Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

(12/27/2010)

Garuda Indonesia continues to operate its Jakarta-Amsterdam flight via Dubai (U.A.E.) despite crippling record snow storms reported across Europe.

The senior manager for communications at Garuda, Ikhsan Rosan, said the weather conditions at Amsterdam's Schipol airport were still conducive to flight operations. "We are still operating to Amsterdam, with the worst snow storms occurring in London. Daily flights by Garuda (to and from Amsterdam) continue to operate," said Ikhsan.

Garuda recommenced service to Europe on June 1, 2010, after the European Union (EU) modified its blacklist warning against all Indonesian carriers previously deemed unairworthy to even enter into European airspace.

Six Indonesian carriers have now been removed from the UE's blacklist: Garuda, Mandala, Batavia, Indonesia AirAsia, Airfast and PremiAir.

Garuda's Debt Restructured

The vice-president for corporate communications for Garuda, Pujobroto, was reportedly stranded for a period during the current snow storms at Heathrow airport in London when weather conditions prevented his return from a meeting to finalize the restructuring of the national carrier's long-term debt.

Garuda has reportedly successfully managed to restructure US$227 million in debts held by the European Export Credit Agency (ECA), after signing a new loan agreement in London.