INDONESIA RISING

THE WORLD IN 2011

Cyrillus Harinowo Hadiwerdoyo

The Jakarta Post, December 28, 2010

I flew Garuda Indonesia Airlines more than 50 times in 2010, so I can testify that most of those flights were full — or at least at 90 percent capacity — despite the rapid expansion of the airline’s fleet. The Garuda fleet currently boasts nearly 90 airplanes since the addition of more than 40 new Boeing 737-800 planes.

The route to Pontianak is one of many examples of Garuda’s growth. Flights to the provincial capital of West Kalimantan had been suspended for a number of years.

Two years ago, Garuda resumed flights to Pontianak, starting with one a day. After a few months the flights were increased to twice daily. In one year’s time they increased to three times daily, which continues today.

Moreover, the size of the aircraft also increased. Garuda started with the Boeing 737-500, which accommodates fewer than 100 passengers. Then it upgraded to the Boeing 737-300. In the last few months flights were mostly served by Boeing 737-400, accommodating more than 150 passengers.

What will happen in the coming years?

(...) [artículo aquí]