I have repeatedly said that we need a flag carrier, pioneering flights, charter flights, and cargo flights
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Aviation observer retired Air Marshal Chappy Hakim has encouraged the strengthening of pioneering flights as part of endeavors to develop air transportation networks in Indonesia.

"I have repeatedly said that we need a flag carrier, pioneering flights, charter flights, and cargo flights. It's all part of the frame of the air transportation network for the archipelagic islands," Hakim stressed during a webinar in Jakarta on Friday.

Hakim pointed out that there has been a misdirection in developing air transportation networks in Indonesia.

Since the beginning, he emphasized, the air transportation network has been developed using large airliners, such as the Boeing 737, but the infrastructure and human resources have not been able to follow in pace.

Hakim observed, because of the imbalance, large aircraft fleets often experience incidents when landing or taking off at airports that have limited infrastructure.

"There was a lot of coercion to operate the 737-class fleet, although the infrastructure's capacity was inadequate. That is why, a few years ago, we often heard news of aircraft sliding off the runways," Hakim said.

He also said he thinks Indonesia should keep strengthening pioneering flights. With that, he added, not only do pioneering aircraft fit the infrastructure, but also they are suitable for archipelagic nations, like Indonesia.

"The flights that started from this pioneering fleet will be able to develop Indonesia as a more advanced archipelagic nation," Hakim, who is also the Chairman of Indonesia Center for Air Power Studies, said.

Hakim added that the input needed in building an air transportation network is a form of comprehensive attention to the aviation industry.

He said that the air transportation network for an archipelagic nation, such as Indonesia, is a priority that needs constant attention.

"We should start from a starting line with commitment by seeing the potential we have so that we can really concentrate and focus on what we want (to build)," Hakim added.

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Translator: Fathur R, Kenzu T
Editor: Sri Haryati
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