Garuda to Open 10 New Routes in 2010

(12/23/2009)

The National News Agency, Antara, reports that Garuda Indonesia plans to open at least ten new domestic, regional and international routes in 2010, once 23 new airplanes join the national carrier's armada.

Pujobroto, the official spokesman for Garuda, told press in Bima on the island of Sumbawa, "following the realization of 18 new domestic routes this year, next year we will open 10 more routes."

Pujobroto said the introduction of the new routes would be in accordance with the phased arrival of 23 new planes comprised of 22 Boeing737-800 and one AirbusA330-200. Adding, "especially for the Bali hub, in 2010 there is a possibility that we will open a number of routes beyond Bali, such as Denpasar-Brisbane."

When asked about plans to develop Lombok (Mataram) as a flight destination, Garuda confirmed that their present focus is on Mataram-Denpasar, Mataram-Jakarta and Mataram-Jakarta-Kuala Lumpur. Explained Pujobroto, "our new route is Mataram-Denpasar operating once a day that started on November 1, 2009 and is enjoying average seat occupancy of between 70-75%."

When asked by the press if Garuda had plans to fly beyond Mataram (Lombok) to Bima (Sumbawa), Pujobroto confirmed that the airline had no immediate plans to serve that sector. The Airline's spokesman said the runway length at Bima in Sumbawa was inadequate for regular jet service.