JAKARTA: Garuda, Indonesia's national carrier, is in no rush to secure the luxurious Airbus 380 aircraft.
Not until the Soekarno Hatta International Airport in Jakarta is expanded at least, says its president and chief executive officer Emirsyah Satar.
"The A380 is strategically and geographically not suitable for Garuda as it needs the hub and spoke system," he said.
The expansion of Soekarno Hatta is scheduled for completion in 2014.
"Furthermore, people now like to go from point to point - like Jakarta-London or Jakarta-Manchester for which we have the smaller Boeing 777, where we can accommodate a passenger load of 400."
Speaking to the Business Times on the sidelines of business conference here, Emirsyah said the current fleet of 92 will be expanded to 194 by 2015.
Growth of the Indonesian aviation industry is huge but it needs adequate infrastructure to enable it to expand its capacity and service.
On the carrier's positioning this year, he said it will continue to capitalise on the economic growth of the country as a large chunk of passenger growth last year was domestic-driven.
Last year, the airline handled 17 million passengers and 229 tonnes of cargo, making US$3 billion (RM9.2 billion).
The "revitalised" company, which went public last year, recently placed an order with Airbus for 11 more A330-300 wide-bodied aircraft.
These aircraft priced at US$2.54 billion are poised to join the fleet, which consists of six A330-300s and eight A330-200s, gradually from next year till 2017.
Looking at the airline's return to the black after years of losses and a bruised image, Emirsyah said it was sheer determination which helped turn around the company.
"I said this has to be done and this is how to be done and I didn't compromise otherwise it would have been difficult."
Importantly, a clear plan is needed as to where the carrier wants to go and get everyone to that.
"But you need leaders at every level, the board and I cannot do it alone. And, we adhere to our saying of one team, one spirit and one goal!."
Garuda also got back important sectors like Europe on its radar.
To the former banker, the years spanning 2006 till 2011 were likened to a golfer with a 30 handicap but going forward needed to be changed to a single handicapper.
"Don't think what you did five years ago can continue to see success - no way. We need to change the organisation, and put in younger and energetic people."
Garuda is striving to be on par with the best airlines in the region namely Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific and Emirsyah reckons there will also be challenges heading his way from the increasingly aggressive airline companies from the Middle East.
"But I am firm believer in competition - it makes you more creative and innovative, otherwise you can slip into relaxation."
Home 
