Despite Experiencing Financial Turbulence, Garuda Indonesia Ensures All Fleet Is Airworthy

A Garuda Indonesia plane is seen taking off at an airport (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - The airline Garuda Indonesia ensures that the entire fleet of aircraft used in business activities are in good condition and airworthy. This firmness was conveyed by the company following a question raised by the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) some time ago.

"Garuda is committed to always maintaining the condition of aircraft operated as airworthy in accordance with flight regulations that have been ratified by the Directorate of Airworthiness and Aircraft Operation (DKUPPU) of the Ministry of Transportation," said the issuer codenamed GIAA in an information disclosure as quoted on Friday. , June 11th.

Not only that, Garuda also ensures that all aircraft fleets under the company's control also receive regular maintenance in accordance with applicable standards.

"For aircraft that are not in operation, maintenance is still carried out, namely by periodic prolong maintenance by referring to the program document issued by the manufacturer. The maintenance rules have also been approved by the Directorate of Airworthiness and Aircraft Operations (DKUPPU) of the Ministry of Transportation," he said.

To note, the state-owned airline currently only operates 53 aircraft out of a total of 142 aircraft currently under the company's control. Of this number, 136 of them are leased aircraft and only 6 aircraft are directly owned by Garuda, namely the Airbus A330-300.

"The use of the aircraft fleet during the pandemic is adjusted to market conditions and the needs of flight services, particularly with regard to the implementation of several restrictions on people's movement," said Garuda.

The pandemic pressure which affected the plane's occupancy rate was then used by the company to spur the freight forwarding (cargo) business sector as an alternative business during the pandemic.

"In addition, the use of aircraft fleets in flights during the pandemic also pays attention to the loading level of cargo transportation," he added.

In order to reduce the cost burden, Garuda is said to continue to renegotiate with the lessor to return the fleet early, especially those with grounded status.

"The company is currently continuing to negotiate with the lessor for aircraft with grounded status, in which the approach taken is to return to operation or to return the aircraft early," said Garuda.

To note, the government-owned company is currently in a difficult situation following a debt burden of US$4.9 billion or equivalent to Rp70 trillion.