Garuda Targets Addition of 20 Aircraft to Strengthen National Air Services
Main Takeaways
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JAKARTA, Investortrust.id — Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has voiced full support for PT Garuda Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (GIAA) as the state carrier plans to bolster its fleet by 20 aircraft in 2025, aiming to address capacity constraints and enhance connectivity across Indonesia.
Dudy Purwagandhi, Minister of Transportation, made the endorsement following a working session with Commission V of the House of Representatives in the Parliament Complex, Jakarta, on Tuesday, Jul. 8, 2025. He noted that Indonesia’s current aircraft availability remains insufficient to meet burgeoning domestic and international travel demand.
“I welcome Garuda’s intention to expand its fleet; it is essential for serving our airspace more effectively,” Dudy told reporters after the meeting. He emphasized that while the exact mix of aircraft would be for Garuda’s management to decide, the government stands behind the initiative.
PT Garuda Indonesia, Indonesia’s flag carrier, has set an ambitious target to add 20 aircraft this year. Wamildan Tsani Panjaitan, President Director of Garuda Indonesia, first outlined the plan on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, indicating a mix of leased and owned jets to be deployed across key domestic and regional routes.
Expansion Plan and Long-Term Outlook
In the longer term, Garuda Indonesia is evaluating orders for 50–75 new airliners directly from Boeing, including the 737 Max and 787 models, to further modernize its fleet and improve fuel efficiency. “We are negotiating direct purchases with the manufacturer rather than relying solely on leasing arrangements,” Wamildan said on Thursday, Jul. 3, 2025, at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs in Jakarta.
Garuda Indonesia reported a net loss of US$ 69.78 million (Rp 1.13 trillion) for full-year 2024, weighed down by operational headwinds and elevated fuel costs. The carrier recently secured a shareholder loan of Rp 6.65 trillion from its majority stakeholder, Badan Pengelola Investasi Daya Anagata Nusantara (Danantara), to support liquidity and fleet expansion.