Air Carriers Reflect on Flight Ban Amidst Coronavirus Crisis
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10 February 2020 10:22 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian air carriers are reviewing the effects of the temporary travel ban to China imposed by the government, which was initially implemented to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus from China’s province of Wuhan.
President-director Garuda Indonesia, Irfan Setiaputra, said there are a number of losses that must be covered by the firm following the idleness of a number of its fleets but also the ongoing costs even though the airplanes are not flying. He said that Garuda had been operating under normal conditions prior to the coronavirus outbreak.
“This is surely substantial, but we must continue to monitor whether it has an effect on people’s interest in traveling. We continue to closely monitor the implications that might arise,” said Irfan Setiaputra on Sunday, February 9.
However, Irfan made it clear that he will not argue further about the losses. “We will not dwell in terms of losses. It would make us seem insincere towards the government and the nation.”
Echoing Irfan, Managing Director Lion Air Group Daniel Putut said there are at least 30 flights to China that were eventually canceled. However, the low-cost carrier is still studying the number of losses endured by the company after the temporary flight ban on China.
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