Merpati adds flights

JAKARTA (JP): State-owned air carrier Merpati Nusantara has extended its flights connecting Jakarta and Bali to destinations in West and East Nusa Tenggara in a bid to meet the increasing demand for seats in the areas.

The airline said it added last week one more plane, in addition to three existing aircraft, to serve flights to the two Eastern Indonesian provinces.

To reduce flying hours, Merpati flies directly from Jakarta to its destinations in West Nusa Tenggara and East Nusa Tenggara, without stopping in Surabaya.

Merpati has also opened six new direct flights from Surabaya to various cities in West Nusa Tenggara and East Nusa Tenggara, the company added.

But the company did not say if Monday's riots in the West Nusa Tenggara capital of Mataram would affect its flights to the city. (cst)