Garuda finally launches non-stop Jakarta-London flights
By David Flynn, November 10 2017
Garuda Indonesia has finally upgraded its Jakarta-London route to a non-stop service, although cost-cutting measures could see the airline abandon first class on its flagship Boeing 777-300ER jets which ply the route.
The SkyTeam member previously flew the Jakarta-London leg via Singapore, but as of October 31 deep-sixed that stopover to commence direct flights running three days a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays:
- GA86 departs Jakarta at 12.05pm to reach London Heathrow at 8pm
- GA87 leaves London at 9.55pm to arrive into Jakarta at 6.55pm the following day
Connections from Australia, however, leave much to be desired: for example, Garuda's flight from Sydney arrives at 3pm, a few hours after the flight to London has already left, so you're in for an overnight stay at Jakarta – which could mean spending several hours each way in the infamous airport-city traffic snarl.
The Boeing 777-300ER contains eight first class suites, which are the only first class offering in Garuda’s fleet.
The suites are arranged in a 1-2-1 layout – the middle pair have a slide-up screen for privacy if you're flying solo, but it also makes for a good companion arrangement when you're travelling with a friend.
Each suite gets a 23 inch video screen, a personal wardrobe for each passenger and ample storage space in a concealed compartment under the armrest.
The wide seats recline into a fully flat bed that's perfect for the long overnight leg from Jakarta to London.
At the not-so-pointy end of the plane are 38 ‘Executive Class’ business class seats in a staggered layout.
From tip to tail, Garuda’s Boeing 777-300ER boasts wireless Internet and live TV including English Premier League matches.
However, Nikkei Asian Review reports that Garuda could ditch first class in an effort to stem losses.
Having already withdrawn first class from flights to Tokyo, Nikkei Asian Review suggests that "while Garuda plans to keep first class on other routes, such as those between Indonesia and Europe, for the time being, the company is also considering a plan to eliminate the top-end seats entirely and use the space they occupy for more profitable business class seats instead."
David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
Air France - Flying Blue
10 Nov 2017
Total posts 5
Hope they don't ditch First, I have a Business class booking in June with them to LHR and a First upgrade is only about $350.
31 Mar 2016
Total posts 619
@J Wilmore:
31 Mar 2014
Total posts 397
Wasn't the route via Singapore due to the Jakarta runway unable to handle a fuel heavy 777? Has update works been completed?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
18 Jun 2015
Total posts 57
I believe it was via Amsterdam and went into LGW.
03 Mar 2013
Total posts 21
The Heathrow service out of Jakarta stopped in Singapore on the outward only.
The Jakarta to LGW service stopped in Amsterdam on the outward and the return.
I thought this was more to do with taking on board additional passengers in Singapore as opposed to the 777 load though, although this is pure speculation on my part.
31 Mar 2016
Total posts 619
@bloatedstoat:
16 Nov 2011
Total posts 580
The Singapore stop was because of weight restrictions at Jakarta airport. The runway has now been strengthened so non stop is possible now.
31 Mar 2016
Total posts 619
@Grannular:
03 Mar 2013
Total posts 21
I'm doing this next month. The Melbourne leg (GA717) departs at 7:30am with a 90 minute break in Jakarta before the London sector at 12:05. The return has a 2 hour break in Jakarta before the Melbourne leg so all in all much more palatable than their previous schedule which was really awkward.
I thought this schedule was only a temporary arrangement though called the "Northern winter timetable"?
As for ditching First, that would be a pity, I for one believe it's a stellar product; the suites are extremely well appointed, the service exemplary and the beds very, very comfortable. The cellar is respectable and the food not too bad, a little hit and miss but I am really happy with their overall First experience and as such will lament its loss.
That said I was the only passenger up front outward and one of two on the return on my recent trip to London so if it's empty most of the time I can understand reclaiming the space for business which always seems well occupied.
31 Mar 2016
Total posts 619
@bloatedstoat:
13 Nov 2015
Total posts 49
I hope to fly their First. It looks great and have read about the wonderful service and amenities as well. Seems that the lights of another 'F' are going out all over the world: the first class seat/cabin. Let's hope Garuda continues.
13 Mar 2014
Total posts 27
Why does the article generalise that connections from Australia leave much to be desired when @bloatedstoat posts above what looks to be perfect connections from/to MEL (albeit possibly temporary)? The article then uses SYD as an example - yes, those connections are terrible but not all are.
Air France - Flying Blue
10 Nov 2017
Total posts 5
Connections with the CGK-LHR flight are perfect ex MEL
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