Garuda Indonesia has placed a firm order for four Airbus A330-300s, which will take the carrier's A330 fleet to 23 aircraft.

It will also convert three A330-200s, dating from a July 2010 order for six aircraft, to -300 variants, said Airbus.

No engine choice was specified, but Garuda's existing A330s are powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 700s.

The airline will use the new -300s on Middle Eastern routes from its hubs in Denpasar and Jakarta.

Garuda also has seven A330-200s and six A330-300s on lease.

Garuda posted a net loss of Rp183.6 billion ($21.5 million) for its fiscal first quarter ended 31 March, down from a net profit of Rp18 billion a year earlier. The loss was caused by higher fuel costs and operating expenses.

As of 31 March, Garuda operated 85 aircraft, up from 73 a year earlier. It aims to retire seven Boeing 737 Classic aircraft this year.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news