Airbus and GMF Indonesia Forge Partnership to Enhance Super Puma Fleet Development

February 23, 2024, 07.20 PM | Reporter: Amalia Nur Fitri

ILUSTRASI. A member of the Indonesian Air Force cleans a rotor on a Super Puma helicopter, after a search operation for the bodies of passengers onboard AirAsia Flight QZ8501, at Iskandar airbase in Pangkalan Bun, January 17, 2015. REUTERS/Beawiharta/File Photo

CORPORATE STRATEGIC - JAKARTA. Airbus has signed a contract with PT Garuda Maintenance Facility Aero Asia Tbk (GMF), specifically the Defense Industry SBU, to offer expertise and technical support to the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) service providers in Indonesia.

This collaboration will take place in terms of the design, manufacturing, and installation of retrofit solutions for five Super Puma AS332 helicopters owned by the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU).

The agreement was signed by GMF CEO Andi Fahrurrozi and Airbus Helicopters Head of Asia-Pacific Vincent Dubrule on the sidelines of the Singapore Airshow.

Under this agreement, the TNI AU's AS332 will undergo a mid-life upgrade where GMF will utilize Airbus' knowledge and expertise to provide a retrofit solution that includes the installation of a full glass cockpit equipped with an advanced autopilot system.

"Airbus has been supporting Indonesia's military helicopters for over four decades. We are pleased to be able to extend our support to GMF to provide the best upgrade solutions for the TNI AU to enhance the operational life of the Super Puma fleet," said Vincent Dubrule, Airbus Helicopters Head of Asia-Pacific, quoted from an official statement, Friday (23/2).

He continued, that this strategic collaboration with Airbus is an important step that reflects his commitment to continue to advance in the defense industry.

Andi Fahrurrozi, CEO of GMF, added that over the years, GMF's defense sector has experienced rapid development and played a crucial role in its revenue and financial recovery.

"We hope to be able to leverage Airbus' technical capabilities to strengthen GMF's position as a key player in the global aerospace landscape," said Andi.

Airbus and GMF have long been partners, working together through a long-term maintenance training service agreement that supports the maintenance training needs of the A320 and A330 conducted in Indonesia and its surrounding areas.