Indonesia reviewing plan to merge state airlines

The Indonesian government is reviewing a plan to merge state-owned airlines Garuda Indonesia and Pelita Air, a unit of energy firm Pertamina , to ensure affordable airfares, per Reuters

The plan came a year after Garuda reached an agreement with its creditors to restructure its $9 billion debt.

Pelita Air president director Dendy Kurniawan told Reuters that it welcomed the plan, which he said was under the review of Indonesia's state-owned enterprises (SOE) ministry, adding the possible merger would "strengthen the aviation industry" and ensure affordable ticket prices.