TICKETING agents in Indonesia want the new management of Mandala Airlines to make a decision on their unclaimed deposits, the result of the airline stopping operations in January, as well as improve its payment system.
Indonesia Ticketing Agents Association (ASTINDO) head of ticketing division, Pauline Suharno, said: “We have sent a letter to Mandala requesting for a meeting to discuss the matter. We would like to hear what options they are giving us, but we would definitely not accept conversion of our deposit into shares (that was offered by the previous management), as it will be complicated. That would also mean that agents need to refund passengers’ unused tickets in cash.”
ASTINDO chairman Elly Hutabarat added: “One suggestion we are giving them is to liquidate the money and to credit that as our deposit again. For example, an agent who had 10 million rupiah (US$1,120) in deposit earlier will get that amount back as their deposit with the new management.”
Pauline also said members would also be negotiating for a better payment system to avoid a repeat of the situation.
Mandala Airlines finally signed a sales agreement with Saratoga Group and Tiger Airways over the weekend, and the airline is expecting to restart operations in three months, according to Saratoga Capital co-founder Sandiaga Uno, as quoted by local media.
Saratoga Group now holds 51 per cent of Mandala shares, Tiger Airways has 33 per cent, with the rest belonging to congruent debtors and old shareholders.
The airline will operate A320 aircraft and will operate as a low-cost carrier, with domestic and regional networks within a five-hour flight time distance.
