TEMPO.CO, Makassar-Transportation Minister Ignasius Jonan denied to have revoked the flight permit of Aviastar airline following the crash of one its aircrafts in the area of Mt. Latimojong in South Sulawesi. The Transportation Ministry focuses on the search and rescue of its crews and passengers.
“So far, there has not been any revocation,” Jonan said after a coordination meeting at Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport Fire Station on Monday, October 5.
Jonan also assured that the condition of the plane was fit to fly and that the situation in the area was considered to be condusive.
Jonan said that as a form of aviation pioneer evaluation, the ministry will be conducting a thorough inspection towards small aircrafts. The inspection referred is to ensure small aircrafts, such as Aviastar, to determine whether or not the aircraft is fit to operate.
Aviastar spokesperson Sherly Silvana refused to comment further on the alleged violation done by the airline’s initial flight route. Sherly also said the company could yet comment on the possibility of sanctions, including freezing or permit revocation.
Aviastar aircraft lost contact 11 minutes after its take-off from Andi Djemma Airport, Masamba, North Luwu Distrcit, at 2:45pm Friday.
After conducting a long 3-day search, joint SAR teams finally discovered the aircraft in Ulu Salu Village, which is located in the area of Mt. Latimojong in Luwu District. All of its passengers and crews reportedly died in the crash. Victim evacuation is scheduled to be done Tuesday.
TRI YARI KURNIAWAN
