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GARUDA Indonesia has not yet made a decision to close international routes with directions from the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises to focus on domestic routes.
According to the President Director of Garuda Indonesia, Irfan Setiaputra, Sunday (6/13) said that there are no international routes that have been cut, including domestic routes that are less profitable. Facing the ongoing restructuring, Garuda Indonesia is currently still evaluating existing routes on a regular basis.
“This includes adjusting flight frequencies to optimizing the use of aircraft for passenger-intensive routes. So far, no routes have been closed, but we continue to review each route and temporarily reduce the frequency because the level has not returned yet,” he said.
He also explained that Garuda Indonesia emphasized that the route restructuring step was certainly based on market conditions and the public’s level of flight to service. The number of aircraft in flight during the pandemic also takes into account the load level of cargo transport.
“Based on data as of March 2021, Garuda Indonesia still serves 67 domestic routes and as many as 20 international routes with adjustable frequencies that can change. As a result, airline passengers are also asked to check flight status regularly,” he stated.
In terms of the number of aircraft, he continued that operated during the pandemic, the company details that it has decreased to around 53 aircraft. The number of aircraft consists of 6 B777-300 aircraft, 3 A330-900 aircraft, 7 A330-300 aircraft, 2 A330-200 aircraft, 27 B737-800 aircraft, 3 CRJ 1000 aircraft, and 5 ATR 72-600 aircraft.
“Initially, the full-service airline had a total of 142 aircraft, of which 136 were leased and the remaining 6 were owned by themselves. In relation to aircraft that are still grounded or grounded, negotiations with the lessor are carried out,” he added.
The approach taken is to be able to operate again or carry out an early termination or return of the aircraft. This can be done by considering the needs of the fleet according to the demand for flight services in this new normal era.
Meanwhile, in terms of operations, Garuda also ensures to maintain the condition of aircraft operated as airworthy in accordance with flight regulations that have been approved by the Directorate of Airworthiness and Aircraft Operation of the Ministry of Transportation.
“As for aircraft that are not in operation, maintenance will still be carried out, namely with prolong maintenance and/or periodic maintenance by referring to the maintenance program document issued by the aircraft/engine manufacturer that has been approved by the Ministry of Transportation,” he concluded. [bisnis.com/photo special]
