GARUDA Indonesia posted revenue of 6.9 trillion rupiah (US$775 million) for the third quarter, a 40 per cent jump over the same period in 2010.
The airline’s heightened earnings resulted in correspondingly healthier profits of 437 billion rupiah during the interval, a massive 472 per cent jump over last year’s 127.6 billion rupiah loss.
Growth in Garuda’s domestic and international flight frequencies—boosted in the third quarter by 24.8 per cent to 33,613 flights, as well as a healthier average load factor—up by 1.81 per cent to 78.25 per cent, contributed to the gains.
Between January and July, domestic air traffic in Indonesia saw a 15 per cent increase, while international air traffic was up by 14 per cent. Garuda’s domestic and international passenger numbers saw a 39 per cent and 32 per cent hike during the same period, respectively.
Garuda spokesperson Pujobroto noted: “These achievements mean a lot (to the airline) as it took place amid the global economic situation, the political situation in the Middle East, the earthquake and Tsunami in Japan, and increasing fuel prices.
Meanwhile, Garuda will continue to boost its aircraft numbers through the five-year Quantum Leap expansion programme first announced in 2009.
The flag carrier will grow its fleet from the current 89 aircraft to 154 aircraft by 2015. The new planes will consist of B737-800NG aircraft for domestic and regional services, A330-300 and 200 planes for mediumhaul routes, and B777-300ERs for longhaul flights.
