REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, NUSA DUA -- Ethiopian Airlines is set to operate a direct flight to Jakarta, a move expected to boost trade between Africa and Indonesia. Ethiopian Airlines President Director Tewolde Gebremariam said the regulation will be managed soon.
"After we have finalized its regulation, we will start operating a direct flight to Jakarta," Gebremariam noted on the sidelines of the Indonesia-Africa Forum held at the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center here on Wednesday.
Taking into account the fact that Indonesia is a promising and potential market, Gebremariam expressed optimism about prospects of operating a direct flight.
By operating a direct flight, business agents and tourists, particularly those from Indonesia, will have easy access to African countries, now that Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, is a flight hub in Africa, he pointed out.
"Hence, Indonesian tourists will be able to land in Addis Ababa aboard a direct flight. Addis Ababa connects 58 destinations in Africa," he noted.
The airline company is awaiting a time slot to start a direct flight to Jakarta, he revealed.
"We have secured a permit and will seek a time slot, which is important," he stated.
To date, Ethiopian Airlines has served direct flights to Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, and India.