Garuda receives first MD-11ER jet

JP/leo

President of the national air carrier Garuda Indonesia, Soepandi (in suit), prepares to bless the airlines' first MD-11ER aircraft assembled by McDonnell Douglas. The jet arrived Saturday at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

Garuda has ordered three MD-11ERs and selected General Electric engines to power the jets. The jets will replace aging MD-11 aircraft currently operated by Garuda.

The delivery of the first MD-11ER was a year ahead of its original schedule. The other two MD-11ERs will be delivered in the first and second quarter in 1997.

Garuda, which also received a new Airbus A-330-300 last Thursday, will operate the MD-11ER jet on flights to Europe and the United States.

The new MD-11ER jet, which left Los Angeles Thursday, was piloted by Roy Megantoro. The airplane flew to Jakarta via Honolulu within 18 hours. It has a cruising speed of 7,200 nautical miles. The jet has 12 first class seats, 53 business class seats and 235 economy class seats.

The MD-11ER series has a larger loading capability and generates less operating costs in comparison to its predecessor, the MD-11.

Soepandi said the new jets, part of Garuda's fleet replacement, are expected to enhance Garuda's performance. (icn)