Garuda signs agreement to purchase 11 Airbus planes

... Based on the contract, worth Rp$2.54 billion or US$231.1 million each, the 11 Airbus planes will be delivered in stages to strengthen Garuda's fleet through 2017...

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Garuda Indonesia signed an agreement with Airbus on Wednesday to purchase 11 A330-300 planes.

The signing took place during the visit of British Prime Minister David Cameron at the presidential palace with Garuda Indonesia President Director Emirsyah Satar and Executive Vice President for Airbus Program Tom Williams, while being witnessed by President Susilo Yudhoyono and PM Cameron.

Yudhoyono later said there were five agendas to be discussed to increase cooperation between the two countries.

"In the meeting just now we discussed five agendas, namely cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, education, democracy and inter-faith dialog and climate changes," he said.

He added that trade between the two countries had increased by 10 percent to US$2.8 billion in 2011, from US$2.6 billion in 2010.

"Britain's investment in Indonesia is the fifth largest. We have offered cooperation following the country's efforts to boost growth and open investment opportunities," he said.

PM David Cameron, meanwhile, said Britain has set a target of doubling its trade value within three years and would contribute to the development of micro-small and medium businesses in Indonesia.

"We have also invited Indonesian businessmen to increase investment and would provide priority visas for businessman wishing to invest in Britain," he said.

Based on the contract, worth Rp$2.54 billion or US$231.1 million each, the 11 Airbus planes will be delivered in stages to strengthen Garuda's fleet through 2017.

The national flag carrier now operates 14 A330 planes consisting of six A330-300 and eight A330-200 planes.

In a press statement, Emirsyah Satar said the purchase was part of Garuda's fleet development program to increase capacity and develop new routes, including middle- and long-haul flights.

Tom William, meanwhile, said the purchase agreement was the follow up of the good relations developed by the two parties. 

Editor: Ade P Marboen
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