Ailing state-owned PT Merpati Nusantara Airlines (Merpati) plans to team up with China Aircraft Leasing Company this year to help boost the airline's business in the future.

Merpati’s executive vice president for commercial operations Sutan Banuara said the company recently signed an agreement, which would be effective for five years.

"Through this agreement, we are going to add 60 new aircraft, Airbus and executive regional jet Embraer, starting next year to help strengthening our routes," Sutan told the press on Wednesday, referring to the Airbus A320s, Embraer E145s and E190s.

He said the company would operate 20 of each aircraft belonging to the Chinese company.

"This is a profit sharing scheme where they let us operate their aircraft because we have the pilots, crews, and the routes," he said.

Two company would take a delivery of two aircraft every month starting in January. However, Sutan said that the company had negotiated to accelerate delivery to November.

"We believe this is a good formula to accelerate our growth," he added.

In addition, Merpati is collaborating with Tourism and Creative Industry Ministry to promote exotic destinations in the country such as Lombok, Alor, Raja Ampat, Labuan Bajo, and Wakatobi.

Sutan also said the company partnered travel agencies, including the largest tour and travel agent Panorama, to create great domestic tour packages for those destinations. (lfr)

News From: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2012/09/27/merpati-teams-with-china-expand-its-business.html