Who Is The Conglomerate Rusdi Kirana, The Owner Of Super Air Jet Who Is Also The Founder Of Lion Air?

Rusdi Kirana. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - The presence of the new airline Super Air Jet is like an anomaly in the midst of a pandemic. While other airlines are trying their best to 'survive', this airline service company has even just announced the opening of a new Jakarta-Surabaya flight route through Soekarno-Hatta Airport and Juanda Airport starting November 10, 2021.

In the previous VOI report, it was stated that flights would be carried out with a frequency of twice a day. The fare is also relatively affordable with a price tag of less than half a million for one trip.

Not to mention the convenience of conducting a COVID-19 test on partner networks, departure from Jakarta for RT-PCR Rp195,000 and antigen Rp35,000. Meanwhile, for Surabaya, the cooperation for RT-PCR health facilities is Rp. 225,000 and RDT-Antigen is Rp. 35,000.

These various affordable offers clearly increase the opportunity for Super Air Jet to be able to attract market interest. But do readers know who is the person behind Super Air Jet who broke the negative trend of the aviation industry during the pandemic?

He is Rusdi Kirana. The figure of a senior businessman in the aerospace industry who is also the founder of Lion Air. Before the success of having two airlines at once, Rusdi was actually a formidable personal figure.

He is known to have worked as a typewriter salesman to make a living. From a young age, Rusdi was trained by his family to be independent. From here the mental is formed.

Rusdi's success in the aviation industry began when he ran a travel agency business with his older brother, Kusnan Kirana.

Over time, the business continues to grow. An extraordinary expansion occurred in the 2000 period. Rusdi decided to establish Lion Air with a capital of one aircraft. At that time, many people were skeptical of this strategic move.

In fact, not a few who sneer if the airline will only last as long as corn. Under these conditions, Rusdi was adamant to maintain his business. In fact, when there was an opportunity to make money from the sale of shares, he did not budge. He wanted Lion to stay in his control.

It turned out to be the right decision. Lion Air continues to grow, opening dozens of national and international routes. Further expansion occurred when Rusdi ordered 200 Airbus aircraft with a value of US$24 billion or equivalent to Rp300 trillion.

According to Forbes data in 2019, Rusdi Kirana's wealth is estimated at US$ 835 million or around Rp. 11.7 trillion and has brought him into the ranks of the elite conglomerates in this country.