GARUDA INDONESIA reduce flight frequency Jakarta – Amsterdam

Garuda Indonesia to reduce the frequency of flights from Jakarta to Amsterdam, the Netherlands, due to the economic crisis in the European region. But the airline will begin to open two new routes namely to Haneda, Tokyo and Taipei, Taiwan.

"In line with economic conditions in Europe which is still in recession, beginning March 1st, Garuda Indonesia will reduce the frequency of its flights to Europe /Amsterdam from seven to four times a week," said VP of Corporate Communication Garuda Indonesia, Pujobroto.

Pujobroto explained the next flight to Amsterdam will served by Garuda Indonesia on every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from Jakarta. From Amsterdam is served every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, using A330-200 aircraft.

Pujobroto added in the line with an increase in market potential for a flight to Tokyo and Taipei, as from 27 April Garuda Indonesia will open a new route from Denpasar to Haneda (Tokyo), and on May 19, from Jakarta to Taipei. At the same time will also increase the frequency of Garuda Indonesia flight from Jakarta to Kuala Lumpur from twice to three times per day starting in February.

Denpasar - Haneda flights will be served five times per week (every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday) with a scheduled departure from Denpasar (GA 886) at 15.30 AM and arrive at Haneda at 23.30 LT. The plane will fly back from Haneda (GA 887) at 01.00 LT and arrive in Denpasar at 07.00 WITA, using Airbus 330-300 aircraft with a capacity of 257 passenger seats (42 executive class and 215 economy class).

Jakarta - Taipei flights will be served every day (seven times a week) with a scheduled departure from Jakarta (GA 852) at 23:45 pm and arrive in Taipei at 06:15 LT, then fly back from Taipei (GA 853) at 07:15 LT and arrive in Jakarta at 11:35 pm, using Boeing 737-800 New Generation (NG).

picture: google.com

AIRASIA Opens Direct Flight Kuala Lumpur-Sydney

AirAsia X, an affiliate of AirAsia, expanded its network in Australia with the launch of direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Sydney.

In its maiden flight on April 1, 2012, AirAsia X offers fare airline seat, ranging from IDR 607.000 (one way) for economy class and start from IDR 3.047.000 each way for flights with Premium Fly Flatbed.

"The opening of routes from the hub in Kuala Lumpur to Sydney is the culmination of our dreams and all associated with AirAsia X, in particular the Group CEO of AirAsia, Tan Sri Tony Fernandes," said AirAsia X CEO Azran Osman Rani.

He believes in the last 4 years the company can do things that seem impossible to do.

The launch of new routes announced by AirAsia X CEO, Azran Osman-Rani, AirAsia X Chairman, Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, Destination New South Wales CEO, Sandra Chipchase, Sydney Airport Executive Director of Aviation Services, Shelley Roberts, representatives from the tourism department.

Azran added from 1 April 2012, AirAsia X, an affiliate of AirAsia who serve long-haul flights, will fly daily from their hub at Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Kingsford Smith, Sydney.

With the opening of Kuala Lumpur – Sydney route, passengers will be able to perform advanced flight to more than 80 destinations through 165 owned by AirAsia routes to countries in Asia and beyond.

Sydney became the fourth AirAsia X destinations in Australia after the Gold Coast, Melbourne and Perth. This route as well be the only low cost direct flights from Sydney to Kuala Lumpur.

According to him, Australia is a major market share for AirAsia X, and Sydney route has long been a priority of the company due to high demand from the users of air travel services.

"Our goal is to make the journey to international destinations become more affordable for all people, and now our passengers will be able to explore Sydney, Australia and other areas with our extensive route network and at an affordable cost," he said.

He was optimistic that the new route is able to follow the success of the route that had been launched earlier, namely the Gold Coast, Melbourne and Perth.

Azran explains fly-thru service will be available for those who will fly to Sydney from Indonesia (Bali, Medan, Surabaya and Jakarta), Thailand (Bangkok, Phuket), Singapore, and Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City). This service also allows passengers to buy an airline seat for the two routes at once via Kuala Lumpur.

AirAsia Group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said the launch of the new route is not only good news for its customers, but also for the tourism industry, particularly in Sydney.

"Sydney is also AirAsia X has become a priority because of high demand for direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to the city," he added.

Kuala Lumpur - Sydney route to start operations using aircraft type Airbus A330-300 with a configuration of 12 seats and 365 flatbed Premium fly economy class seats.

picture: google.com

TANJUNG PRIOK to get new IT system to ease congestion

State-owned port operator Pelindo II will install a new information technology system at Tanjung Priok port in North Jakarta, the country's main shipment gateway, in the middle of this year to help ease congestion, reported the Jakarta Post.

