Indonesian Government Plans To Buy Aircraft For Hajj Flight

Indonesia’s Religious Minister, Suryadharma Ali said that the Indonesian Government is mulling the idea of procuring dedicated aircraft to fly its pilgrims to perform Hajj. The Minister has revealed that the Government is considering aircraft manufactured by Airbus or Boeing for a possible procurement of 3 to 4 of such aircraft.

The Ministry has set several requirement for such aircraft which include comfort and safety, profitable and able to lower the ticket price.  The idea of having a dedicated aircraft for Hajj flights is to lower the expenses of Indonesian pilgrims who wanted to perform Hajj. Nevertheless, there has been concern over the proposed procurement which include the coordination of operation system as well as utilization of the aircraft post Hajj seasons.

Just like any other countries in the region, Indonesian Government had previously chartered aircraft to fly its pilgrims to the Holy city of Mecca (Mekah). Garuda Air for example has leased three Boeing 747-400 from Pullmantur Air in order to support the 2012 Hajj flights operations for Indonesian pilgrims to perform Hajj.

The Indonesian flag carrier now has expand its flight operation to the Holy city by introducing direct flights to Jeddah out of the Hajj season so that Indonesian pilgrims could also perform Umra. The introduction of these direct flights by Garuda is due to high demand among its passengers as well as the market’s potential.

Prior to thus, Indonesian pilgrims who wanted to perform Umra needs to transit to Singapore’s Changi before flying to Jeddah.

- Malaysiaflyingherald