The Lion Air Group, owned by Rusdi Kirana, remains the dominating force in Indonesia's airline industry. With its three units (Lion Air, Batik Air, and Wings Air) the group carried 20.5 million air passengers in the first half of 2016, controlling 48.4 percent of the market in the first half of 2016, followed by the Garuda Indonesia Group, and the Sriwijaya Air Group. Edward Sirait, President Director of the Lion Air Group, said the group's market share has grown 5 percent over the past year. This is remarkable considering that the global and domestic economy remained somewhat bleak.

Read more ›

While Indonesia is still mourning for the lives that were lost in the military plane crash in Medan (North Sumatra) on Tuesday (30/06), the Indonesian Transportation Ministry threatens to suspend operating permits of 13 Indonesian airlines that are being plagued by negative equity, raising concerns about these airlines’ safety practices. The Transportation Ministry reviewed audited financial reports of 60 local carriers. These airlines will have time until 31 July 2015 to adjust their balance sheets.

Read more ›