Indonesia threatens to halt Airbus jet orders over palm oil feud

Indonesia is pushing its domestic airlines to halt purchase of Airbus planes in retaliation for curbs imposed by the EU on use of palm biodiesel. Indonesia’s trade minister Enggartiasto Lukita is also asking carriers including PT Lion Mentari Airlines to consider switching their outstanding aircraft to Boeing. Lukita has spoken to Lion’s co-founder Rusdi Kirana about dumping Airbus and the carrier supports the govt move, the minister Thursday. “We are exploring all options,” Lukita said, when asked if the govt would order all carriers to switch to Boeing from Airbus. “I have contacted Rusdi, and he said the airline will follow whatever the govt decides.” <br/>