(11/18/2002)
If one of the goals of the terrorists who attacked a Bali nightspot on October 12th was to deliver a death blow to the financially-troubled Indonesian national carrier, recent decisions by the airline's management may indicate the terrorists have scored a dramatic victory. Garuda Indonesia's worldwide network is shrinking at an extraordinary rate.
Following on the heels of decisions by the airline to cease flights to Rome, Frankfurt, and Paris, Garuda has just announced its intention to stop flying to London, effective January 2003. Citing load factors averaging 40% and well below the stated break-even level of 70%, Garuda's General Manager for Germany, Austria, Italy and Spain made the latest announcement on Wednesday, November 13, 2002. The airline's Frankfurt service was withdrawn on November 14, 2002.
Only Holland Left
The widespread curtailment of Garuda flights from Europe leave them with Amsterdam as the sole remaining European hub served by the Indonesian airline. In an arrangement with KLM - Royal Dutch Airlines, Indonesian-bound passengers traveling on Garuda utilize KLM's extensive European route network to connect to their Indonesian bound flights over Amsterdam's Schipol airport.
Under Constant Review
Garuda has promised to keep their European service under constant review, re-introducing cancelled services when and if market conditions permit.
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