Garuda Indonesia Launches Two Explore Sub-Brands

In line with the airline's efforts to develop and strengthen its flight network, especially in the domestic sector, Garuda Indonesia, the national airline of Indonesia, has launched a new sub-brand "Explore" and added versatile ATR 72-600 aircraft into its fleet.

In addition to the sub-brand "Explore", Garuda Indonesia created the sub-brand "Explore Jet" along with the operation of its Bombardier CRJ1000 NextGen fleet since last October 2012 to serve the airline's network in both eastern and western Indonesia.

President and CEO of Garuda Indonesia, Emirsyah Satar said, the implementation of both sub-brands is in line with the excellent characteristic of Garuda Indonesia's ATR 72-600 and Bombardier CRJ1000 NextGen that have the ability to serve flights to new destinations in eastern Indonesia, which have limited runways.

"The 'Explore' ATR 72-600 aircraft will support Garuda Indonesia's Bombardier CRJ1000 NextGen aircraft operation in accordance to improve the national connectivity program (MP3EI) by developing our flight network to the fast growing economic regions and tourist destination in the remote area in Indonesia," he said.

Moreover, the operation of these turboprop aircraft are also in line with the company's efforts to enhance service to the customers by offering a wider choice of destinations and travel options to passengers as well as part of Garuda Indonesia's move to join the SkyTeam global alliance in March 2014 and in anticipation of 2015's ASEAN Open Sky policy.

Garuda Indonesia will operate "Explore" flights with ATR72-600 aircraft, starting on 3 December 2013, with a single class all-economy class configuration with a seat capacity for 70 passengers to serve flights flying out of its hubs or spokes, such as from Denpasar on to Labuan Bajo, Ende, and Bima, as well as from Makassar and Ambon to destinations in those regions.

In line with its fleet development program, Garuda Indonesia will receive 35 ATR72-600, including firm orders for 25 aircraft and options for 10 additional aircraft, in stages up to 2017. The aircraft will be used to serve short-haul point to point flights, and flights between hubs and spokes.

Garuda will use these new turboprop on routes that are under the 400 Nm range in all regions of the country. The ATR 72-600 is very much capable of reaching small airports that have runways measuring less than 1,600 meters, and are therefore too small for jet planes.

"Being equipped with modern technology and capable of efficient operations, the ATR 72-600 offers the same high level of comfort to passengers, as the other fleet types operated by Garuda Indonesia. This type of aircraft is the best in its class to serve short distance routes between the islands and cities in Indonesia that have a limited runway capacity," added Emirsyah.

In line with the company's long-term "Quantum Leap 2011-2015" expansion program, Garuda Indonesia will take delivery of 26 new aircraft in 2013 to support the development of both the national and international flight networks, consisting of 4 B777-300ER, 3 Airbus A330s, 10 B737-800NG, 7 Bombardier CRJ1000 NextGen, and 2 ATR72-600. Meanwhile, in 2013 Citilink will receive 10 A320 aicraft. Thus, Garuda Indonesia Group will operate as many as 139 fleet by the end of this year.

Per Q3-2013, Garuda Indonesia Group has received 27 new aircraft, consisting of 7 B737-800NG, 2 A330-300/200, 7 Bombardier CRJ-1000 NextGen, 2 B777-300ER, and 9 A320-200. In all, up to the third quarter of 2013, Garuda Indonesia Group is currently operating 131 aircraft.