New "Island-hoppers" have a role in Indonesia
Garuda Indonesia introduces new ATR72-600 aircraft into its fleet next week to serve short-haul point to point flights and routes between its Jakarta and Bali hubs and its many island destinations such as Lombok and Labuan Bajo.
The contract has just been signed between European turboprop aircraft manufacturer ATR (Alenia Aermacchi & EADS) national airline Garuda Indonesia and the Danish leasing firm Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) for the 25 new ATR 72-600 aircraft with an option for a further 10. The total order value is worth over US$840 million.
The new fuel-saving ATR 72-600s will start arriving in November 2013. The aircraft will have 70 seats and be used on routes that are under the 400 Nm range (under 30 minutes) in all regions throughout Indonesia. The ATR 72-600 is capable of reaching small airports that have runways measuring less than 1,600 meters which are too small for jet planes.
“We are very happy to be developing our regional business with ATR 72-600s, the aircraft that stand out as one of the best choice for short-haul flights," Garuda president and CEO Emirsyah Satar said in an official release.
“We need aircraft that offer the latest in technology and comfort for our customers. ATR 72-600s provide the perfect combination for regional networks: Offering modern technology and low operational costs”.
Farnair Europe ATR shorthaul
Engineered by enhanced technology, the -600 series is a large step forward in the regional transportation market. The ATR -600 brings new operational capability to the ATR family through outstanding performance at take-off on short runways, increased max payload, reduced maintenance costs, performance enhancement and expanded operational versatility and improved passengers comfort and appeal.
The ATR -600 Series enjoys the latest innovations in the cockpit with simplified, integrated LCD advanced functions, enhancing safety, improved handling for pilots and maintenance cost saving. Bertrand Marotte of The Globe and Mail in Montreal, Canada, where the Bombardier CRJ1000 series were manufactured for Garuda, reports that European plane maker ATR has beaten Bombardier Inc. on the important turboprop order.
State-owned PT Garuda Indonesia has decided to go with ATR’s 72-600 turboprop aircraft over Bombardier’s Q400 plane. Bombardier Aerospace spokesman Marc Duchesne said in an interview Wednesday that the Montreal-based company pitched Garuda, but that the carrier appears to have decided it didn’t require the greater performance, longer range and roomier interior of the Q400. The Q400 also costs more, he said.
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Garuda president and chief executive Emirsyah Satar said in a news release that the ATR 72-600 is the best choice for the short-haul flights and operations between the various islands of Indonesia.
One of ATR’s arguments in the marketing of the ATR 72 is that the Q400 burns up to 47 per cent more jet fuel on shorter routes than its own plane. Bombardier counters that it is misleading to stress the ATR 72’s fuel economy because there are many factors to consider, including the Q400’s versatility on different types of routes.
Bombardier and another Indonesia airline, Lion Air, confirmed last week they are in talks over a possible deal to buy the jet manufacturer’s new narrow-body C Series jet. In the first half of 2013, Garuda Indonesia Group has received 20 new airplanes, consisting of four B737-800 NG, one A330-200, six CRJ-1000 NextGen, one B777-300ER and eight A320-200. Currently the company is operating a total of 126 aircrafts.
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From news by Keshie Hernitaningtyas, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta and Bertrand Marotte of The Globe and Mail in Montreal
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