The government is setting its sights on revitalizing the aviation sector this year, aiming for a significant rebound compared to pre-pandemic levels. With a target of approximately 77 million passenger movements within the domestic segment throughout 2024, representing a notable 16% growth compared to the previous year.
In 2023, the number of passengers soared by 30% compared to 2022, reaching 61.99 million passengers. This year’s target is seen as a pivotal moment for the aviation industry’s recovery, aiming to achieve full restoration after the setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Director of Air Transport of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of the Ministry of Transportation, Putu Eka Cahyadi, emphasized the progress made, stating, “This year, the recovery we have achieved has reached 83 percent. This marks a crucial opportunity for a complete comeback.”
The aviation landscape in Indonesia is witnessing new developments with the introduction of BBN Airlines Indonesia, a fresh addition to the market. Securing an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) for commercial passenger flights from the Indonesian Directorate General of Civil Aviation, BBN Airlines Indonesia is poised to commence operations in March 2024.
Martynas Grigas, Chairman of BBN Airlines Indonesia, highlighted the significance of the AOC, stating, “With this certification, BBN Airlines Indonesia is deemed compliant with regulatory standards, paving the way for the launch of commercial passenger flight services.”
The envisioned passenger growth extends beyond domestic boundaries, with plans to expand operations internationally. Targeting a fleet of 40 aircraft by 2027, the airline anticipates significant demand not only domestically but also from markets like India and China.
Furthermore, the surge in air travel is attributed in part to extended holidays within Indonesia. Sultan Syarif Kasim II Pekanbaru Airport has experienced a notable increase in passenger traffic during the recent extended holiday period leading up to Ramadan.
Executive General Manager of SSK Pekanbaru Airport, Radityo Ari Purwoko, disclosed, “Starting from the Friday preceding the long weekend of Nyepi Day and the onset of Ramadan, the airport recorded 9,297 passengers across 63 scheduled flights.”
This surge in passengers is attributed to various factors, including pilgrimage activities preceding Ramadan and the utilization of the long weekend coinciding with the Holy Day of Nyepi for travel to and from Sultan Syarif Kasim II Pekanbaru Airport.
