The introduction of daily services from Jakarta to Amsterdam via Dubai marks a significant step forward in the airline’s global network expansion strategy. Amsterdam will be the first of a number of key European cities such as Frankfurt, Paris and London Garuda Indonesia has planned for its European expansion over the next few years.

The Amsterdam route will initially be serviced by the airline’s fleet of technically advanced A330-200 aircraft, featuring Garuda’s new exterior and interior design inspired by the energy of nature’s wings. In Executive Class the aircraft offers fully reclining flat bed seats with 74 inch seat pitch. The A330-200’s will operate in a two class configuration carrying 222 passengers, with 36 in Executive Class and 186 in Economy Class.

Garuda Indonesia currently has 10 Boeing 777-300ERs aircraft on order for delivery commencing 2011 which will then allow the airline to operate non-stop from Jakarta into Europe.

Garuda Indonesia President Emirsyah Satar said the return of Garuda Indonesia to Europe was a significant milestone for the carrier, while the Amsterdam service reflects the continued cultural connection between Indonesia and the Netherlands.

“We have set an aggressive five year growth strategy for the airline that will allow Garuda to take its place alongside other leading international airlines in the Asia Pacific region. Establishing a strong presence in Europe is an important element of meeting these targets.

Along with new aircraft, new routes and increased frequency around the network, Garuda is investing heavily in developing a service culture built around the Garuda Indonesia Experience both in the air and on the ground," Mr Satar said.

The new A330-200 aircraft features individual touch-screen LCD screens in all classes; the state of art inflight entertainment system with Audio & Video On Demand (AVOD) delivers a choice of 25 feature films, 250 audio tracks and 25 video games.

Effective from June 1 2010 the planned schedule is: Garuda (GA88) departing Jakarta (CGK) at 21.00 WIB (GA88) arriving Dubai (DXB) at 02.09 LT, departing at 03.15 LT and arriving in Amsterdam (SPL) at 08.00 LT. From Amsterdam (GA 89) departs at 10.00 LT, arriving in Dubai at 18.30 LT, departing again at 19.45 LT and arriving in Jakarta at 07.10 WIB. Fares to and from Dubai and Amsterdam will be announced shortly.