Garuda Indonesia to expand business in Sulawesi

Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post, Makassar | Business | Thu, November 22 2012, 8:01 PM

National flag carrier PT Garuda Indonesia says it will expand flight service and operations in Makassar, South Sulawesi, to strengthen its foothold in eastern Indonesia.

More flights connecting the provincial capital to other parts of Indonesia would boost connectivity and create multiplier effects, Garuda Indonesia president director Emirsyah Satar said on Thursday.

Emirsyah made his comments at a meeting in Makassar with local governors and former vice president Jusuf Kalla, who remains a prominent figure in the region.

Among the airline’s plans are to establish a training center, maintenance facility, cargo business and a cold storage center in Makassar; and to build hotels in Makassar; Manado, North Sulawesi;

Kendari , Southeast Sulawesi; and Gorontalo.

The airline also plans for its low cost carrier, Citilink, to serve Makassar 36 times a day in 2013.

Kalla; The governors of Central Sulawesi, South Sulawesi, Southeast Sulawesi and West Sulawesi; and Emirsyah signed the Makassar Declaration at the end of the meeting, pledging to work together to

build infrastructure and airports. (swd)