STATE-run Garuda Indonesia said on Friday (Nov 15) it had appointed Wamildan Tsani Panjaitan, a former acting head of budget Lion Air who pledged to improve the flag-carrier’s performance, as its new chief executive officer.
The decision was taken during a meeting of shareholders on Friday.
Wamildan, a former Indonesian military pilot, said he would enhance the company’s financial performance and improve the airline’s services quality.
“All of these will strengthen Garuda’s reputation as a national flag carrier,” he said in a statement by the airline, adding President Prabowo Subianto had instructed him to turn Garuda into a globally renowned airline.
Wamildan is replacing Irfan Setiaputra, who served for more than four years in the post.
“I accepted the decision professionally and (am) grateful for the trust that has been given to me,” Irfan, who served as Garuda CEO for more than four years, Irfan said.
Under his tenure, Garuda won creditors’ approval in 2022 to restructure more than US$9 billion of debt after it faced financial difficulties, including from pandemic-related travel curbs. REUTERS
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