JAKARTA (theinsiderstories.com) – Garuda Indonesia has revealed its intention to purchase 30 units 787-9 Dreamliners as well as 30 units of 737 MAX 8 airlines from Boeing on the sideline of the Paris Airshow 2015 in Paris. The airliner also signed letter of intent with Airbus to purchase 30 units of A350 XWB aircraft.
Boeing said in a joint statement that it will work with Garuda Indonesia to finalize the order. “The agreement is part of Garuda Indonesia’s revitalization program in order to provide our passengers with the best possible experience with the youngest fleet in the sky and to support the airline’s future plan to further expand its network globally,” Garuda Indonesia’s President and CEO Arif Wibowo said in a statement.
“The 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX are extraordinary airplanes with exceptional economics that will keep us competitive and bring a new level of service excellence for our customers,” Wibowo added.
In addition to the announcement, the flag carrier also reconfirmed its intent to purchase 50 units of 737 MAX 8s, originally announced in October 2014. The airline currently operates more than 90 Boeing airplanes, including Next-Generation versions of the 737, 777-300ERs and 747-400s.
“The 787-9 and 737 MAX will be a great complement to Garuda’s current Boeing airplanes, providing them with additional capability and superior economics and their customers with an exceptional flying experience,” Ray Conner, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes said.
The 787-9 leverages the passenger-pleasing design of the 787 family, with features such as the industry’s largest windows, large stow bins, modern LED lighting, higher humidity, a lower cabin altitude, cleaner air and a smoother ride.
The 737 MAX incorporates the latest-technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets and other improvements to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market. Airlines operating the 737 MAX will see an 8 percent per seat operating cost advantage over the A320neo.
On Monday (June 15), Garuda Indonesia also signed letter of intent (LOI) with Airbus to purchase 30 units of A350 XWB on the sideline of Paris Airshow 2015 in Paris. The LOI was signed by Garuda Indonesia’s President Director Arif Wibowo and Airbus President Director Fabrice Bregier, which was witnessed by Indonesian Transportation Minister Ignasius Jonan.
Garuda Indonesia currently operates 169 aircrafts with average 600 daily flights. It expects to grow its fleet to 185 aircraft by end 2015. (*)