"Certainly, I must thank all stakeholders for having followed the `rule of the game` to meet the international safety standards. It is a (matter of) pride in itself and makes it possible for them to market their products to attract more attention and boost their sales," Sumadi noted here on Friday after attending an open house on Eid at the official residence of Vice President Jusuf Kalla.
The decision of the EU offers a strategic opportunity to open wider cooperation. With this decision, several Indonesian airlines that have received international assessment have an opportunity to start operating flights on new routes to Europe.
"It was a strategic decision and has become an anniversary gift for Indonesia. Following the clearance, we hope that several airlines, such as Garuda Indonesia, Citilink, and Lion Air, would receive high star awards," he noted.
The EU had, in stages, cleared several Indonesian airlines from the "EU Flight Safety List" in 2009, 2011, and 2016.
The decision followed an assessment visit by an EU representative on Mar 12-21. The results of the visit were then discussed at an Air Safety Committee meeting held in Brussels on May 30 that was attended by representatives from the Indonesian government, Wings Air, Sriwijaya Air, and Susi Air.
As a country, whose aviation industry holds huge potential, the EU`s decision indicates confidence in the Indonesian aviation authorities and airlines.
The decision is also in line with opinions from various international aviation agencies, such as Flight Aviation Administration and International Civil Aviation Organization, which have recorded significant improvement efforts by Indonesia.
Reporter: Fransiska Ninditya
Editor: Bustanuddin
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
