by | February 21st, 2006
Garuda Indonesia, the national carrier is in financial crisis. The airline owes $794.6m to overseas investors and there is endless speculation about Garuda being partly sold to a foreign airline.
Recently Lufthansa have been talking to Garuda and that fueled gossip about a partial take-over. Today the Indonesian government denied that wwas the case. Garuda seeks strategic partnerships with other airlines, but not strategic investors. That’s the current line anyway. There is a tremendous amount of national pride associated with Garuda and selling it would be a huge loss of face.
I have flown Garuda and they are a decent airline. Garuda is the winged horse of Hindu god Vishnu.
{ 4 comments }
Was this why almost all international Garuda flights were cancelled when I was at the airport (January 20th and February 8th)? I asked someone whether the pilots were on strike and he said: “Ah no, it’s always like this!”
I would never fly with them for fear of getting stuck (or never getting off the ground).
Garuda offers inflight service, that is unmatched by any other carriers. Such as complimentary lethal appetizers.
Garuda Indonesia Airlines baggage handlers at Singapore airport are a bunch of thieves. They broke into 6 out of 8 suitcases and stole over Can $ 5,000.
My advice: Don’t fly with Garuda.
Fritz
Surely the baggage handlers at Singapore Airport are Singaporeans and generally they are employed by a local company that does all the baggage handling for the Airport. Bit harsh to Blame Garuda and advise not to fly with them. Garuda would not have their own baggage Handlers in every Port that they fly into.
Gary
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