Garuda Indonesia Adds 3 Boeing Planes, Erick Thohir: The Right Rent, Not A Lie

Illustration (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) Erick Thohir asked PT Garuda Indonesia (Persero) Tbk not to 'play around' again with aircraft rental prices.

Considering that the issuer with stock code GIAA has just managed to accept a homologation or peace agreement with creditors related to restructuring.

As is known, Garuda was dragged into the alleged corruption case in the procurement of bombardier aircraft CRJ-1000 and ATR 72-600 which caused the state to suffer a loss of Rp. 8.8 trillion.

Currently, Garuda Indonesia is planning to add three more Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft.

These types of aircraft were previously relocated by the lessor or aircraft charter company.

The addition of these three aircraft will complete the projected fleet operation which is estimated to reach 60 to 70 aircraft by the end of 2022.

"After restructuring Garuda, the government will put in funds (PMN) of IDR 7.5 trillion, then the financial condition is much healthier, it can add planes with the right lease, not a lie," said Erick Thohir to reporters, quoted on Thursday, August 4.

In line with the addition of the fleet, this red pellet airline has also returned the Bombardier CRJ-1000 aircraft which is being carried out in stages. In the initial phase, two aircraft have been returned to lessors from Montreal, Canada, Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) and Export Development Canada (EDC).

It was noted that the total number of Bombardier CRJ-1000 aircraft that had previously been operated reached 18 units.

The two Bombardier CRJ-1000 aircraft returned with registration numbers PK-GRQ and PK-GRN departed at 09.00 WIB from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to MHIRJ Facility Service Center, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America on Monday, August 1.

Garuda New Investor

Regarding new investors, Erick said that until now his party has not collaborated with any parties. However, Erick said that he had indeed met with the Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the second meeting was related to cooperation in strengthening investment.

Then, Erick also had a meeting with HE Mohammed Ali Al Shofara, Chairman of Etihad. Even so, efforts to cooperate with airlines from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

"We have to find a partner who can be a route with Garuda and its partners. Well that hasn't been decided yet, later. So step by step," he said.

Even so, Erick said he would try to find a strategic partner for Garuda Indonesia. However, this partnership is carried out when the company's financial condition has improved.

"Well, of course if it (finance) is getting better, we can look for a strategic partner, as discussed yesterday," he said.