By reducing the frequency, we avoid losses. We fly the planes to Hong Kong, based on the current demandJakarta (ANTARA) - National flag carrier Garuda Indonesia reduces its flight frequency from 21 times to 4 times a week to avoid losses following Hong Kong's political unrest. "By reducing the frequency, we avoid losses. We fly the planes to Hong Kong, based on the current demand," Garuda Indonesia's Vice President Corporate Secretary Ikhsan Rosan said in a short message in Jakarta Monday.
The reduction in flights was temporary because the situation in Hong Kong was not conducive for now and the demand had declined, Ikhsan explained.
"This is tactical because the situation in Hong Kong has not been conducive and demand has declined," he said.
Related news: Garuda records net profits of US$19.7 million in Q1
The airlines will return to normal frequency if conditions in Hong Kong improve.
Planes that normally fly to Hong Kong were now diverted to other routes with high demand, Ikhsan said.
"We use the aircraft to add frequencies on other routes that have good requests," he said.
Not only Garuda, but nearly all airlines have reduced the frequency of flights to Hong Kong at this juncture, he added.
The current situation in Hong Kong is heating up following the numerous student demonstrations and the clashes with the police which began with strong protests against the extradition law last August.
The protests have reached the Hong Kong International Airport, where a number of flights were disrupted.
Related news: Garuda Indonesia retains top ranking for "OTP" in 2019
Translator: Juwita Trisna Rahayu/Yashinta
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
