Aerodili Announces Singapore Flights

East Timor’s Aero Dili is set to launch its second international Airbus A320 service, bound for Singapore this December. It will join the carrier’s connection to Denpasar, Bali, which first took flight in May.

While previously reported that Singapore and Surabaya (Indonesia) would soon join the carrier’s network, this latest announcement confirms the airline’s ambitions to connect Dili with the bright lights of the Lion City.

All aboard for Singapore

While the exact launch date is yet to be advised, Aero Dili looks to wing passengers to the heartbeat of Singapore from December, with three services a week.

Taking off from its home at Dili Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 17:00 the flight will touch down at Singapore Changi at 20:00. The return service will depart on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 01:00, with arrival back to East Timor in time for breakfast at 06:30. A look at the airline’s website was unable to provide further information such as the price of tickets or the exact launch date.

As the aircraft is currently deployed on only scheduled services to Bali, the nation’s president, Mr President José Ramos-Horta, has been fortunate enough to use the aircraft for his presidential engagements, frequently using the A320 for trips across Asia.

A secondhand Airbus for East Timor

On March 20th, Aero Dili welcomed the leased Airbus A320-200, which first took flight for Mexican carrier Volaris in November 2008. After its tenure in Mexico, it moved to Thailand, being a workhorse at Bangkok Airways from December 2016 until its move to East Timor.

According to the airline’s website, it has further ambitions to grow its international reach, including destinations in Australia (likely Darwin), Malaysia, China, and the Philippines. However, the airline remains coy on its next move.

Domestic operations and fun facts

Alongside its current flagship route to Bali, the airline also looks after domestic operations with a Cessna 207T, which serves Baucau, Suai, and Oecusse from Dili.

To keep the carrier’s Instagram followers engaged, the airline has been relatively active in releasing fun facts for potential passengers, such as explaining what a RON is for the crew (Remain overnight).

Other tips shared include what to wear for an overnight flight, what an initial climb may be, or what an Air Traffic controller’s responsibility is.

Sources: Instagram