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Garuda Operates Bombardier CRJ 1000 NextGen

Direct News Source

15-Oct-2012 Stationed at the Makassar hub to support the development of Indonesia's eastern regions

Garuda Indonesia"s newest aircraft, the Bombardier CRJ1000 NextGen, took flight on its "Inaugural Flight" from Jakarta to Makassar vv. Manufactured by Bombardier, the aircraft which has a capacity of 96 seats (12 in Business class, 84 in Economy class) arrived in Jakarta on October 10 after a ferry flight from its factory in Canada. The aircraft will be used to serve high density short-haul routes.

Attending the inaugural flight, were the Minister of Transport of the Republic of Indonesia, EE Mangindaan, H.E. Mackenzie Clugston, the Canadian Ambassador, Director General of Air Transportation, Herry Bhakti S. Gumay and Garuda Indonesia President & CEO, Emirsyah Satar.

The first of the 18 aircraft purchased by Garuda will operate from Garuda"s Makassar hub to several cities in Indonesia"s eastern regions, among others Makassar - Ternate (vv), Makassar - Mataram (vv), Makassar - Kendari (vv), Makassar - Surabaya (vv), and Surabaya - Denpasar (vv). Eventually, the aircraft will also serve other potential cities from Garuda"s Medan, Balikpapan and Surabaya hubs.

In his speech, Minister of Transport, EE Mangindaan, welcomed Garuda"s operation of the Bombardier jenis CRJ1000 NextGen. "Operating from the Makassar hub to serve cities in Indonesia"s eastern regions will ultimately increase connectivity between cities in the region and with other regions in the country. This effort will certainly accelerate development in the region in line with the the government"s Acceleration and Expansion of Indonesia"s Economic Development Masterplan 2011-2025 (MP3EI), especially the Sulawesi Economic Corridor", added the Minister.

Meanwhile, Garuda Indonesia President & CEO, Emirsyah Satar said that operating the Bombardier CRJ1000 NextGen is part of the airline"s "Quantum Leap 2011-2015" program, particularly Garuda"s ongoing fleet and network development. Through the "Quantum Leap" program Garuda"s fleet will grow from 94 to 194 aircraft by 2015, and will be able to transport 45.4 million passengers, as opposed to the 17,1 million passengers the airline is capable of carrying at present. Flight frequency is also expected to rise from the current 350 flights to 1100 flight frequencies per day.

"In addition, operating the aircraft from our Makassar hub not only reflects our support for the government"s Acceleration and Expansion of Indonesia"s Economic Development Masterplan (MP3EI), but also provides efficient and speedy travels for passengers living in the region. The aircraft"s operation from the Makassar hub increases connectivity between cities in the eastern region so that passengers can fly direct without having to stop over in Jakarta. Overall, this will ultimately enhance Garuda"s flight network", added Emir.

During the Singapore Airshow 2012 in February, Garuda Indonesia signed an agreement with Canadian aircraft manufacturer, Bombardier Aerospace, for an order of 18 aircraft CRJ 1000 NextGen (plus 18 options). Through the agreement, Garuda Indonesia will eventually own 36 Bombardier CRJ1000 NextGen aircraft.

By the end of the year, Garuda Indonesia will receive five aircraft, a further seven will arrive in 2013, and the remaining six aircraft will arrive in 2014 and 2015.

The CRJ 1000 NextGen was launched in 2010, and is recognized for its reliability, low operational cost and efficient fuel intake, as well as optimum passenger capacity.

In line with the company"s expansion and fleet development, in 2012 Garuda Indonesia is expecting 20 aircraft, consisting of four (4) Boeing 737-800NG, two (2) Airbus A330-200, nine (9) Airbus A320 dedicated to Citilink, and five (5) Bombardier CRJ1000 NextGen. With these new additions, the total number of aircraft in Garuda Indonesia"s fleet 2012 will reach 105 aircraft all aged an average of 5,8 years.