REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA - The President Director of state-owned PT Merpati Nusantara Airline, Capt. Asep Ekanugraha, expressed his optimism on Monday, that Merpati will fly again, early in March, following the implementation of operational cooperation. On February 1, Merpati closed most of its routes owing to incapacity in carrying out operations.

"Hopefully, Merpati will fly again, early in March, especially serving the routes that has been closed before," he said. 

He stated that the company has made a joint operation agreement with 15 companies including PT Benteng Persada Gemilang and PT Amagedon Indonesia. Efforts have so far been made to salvage the airline company through business and debt restructuring, capital infusion, streamlining and others. Yet, no improvement has been seen and so investors have been invited to join the company.

"Companies that have agreed to conduct joint operations have expressed their commitment to developing Merpati. Certainly, they know about the companys conditions well and therefore they will enter to salvage it," Ekanugraha explained.

He added that Merpati will immediately submit an application for an aircraft operation certificate, again, to the transportation ministry. Ekanugraha stated that by end of February, Merpati will carry out long-haul operations by flying to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and the service will be handled by Amagedon.

"Amagedon will bring in new planes and the working capital needed to serve the flights," he added.

In connection with that, Asep explained that Merpati has already submitted applications for a license to concerned offices such as the transportation ministry, the finance ministry, the foreign ministry and the ministry of religious affairs.

"The application is now still being processed. It is all happening along with the other process options with regard to salvaging Merpati," he pointed out.

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