Garuda Indonesia (GA, Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta) will soon launch an app-based service called Avia Mall in a bid to diversify its business, offering aircraft charter and leasing to anyone planning an unscheduled flight or air taxi.
To be launched by the end of May, the app has been designed to connect aircraft owners and potential customers, the Indonesian newspaper Kompas reported.
“People will be able to charter planes through this application as easily as ordering an ojek [motorcycle taxi] online,” claimed Mohammad Iqbal, the airline's cargo and business development director.
Avia Mall will also help aircraft owners optimise the value of their assets, he added. By listing a variety of aircraft and helicopters to choose from, including those for air medical services, plus a comparison of rental prices for the same and varying aircraft types, the service will enable users to find a ride that suits their budget, Iqbal said.
“If you want to travel with friends, it will be more efficient and easier if you charter a plane. It could even be cheaper than buying plane tickets,” he suggested.
The app will also have features for ordering aircraft components and booking maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services.
Indonesia has huge potential for the air charter services market, Iqbal said, explaining that the new service will allow this potential to be fully explored. “We are optimistic that this service will receive a positive response from people who travel by air,” he said.
