SKYCLUB TRAVEL BLOG

Following on from its entrance into the SkyTeam alliance, Garuda Indonesia began serving London Gatwick via its hub in Amsterdam in September 2014. The flight is a continuation of the non-stop flight already in operation between Jakarta and Amsterdam, operated using the same Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

Originally the airline planned to have a direct flight between London and Jakarta, but with this stop-off in Amsterdam, you’ll have to get off the plane for a couple of hours before re-boarding.

The Jakarta-Amsterdam-London service operates five times per week, every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It departs Jakarta at 00.55 and arrives in Amsterdam at 09.40, then takes off from Amsterdam at 11.55 and touches down in London at 12:00. Meanwhile, the return flight from London departs at 13.10 and arrives in  Amsterdam at 15.15, before departing for Jakarta at 17.00 and arriving at 11.40.

The aircraft

The Boeing 777-300ER aircraft features a full 3-class cabin configuration with its globally-praised First Class, brand new business class service concept, and an Economy Class awarded ‘world’s best economy class’ in the SkyTrax global airline awards 2013.

Business Class

The 38 ‘Executive Class’ business class seats are arranged in a staggered model offering direct aisle access at every seat. The seat itself has a 43” pitch and 21.2” width, converting into a fully flat bed with a mattress, hypoallergenic pillow and comforting furtex-plush duvet so you can get a decent night’s sleep.

Other features include an ottoman, personal storage, USB & Power outlet, and a 15” touchscreen LCD with innovative eX2 Panasonic inflight entertainment system. As a perk of flying Business you’ll be handed a TravelPlus Award 2013 winner L’occitane amenity kit including toothbrush and toothpaste, socks, hand lotion, comb and body lotion, so you can freshen up before bed or landing.

Dining

In Business Class there are slightly fewer options than the First Class menu but you’ll still be spoilt with authentic Indonesian, Japanese and Modern European meals prepared by Garuda’s Manager Cuisine. For each of the three cuisines, there are usually three options. An example meal might include a fruit salad with peanut to start, followed by a chilli fish soup, roast chicken with rice and vegetables for main and steamed banana with coconut ice cream for dessert.

Connectivity

The fleet is also equipped with inflight connectivity facilities, including “WiFi Onboard” and “Live TV” services for passengers across all cabin classes. You’ll be able to remain connected to the internet and continue your business activities during the flight.

At the airport

As a Business Class guest you’ll be able to access the lounges in London and Amsterdam, enjoy priority boarding before the flight and be able to take a quick shower in the arrivals lounge in Jakarta.