GARUDA Indonesia officially joined SkyTeam Alliance yesterday as its 20th member, and the second airline from South-east Asia to do so after Vietnam Airlines.
Garuda’s membership adds Jakarta as an alternative gateway to and from South-east Asia, as well as 40 new destinations to SkyTeam’s global network.
SkyTeam managing director, Michael Wisbrun, said: “Garuda’s entry into the alliance will give its customers access to SkyTeam’s 1,064 destinations, covering over 90 per cent of the most relevant traffic flows in the world.”
Garuda Indonesia president and CEO, Emirsyah Satar, said: “Garuda Indonesia is proud to connect SkyTeam’s global extensive network to one of the largest economies in South-east Asia via its hubs in Jakarta, Denpasar, Makassar, Medan, Surabaya and Balikpapan.”
Garuda flies to 64 destinations in 12 countries, including 40 domestic destinations. SkyTeam customers from every continent will benefit from easier access to Indonesia’s key business and tourism destinations, facilitated by Garuda’s partnerships with alliance members.
The airline boosts SkyTeam’s presence in Australia with service to Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney; and in Tokyo with flights to both Narita and Haneda airports. Garuda will increase its services to Europe in May this year with a new route between Jakarta and London’s Gatwick airport.
As part of the requirements of joining SkyTeam, Garuda is implementing the alliance’s customer-focused initiatives, such as priority airport services for Elite Plus, First and Business Class passengers worldwide.
Effective immediately, Garuda’s passengers will be able to earn and redeem miles when flying on SkyTeam member-operated flights. Members of other SkyTeam airlines’ frequent flyer programmes can also earn and redeem miles when flying on Garuda Indonesia-operated flights.
