Garuda posts stable load factor over competition

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Mon, 05/19/2008 11:50 AM  |  Business

PT Garuda Indonesia posted an 80 percent load factor for its Beijing-Jakarta route in the first quarter of 2008, a sign that the airline was able to maintain its performance on the route despite stiffer competition, officials said.

"The company transported 150,000 passengers on the Jakarta to Beijing route. We plan to double that number this year," said Garuda's head of external communications, Singgih Handoyo.

Garuda, the nation's flagship airline, also posted an average load factor of 80 percent last year. Garuda flies the Beijing -Jakarta route three times a week, and also serves flights to Shanghai and Guang Zhou, with a total of 11 flights per week to the three destinations.

Garuda's competitors in the China to Indonesia routes include China Airlines, Southern China Air, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific.

Garuda general manager in Beijing, Pikri Ilham K., said the figures showed Garuda was still relatively competitive in comparison to other international airlines.

"We are optimistic that we can reach our target of transporting 22,000 passengers on the Beijing to Jakarta route this year," Pikri said as quoted by Antara.

He said the company and the tourism and culture minister expected to meet the target with a series of tourism promotions and an anticipated increase of travelers to Beijing for the Olympics.

"In regards to 'Visit Indonesia Year 2008', Garuda Indonesia offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong have prepared a number of programs with support from Garuda's main office," Pikri said.

He added that the promotional programs have been coordinated with all offices representing Indonesia in China, including the Indonesian embassy in Beijing and its Consulate General offices in Guangzhou and Hong Kong.

The programs include an "Indonesian Hospitality" conceptual service package, available in every Garuda Indonesia branch office.

Another program called the "Destination Campaign" involves sending monthly invitations to the Chinese media to attend promotional and exhibition tours in Indonesia.

"There are also other activities. We are handing out golf tournaments packages and there have been several Indonesian-themed festivals in China," Pikri said.

He said Garuda was preparing more travel packages in cooperation with several Chinese travel agencies in order to increase the number of foreign travelers to Indonesia.

To strengthen customer loyalty, Garuda also plans to issue more Frequent Flyer Garuda cards, Pikri added. (anw)

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