Jakarta launches probe into Garuda aircraft procurement, leases

Indonesia’s Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) has launched a probe into alleged corruption involving aircraft procurement and leases at Garuda Indonesia. The probe will also involve Indonesia’s attorney general, says the ministry. “Garuda is currently in the restructuring stage, but what we also know is that the data are valid, indeed in the process of procuring its aircraft, the leasing has indications of corruption, with different brands,” says SOE Minister Erick Thohir. Thohir also singled out a specific aircraft type, the ATR 72-600. “We are focused on transforming Garuda to be more accountable, professional and transparent,” he says. “It’s not the time to accuse, we act based on evidence.” Cirium fleets data indicates that Garuda has six ATRs in service, with seven examples in storage. All 13 are managed by Nordic Aviation Capital. Garuda has been associated with graft in the past. In 2020, former CE Emirsyah Satar was jailed for eight years for taking kickbacks related to the acquisition of Airbus aircraft and Rolls-Royce engines.<br/>