I have now had an opportunity to quote on June departures with Air Paradise and compare with Garuda Indonesia (via Garuda Orient Holidays). Based on Garuda's "Q" Class Fare, it's still in front of Air Paradise for a 16.5 night stay at Puri Santrian (Beach Wing. - at least through the Wholesaler from whom I sought the quote.
Know Garuda will - at least in first instance - come-up with prices which match Air Paradise. What one has to contemplate is that ANY Airline has a minimum "break-even" fare.
Each carrier is offering something different. With Air Paradise, I can see great marketing opportunities in a "Bali Long Weekend" Package. With Air Paradise reverting to a one-class carrier, Garuda will have an advantage for those wanting a realistally-priced upgrade to Executive Class.
The Consumer will be the ultimate winner - depending on what they are looking for.
I can only hope that both carriers don't engage in a "Qantas/Virgin" style "Price War". Whilst looking great in the preliminary stages, crazy prices just simply can not be sustained!!
Better for both Carriers to maintain a similar price-base but emphasise in their promotions, the advantages of flying with them.
Air Paradise can promote their 12.15 p.m. arrival in Bali......earlier than Garuda. Garuda can promote their flexibility of a 9.5 Night package on Tuesday departures and 10.5 Nights on Fridays, where Air Paradise can "do their thing" on a 7 or 14 Night option.
We are delighted to see Air Paradise entering the Adelaide Marketplace and, when advising our clients, will concentrate on the advantages of the respective durations offered by both carriers.
Let's hope that Adelaide passengers get behind BOTH airlines. After all, this is the very FIRST time in my 20+ years of selling Bali, that Adelaide has actually "come of age" and passengers have a serious choice of carrier - even better BOTH being Indonesian Carriers - for their Bali experience!!
Both airlines have demonstrated their condidence in Adelaide - particularly Air Paradise, whose aircraft is dedicated EXCLUSIVELY to Adelaide!!
Adelaide "Bali-Lovers" have been very vocal on this forum over a long time, saying that Adelaide did not have same opportunities as those of other Cities. We NOW have what you have been asking for.
Garuda would love to re-commence their Sunday Service and, based on forward bookings, this could be a distinct possibility, offering even more flexibility.
BOTH carriers NEED your support! Qantas has neglected Adelaide for so long...in fact Qantas has NO direct services from Adelaide to Anywhere!!!
Please get behind the two Indonesian Carriers so we can demonstrate what we have all been asking for......a choice of carrier and competitive prices to help Bali's economy.
Sorry it was so long but felt I needed to offer an impartial and honest posting.