Garuda, UNASCO deal

JAKARTA (JP): National flag carrier Garuda Indonesia signed on Friday a 10-year cooperation agreement on aircraft technical handling with Saudi Arabia's United Aircraft Service Company Ltd. (UNASCO).

Under the profit-sharing contract, Garuda will provide technical expertise while UNASCO will take care of promotion and marketing as well as providing infrastructure and supporting equipment.

UNASCO is the only firm in Saudi Arabia that provides ground handling services, including technical handling, for all airlines that fly to and from the country.

Garuda earlier signed cooperation agreements on aircraft maintenance with French LAB TAT Group and SNECMA Services.

The cooperation with LAB TAT Group focuses on the maintenance, repair and overhaul of Fokker-28 airframes, while the one with SNECMA is on the development of engine workshops, particularly for the CFM56 aircraft type.

Garuda has also been appointed by the American military component manufacturer ASTRONAUTICS as an approved repair station for the company's products, including components of military aircraft. (cst)