Economic Crisis: Lebanese Military Rents Helicopters For Tours, 15 Minutes IDR 2.1 Million

Robuston helicopter Robuston R-44. (Wikimedia Commons / Robert Frola)

JAKARTA - The Lebanese military leases its helicopters to tourists, instead of military duty, due to the economic crisis hitting Lebanon and difficulties in meeting maintenance costs.

The crisis that hit Lebanon in recent times has affected various sectors in the country, from the economy to energy. In fact, the World Bank calls it one of the worst crises.

"The war we are fighting is economic and therefore requires unconventional means. And, the idea we have is to do a helicopter tour," said Colonel Hassan Barakat, military spokesman.

"The cost of this trip guarantees the essential maintenance of the aircraft," he continued, explaining the tour with a Robinson R-44 training helicopter at a fare of 150 US dollars or around Rp. 2,173,935 for a 15-minute flight.

Army Commander General Joseph Aoun warned last month the crisis, caused by decades of corruption and waste in government, would lead to the collapse of all state institutions including the army, with a soldier's current salary of $90.

Lebanese crisis illustration. (Wikimedia Commons/Freimut Bahlo)

A major recipient of US military support, the army has underpinned Lebanon's stability since the end of the 1975-1990 civil war. Qatar announced this week it would provide troops with 70 tonnes of food per month.

"It was a nice experience for my children to see Lebanon and the beautiful Lebanese coast from the air," said Adib Dakkash, a tourist visiting from Switzerland.

"I'd rather spend $150 to keep army helicopters up and running, so pilots and officers keep flying, than spend it in restaurants, on food or meaningless things."

Lebanon is suffering from what the World Bank describes as one of the deepest depressions in modern history. The Lebanese currency has lost more than 90 percent of its value in less than two years, with more than half of its population sinking into poverty.

Illustration of Beirut, Lebanon. (Wikimedia Commons/Vyacheslav Argenberg)

Separately, citing Al Jazeera, Lebanon is facing a social boom, with Prime Minister Hassan Diab calling for international help for his country in the midst of an economic crisis.

"Lebanon is only a few days away from the social boom. Lebanon is facing this dark fate alone," Diab said in a speech at a meeting with ambassadors and representatives of diplomatic missions in Beirut this week.

He urged friendly countries to lend a helping hand despite the absence of a new government, saying the aid relationship with reforming a highly corrupt system had posed a threat to the lives of Lebanese people and to the stability of the country.

"I appeal through you to kings, princes, presidents and leaders of brotherly and friendly countries, and I call on the United Nations and all international bodies, the international community and global public opinion to help save Lebanon from death and prevent death. Lebanese death," he called out to diplomats.

Diab also said only the new cabinet could restart talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

"This government has no right to continue negotiations with the IMF to implement the recovery plan set by the cabinet, as this entails obligations to the next government that it may not agree to," he concluded.