Garuda Indonesia is to launch non-stop flights between London Gatwick and Jakarta in the fourth quarter of this year.
The move had recently been speculated on our forum, and today's statement from Gatwick airport confirmed that the carrier will commence a six times-weekly service in the fourth quarter of this year, using B777-300ER aircraft.
There are currently no non-stop flights between the UK and the Indonesian capital – in Europe Garuda already offers flights to Amsterdam via Abu Dhabi.
Announcing the new route Gatwick’s CEO Stewart Wingate said:
“We are delighted that Garuda Indonesia has chosen Gatwick to operate this vital direct route. Despite being a crucial high growth business market for the UK, Indonesia has been underserved with no direct routes to the region from the UK – until now. Jakarta is also a major hub airport for South East Asia, giving UK passengers even more access and choice to the region.
Prime Minister David Cameron also welcomed the new service: "We want to link Britain up with the world's fastest growing economies. And good air links are vital to achieving that. This new route from London to Jakarta is good for British business and will help them to compete in the global race."
Indonesia’s flag carrier announced plans to join the Skyteam alliance in November 2010 (click here for more information). According to the Skyteam website the carrier’s inauguration into the alliance is expected to take place in early 2014.
For more information visit garuda-indonesia.com, gatwickairport.com.
Report by Mark Caswell
