Aviation Trends Start To Increase, Minister Of Transportation Budi Karya: Pilots Who Haven't Flown For A Long Time Are The Main Concern

Illustration. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi reminded that safety aspects are maintained in the face of flight trends that began to increase after being hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Minister of Transportation said that the pilot's condition was a major concern.

This was conveyed by the Minister of Transportation when opening the 7th Congress of the Indonesian Pilots Association with the theme "Together To Achieve Higher Level" online, Tuesday, January 11.

The Minister of Transportation said that since the beginning of the pandemic in early 2020, the aviation industry has experienced a downward trend of minus 20 percent compared to before the pandemic, which is the largest contraction compared to other industries. However, his condition has now started to increase again to 60-70 percent.

"The improvement in these conditions is encouraging, but it is not without challenges. The challenge is to ensure that safety aspects are maintained. Apart from aircraft that have not been in operation for a long time, the condition of pilots who have not flown for a long time is a major concern," said the Minister of Transportation.

The Minister of Transportation explained that all parties must ensure that the recovery process for the aviation industry can run well, one of which is by paying attention to the condition of flight crews.

"They must pay attention to their competence, license, mental, physical, and health readiness. Everything must be prepared properly," said the Minister of Transportation.

The Minister of Transportation asked the Indonesian Pilots Association to contribute to helping the government to remind its members, because the pilot's condition greatly affects flight safety.

"Keep the spirit, think positively, and continue to provide support. This is important to do, so that our aviation ecosystem can truly recover from the pandemic," said the Minister of Transportation.

Chairman of the Indonesian Pilots Association Capt. Iwan Setyawan said IPI as a professional organization that houses the pilots, is fully committed to maintaining flight safety and trying to help economic recovery in the aviation sector.

"Thank you to the Minister of Transportation and the ranks of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, who always take the time to open and attend the annual IPI congress, and provide valuable directions, so that we remain solid and become a professional and dynamic professional organization," he said.