Garuda Indonesia has confirmed the appointment of Captain Wamildan Tsani Panjaitan as its new CEO to replace Irfan Setiaputra.
The announcement was made after a shareholder meeting on November 15, 2024, when Setiaputra confirmed the Indonesian state carrier’s decision to Reuters and Bloomberg News.
According to local media reports, Panjaitan retired from the Indonesian Air Force in 2013. After that, he joined Lion Air and Batik Air, where he worked as a pilot and in various supervisory positions that included: Safety Manager, then Safety Director for Batik Air; Safety Director for Lion Air, and ultimately interim CEO of Lion Air from 2022 until his most recent appointment.
Panjaitan, a former Indonesian military pilot, said in a statement released by Garuda that he would enhance the company’s financial performance and improve the airline’s service quality.
“All of these will strengthen Garuda’s reputation as a national flag carrier,” Panjaitan said, adding that he had been given instructions by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to turn Garuda into a globally renowned airline.
This is the second time in four years that Garuda has replaced its head. Panjaitan will take over from Setiaputra, who served more than four years as the carrier’s CEO.
On November 15, 2024, the same day as Garuda’s appointment of its new head, Setiaputra was named “Best CEO” with a special mention for “Inspirational Leadership in the Aviation Industry” by IDN Financials, the media outlet for Indonesia’s Stock Exchange.
According to the financial news outlet, Setiaputra successfully guided Garuda Indonesia through the global crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Over the past four years, the airline has reduced short-term liabilities and improved its asset deficiency through debt restructuring with creditors and lessors,” the report said.
Setiaputra began his appointment as Garuda’s CEO in 2020, when he replaced Ari Askhara, who was fired from his position after being caught allegedly trying to smuggle in a classic 1972 Harley-Davidson motorcycle on a Garuda Indonesia flight.