Merpati Airlines to open two new routes

PT Merpati Nusantara Airlines is now flying farther. The plan, the national airline will open two new routes on 24 August.

Two new routes to be opened is the route of Semarang - Surabaya and Surabaya - Banyuwangi. Commerce Director of PT Merpati Nusantara Airlines Tony Achmad Aulia said the two new routes will be flown once a day for seven days a week. "We will use the MA 60 aircraft each with a capacity of 56 seats," said Tony.

According to Tony, the opening of new routes before Eid ul-Fitr deliberately chose the time when many people travel back and forth. Besides that, the new route is aimed at helping the government break down the traffic jams during Eid ul-Fitr.

Onwards, the two new routes will be maintained despite the home coming Eid ul-Fitr season is over. According to Tony,  the second route potential to be developed to target the people who travel on business between cities in Indonesia.

picture: google.com

Merpati Airlines fall, this was the fifth plane crash of Chinese production

The fall of Merpati Airlines, MA-60 aircraft to the waters of the Kaimana, West Papua, on Saturday (7 / 5) is the fifth time for an aircraft accident made in China. This accident is also the most fatal accidents have ever experienced MA-60 aircraft since the first time operated by Sichuan Airlines in 2000.

The first accident occurred on January 11, 2009. At that time, Xian MA-60 belong to Zest Airways flight 865 with 22 passengers and 33 crew members have undershot on Runway 06. The accident occurred when the plane landed at Godofredo P Ramos Airport, Philippines. Landing gear and propeller aircraft suffered severe damage. Three people were injured. However, there were no fatalities.

The second accident occurred on June 25, 2009. At that time, Xian MA-60 belong to Zest Airways flight number 863 with 54 passengers and 5 crews have overshot on landing at Godofredo P Ramos Airport. No injuries in the accident.

The third accident occurred on November 3, 2009. Xian MA-60 UM-239 owned by Air Zimbabwe hit five wild boar during takeoff from Harare International Airport. The plane managed to stop the takeoff process. However, plane was badly damaged in a collision.

Meanwhile, on December 7, 2010, the fourth accident occurred at Rangoon International Airport. Xian MA-60 aircraft at that time also skidded while landing.

The latest accident and the worst crash is Merpati Airlines MA-60 type in Kaimana, West Papua, on Saturday (05/07/2011) afternoon. The plane crashed and sank.

PT Merpati Nusantara Airlines (Merpati) ever stop operating (grounded) MA-60 aircraft made by Xian Aircraft of China following the damage to the rudder (wing section) back of the plane.

"Grounded we do because there was a crack on the rear wing," said (late) Director of Merpati Airlines, Bambang Bhakti after a hearing with Commission XI DPR-RI at the parliament building on Wednesday (10/6/2009).

picture: google.com