Garuda's information system

JAKARTA (JP): National flag carrier Garuda Indonesia has invited transport operators to take advantage of its Information Technology system to boost the industry's competitiveness.

Garuda corporation information system vice president Samudra Sukardi said yesterday domestic transport operators would save money by joining Garuda's information system.

"Rather than allocating huge investments to establish their own information technology networks the transport firms may join Garuda's information technology system," he said at a national transport business gathering focusing on "Information Technology as a tool of business strategy".

He said information technology would help create more reliable services, better performances and make firms more accessible.

"In this competitive atmosphere, information technology is a necessity," he said.

Garuda's asset on information system was now worth Rp 44 billion (US$18.6 million), he said.

Garuda's information technology network, which uses very small aperture terminals and the Palapa satellites, could now handle passengers, ticketing and cargo reservations, hotel reservations, telex systems and departure control systems, he said. (icn)