Pelindo II president director Richard Joost Lino said that his company would use the IT system to monitor vessel traffic online.

"With this system, we can ease vessel congestion as well as decrease the number of vessel collisions. The system will make the work flow at Tanjung Priok port more effective and efficient," Lino said.

Pelindo II has allocated US$11.55 million to build the IT system, he said.

By the end of 2011, container traffic at the port had reached 5.47 million TEUs, surpassing the maximum capacity of five million TEUs.  In 2009, traffic was at 3.7 million TEUs and in 2010 at 4.7 million TEUs.

"We have also converted a 1,000 sq m plot of land in Terminal three into an international container terminal to help ease the traffic," he said.

Pelindo II will inform the port's service users about the IT system, and expects them to fully adapt to the system within six months, he added.

"We must be able to decrease the container idle time from six days to three days in near future," he said.

Pelindo II will also install the vessel traffic information system at Palembang, Pontianak, and Jambi ports in 2013, he said.

Pelindo II has also been mulling buying new container loading cranes, comprising two quay container cranes (QCC) and 11 luffing container cranes.

source: cargonewsasia.com / picture: google.com

Container transit in Singapore continued to decrease

The volume containers which transit at the Port of Singapore continued to decrease. In 2009 as many as 60-65 percent of containers from Tanjung Priok, Jakarta has to transit in Singapore, while in 2010 only 20 percent, but now only 18 percent. In 2011, Pelindo II has discharged nearly 6 million units of 20-foot container.

"This accomplishment is due to the better performance of Tanjung Priok, Jakarta, the equipments more complete. The container to East Asia has shipped without transit in Singapore, "said Director of PT Pelindo II, RJ Lino.

Lino said in 2012 Pelindo II is also working to achieve the standard port of the world. "In the ports of the world, after (vessel) berthing, only took 15 minutes for loading and unloading. In Tanjung Priok still need 15-30 minutes, but at the other Indonesia ports it took two hours, "he said.

Lino asserted, Pelindo II will help the government accelerate work Inaport site so that standard is reached. "What also becomes the bottleneck is the desire to go up and down the quarantine on all vessels. That's a long time, "he said.

At the end of 2012, said Lino, Pelindo has finished installing vessel traffic information system (VTIS). With the device, vessel traffic can be regulated electronically, with no radio communication.

The bottom line, says Lino, all efforts aimed at revamping ports to reduce costs and optimize the logistics of port infrastructure without having to invest too big.
"In February 2012, a container vessel with a capacity of 5000 TEUs will be bert at Tanjung Priok, Jakarta. Soon, container vessel with a capacity of 6000 TEU will also come. With a large vessel, transiting in Singapore no longer needed, "said Lino.

Shipping industry observers from Sepuluh November Institute of Technology, Saut Gurning said, if the Korea, China, and Japan destination without having to transit in Singapore, logistics costs are more competitive.

"The container vessel which more likely to stop at Tanjung Priok, Jakarta is interesting from economies of scale. More efficient. However, it should be noted, not only the size of vessel that are important, but also requires the availability of routes and frequencies are competitive, "said Saut Gurning.

picture: google.com

Garuda Indonesia Targets 21% Growth in Revenue

PT Garuda Indonesia Tbk expects revenue to grow 21% in 2012 to Rp32, 8 trillion from the position last year Rp21, 7 billion (unaudited).

"Garuda Indonesia closed the year 2011 with earned income (unaudited) IDR 27, 1 trillion. Revenue increased 39% compared to the period of 2010 amounted to IDR 19, 5 billion. Increased revenues (unaudited) was successfully achieved through the expansion of the company's operations through the program "Quantum Leap" and through the company's efficiency programs as well as through the utilization of assets, "said Director of Garuda Indonesia Emirsyah Satar.

Satar added to achieve a target turnover in 2012, Garuda Indonesia prepares capital expenditures IDR 1, 43 trillion or an increase of 2010 amounted to IDR 906 billion. "Capital spending is outside the aircraft deposit payments," he said.

During 2011, Garuda Indonesia succeeded in carrying 17.1 million passengers, ie as many as 13.9 million domestic passenger, international passenger 3.2 million, an increase of 36.8% compared to 12.53 million passengers in 2010. Production capacity (availability seat kilometer / ASK) in 2011 also increased by 26% to 32.5 billion compared to 25.77 billion in 2010.

