DAVID FULLBROOK / JAKARTA
Garuda Indonesia's long-term fleet plan envisages the replacement of its Boeing 747-400s with smaller widebodies as it aims to grow its Asian network.
The airline will still lease 747-400s in the short term, but has delayed plans to add up to three more. Because of the Iraq war, delivery could be delayed until next year, says Garuda's executive vice-president commercial Bachrul Hakim. He adds that within three years, Garuda will decide whether Airbus A340s or Boeing 777s will replace its 747s to improve flexibility.
"What we do not need is big aircraft," says Hakim. "If we have smaller aircraft, we can operate with more frequencies and we can respond effectively to the fluctuation in the market." He envisages an order for at least 10 aircraft.
"If we cannot maintain our Europe services, we will close them down and codeshare with Emirates to Europe. We are negotiating codeshares with Emirates to other European cities."
Dubai flights could start before October, says Hakim. Baghdad might follow if Indonesian labourers find work rebuilding Iraq. Expansion preparations continue elsewhere, with China "our first priority", he adds.
Source: Flight International
