Indonesia's Pelita Air launches commercial flights

JAKARTA -- Pertamina, the Indonesian state oil and gas company, on Thursday launched commercial flights under the brand Pelita Air, with the government pledging affordable domestic service as it aims to steer clear of the mismanagement and debt that has plagued flag carrier Garuda Indonesia.

Pelita Air's first commercial flight took off from Jakarta and landed on the resort island of Bali. The airline will also cover the Jakarta-Yogyakarta route. The province, in the heart of Java Island, is another popular tourist destination.