In Reply to: Garuda cancels Brisbane - Bali route posted by ishkabanis on Friday, 28. November 2008 at 07:06 Bali Time:
Garuda Indonesia Postpones its Return to Brisbane
Friday, 28 November 2008
Garuda Indonesia has regretfully announced its decision to postpone the re-launch of its Brisbane-Bali service until further notice.
Senior General Manager Australia & Southwest Pacific, Mr Poerwoko Soeparyono said that Garuda Indonesia remains committed to bringing a full service Bali option to Queenslanders.
'However, an unforseen focus on travel warnings against Bali and the gloomy economic environment has impacted on incremental business over Christmas and dampened forward booking activity.
'We are confident that the lull in Bali bookings is temporary and that the value of this popular holiday destination will reassert itself when, after the festive season, Australians begin to consider their holidays plans for 2009. However, unlike our competitors, a resumption of Brisbane Bali services will require Garuda Indonesia to establish a new office, appoint new staff and enter new operations contracts, all of which represent a significant investment.
'Given the global crisis and the devaluation of the Australian dollar which impacts significantly on our revenue, Garuda Indonesia's Board of Directors has determined that it is not an appropriate time to make such an investment.
'Of course we are very disappointed by the circumstances that have prompted this decision and we sincerely hope that the industry, and our customers, will understand. As with all carriers operating in this present economic environment, commercially prudent if unpalatable decisions must be made.
'Having recently returned to profitable operation, our first priority must be to maintain our financial stability which, in the longer term, will place us in a stronger position to take advantage of opportunities that present themselves in the future.'
Garuda International passengers currently booked on flights from Brisbane to Bali will be accommodated on the nearest available alternative flight.
Source = e-Travel Blackboard: C.F