Supporting Hajj Readiness for 2026, Garuda Indonesia Strengthens Manasik Ecosystem in Aceh
Garuda Indonesia Group has reaffirmed its role as a strategic partner for national Hajj pilgrimage travel. Through Garuda Indonesia, Citilink, and GMF AeroAsia, they have officially handed over a mockup of the B737-500 aircraft with registration PK-GGD to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for placement at the Banda Aceh Hajj Dormitory.
The President Director of Garuda Indonesia, Glenny Kairupan, stated that this mockup aircraft will serve as a simulation facility for manasik, providing an end-to-end experience of air travel, from the boarding process, cabin familiarisation, and aircraft facilities, to disembarkation simulations at the destination airport. "We hope this facility will enhance the readiness, comfort, and confidence of pilgrims before undertaking their sacred journey to the Holy Land," said Glenny in his statement on Sunday, 15 February 2026.
Indonesian Hajj officials return with Garuda Indonesia. He added that the people of Aceh hold an important and emotional connection to Garuda Indonesia's long history. "Complementing the long historical ties between Garuda Indonesia and the people of Aceh, we hope that with this mockup aircraft, Garuda Indonesia can assist the Acehnese community, particularly prospective Hajj pilgrims from Aceh, in better preparing for their journey to the Holy Land, Mecca," he said.
Furthermore, the PK-GGD aircraft has its own history. With over 30,000 flight hours, it first entered service in 1997. After nearly two decades of operation, in 2015, it was officially repurposed by Citilink.
On the same occasion, the Deputy Governor of Aceh, Fadhlullah, expressed his gratitude and explained how Aceh and Garuda Indonesia share an inseparable history, as a symbol of sacrifice for the Republic of Indonesia. "Thank you to Garuda and the Ministry of Hajj. We hope that the presence of this mockup aircraft at the Aceh Hajj Dormitory will bring benefits to the Acehnese community as a simulation venue for prospective Hajj pilgrims," he said.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, officially inaugurated the donated aircraft from Garuda Indonesia, now placed at the Aceh Class I Hajj Dormitory. He hopes that this aircraft will provide a more realistic and comprehensive manasik experience for prospective Hajj pilgrims from Aceh. "This aircraft is not merely a historical symbol, but a learning facility that will help pilgrims prepare mentally and technically before departing for the Holy Land," said Dahnil.
The President Director of Garuda Indonesia, Glenny Kairupan, stated that this mockup aircraft will serve as a simulation facility for manasik, providing an end-to-end experience of air travel, from the boarding process, cabin familiarisation, and aircraft facilities, to disembarkation simulations at the destination airport. "We hope this facility will enhance the readiness, comfort, and confidence of pilgrims before undertaking their sacred journey to the Holy Land," said Glenny in his statement on Sunday, 15 February 2026.
Indonesian Hajj officials return with Garuda Indonesia. He added that the people of Aceh hold an important and emotional connection to Garuda Indonesia's long history. "Complementing the long historical ties between Garuda Indonesia and the people of Aceh, we hope that with this mockup aircraft, Garuda Indonesia can assist the Acehnese community, particularly prospective Hajj pilgrims from Aceh, in better preparing for their journey to the Holy Land, Mecca," he said.
Furthermore, the PK-GGD aircraft has its own history. With over 30,000 flight hours, it first entered service in 1997. After nearly two decades of operation, in 2015, it was officially repurposed by Citilink.
On the same occasion, the Deputy Governor of Aceh, Fadhlullah, expressed his gratitude and explained how Aceh and Garuda Indonesia share an inseparable history, as a symbol of sacrifice for the Republic of Indonesia. "Thank you to Garuda and the Ministry of Hajj. We hope that the presence of this mockup aircraft at the Aceh Hajj Dormitory will bring benefits to the Acehnese community as a simulation venue for prospective Hajj pilgrims," he said.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, officially inaugurated the donated aircraft from Garuda Indonesia, now placed at the Aceh Class I Hajj Dormitory. He hopes that this aircraft will provide a more realistic and comprehensive manasik experience for prospective Hajj pilgrims from Aceh. "This aircraft is not merely a historical symbol, but a learning facility that will help pilgrims prepare mentally and technically before departing for the Holy Land," said Dahnil.