Australian Airline Flies First Singapore-Dili Run

DILI, Aug 1 (Reuters) - Australian airline Austasia Airlines Pty Ltd made its first commercial flight from Singapore to East Timor's capital Dili on Friday, hoping to cash in as more tourists and investors visit Asia's youngest country.

"This will make it easy for investors who want to come to East Timor," said President Jose Ramos-Horta, who was on board the Perth-based airline's flight.

East Timor will also work with Singapore's government to advertise its tourist attractions in Singapore in the hope of attracting more tourists from the region, said Gil da Costa Alves, East Timor's minister for trade, industry and tourism.

Indonesia's Merpati airline flies between the Indonesian resort island of Bali and East Timor.
Austasia will fly once a week in August, increasing the frequency of flights to three times a week in September.

East Timor became independent in 2002 after it was invaded and occupied by Indonesia. It is still struggling to achieve political stability and prosperity despite its rich oil and gas resources.

(Reporting by Lirio Fonseca; Writing by Olivia Rondonuwu; Editing by Sara Webb)