MERPATI NUSANTARA Airlines is to introduce its first widebodied aircraft, on services to Australia. The Jakarta-based airline is adding three Airbus A310-300s on lease, as part of its network expansion to new destinations in Asia and Australia.
The first A310, believed to be an ex-Kuwait Airways aircraft, is due to be delivered shortly on a five-year lease. The aircraft will be used to launch a new thrice-weekly service to Melbourne from 9 August.
Two more aircraft will be leased direct from Airbus and put into service before the end of the year, says Merpati. These are believed to be ex-Delta Air Lines machines.
Merpati's fleet consists of short-haul types, including Fokker F28s and 100s, Boeing 737-200s and turboprops. The airline plans to use the Airbuses on new regional routes within Asia, including a daily service to Hong Kong, when permission is granted.
Source: Flight International
