Bombardier's Alleged Bribery, Erick Thohir Sentil Garuda Indonesia To Return 12 CRJ 1,000 Aircraft

Minister of BUMN, Erick Thohir. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - BUMN Minister Erick Thohir took firm steps for the management of PT Garuda Indonesia (Persero). He asked to stop and return the 12 Bombardier CRJ 1,000 hired aircraft.

The basis for this decision, said Erick, was on the consideration of indications of bribery in the agreement after the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and the UK Serious Fraund Office (SFO) investigated this agreement.

Meanwhile, the Bombardier aircraft rental agreement totals 18 aircraft and 12 aircraft have been chartered by Garuda. The operating lease contract between Garuda and Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) was signed in 2011 and will be completed in 2027.

"This decision also considers good corporate governance," he said, in a virtual press conference, Wednesday, February 10.

In the investigation carried out by the KPK as well as the investigation by the British SFO, there were indications of bribery from the manufacturer to individuals who led Garuda Indonesia during the aircraft procurement process in 2011.

Garuda Indonesia management has also stopped the operation of the 12 bombardier planes on February 1, 2021. Previously, these aircraft nurses served short-distance routes in eastern Indonesia.

Previously, the SFO, which is a British anti-corruption agency, investigated allegations of bribery and corruption involving Bombardier Inc and Garuda. The SFO stated that Garuda had ordered the Bombardier CRJ aircraft with the first delivery in 2012.

Garuda Indonesia took delivery of the first Canadian-made regional jet in October 2012. Bombardier delivered its last CRJ 1,000 to Garuda in December 2015.