Air Paradise Collapses

[Old Croc]

The bombers in Bali have forced one airline to the wall. I suppose Phuket will be the beneficiary from the downturn in tourism to Bali.

Bali carrier Air Paradise collapses

The Australian Consulate-General in Bali has pleaded with passengers of collapsed airline Air Paradise International to show "cooperation and patience" in arranging alternative flights back home.

In a travel bulletin, the Consulate-General advised Australians that the airline stopped operating on Wednesday following a downturn in tourism because of the latest terrorist attacks.

Qantas Airways has agreed to take valid ticket holders back to their original destination before December 10.

Air Paradise offices in Bali and Australia have closed permanently.

(Ninemsn)

[Old Croc]

A bit of background on Air Paradise.

It was Bali's first international carrier and landed its inaugural flight at Perth Airport on Sunday, 16 February 2003.

Bali's international carrier was originally due to start services on October 27, 2002 but had to postpone the launch of its services after the Bali bombings on October 12, 2002.

The owner of Air Paradise International is Mr Kadek Wiranatha a prominent Balinese businessman and hotel owner.

Air Paradise International operated four or five direct services from Perth to Denpasar and also linked with most Australian cities. They used Airbus A310-300 aircraft with 12 business class and 171 economy class seats.

Edited November 23, 2005 by Old Croc