Garuda Indonesia bolstered its wide-body aircraft fleet to enhance its operations during the Hajj. The Indonesian airline added seven aircraft of different models and from various companies under wet leasing contracts.
Indonesia, the country with the largest Muslim population in the world, sees many of its citizens participate in the pilgrimage to Mecca, known as the Hajj. The Indonesian government, along with religious organizations, coordinates and facilitates the pilgrimage for Indonesian Muslims.
In preparation for the Hajj, Garuda Indonesia has incorporated into its fleet three Airbus A330-300s, one Airbus A340-300, two Boeing 747-400s, and one Boeing 777-200. These aircraft have been operating since May 12 between various airports in Indonesia and the Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport in Medina, Saudi Arabia.
The aircraft were leased under wet leasing agreements, which include the provision of aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance.
Leased Aircraft:
- Airbus A330-300 (T7-MMM), leased from San Marino Executive Aviation
- Airbus A330-300 (CS-WFP), leased from World2Fly
- Airbus A330-300 (HS-XTG), leased from Thai AirAsia X
- Airbus A340-300 (YR-LRD), leased from Legend Airlines
- Boeing 747-400 (ER-BOS and ER-TRV), leased from Terra Avia
- Boeing 777-200 (N771KW), leased from Eastern Airlines
The incorporated aircraft operate from Indonesian airports in Surakarta (SOC), Medan (KNO), Banjarmasin (BDJ), Jakarta (CGK), and Makassar (UPG). From these locations, they depart for Medina Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport (MED) in Saudi Arabia.
All aircraft added to Garuda Indonesia’s fleet operate under the traditional livery of each airline or leasing company but have been stickered with the Indonesian airline’s branding.
The major pilgrimage to Mecca will take place from June 14th to June 19th, so it is likely that the aircraft will be leased until early July.
