Facing Extreme Weather, Garuda Optimizes Aircraft Maintenance

Garuda Indonesia aircraft (DOK. ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The Garuda Indonesia airline optimizes aircraft maintenance because well-maintained aircraft are considered to be better prepared for bad weather.

"I want to emphasize the quality of maintenance (aircraft) to be prime because it is influenced by maintenance capabilities, the condition is ready", said Garuda Indonesia President Director Irfaiaputra in a webinar entitled Alert to Extreme Weather in Transportation, quoted by Antara, Tuesday, February 1.

Irfan said that his party did not rule out the possibility of having to change standard operating procedures (SOPs) in the face of bad weather because they prioritized safety factors.

"Because we emphasize security and safety as the spearhead of Garuda's activities, apart from the usual conditions, we also prepare for extreme conditions", he said.

He mentioned two things that are prepared for extreme weather, namely ensuring that the aircraft is flown and is properly maintained and can be flown.

However, Irfan continued, the final decision for the pilot was to decide whether to fly or not, especially in extreme weather.

"A small case of wipers not working, the pilot said that he could not fly and change planes so it was delayed (too late)", he said.

His party also ensures that operators at the airport understand the manual and are ensured to have high alertness that allows 24-hour monitoring so that it can be anticipated as well as possible.

"SOP for the flight itself, Meteorological, Climatological, Geophysical Agency (BMKG) weather is obtained every day. So BMKG is our partner and get the latest flight information. And a few moments before the flight happened. To ensure the latest information we get, we do to make sure the aircraft being flown is ready and the personnel involved. What needs to be prepared. The information we get delays flights if necessary. What is the forecast for the weather conditions", he said.

Asking for information is not only the weather but the length of the runway whether the standing water is sufficient and providing information related to turbulence. Finally, the pilot has full authority whether the landing is carried out as planned or diverted. Irfan said the most frequent weather obstacle is high rainfall, making it difficult for pilots because it interferes with visibility.

Apart from rainy weather, Irfan mentioned another obstacle, namely volcanic ash bursts that could cause flight delays for several days later, because volcanic ash has the potential to damage the engine.

"If it rains, you can still wait. Passengers can find out particularly landing weather conditions at the landing site. This ash also affects aircraft engines",he said.

Irfan also ensures that all information is conveyed to prospective passengers, so that in case of weather problems, passengers have the right to know and take the next step.