In addition, passenger yield increased by 12.4% to U.S. $ 0.0963 (9.63 U.S. cents) compared to 2010, which amounted to U.S. 8.6 cents. "International flights contributed 46% to the total turnover of the company, and this year an estimated 50%," he said.

In the period 2011, Garuda Indonesia also managed to increase its market share (market share) in the domestic market to 28.3%, an increase of 5% over the same period last year of 23.7%.

In industry, the domestic air passenger market in 2011 grew by 16%, but Garuda Indonesia passenger market increased significantly by 36%, higher than any other airline increased an average of 9%.

International passenger market grew 12% with Garuda Indonesia successfully grow 29.5% at 8% over other airlines. Finance Director Garuda Indonesia, Elisa Lumbantoruan said in 2012 it was budgeted to pay debt of U.S. $ 131 million, the debt position of U.S. $ 512 million at the end of 2011, up from U.S. $ 476 million because in 2011 there is a new loan of U.S. $ 50 million.

picture: google.com

MOL president warns of 'prolonged harsh' business environment

MOL president Koichi Muto says last March's Japanese earthquake has hit his company hard, compounding the effect of a deteriorating business environment, which coupled with a strong yen, high fuel prices and sinking rates due to oversupply, are combining to create an industry-wide downturn.

As a result, the first half of fiscal 2011 saw the biggest loss the group has ever suffered.

"The management environment surrounding MOL remains unpredictable and clouded by imminent oversupply of vessels as more new ships reach completion, and slumping business sentiment. These factors are expected to impact containership operations, especially, where conditions are extremely harsh with the impending completion of a large number of ultra large containerships, and the prolonged slump in the economies of Europe and the US," said Mr Muto.

"Large-scale completion of new vessels is expected to continue this year, so we should prepare ourselves for a prolonged harsh business environment, and approach it with due care," he warned.

"After 2013, however, the number of new vessels completed is expected to level off, providing light at the end of the tunnel. Over the medium to long term, we predict that the excessive production capacity of shipyards in China, two-thirds of which is privately operated, will be brought into balance by the market mechanism, and we expect the oversupply of ships to be relieved," said Mr Muto.

Talking about ensuring the survival of the company he identified four key areas to strengthen, namely to provide safe transportation services at a competitive price while effectively reducing the shipping impact on the environment.

The second key area is its financial performance. To strive to improve the balance sheet and cash flow in the short term through persistent efforts to trim costs and other measures. Thirdly, its performance, in terms of ensuring that cargo is delivered in perfect condition and on time. The fourth area for improvement is sales with the goal being to build stronger relationships with customers.

With regards to slow steaming, last year most MOL ships made more diligent efforts to apply slow steaming. Mr Muto said this practice not only reduces fuel consumption, but is also expected to help mitigate the impact of oversupply in vessels and help the environment.

These sentiments were echoed by in a speech from NYK president Yasumi Kudo: "Since stagnant demand in the west and oversupply of mega-ships are predicted, our ordering of new containerships should be suspended for a while, and a light-asset business model should be adopted whereby vessels and space would be leased as needed, thereby minimising downside risks and sustaining business," he said.

According to the NYK head, strong growth in emerging economies such as in Asia would be important for the carrier, in light of the difficult economic and trading conditions currently in Europe and the US.

"I am confident that we are heading in the right direction to grow further by differentiating ourselves and focusing on emerging markets such as Asia," said Mr Kudo.

"When we focus on the emerging countries we see a different outlook ... rapid economic growth in Asia and the developing countries, which account for more than half the population of the world, is the biggest opportunity, without any doubt.

"We cannot deny the risk of weaker demand in the west having a negative effect on Asia, which largely depends on exports. However, growing demand in Asia will be the key to strong growth in the region and overcoming the slump in the west.

"Now we see a major shift in the trend, Asia is no longer only an exporting region, but creating an enormous consumer market surpassing the US or Europe," he said.

picture: google.com / source: Shippingazette.com

Semester II 2011, INDONESIA Airline On Time Performance Down

Having had time to improve in the first half of 2011, the Indonesia airlines On Time Performance (OTP) again deteriorated in the period from July to November 2011. From the provisional data collected by the Ministry of Transportation, five airlines with a market share of more than two percent, their OTP was down. Only OTP’s Batavia Air has increased.

