"With the continuation of the management cooperation, GMF will resume its full services for Sriwijaya Air's aircraft, including those of NAM Air," President Director of GMF AeroAsia Tazar Marta Kurniawan noted here on Tuesday.
GMF AeroAsia is a subsidiary of Indonesian flag-carrier Garuda Indonesia, specializing in aircraft maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO).
The Garuda Indonesia Group and Sriwijaya Air Group reached an agreement on Tuesday to resume its cooperation to provide services for Sriwijaya Air.
Kurniawan stated that the agreement will benefit the companies and customers.
Maintenance services have been commenced for aircraft of Sriwijaya and NAM Air on Tuesday.
"We immediately began providing the services to Sriwijaya Air and NAM Air," he remarked.
Kurniawan affirmed that the GMF remains committed to prioritizing safety and quality. The agreement to resume the cooperation is expected to proffer benefits to the companies and people.
Some Rp800 billion (US$52.51 million) is yet recorded as PT Sriwijaya Air’s accounts payable to PT GMF, as of June 30, 2019.
It also owed other state-run companies including Pertamina (Rp942 billion), BNI (Rp585 billion), PT Angkasa Pura II (Rp80 billion), and PT Angkasa Pura I (Rp50 billion) in spare parts maintenance.
This debt amount, which Sriwijaya Air found difficult to settle, had compelled GMF to stop its maintenance contract with Sriwijaya Air Group, comprising Sriwijaya Air and NAM Air.
Consequently, half of Sriwijaya Group's aircraft were declared unfit for operation after failing to meet the flight safety requirements, with its limited mechanics, technicians, and spare parts.
The Directorate General of Air Transportation of the Transportation Ministry announced on Monday that of the total 30 aircraft scheduled to be flown on a daily basis, 18 were grounded.
Related news: Garuda Indonesia, Sriwijaya establish cooperation in flight operation
EDITED BY INE
Translator: Juwita Trisna Rahayu, Sri Hary
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
