Fashion
Liverpool FC training kit sponsor Garuda Indonesia has confirmed an order with Airbus for 14 A330-900 aircraft.
The planes, the new re-engined version of the best-selling A330 widebody airliner, will support growth and business expansion for the Indonesian airline.
The deal was signed at a ceremony in London in the presence of the President of Indonesia, His Excellency Joko Widodo, and British Prime Minister, David Cameron MP.
Garuda Indonesia plans to use the aircraft to develop its medium and long haul network, with the planes offering cutting edge technology along with more efficient operations.
Airbus employs more than 6,000 staff at its Broughton plant, near Chester, making wings for all its commercial aircraft .
The order replaces and extends an existing order for seven A330-300 aircraft, and the A330neo (new engine option) will be delivered from 2019 onwards.
“We are pleased to announce that we continue our long-standing relationship with Airbus. Both Garuda Indonesia and Airbus fully understand the aim of the deal as a long-term strategy to win the global challenge,” said Arif Wibowo, chief executive of Garuda Indonesia.
He explained, “The A330neo represents a more-efficient future for Garuda Indonesia. This order restructuring is believed to support our continued commitment to deliver the most modern, comfortable and excellent air travel service to all customers as well as to strengthen the sustained positive growth and business expansion of the company.
“Furthermore, we are confident that this latest technology aircraft will support us to compete better in the industry.”
Prime Minister David Cameron said: “This deal underlines the increasing importance of our ties with Indonesia – a fast growing economy and set to become the seventh largest in the world by 2030.
“We are the fifth biggest investor in Indonesia and our relationship has more untapped potential. We want to encourage more British businesses to seize on these opportunities and we will continue to support them by banging the drum for British skills and expertise.”
Airbus chief operating officer Tom Williams said: “We are delighted to welcome Garuda Indonesia as a new customer for the A330neo.
“The A330neo will bring a range of benefits from unbeatable operating economics including significant reductions in fuel consumption, lower maintenance costs and extended range capability.
“The aircraft will have Airbus’ all new Airspace cabin which will ensure the A330 continues to be a benchmark for passengers and airlines alike.”
The deal is the latest milestone in a long-standing partnership dating back more than 30 years, when the airline took delivery of its first Airbus A300.
The A330-800neo and the A330-900neo are two new members of the Airbus widebody family with first deliveries scheduled to start in the fourth quarter of 2017.
The A330neo incorporates latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, aerodynamic enhancements and new cabin features.
It reduces fuel consumption by 14% per seat, making it the most cost-efficient, long range widebody aircraft on the market.
Garuda Indonesia is already rated a five star airline in terms of comfort and passenger services.