Five airlines that dropped the On Time Performance are Garuda Indonesia Airline, Lion Air, Indonesia AirAsia, Merpati Airlines and Sriwijaya Air. Garuda Indonesia down from 86.22 percent in the first half to 82.51 percent. Lion Air fell from 70.16 percent to 62.72 percent. Indonesia AirAsia fell from 72.90 percent to 68.92 percent. Merpati Airlines down from 72.36 percent to 63.72 percent. Sriwijaya Air also fell from 76.17 percent to 62.31 percent. While Batavia Air rose from 70.53 percent to 73.95 percent.

While the average airline On Time Performance period from January to November 2011 are as follows: Garuda Indonesia 84.36 percent, Batavia Air 72.08 percent, Lion Air 66.78 percent, Indonesia AirAsia 71.09 percent, Merpati Airlines 68.43 percent and Sriwijaya Air 69 , 87 per cent.

According to the Acting Director of Air Transport Directorate of Civil Aviation, Joko Murjatmojo, the data is processed from the authorities and airport management reports and reports from the relevant airline. "Counting begins when the aircraft is driven toward to runway," said Joko. Joko also added that the delay under 15 minutes are not counted.

Director General of Civil Aviation Ministry of Transportation, Herry Bakti set out four categories for the achievement of On Time Performance of the airlines. That is excellent category for OTP above 90 percent, the green category for 80-90 percent OTP, yellow category for 70-80 percent and red category for OTP below 70 percent.

Based on the above data, there is no airline that have excellent OTP category. Even the majority of the OTP are red categorized. Ministry of Transportation has been trying to foster the airline to improve its On Time Performance. Among the published Permenhub No. 77 of 2011 which was then updated with Permenhub No. 92 Year 2011 regarding Responsibility of Carrier Air Transport. In these rules, if the airline has been delayed more than 4 hours, are required to provide indemnity compensation valued at IDR 300,000 per passenger.

Ministry of Transportation has also ordered Lion Air to reduce the number of flights so as to improve its On Time Performance.

picture: google.com

CITILINK’s air operation certificate will be issue this month

Ministry of Transportation confirmed that it will issue a air operation certificate or SIUP of PT Citilink Indonesia, a subsidiary of PT Garuda Indonesia Tbk, in this month.

"If there is no problem, Citilink’s SIUP will soon come out this month. Garuda Indonesia Itself has established PT Citilink Indonesia, so the management is able to more quickly, "said PLT Director of Air Transport Directorate General of Civil Aviation Ministry of Transportation Djoko Muratmodjo, Wednesday, January 4, 2012.

He added Citilink operating license issuance process is now entering the final stage of correction, especially related to the airline's business plan. "Later, based on a business plan that made it, Citilink shall deposit initial capital into the bank. Proof of deposit deposit is sent to Ministry of  Transportation and became one of the conditions for issuing of the SIUP, "he said.

Finance Director of Garuda Indonesia, Elisa Lumbantoruan said it had prepared all of the requirements for discharge SIUP. "We're ready, even send other requirements are met, capital, and the terms of the plane," she said.

Previously, Garuda Indonesia management targets in the first quarter of 2011 will stand with PT Citilink Indonesia which have Business License and Air Operation Certificate (AOC) is separate from Garuda Indonesia. Citilink is a subsidiary of Garuda Indonesia, which serves low-fare airlines or low cost carrier (LCC).

Citilink currently has 10 aircraft. In 2012 will be operated 20 aircraft. By the end of October 2011 the number of passengers Citilink 1.26 million. The plan uses a fleet type of A320 for the next 5 years.

Garuda Indonesia President Director, Emirsyah Satar previously said it targets the separation of Citilink from the particular division into a separate subsidiary began the quarter I/2012. "Spin off [separation of Citilink] has targeted for completion on the first quarter of 2012, now is still a process," said Emirsyah. In the early flying after the spin off, Emirsyah target operates 10 aircraft with a new look or new livery.

"Until the end of 2011, there are 10 units of aircraft to Citilink which consists of 4 units of Airbus and 6 units of Boeing, while at the end of 2012 will amount to 20 units. Furthermore, we will increase because we have order other 25 units," said Emirsyah.

He added, Citilink will be able to increase the number of passengers that will be accumulated to the parent company Garuda Indonesia. "Until the end of 2011, Garuda Indonesia predicted to carry 17 million passengers, up 37%. Until November, the number of passengers Garuda Indonesia and Citilink has reached 15.5 million. Contributions from Citilink is still small, "he said.

picture: google.com