Debt Forces Mandala Airlines to Ground All Planes - Budget carrier Mandala Airlines says it’s grounding all planes immediately as it tries to settle spiraling debts and find ways to survive cutthroat competition in Indonesia’s skies. Company spokeswoman Nurmaria Sarosa said Thursday the domestic carrier is seeking a cash injection from new investors.

She says Mandala also will start restructuring the airline and as part of efforts to make it more economically viable will try to find ways to double its fleet of five Airbus A320 jets.

Dozens of airlines have emerged since Indonesia started deregulating the industry in the late 1990s. But the rapid expansion, followed by a string of deadly accidents, has put a spotlight on aviation safety.