Not All Merpati Routes are Profitable, Observer Says
3 March 2014 01:58 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - PT Merpati Nusantara Airlines has stopped its flight activities since January, 2014. The state-owned aviation company has been forced to stop its activities because of financial difficulties and debts.
There are many airline routes that have been neglected, because those routes could only be served by Merpati, as the state-owned company that prioritized serving the public than making profits. After the company collapsed, who will take over those routes?
Herry Bakti Singayuda Gumay, the transportation ministry's air transportation director general, said the government has offered the routes to all airline companies since February 4. However, before they are permitted to take over the routes, the government will filter proposals that have been submitted by every carrier.
The Transportation ministry's record states there are six aviations that have sent their proposals. They are Sriwijaya Air, Garuda Indonesia, Citilink, Kal Star, Susi Air, and Express Air.
Flight observer, Dudi Sudibyo, said sooner or later there would be a carrier that would take over Merpati's routes. "If not, the public's activities will be disrupted," he told Tempo on Saturday, March 1. However, this is not without risks, bearing in mind that not all Merpati's routes are profitable.
NURUL MAHMUDAH | MARIA YUNIAR
