Letter: Garuda and European ban

I'd like to write to you concerning the matter of Garuda and other Indonesian airlines being banned from flying to Europe and various other international destinations.

Garuda has fulfilled the IATA obligations to ensure it performs the minimum necessary maintenance requirements on its aircraft, according to recent press reports, at which point it assumed that the European ban should be lifted.

This ban will not be lifted as Garuda has not addressed all aspects of airline operations.

What it does not understand is that it is not only on maintenance issues that Garuda is being judged but on all the disciplines required to operate an airline to international standards.

As I write this letter I am sitting in Balikpapan waiting on GA517 (now a 1 hour and 30 minute-delay) wondering when this flight might depart. There had been no announcement and the ground staff are unable to advise.

I challenge Garuda to employ some professional international personnel to assist them to run the airline as per other international carriers and not as another local rag-tag outfit.

Sadly this is yet another aspect that holds Indonesia's international reputation at a low level when reviewing infrastructure and business efficiency.

Garuda, get your act together if you want to fly to Europe.

PAUL COOK
Samarinda, East Kalimantan