Indonesian flag-carrier Garuda Indonesia has announced new routes, frequencies and services in four key Asian markets with its upgraded fleet.
From June 1, 2010, the airline will reintroduce direct services from Hongkong to the leisure magnet of Bali and to the industrial hub of Surabaya in East Java.
Garuda will operate three flights to Surabaya and four Bali flights per week.
Customers who purchase tickets from now until the end of June 2010 will be able to enjoy the special launch fares of HK$2,900 (US$371) for Bali and HK$2,500 (US$320) for flights to Surabaya.
Garuda has also invested heavily in new aircraft. The Bali and Surabaya routes will use Boeing B737-800NG (Next Generation) planes. The aircraft features individual touch-screen LCD TVs throughout Business and Economy Classes with Video on Demand (VOD) entertainment systems offering 25 feature films and 25 audio tracks. Garuda has also been operating Airbus A330-200s on its Jakarta routes, which feature fully reclining flat beds with 74-inch seat pitch in the executive class.
For Malaysia, Garuda Indonesia has introduced early morning flights from Kuala Lumpur to Jakarta, doubling the daily frequency. The 7.10am flights to the Indonesian capital are designed to ensure that same-day business travellers can have a full day of activity before departing on the evening return flight at 6.55pm. This week, Garuda also increased frequency from Jakarta to Singapore to seven flights a day, from its current five, which the airline says will be a boon for business travellers seeking greater scheduling flexibility.
At Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Garuda Frequent Flyers and Executive Class passengers will now be able to use dedicated check-in counters and the fast-track security clearance channels.
The airline has bounced back from a long period when it was financially strapped and banned from flying into Europe.
“Southeast Asia is an important market and a key growth region for Garuda Indonesia,” said Iswandi Said, senior general manager – Area Asia, Europe and Middle East, Garuda Indonesia. “We are confident that with these latest developments, we will be able to capture a larger share of the market, in line with Garuda Indonesia’s five-year ‘Quantum Leap’ strategy of becoming one the most profitable airlines in Asia.”
For more about Garuda, visit www.garuda-indonesia.com
Kenny Coyle
