MANDALA OPERATES YOUNGEST FLEET IN 2009

Mandala Airlines has marked the beginning of 2009 with a new milestone – it now flies a single aircraft type across the route network. Starting this month, Mandala Airlines will no longer operate its older generation of Boeing B737-400s on any of its routes. Instead, it will employ only modern Airbus aircraft throughout its fleet to position the airline well during the global economic crisis and make the carrier one of the greenest in Indonesia. 

Mandala retired its Boeing B737-200 fleet in early 2008, and phased out its fleet of older generation Boeing B737-400 in late 2008. This makes the carrier the first airline in Indonesia to operate under a single aircraft type. By transforming itself into new-generation airline with a state-of-the-art Airbus fleet, it will be easier for Mandala to respond to cost pressures caused by the global crisis. A single fleet reduces costs as the modern aircraft are more fuel-efficient and can be more easily maintained.

Mandala now operates the youngest fleet in Indonesia, offering customers safety standards set against rigid international benchmarks. The airline took a delivery of more Airbus A319s in September 2008 and added another Airbus A320 in December 2008. These aircraft have made Mandala stronger on its existing routes, and helped open new routes to Jambi, Pontianak, Bengkulu and Pangkal Pinang. 

Chief Executive Officer of Mandala Airlines, Warwick Brady, said that Mandala had implemented its vision to be cost-efficient by choosing the single Airbus fleet. 

“Modern aircraft engines are not only more efficient, they are also more environmentally friendly. Mandala has contracted Singapore Airlines Engineering Company (SIAEC) to manage the maintenance of our Airbus fleet.” 

In 2007, Mandala ordered a brand new Airbus fleet, valued at US$1.8 billion. In 2009, it is operating the youngest aircraft in Indonesia. “We believe that with modern new aircraft, we will be able to continue to provide our excellent on-time performance,” said Brady. This year, Mandala is working on further building its domestic route network and making sure that people are reacquainted with Mandala Airlines. The results of all the changes have been positive – Mandala has seen more than 100% growth in passengers year-on-year.