Garuda Indonesia is seeking to deploy capacity on cargo routes and to renegotiate leases as it seeks to contain the hit of the coronavirus outbreak. The carrier intends to boost its cargo revenue and domestic capacity by redeploying aircraft previously used for Indonesia-China services that were suspended on 5 February on the orders of the Indonesian government. Chinese services account for one-fifth of Garuda’s total international passenger numbers, the airline notes. On a group level, this proportion rises to 7%. In the wake of Saudi Arabia’s decision to suspend visa issuance for pilgrims and tourists on 27 February, Garuda says it is still operating 24 weekly flights from Jakarta to Jeddah and Madinah, partially to accommodate the return of pilgrims to Indonesia. The airline has not specified the financial impact of the visa suspension, but states its intent to “continue to fulfil its responsibilities in line with its [flight] schedule, and to comply with terms and conditions”. Discussions with aircraft lessors on lease extensions and rate reductions, as well as contract renegotiation with other parties, are also under way as the airline tries to reduce costs.<br/>