After implementing its business transformation program since 2005, notably across its operations, management & human resources, finance and service standards, Garuda Indonesia is gradually reaping results. In 2008, the airline managed to increase profit from IDR 67 billion to IDR 669 billion as well as becoming an IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) certified operator. Towards the end of 2009, improvements to its services also resulted in an upgrade in its Skytrax rating level from a three-star to a four-star airline status. The rise in ranking is based on audit results on a number of Garuda Indonesia's routes serving Singapore, Melbourne, Beijing Denpasar (Bali), Jakarta, Perth, Sydney, Hong Kong and Seoul.
Skytrax is a London- UK based research company specializing in the analysis and rating of all aspects of the aviation industry, including airports. Today, Skytrax is the only company referred to by international airlines.
The 4-Star Airline Certificate was presented to Garuda Indonesia President & CEO, Emirsyah Satar, by the Skytrax CEO, Edward M. Pleisted at Hotel Borobudur, Jakarta. Also present at the occasion was the Minister of State-Owned Enterprises, Mustapa Abubakar.
"This achievement demonstrates Garuda Indonesia's commitment to carry out ongoing quality transformations and eventually become a world-class airline," explained Garuda Indonesia President & CEO, Emirsyah Satar. "Garuda Indonesia is now one of just 27 airlines, out of 210 airlines worldwide, that currently meet the criteria for 4-star ranking," added Emir.
Skytrax CEO, Edward M. Pleisted says the 4-Star Certification for Garuda Indonesia was also given in recognition of the airline's front-liners who have shown quality standard service. "These past few years Garuda Indonesia has undergone major transformations and significantly achieved quality improvements in their service," Pleisted further added.
To achieve its goal of becoming a 4-Star airline, Garuda Indonesia carried out effective strategies aimed at improving service quality, such as restructuring and introducing a more focused service concept the Garuda Indonesia Experience, fleet revitalization and rebuilding in the form of additional new aircraft, comprising 50 Boeing 737-800NGs and 4 A330-200s, as well as the refurbishment of the A330-300.
This year, Garuda Indonesia is expecting 24 new aircraft, consisting of 23 B-737-800NGs and one 1 Airbus 330-200. The airline has also added ten (10) new domestic and international routes to meet increasing market demands. In addition, in August 2009, Garuda Indonesia launched a new service product based on warm Indonesian hospitality, called Garuda Indonesia Experience.
The Quantum Leap plan launched earlier calls for the fleet to grow from 61 aircraft to a 116 to support a rise in weekly frequencies from 1700 to 3000, a rise in passenger volume from 10.3 million passengers to 27.6 million, annually, an increase in operating revenue from IDR 18.1 trillion to IDR 57.6 trillion. The plan also foresees a rise in net profits from IDR 669 billion in 2008 to IDR 3.757 trillion by 2014.
Since its founding, Skytrax has audited as many as 210 airlines and 65 airports worldwide. Audits cover each touch points, involving pre-journey, pre-flight, in-flight, post-flight and post journey.
Jakarta, January 27, 2010
PT. GARUDA INDONESIA (PERSERO)
VP CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS
PUJOBROTO
