He noted that the aircraft fleet is being expanded to increase capacity in view of the growth this year, which is expected to reach 15 percent.
Edward remarked that 14 aircraft will be for Lion Air, 18 for Wings Air, and 12 for Batik Air.
"The number will be adjusted based on the market demand in line with the transportation ministrys forecast that the number of passengers will increase by 15 percent," he claimed.
He affirmed that all the new aircraft for Lion Air are Boeing, while Batik Air will receive Boeing and Airbus aircraft, and Wings Air would get ATR aircraft.
He stated that the aircraft were procured through operating lease and financial lease schemes.
He noted that the new aircraft will be used to serve new routes, especially for direct flights such as on the Balikpapan-Bandung, Tarakan-Semarang, and Banjarmasin-Denpasar routes.
He remarked that Lion Group will also start flight services for minor Hajj pilgrims, with direct flights to Madinah using the wide-bodied Boeing 747 and Airbus 330.
"Other airlines only offer flights to Jeddah, from where the passengers have to undertake a six-hour land journey. We have prepared direct flights to Madinah, so that the passengers could immediately proceed to carry out their religious rites," he added.
Lion Group currently has two Boeing 747 and three Airbus 330 aircraft.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2016
