New Indonesian carriers set to take off this year

Indonesia’s aviation sector is set to welcome two new players this year with the launch of private airlines – Indonesia Airlines and Fly Jaya. The arrival of these carriers is expected to help bridge the gap between the country’s current operating fleet of 410 aircraft from the ideal 750 needed in order to meet growing passenger demand. Singapore-based Calypte Holding, which officially registered its Indonesian subsidiary PT Indonesia Airlines Group (INA) on March 7, aims to operate international flights to and from the country. Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Banten, will become its main hub. Despite the similar name, Indonesia Airlines is legally distinct from PT Indonesian Airlines Avipatria, a carrier that started operation in March 2002 and shut down a year later. “In the first phase, we will operate 20 aircraft, which will be purchased gradually,” said Iskandar, CE of Indonesia Airlines and executive chairman of Calypte Holding, in a statement on Sunday, as quoted by Kumparan. Its initial fleet will include 10 narrow body aircraft, either Airbus A321neo or A321LR models, alongside 10 wide body jets, a mix of Airbus A350-900s and Boeing 787-9s, he added. Meanwhile, Indonesia-based PT Surya Mataram Nusantara, operating as Fly Jaya, is preparing to launch operations this year. Unlike Indonesia Airlines, which focuses on international routes, Fly Jaya is set to serve short-haul domestic flights using a fleet of ATR 72-500 aircraft. Last week, Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi revealed that two of Fly Jaya’s aircraft are already in operation.<br/>