On ban of Garuda Airlines

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Tue, 07/03/2007 10:40 AM  |  Opinion

I would like to comment on the recent ban of all Indonesian airlines from flying to EU nations by the European Commission. My opinion is that Europe is using the safety concerns as an excuse to prevent profits falling into the hands of Indonesia's national flag carrier, PT Garuda Indonesia, which specializes in international flights.

It is important not to accept the current political mood of the EU as they were once colonials and still want to play unfairly. Oil is our key to making them listen when winter returns. Now, the EU is experiencing summer and Western Europe is suffering from extreme heat.

PT Garuda needs to act fast to protect its income. Indonesian people in New Zealand complain that Garuda Indonesia has stopped flying to Auckland, but still flies to Sydney and Melbourne in Australia.

Auckland City is an international city, which is only two to three hours flight from Sydney. Garuda needs to think fast about reviewing its destinations in order to achieve and maintain its profitable income so as to protect the income and economy of Indonesia.

Actually, Indonesians in New Zealand prefer to fly with Garuda Indonesia rather than using foreign airlines from Auckland to Sydney. Can't the Indonesian government make a better agreement with the New Zealand government? Also, Garuda's management needs to improve its safety quality to meet International standards so passengers will feel comfortable using Garuda once again to fly home or travel throughout the world.

CAMELIA PARDEDE
Auckland

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