CITILINK launched yesterday a new business plan and branding in anticipation of plans to operate independently from parent airline Garuda Indonesia.
Garuda president and CEO, Emirsyah Satar, said the new livery marks a new era for the low-cost carrier (LCC), which is preparing to spin off from Garuda by early next year. “There is a big potential market for LCCs, and we would like to revive Citilink,” he said.
Citilink, which currently contributes five per cent of Garuda Indonesia Group’s business, is aiming to increase its share to 30 per cent by 2015, according to Citilink vice president strategic and Garuda executive VP, Elisa Lumbantoruan.
To facilitate expansion, the airline will get five new A320s this year, with the first scheduled to arrive in September. Another 25 new A320s will be delivered from 2014, plus another 25 on option.
Apart from domestic expansion, Citilink’s regional growth will target neighbouring destinations such as Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Australia.
Garuda has appointed former Viva Macau chief executive, Con Korfiatis, as advisor to the board of directors to help oversee Citilink’s expansion.
Lumbantoruan said: “With the new aircraft on order and the plan to spin the airline off, Citilink will become one of the top LCCs in Indonesia and the region.”
Citilink is expected to become a public company by 2015.
