INTERNEWSTIMES.COM – Indonesia’s aviation industry is showing signs of a strong rebound after a dramatic decline during the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of aircraft in operation is steadily increasing, signaling a return to normalcy in the skies above the archipelago nation.
The Ministry of Transportation reports that the aircraft fleet, which had shrunk to a mere 40% of its pre-pandemic size, is now back to operating between 450 and 500 aircraft. This recovery is a testament to the resilience of the aviation sector and the increasing demand for air travel as the country emerges from the pandemic’s shadow.
However, the industry is not without its challenges. A significant mismatch between supply and demand persists, with the current fleet still unable to fully meet the growing travel needs. This imbalance is impacting flight ticket prices, prompting the Ministry of Transportation to implement a pricing corridor with upper and lower tariff limits to stabilize fares.
Despite these efforts, airlines are permitted to charge prices at the upper limit based on market conditions, potentially leading to price fluctuations during peak travel periods like the homecoming season or the Christmas and New Year holidays.
The Ministry of Transportation recognizes the need for a larger fleet to meet the increasing demand, particularly in high-potential areas like priority tourism regions. They have also issued a warning that sanctions will be imposed on airlines found violating the specified tariff limits.
The recovery of Indonesia’s aviation industry is a positive sign for the country’s economic growth and tourism sector. As the number of aircraft continues to rise, the skies above Indonesia are poised to buzz with activity once again, connecting people and places across the vast archipelago. (Red)
