In line with the airline’s efforts to develop and strengthen its flight network, Garuda Indonesia has announced the introduction of new ATR72-600 aircraft into its fleet, starting on November 2013.

The signing agreement of the aircraft delivery took place earlier in Jakarta, with Garuda striking a deal with Avions de Transport Regional and the Danish leasing and financing firm, Nordic Aviation Capital.

Garuda will receive 35 ATR72-600, including firm orders for 25 aircraft and options for ten additional aircraft, in stages up to 2017.

The aircraft will be used to serve short-haul point to point flights, and flights between hubs and spokes.

Garuda Indonesia president Emirsyah Satar said the agreement is part of the airline’s “Quantum Leap 2011-2015” transformation and expansion program, designed especially to broaden and strengthen Garuda’s flight network in the domestic market, and at the same time enhance service to the customers by offering a wider choice of destinations and travel options.

“As the airline industry continues to grow steadily, Garuda will continue to carry out its business transformation and expansion program, in sync with the government’s plans in the next couple of years to develop air transport infrastructure by opening new airports around the country, particularly in fast growing economic regions and tourist destinations,” he said.

The purchase is part of a wider commitment to support the Indonesia economic development through the Masterplan for Acceleration and Expansion of Indonesia’s Economic Development program.

Garuda will use these new propeller airplanes on routes that are under the 400 Nm range (under 30 minutes) in all regions of the country.

The ATR 72-600 is very much capable of reaching small airports that have runways measuring less than 1,600 meters, and are therefore too small for jet planes.

“Being equipped with modern technology and capable of efficient operations, the ATR 72-600 offers the same high level of comfort to passengers, as the other fleet types operated by Garuda Indonesia.

“This type of aircraft is the best in its class to serve short distance routes between the islands and cities in Indonesia that have a limited runway capacity,” added Satar.