Star to use B-732-200 jets

JAKARTA (JP): Newly established airline company PT Star Air will operate two Boeing 737-200 aircraft to support its domestic flights, which will be inaugurated with the opening of its Surabaya-Jakarta route on June 15.

Star Air president Ale Sugiarto said the Surabaya-Jakarta, (not Surabaya-Surakarta as reported by The Jakarta Post on Wednesday) would soon be followed by other flights to Makassar in South Sulawesi, Balikpapan in East Kalimantan, Medan in North Sumatra, and Batam in Riau province.

By the end of the year, the airline expects to fly to regional destinations such as Hong Kong, Beijing, and Taipei, he said.

During the first five years, besides the two Boeing 737-200s, Star also expects to lease a Boeing 737-400 and a Boeing 767- 200ER aircraft, and in the second five years a Boeing 747-400, Ale said.

Star Air, which is 75 percent owned by PT Dwipusaka Abadi and 25 percent by PT Habitat Saga Perkasa, has allocated about Rp 200 billion (about US$18 million) in initial investment to support its operation, Ale said.

Dwipusaka Abadi is the holding company of tour and travel agents Anta Tour and Vaya Tour, and Ramada Bintang Bali Hotel. (tnt)