AirAsia Requested to Open East Indonesia Cargo Flight

INDUSTRY.co.id - Jakarta - Coordinating Minister for Marine Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan has asked AirAsia's low-cost airlines to consider opening cargo flights in eastern Indonesia.

According to Luhut met at KemenkoMaritim Jakarta on Monday (19/2/2018) after meeting with AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes, the demand is related to the great potential of fishery in eastern Indonesia.

"Yes, we say, 'If you want us to make it there then aquaculture, Like keramba', they want because they have for cargo," he said again.

The former Coordinating Minister for Political, Political and Security Affairs, explained one of the areas that have potential among North Maluku which is rich in tuna fish. This potential can be developed especially for exports that can utilize AirAsia's cargo network.

"So later the fish farmer could also export fresh 'fresh' tuna, the price could rise four times more expensive," said Luhut again.

However, the former Chief of Staff of the President did not elaborate on the plan.

In line with Tony Fernandes's commitment to meet Luhut at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland early February, the Malaysian airline's boss expressed a desire to open a flight to the Lake Toba region.

Tony previously promised to bring foreign tourists from several countries to visit Lake Toba which is now a new tourist destination.

The plan will be realized by building a hub or international flight hub at Silangit Airport. By becoming a hub, Silangit Airport can get foreign tourists from various AirAsia network flight routes.