JAKARTA - SkyTeam, the global airline alliance, has
welcomed Garuda Indonesia as its 20th member and second
airline from Southeast Asia. Garuda's membership adds
Jakarta as an alternative gateway to and from South East
Asia, as well as 40 new destinations to SkyTeam's global
network served uniquely by the alliance.
"Garuda's entry into the alliance will give its
customers access to SkyTeam's 1,064 destinations, covering
over 90% of the most relevant traffic flows in the world,"
said Michael Wisbrun, SkyTeam's Managing Director. "Garuda
strengthens our presence throughout the Asia Pacific region
for our 588 Million global passengers."
"SkyTeam aims to boost its members' competitiveness by
strengthening network and hubs, enhancing its global
footprint, improving customer experience and introducing
innovative initiatives that enhance customer benefits, said
Mr. Wisbrun.
"Today is a historic and momentous event for Garuda
Indonesia as we are now officially becoming the 20th member
of SkyTeam. For these past 3 years, Garuda Indonesia has
been actively forging cooperation with the other 19 member
airlines with this objective in mind, and it has been an
incredible journey," said President & CEO of Garuda
Indonesia, Emirsyah Satar. "Joining SkyTeam is part of
Garuda Indonesia's progressive transformation program
throughout all aspects of the company. This milestone marks
a momentous occasion in our airline's 65-year history and
we look forward to a future collaboration with our alliance
partners."
"Garuda Indonesia is now able to offer customers global
reach with a seamless and even more convenient travel
experience, while at the same time establishing Indonesia
firmly on the map of world-wide air travel. Moreover,
becoming a member of SkyTeam will further strengthen Garuda
Indonesia's reputation as a "World-Class Airline", and puts
it on par with other leading global airlines. Garuda
Indonesia is proud to connect SkyTeam's global extensive
network to one of the largest economies in Southeast Asia
via its hubs in Jakarta, Denpasar, Makassar, Medan,
Surabaya, and Balikpapan", said Mr. Satar.
Garuda flies to 64 destinations in 12 countries,
including 40 domestic destinations. SkyTeam customers from
every continent will benefit from easier access to
Indonesia's key business and tourism destinations,
facilitated by Garuda's partnerships with alliance
members.
The airline boosts SkyTeam's presence in Australia with
service to Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney; and in
Tokyo with flights to both Narita and Haneda airports.
Garuda will increase its service to Europe in May this year
with a new route between Jakarta and London's Gatwick
airport.
As part of the requirements of joining SkyTeam, Garuda
is implementing the alliance's customer-focused
initiatives. These include SkyPriority -priority airport
services for Elite Plus, First and Business Class
passengers worldwide - which has been rolled out at over
900 airports globally. Effective immediately, Garuda's 19
million annual passengers will be able to earn and redeem
miles when flying on SkyTeam member-operated flights.
Members of other SkyTeam airlines' frequent flyer programs
can also earn and redeem miles when flying on Garuda
Indonesia operated flights.