Garuda looks to Boeing 787-9, Airbus A350 for fleet expansion
By Chris C., June 15 2015
Garuda Indonesia plans to modernise its fleet with 30 Boeing 787-9s and another 30 Airbus A350s, along with up to 30 of Boeing's next-gen 737 MAX 8s.
The announcement comes on top of the airline’s ‘intent to order’ a further 50 Boeing 737 MAX 8s in October last year.
Ramping up Garuda's long-distance international presence "will be a priority in the coming years", said the airline's President and CEO Arif Wibowo.
"With its reduced fuel consumption, range capability and extra-wide cabin, the A350 XWB will be one of the options for us to reposition ourselves as a leading premium carrier in the competitive long-haul market out of Asia."
Wibowo also highlighted the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX as "extraordinary airplanes with exceptional economics that will keep us competitive and bring a new level of service excellence for our customers."
"The agreement is part of Garuda Indonesia's revitalisation program in order to provide our passengers with the best possible experience with the youngest fleet in the sky and to support the airline's future plan to further expand its network globally,” he added.
Aboard the Boeing 787, guests will enjoy all of the Dreamliner’s creature comforts such as larger windows and overhead lockers, LED mood lighting, lower cabin pressure and Boeing’s Smooth Ride technology to dampen turbulence.
On shorter routes, the Boeing 737 MAX delivers improved operational efficiency for the airline over its current short-haul fleet.
Garuda serves Sydney, Melbourne and Perth from its hubs in Jakarta and Denpasar (Bali) in Indonesia.
Also read: Garuda Indonesia trims London flights, boosts Amsterdam
Follow Australian Business Traveller on Twitter: we're @AusBT
Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
09 Feb 2015
Total posts 388
A good aircraft won't make any difference until they can run there airline like the other top quality Asian carriers they want to compete with.
Thai Airways International - Royal Orchid Plus
15 Jan 2013
Total posts 458
Well Said.I have never flown Garuda but horror stories from friends dating back to when they went to Bali way back in 2000 was enough to make me thankful for Qantas.These days If I was to return It would be on Virgin.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
30 Mar 2015
Total posts 54
I wouldn't go for Virgin, a cramped 737 on a 7 hour flight from Sydney/Brisbane/Melbourne - Denpasar doesn't sound nice. I'd opt for the Qantas a330 business suite from Sydney - Jakarta if travelling to Indonesia, but then again QF won't have the business suite on all their a330s til mid 2016 and they only fly to Jakarta from Sydney.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
19 Mar 2014
Total posts 567
Qantas don't go to Bali. If direct flights with full service cabin and leg room is your preference, then Garuda is your only choice!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
11 Jun 2015
Total posts 2
their*
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
31 Jan 2013
Total posts 16
Couldn't agree more. My flight yesterday from Denpasar to Jakarta was initially delayed for 4hrs but eventually took off 6hrs 40min after scheduled departure time. No notification was given at check-in, the first passenger advice was given 10min after boarding was due to start (the plane hadn't even arrived). minimal communications throughout, 3 gate changes and every staff member we came across had no idea what was happening. Overall a very shoddy experience.
21 Apr 2012
Total posts 3006
I find it interesting that people fall for GA's marketing.
All I can think of is that the combination of price and sleek advertising are pretty powerful forces on the human sub-conscience.
Garuda Indonesia - Garuda Miles
30 Jan 2015
Total posts 23
Not sure about the negativity. I've flown with Garuda for more than 40 times since 2007. I can see that they have improved significantly in the past 4-5 years.
Turkish Airlines - Miles & Smiles
08 Jun 2014
Total posts 262
There has to be a major difference between flying short haul and "domestically" to the long haul flights from Jakarta to AMS?London no?
Qantas
13 Jun 2015
Total posts 139
Nah, probably not the a350 as though it will be expensive.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
26 May 2014
Total posts 464
The Airbus release does't state which A350 version would be purchased. Would they really buy 30 x 787-9 AND 30 x A350-900? Even if it was the A350-1000, would they be better with all 787s or all A350s? Perhaps they are having a bet each way at this stage. What is the extent of the obligation on the part of the airline for a letter of intent ?
21 Aug 2015
Total posts 3
Will the 787 come to sydney?
Hi Guest, join in the discussion on Garuda looks to Boeing 787-9, Airbus A350 for fleet expansion