Garuda to Increase Its Aircraft Numbers

Garuda Indonesia

Garuda Indonesia shareholders have approved a motion to buy 97 new aircraft by 2016, a huge jump over the 36 planes it was originally planning to add to its fleet.

Under the expansion program, Garuda will purchase 20 Boeing B737-800NGs, 24 Airbus A330-200s, 25 five narrow-bodied aircraft for Garuda Citilink, and 18 sub-100 seat aircraft. An original order for 10 Boeing B777-300ERs for longhaul operations will remain or switch to other similar aircraft.

Garuda vice president corporate communications Pujobroto said: “Garuda earlier announced through the Quantum Leap Program that it would operate 154 aircraft by 2015.”

Garuda Indonesia

“With the new fleet expansion programme, Garuda will operate 194 aircraft comprising of 24 A330s, nine B777s, 85 B737-800NGs, 50 A320s for Citilink, 25 Sub-100s and three freighters by 2015.”

According to Pujobroto, the enhanced fleet expansion was in anticipation of significant increases in airline passengers, both domestically and internationally.

“It is also part of Garuda’s efforts to boost efficiency, as the new aircraft are more fuel-efficient and environment friendly," he explained. "Their maintenance cost is also lower."