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Indonesia seeks 'partial' lifting of flight ban
Dadan Wijaksana , The Jakarta Post , Beijing | Mon, 10/27/2008 11:31 AM | Headlines
National flag carrier Garuda Indonesia may be allowed to fly to Europe as early as November, with the government seeking a "partial" revocation of a ban on Indonesian airlines from entering the region.
The European Commission (EC) ban applies to all Indonesian airlines, but with efforts to lift the ban progressing slowly, the government is now calling on the EU to revoke the ban on Garuda at least, Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda said here over the weekend.
Hassan was part of an Indonesian delegation, led by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, that visited Beijing from Oct. 22 to 26 to take part in the seventh Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM).
Leaders from the two continents used the ASEM summit to discuss measures needed to tackle the global financial crisis. The meeting turned out to be a prelude to a highly anticipated summit of developed and emerging economies in Washington next month to draw up collective measures to prevent the world from slipping into recession.
On the sidelines of the ASEM summit, Yudhoyono met with Jose Manuel Barroso, president of the EC -- the executive arm of the European Union -- and French President Nicolas Sarkozy who is the current EU president.
Hassan confirmed that Indonesia's request to revoke the ban on Garuda was one of the issues discussed during the meeting with Barroso and Sarkozy.
"The response was good. It (partial revocation) has happened before. They said they would look into it," he said, adding that a decision might be made during the EU meeting in November.
Garuda has no direct flights to Europe but had hoped to introduce some. The airline claims it has met all the necessary requirements on safety standards and has boasted a few awards from internationally recognized aviation safety agencies.
The EU imposed the ban in mid-2007 due to safety concerns following a spate of fatal accidents involving Indonesian airlines.
Garuda president Emirsyah Satar said the company appreciated the government's efforts and would leave the decision to the EC.
"On our part, I think we have done enough (to meet the safety requirements). It's out of our hands now. We'll just have to wait and see," Emirsyah said Sunday.
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Ringo (not verified) — Tue, 01/20/2009 - 2:40pm
So iain, if that the case then would you kindly explain why airlines from suriname or let say pacific island are allowed to enter the Eu's flight zone? As far as i know, Garuda have met the requirements needed based on ICAO's rules. If this about technicality then explain that to us indonesians? Or you just baffling without any logic or reasons behind it, stop commenting if you dont know any!!!
Dewi Rania (not verified) — Tue, 10/28/2008 - 11:57pm
would the uplift of ban trigger a better effort from Garuda to bolster its safety? I believe this issue must be addressed thoroughly before propelling the idea of flying to EU. EU flight is not a major concern of Garuda frequent flyers..
Iain (not verified) — Tue, 10/28/2008 - 10:20am
I think Indonesians need to stop thinking that they are singled out and unfairly treated.
What is happening to Garuda is no different to other airlines around the world. Stop playing the victim and fix your problems. Welcome to the real world.
A.mulders (not verified) — Mon, 10/27/2008 - 3:17pm
It seems to me that the last sentence of Mr. Emirsyah is not a good one. He wants sit and lean back in his chair waiting for what is coming.
Instead he should work hard to improve further the safety of Garuda and clean up the whole Garuda organisation incluiding all the procedures especially the safety procedures. Important is to control seriously and frequently the executions of this procedures because controling and mantainance are the biggest lacks in Indonesia.