TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno on Monday said he hopes the number of commercial flights can be expanded to increase seating capacity which would help solve the issue of expensive airfares.

“Expensive airfare is turning into something crucial. The number of seating capacity must be added to ensure flight tickets remain affordable,” said the Minister in a weekly press briefing on June 20, Antaranews reported.

He also said that a discussion between himself and Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi had taken place in hopes to find the solution to add affordable international and domestic flights that would in turn boost local tourism.

One of the solutions he hopes will be heard is to have air carriers add their number of fleets. “The number of planes that need maintenance is relatively high. Cooperation is needed to have these planes operate,” said Uno.

Sandiaga Uno said the revenge traveling phenomenon happening across the globe as pandemic restrictions are loosened has created high demands in the transportation sector, but limited supply will eventually increase the prices of airfares.

Moreover, he voiced his appreciation towards Batik Air which had introduced the Brisbane-Denpasar and Denpasar-Kuala Lumpur routes. After going through a restructuring process, flag carrier Garuda Indonesia is also expected to increase the number of planes so that it can affect the cost of plane tickets to be cheaper.

"With high aviation fuel prices and flight frequencies that are not yet fully normal, we can respond with air traffic agreements that continue to be innovated, adapted, and collaborated," said the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy.

ANTARA

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