Garuda Indonesia christens Boeing 777-300ER and First Class service

Garuda Indonesia, the airline of Indonesia, has officially welcomed the arrival of its newest fleet member, the state of the art Boeing 77-300ER, at the Garuda Maintenance Facilities AeroAsia at Seokarno Hatta International Airport, Jakarta. The airline also launched the new First Class service available on the aircraft at the event attended by Indonesian government officials and state ambassadors on 2 July 2013.

Garuda Indonesia's President and Chief Executive Officer, Emirsyah Satar, said: "The addition of the Boeing 777-300ER in Garuda Indonesia's fleet marks two important milestones in the company's development. First, the delivery of the Boeing 777-300ER sets a new standard of quality and value in air travel, especially for direct, long-haul flights, as we continue to expand our destination network globally. Secondly, the inauguration of our First Class service that will take our services to an entirely new level of excellence."

The arrival of the Boeing 777-300ER is part of the airline's fleet expansion program to increase its capacity and broaden its international network. This program is in line with the corporate transformation and expansion initiative, the Quantum Leap 2011-2015 program.

The aircraft has a capacity of 314 passengers, with a seating configuration of 8 seats in First Class, 38 seats in Business Class, and 268 seats in Economy Class.

This year, the airline will receive four out of the total order of 10 Boeing 777-300ER. The first of Garuda Indonesia's Boeing 777-300ER will commence operations on 9 July 2013 to serve the Jakarta – Jeddah route. In November 2013, an additional two Boeing 777-300ER will come into service on the Sydney – Jakarta – London route. Six more aircraft are scheduled to arrive in 2014 and 2015.

As part of efforts to enhance service to Garuda's customers, the new Boeing 777-300ER fleet will showcase First Class. When flying First Class, passengers will be able to enjoy private seating and  the dedicated on board chef service, enabling them to choose from a selection of delicious meals from a First-Class menu, prepared at an altitude of more than 35,000 feet.

The Boeing 777-300ER is also equipped with in-flight connectivity; including exConnect (WiFi internet connection) enabling passengers to remain connected to the internet and continue their business activities during the flight, and live broadcast TV from six international channels for access to their favorite entertainment.

The launch of Garuda Indonesia's Boeing 777-300ER comes after a row of exciting achievements by the airline, including the relaunch of Brisbane services and winning two major 2013 SkyTrax Awards; "The World's Best Economy Class" and the "The World's Best Economy Class Seat".

For further information or to book flights on Garuda's new 777-300ER, call Garuda Indonesia on 1300 365 330 or visit www.garuda-indonesia.net.au.