Viral Jakarta-Melbourne Route Viral Turn Back To Enter Workshop, This Is The Explanation Of The Garuda Boss

Garuda Indonesia (Photo: dock. Antara)

JAKARTA - A viral video on TikTok social media showing Garuda Indonesia's Airbus 330-300 on the Jakarta-Melbourne route with flight number GA716 turned around after a two-hour trip and ended up entering the aircraft repair shop.

In the 1.54-minute video uploaded by the account with the name @marvel_klaverts, it is explained that the A330-300 CGk-MEL route is scheduled to depart from Soekarno Hatta International Airport, Tangerang, Banten, at 19.00 WIB on January 6, 2024 and arrive at Melbourne International Airport at 05.30 local time.

The plane arrived at an altitude of 37,000 feet within 30 minutes. However, after traveling for 2 hours, a return to base plane was seen. At 02.25 WIB the plane managed to land again at Soekarno Hatta Airport.

After landing, at 03.30 WIB, the plane with the flight code GA716 was taken to the GMF AeroAsia hangar or the aircraft repair site.

In response to this, Garuda Indonesia President Director Irfan Setiaputra confirmed the information. Irfan said the pilot realized there was interference on the plane and needed further handling.

"A few hours after the plane was airborne, the Pilot in Command (PIC) saw an indicator cockpit showing the aircraft hydraulic conditions required further checking and handling," Irfan told VOI, Wednesday, January 10.

Furthermore, Irfan said that the decision to turn back or return to base was taken taking into account aspects of passenger safety.

"By considering the safety aspect, PIC coordinates with Operation Control Center (OCC) and decides to return to landing at Soekarno Hatta International Airport in good and normal condition at Soekarno Hatta Airport to conduct further investigations," he explained.

According to Irfan, the return of the plane to Soekarno Hatta Airport also takes into account the ease of coordination in providing spare parts needs and the readiness of replacement aircraft.

"We can convey that GA 716 landed again at Soekarno Hatta Airport at 00.25 WIB and then departed with the A330-900 Neo fleet at 02.45 WIB, Sunday 7 January and arrived at Melbourne International Airport at 13.10 LT," he said.

Regarding the adjustment of the departure schedule, Irfan said Garuda Indonesia also ensured that the affected passengers had received a service recovery in accordance with applicable regulations.

"Garuda Indonesia apologizes for the inconvenience experienced by passengers and will conduct further evaluations to ensure that the commitment to implement safety in all aspects of flight can be implemented optimally," he said.