and its parent Lion Air were removed from the EU Blacklist, marking an important step in their international credibility.

Fleet and Operations

From its modest beginnings with just three aircraft, Batik Air has expanded its fleet significantly. As of late 2021, the airline operated over 60 aircraft, comprising a mix of Boeing 737-800s, Boeing 737-900ERs, Airbus A320s, and Airbus A330s. This diverse fleet allows Batik Air to serve both domestic and international routes efficiently.

The airline made a significant advancement in November 2019 when it received its first wide-body aircraft, an Airbus A330-300 transferred from Thai Lion Air. This addition enabled Batik Air to launch its first long-haul route to Medina, Saudi Arabia on December 17, 2019, primarily serving hajj pilgrims from Surabaya.

Batik Air’s fleet modernization continues with expectations for delivery of 112 A320neos and 65 A321neos according to industry data, though delivery timelines have likely been adjusted due to global aviation disruptions. The airline received its first A320neo in February 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted global aviation.

Network and Hubs

As of October 2024, Batik Air operates to 41 domestic and international destinations with a frequency of over 350 flights daily. The airline’s primary hub is at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, with additional bases in other major Indonesian cities.

While primarily focused on the Indonesian domestic market, which accounts for approximately 90% of its scheduled capacity, Batik Air has steadily expanded its international presence. International destinations include Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Canberra, Chennai, and Perth. The airline also operates charter flights to several Chinese cities including Guilin, Nanning, Kunming, and Shenzhen.

In a significant development for the Lion Air Group, on April 27, 2022, the Malaysian full-service subsidiary previously known as Malindo Air was rebranded as Batik Air Malaysia. This created a unified brand identity across the two carriers, with Kuala Lumpur serving as a transit point beyond Southeast Asia for Batik Air passengers.

Service and In-flight Experience

Batik Air operates as a full-service carrier featuring two classes of service—business class and economy class—on all flights. The airline distinguishes itself from low-cost carriers by offering complimentary checked baggage, in-flight meals, and entertainment.

On its narrow-body aircraft, the business class cabin features 12 recliner seats in a 2-2 configuration with a 38-inch (96.5 cm) pitch. These seats come equipped with charging ports and individual touchscreen entertainment systems. Economy class offers a comfortable experience with sufficient legroom and amenities that exceed what’s typically found on budget airlines.

The airline has been recognized as a 3-Star Airline by Skytrax, reflecting its position as a mid-tier full-service carrier in the competitive Asian aviation market.

Quick Facts

  • Founded: 2012
  • First Flight: May 3, 2013
  • Parent Company: Lion Air Group
  • IATA Code: ID
  • ICAO Code: BTK
  • Fleet Size: Over 60 aircraft (as of latest data)
  • Main Hub: Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Jakarta
  • CEO: Capt. Achmad Luftie (as of 2022)
  • Alliance: None (Independent)
  • Focus: Primarily domestic Indonesian market with growing international presence

Contact Information

For those looking to connect with Batik Air, multiple channels are available:

The airline maintains offices at major airports across its network and offers online booking through its official website at www.batikair.com.

Future Outlook

Batik Air’s future appears focused on controlled expansion and fleet modernization. In May 2022, the airline announced plans to expand its international network from Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, indicating a strategic push to capture more of Indonesia’s lucrative tourism market.

The consolidation of branding between Batik Air Indonesia and Batik Air Malaysia suggests that the Lion Air Group is positioning these carriers to work in tandem, creating a more comprehensive network throughout Southeast Asia and beyond. This strategy allows the group to provide a unified premium offering across the region while maintaining its low-cost operations through Lion Air and other subsidiaries.

Keyword: TopAirlines