Indonesian airport operator Angkasa Pura I (AP I) is leasing two ATR 72-500 freighters from Pelita Air Service for its logistics arm to operate air cargo services.
The company says that the aircraft will operate from Jakarta to Balikpapan and Makassar later this year, but did not specify the nature of the lease with Pelita.
Expanding into the air cargo business is part of the company’s strategy to grow its non-aeronautical revenue this year, says AP I chief Faik Fahmi, and leasing the ATRs from Pelita will boost Angkasa Pura Logistik’s business prospects.
AP I operates 15 airports in central and eastern Indonesia, such as those in Balikpapan, Denpasar, Makassar and Surabaya. Compatriot AP II has not expressed any interest for its cargo business arm to lease or operate freighters.
Pelita is a subsidiary of national energy company Pertamina. It offers charter flights, aviation training, MRO services, and manages three domestic airports.
Cirium fleets data shows that the charter company does not have any ATR freighters in service, other than one ATR 42-500 and three 72-500s configured for passenger operations.
