Garuda Postpones Launch of London Flights to May 2014

Garuda Indonesia has postponed the launch of flights to London, which had initially been planned for 2 November 2013.

The airline said the reason for the delay was that the pavement classification number (PCN) of the runways and apron at Soekarno-Hatta Airport do not meet the required level of strength, which is typically needed for the operation of a full capacity, heavy duty commercial airline, such as the B 777-300ER.

Garuda Indonesia President & CEO Emirsyah Satar said that to operate at "full capacity" serving direct flights between Jakarta – London (non-stop) and carrying 314 passengers (8 first class, 38 business class, 268 economy class) and a cargo of 30 tons (maximum take-off weight), the B 777-300ER requires a PCN of 132 tons. Soekarno-Hatta’s aging runway is already 28 years old and nearing “fatigue” with a pavement classification number/PCN of only 120 tons.

Due to this delay, Garuda Indonesia will now begin the direct service from Jakarta to London in May 2014.

Garuda will initially fly non-stop between Jakarta - London five times a week, departing from Jakarta at 00:55, arriving at London (Gatwick) at 08.30, and departing from London at 10:00 and arriving in Jakarta at 06:15 the next day.