"Hopefully, Merpati will fly again, early in March, especially serving the routes that had been closed before," President Director of state-owned PT Merpati Nusantara Airline, Capt. Asep Ekanugraha, said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The President Director of state-owned PT Merpati Nusantara Airline, Capt. Asep Ekanugraha, expressed optimism, here on Monday, about Merpati flying once again, early in March, following the implementation of operational cooperation.

"Hopefully, Merpati will fly again, early in March, especially serving the routes that had been closed before," he clarified at a press conference.

He stated that the company has made a joint operation agreement with 15 companies including PT Benteng Persada Gemilang and PT Amagedon Indonesia.

Efforts have so far been made to salvage the airline company through business and debt restructuring, capital infusion, streamlining and others, but so far no improvement has been seen and so investors have been invited to join the company.

"Companies that have agreed to conduct joint operations have expressed their commitment to developing Merpati. Certainly, they know about the companys conditions well and therefore they will enter to salvage it," Asep explained.

He added that Merpati will immediately submit an application for an aircraft operation certificate, again, to the transportation ministry.

On February 1, Merpati closed most of its routes owing to incapacity in carrying out operations.

Asep stated that by end of February, Merpati will carry out long-haul operations by flying to Jedah, Saudi Arabia, and the service will be handled by Amagedon.

"Amagedon will bring in new planes and the working capital needed to serve the flights," he added.

In connection with that, Asep explained that Merpati has already submitted applications for a license to concerned offices such as the transportation ministry, the finance ministry, the foreign ministry and the ministry of religious affairs.

"The application is now still being processed. It is all happening along with the other process options with regard to salvaging Merpati," he pointed out.

The other options include a spin off or separating Merpati Maintenance Facilities and Merpati Training Center.

"Based on the business plan, Merpatis management has decided to separate MMF, which is to be taken over by PT Perusahaan Pengelola Aset (PPA) who will find investors later," he explained.

Asep, who was appointed to be Merpatis President Director on July 31, 2013, stated that a debt to equity swap option was also being discussed with the stakeholders namely the finance ministry and the ministry of state-owned companies.

He added that the option has taken long but it will be continued again now, to help find a comprehensive solution to the companys problems.

"Most of Merpatis debts or around 60 percent are debts to the government and state-owned companies," he pointed out.

The debts reached Rp7.3 trillion up from Rp5.7 trillion at the end of 2013. (*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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