TEMPO.CO, Tangerang - CEO of Garuda Maintenance Facility or GMF Tazar Marta Kurniawan confirmed that his office would restore its service for the maintenance of Sriwijaya aircraft starting on today, October 1, after Sriwijaya Air and Garuda Indonesia Group reunited and agreed on the management partnership (KSM).

"GMF will prioritize safety and quality aspects in order to be able to gain profit for Sriwijaya," he said in a press conference in Cengkareng, Tuesday, October 1.

Tazar assured that the continuation of the partnership will benefit Sriwijaya Air and its passengers. Garuda Maintenance Facility as aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul of Garuda Indonesia will again provide the spare parts required by Sriwijaya aircraft.

Sriwijaya Air Acting Director Jefferson I. Jauwena said his company welcomed the business reconciliation of both parties. "We want to make the aviation ecosystem healthy," he said, adding that GMF's decision would affect flight safety aspects, mainly in the spare part and daily check provisions.

Transportation Ministry's director of airworthiness and aircraft operation Capt. Avirianto said Garuda Maintenance Facility would soon conduct intensive maintenance for Sriwijaya aircraft that are currently running.

Meanwhile, the currently grounded Sriwijaya planes would soon be processed for re-operation.

YOHANES PASKALIS | Francisca Christy Rosana