TEMPO.CO, Tangerang - Lion Air Group President Director Edward Sirait said that the company will continue with recruiting new pilots along with the company`s commitment in expanding its fleet and flight routes.

“We will not stop here, we are continuously recruiting new pilots, either internally or from outside sources,” said Edward at the Soekarno-Hatta Airport on Thursday, June 28.

According to Edward, Lion Air Group currently hires 4,300 pilots, 1,800 engineers, 7,250 cabin crews, and 2,640 mechanics, which he claims is enough for the moment. However, new pilots are needed as the company grows.

Another factor that has driven the airline to search for new pilots is that senior pilots are entering their retirement. The airline will not close its doors for pilots that come from its own Angkasa Aviation Academy flight school.

“We expect to produce 120-150 new pilots. But this is not enough, that's why we continue to accept new pilots,” said Edward.

The Lion Air Group continues to add its fleet with new airplanes to serve its latest international and domestic flights. Besides expecting to add 54 new aircraft in 2019, the company is also set to start its journey for International routes to Japan in October.

Joniansyah