Merpati Opens Bid to Replace China Aircraft

TEMPO Interaktif, Jakarta: Merpati Nusantara Airlines plans to open bidding for the acquisition of MA-60 aircrafts this year, given that negotiations with China’s Xian Aircraft Industry Company LTD for their aircrafts remains in limbo.

“The talks between government are still ongoing, and we don’t know how long it will last,” Chief Director of Merpati Bambang Bhakti said on Thursday.

Merpati, serving routes to Indonesia’s remote areas need additional fleets to meet the rising demand of domestic air travel. “That is why expansion of the cannot be further delayed,” added Bambang.

The company is looking to buy six propeller planes this year and bidding has actually started in May, although the company said it was also waiting for the results of the government’s negotiations with China.

WAHYUDIN FAHMI