Airlines Can Transport 70 Percent Of Passengers, INACA: Not Fully Operated

Illustrated (Irfan Meidianto / VOI)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Transportation issued Regulation of the Minister of Transportation (Permenhub) Number 41 concerning Amendments to Permenhub Number 18 of 2020 concerning Transportation Control in the context of Preventing the Spread of COVID-19. One of the contents of the Permenhub is the addition of transportation capacity which was initially limited to only 50 percent to 70 percent.

Especially for air transportation, in more detail, it is regulated in the Circular Letter (SE) of the Minister of Transportation Number 13 of 2020. This SE also applies to scheduled commercial jet narrow and wide body aircraft.

Chairman of the Indonesia National Air Carriers Association (INACA) Denon Prawiraatmadja said that the relaxation does not mean that the aviation industry will return to its normal state.

"Regarding flights, which may be after their transport capacity has been relaxed by up to 70 percent, this does not mean full normal activities. This means a transition. We still fulfill the provisions of the task force," he said in a video conference with journalists, Tuesday, June 9.

Denon said, in SE 13/2020 issued by the Ministry of Transportation, it was also regulated starting from tickets, queues, to passenger capacity. Therefore, he asked, all INACA members understand these rules and comply with them during the transition period until later all of them can return to full operation.

Furthermore, Denon reminded, that passenger capacity management should really be considered. This is to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

"Do not let the planes be limited but the slots are not paid attention to. In essence, we have to appreciate the Ministry of Transportation, in this regard it is very responsive to society and industry. We are an archipelagic country, there is no way national airlines can stop their activities," he said.

Denon also hopes that with relaxation and operations that remain in accordance with health standards, this condition can restore public confidence in using air transportation services again.

"This rule is expected to restore public confidence in using air transportation," he explained.

On the same occasion, the President Director of PT Garuda Indonesia (Persero) Tbk, Irfaniaputra, said that the Ministry of Transportation's performance in accommodating the opinions of the industry should be appreciated.

"This is extraordinary. Very appreciative, Mr. Director General (Air Transportation) and friends at the Ministry of Transportation. Garuda is not a free business, Garuda still has to fly regardless of the conditions," said Irfan.