The national flag carrier Garuda Indonesia has appointed Wamildan Tsani Panjaitan as President Director, replacing Irfan Setiaputra, who has led the Airline since 22 January 2020.
As reported by Kompas.com, the change of command was confirmed at an extraordinary shareholders meeting convened on Friday, 15 November 2024.
Speaking immediately after his appointment, Wamildan said, “Both I and my family request the support of the employees, management, and shareholders. Let’s champion Garuda Indonesia to become a source of pride for the Indonesian nation.”
Wamildan continued that following his appointment, he would immediately check the company’s finances and audit the Airline’s income streams.
Under Wamildan’s new leadership, Garuda Indonesia will add a significant number of new aircraft to its armada in 2025. The Airline’s new CEO said the exact number of new aircraft would only be decided after discussing it with Garuda’s senior management.
Meanwhile, regarding the reduction in airline ticket prices, Wamildan said Garuda’s management, in keeping with government directives, is targeting ticket prices to decrease before Christmas and New Year’s. Adding: “Our Airlines is carrying out the government’s detailed instructions. A ticket price reductions task force is in place, and we are targeting prices to come down before Christmas and New Year.”
Wamildan Tsani Panjaitan most recently served as interim CEO of PT Lion Air. He is a 2001 graduate of the Air Force Academy (AAU) and received a rating to serve as a pilot of a Boeing 737 Patrol Aircraft in 2003. He also worked as an instructor at the Yogyakarta Fight Academy. After working as a pilot and aviation educator, he joined the management of the Lion Air Group. While working at the Lion Group and before he was appointed interim CEO of the Airline in 2022, other Lion Air positions filled by Wamidan include Safety Director for Lion Air (2020-2022); Safety Director for Batik Air (2017-2020); and Safety Manager for Batik Air (2016-2017).
Earlier, Irfan Setiaputra confirmed that a revision of Garuda’s Board of Commissioners and Company Directors would occur at the extraordinary shareholders meeting. Irfan said the appointment of Board Members and Commissioners is a right held by shareholders, in this instance, the Agency for State-Owned Enterprises(BUMN).
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