BBN-Airlines-Indonesia

Source: BBN Airlines Indonesia. Boeing 737-800

BBN Airlines Indonesia has gained its operating licence and plans to launch services with two freighter aircraft.

The aircraft, crew, maintenance & insurance (ACMI) firm received its Airline Operator Certificate (AOC) from Indonesia's Directorate of Airworthiness and Aircraft Operations of the Ministry of Transportation on August 31.

Immediately following the issuance of its AOC, BBN Airlines Indonesia will operate a fleet consisting of two Boeing 737-800F specialising in airfreight services.

It has plans to expand into the passenger market in the future and is aiming to operate a total of nine aircraft.

The company, which is a subsidiary of Avia Solutions Group and part of Blue Bi, is hoping to capitalise on the lack of ACMI providers in the country as well as growing e-commerce volumes.

"The need for reliable delivery which covers a large area that spans from Sabang to Merauke requires quick and safe cargo aircraft," the company said.

BBN Airlines Indonesia chairman Martynas Grigas said: “ACMI providers are still a rarity, especially in Asia. We are offering wet lease as well as mixed-crews or damp lease that can be custom tailored to the client’s specific needs.

"While the lessee gets an additional aircraft or more, the lessor gives a full guarantee on the airworthiness of the aircraft, crew, maintenance, and aircraft insurance.

"On the other hand, the lessee will be responsible for the other operational aspects such as fuel, and ground handling services."

The carrier is the second cargo airline to receive its AOC in recent months.

In August, Indonesia-based freighter operator Raindo United Services gained its air operator certificate (AOC) and is hoping to launch operations in the coming months.

The carrier will launch operations with two 23-tonne capacity Boeing 737-800BCFs, with the first (PK-RUS) delivered on July 14 and the second (PK-RFS) arriving on August 9.

Raindo plans to offer both domestic and international services.