GARUDA Indonesia will commence six weekly services from Jakarta to London’s Gatwick Airport in the fourth quarter of 2013, as part of its international network development strategy.
Using the new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft – which Garuda is taking first delivery for this year – the Jakarta-London route will mark the airline’s second Europe service after Jakarta-Abu Dhabi-Amsterdam (TTG Asia e-Daily, December 7, 2012).
Garuda president and CEO, Emirsyah Satar, said the launch of the new route would foster economic activities between Indonesia and the UK, in addition to opening up direct access between South-east Asia and Europe.
Gatwick was selected as the operational airport for “its vast network and choice of accessibilities with other European countries”, said Emirsyah.
Added Gatwick Airport’s chief executive Stewart Wingate: “It is not only because of the significant potential Indonesian business development for the UK, but also because of the absence of direct air links connecting both countries (so far).”
British prime minister David Cameron was also quoted by the airline’s media release as saying that the direct route between the two countries would enable the UK’s business sector to tap the fast-growing Indonesian economy while stimulating Indonesia to be more competitive on the global arena.
Garuda’s B777-300ER aircraft will have 314 seats, comprising eight First Class, 38 Business Class and 268 Economy Class, and will be equipped with Wi-Fi facilities and a Chef on Board service in its First Class cabin.
