Indonesian flag carrier Garuda Indonesia plans to re-operate its flight service to the US from next year targeting Los Angeles or New York, as two cities with highest potential market. This plan follows the announcement from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) last month that Indonesia complies with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) safety standards and has been granted a Category 1 rating. With the International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) Category 1 rating, Garuda Indonesia is now able to establish service to the US.

“Our plan to re-operate the US flight service is expected to strengthen Garuda’s position as one of global aviation player,” said Garuda Indonesia vice president of corporate communications, Benny S. Butarbutar. “With the upgraded rating from FAA which recognises the Indonesia aviation safety and security standard, we are trying to make plan realisation even sooner.”

“Due to the initial preparation, we are planning to operate our wide body Boeing 777-300ER to serve the US flight. With some consideration especially on commercial aspect, the flight will transit at Tokyo Narita prior flying to the US from Jakarta. Up until now, Japan still grants the ‘Fifth Freedom Right’ to Indonesian carriers, which allows Garuda Indonesia to fill up the seats – and further increase the passenger load factor – for our flights to the US,” he added.

In 2014, Garuda Indonesia announced its codeshare partnership with Delta Airlines – as the same member of SkyTeam alliance – for flight service to Los Angeles and Seattle via Tokyo Haneda. Garuda Indonesia Cargo is also a member of the SkyTeam Cargo alliance.

In 2016, the Garuda Group will receive 17 new aircraft consisting of one B777-300 ER, four A330-300, four ATR72-600, and eight A320 for Citilink, an LCC subsidiary. By the end of this year, the Group will operate a total of 197 aricraft; 144 by Garuda Indonesia and 53 by Citilink.