VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Ethiopian Airlines is set to operate a direct flight to Jakarta, a move expected to boost trade between Africa and Indonesia.

"Soon after we have finalized its regulation, we will start operating a direct flight to Jakarta," Ethiopian Airlines President Director Tewolde Gebremariam noted on the sidelines of the Indonesia-Africa Forum held at the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center here on Wednesday.

Taking into account the fact that Indonesia is a promising and potential market, Gebremariam expressed optimism about prospects of operating a direct flight. By operating a direct flight, business agents and tourists, particularly those from Indonesia, will have easy access to African countries, now that Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, is a flight hub in Africa, he pointed out.

"Hence, Indonesian tourists will be able to land in Addis Ababa aboard a direct flight. Addis Ababa connects 58 destinations in Africa," he noted.

The airline company is awaiting a time slot to start a direct flight to Jakarta, he revealed.

"We have secured a permit and will seek a time slot, which is important," he stated.

To date, Ethiopian Airlines has served direct flights to Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, and India.