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NATIONAL airline Garuda Indonesia has set a target to increase its transport capacity by the end of this year until 2023. Garuda Indonesia President Director, Irfan Setiaputra targets that next year the number of aircraft that have flown will increase.
“We expect a fleet of 53 aircraft this year. Later next year there will be around 70, including five additional new aircraft,” Irfan said in Jakarta, Monday (12/26).
Irfan confirmed the plan, in addition to the restoration of the aircraft which is currently underway, there will also be the procurement of new aircraft. He said, Garuda’s 70 aircraft fleet which is targeted to be ready next year includes the five additional aircraft.
“So in this process there are five narrow body aircraft, apart from restoration, yes. But there is no need for new ones (for five additional fleets),” Irfan noted.
Irfan explained that there were a number of considerations which in the end the management decided to add more aircraft units. One of them is regarding the need for capacity that continues to increase. In our business plan, we look at narrow body aircraft for less domestic needs.
Regarding the five additional aircraft, Irfan hopes to use Boeing 737 NG aircraft. Not only that, it is possible that the Boeing A320 will also be used for domestic routes.
In addition, Irfan ensured that the restoration and procurement of new aircraft would also be used to increase flight frequency. For this reason, Irfan hopes that the airport will also be open 24 hours so that Garuda Indonesia can open flights at night.
In procuring new aircraft, Irfan said that he would most likely use an existing lessor. Even so, Irfan emphasized that the company remains open with various options.
“What has entered the interest of the lessor who has been working with us all this time. Because indeed there must be a reference,” Irfan concluded. [sources/photo special]
