Garuda Indonesia signs for 14 Airbus A330-900neos at Downing Street
Above:
(left to right) Rolls-Royce President - Civil Aerospace Eric Schulz; CEO of Garuda Indonesia, Arif Wibowo; UK Prime Minister David Cameron; Airbus COO Tom Williams and President of Indonesia, His Excellency Joko Widodo pictured after signing the deal at 10 Downing Street in London.
It was signed at Downing Street with the President of Indonesia, His Excellency Joko Widodo and will secure jobs at Airbus facilities in Filton and Broughton.
The Prime Minister, Rt Hon. David Cameron MP 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 investors 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.”
Paul Everitt, Chief Executive of ADS Group says: “Congratulations to Airbus, this order represents great news for UK’s Aerospace industry which supports high-skill, high-value employment throughout the country. It also reinforces the UK’s position as a global leader within aerospace, able to compete successfully in tough international markets.”
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.
Arif Wibowo, CEO of Garuda Indonesia said: “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.”
Arif 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.”
Rolls-Royce also won an order worth $1.2 billion for Trent 7000 engines and TotalCare service support from Garuda Indonesia, signed in London by Mr M. Arif Wibowo, President and CEO, Garuda Indonesia, and Eric Schulz, Rolls-Royce, President – Civil Aerospace and welcomed by Mr Widodo and UK Prime Minister David Cameron. The engines will power the 14 Airbus A330neo aircraft.
The Trent 7000, the exclusive power plant for the A330neo, is the seventh member of the Trent family which has become the engine of choice in the wide body market over the last 20 years. The Trent 7000 is scheduled to enter service in 2017.
The order replaces an existing order for seven A330-300 aircraft powered by Trent 700 engines. In recognition of the longer term growth potential of Garuda and Indonesian civil aviation, both parties also agreed to explore maintenance cooperation and skills development opportunities.
Mr Schulz said: “Indonesia has great economic prospects and we are committed to supporting its future growth in air travel. This year marks the 20th anniversary since we first provided Trent engines to Garuda Indonesia and we are proud to power this latest expansion to their fleet with the very latest member of our Trent engine family. In creating this family, we have benefitted from UK investment in innovation across materials, aerodynamics, noise, control systems and manufacturing technologies.”
Mr Wibowo said: “This contract further deepens our relationship with Rolls-Royce and we look forward to bringing these new aircraft into service.”
Garuda Indonesia currently operates 24 Trent 700-powered A330 aircraft with a further two on order.