Jakarta, Indonesia, Oct 4, 2013 - (ANTARA) - Garuda Boeing Indonesia introduced "Inflight Connectivity" service on a commercial basis on board all the 777-300ER flights the airline operates, starting on 2 October 2013,. From now on, Garuda Indonesia passengers in the First Class, Executive Class and even Economy Class will be able to access the internet through WiFi throughout the flight.
Garuda Indonesia Director of Services, Faik Fahmi said, this "Inflight Connectivity" is part of the airline's commitment to always improve service to its customers, especially on the medium- and long range routes served by Garuda Indonesia.
"We hope this service will benefit our customers even more because now they can still conduct business from the sky. It's part of our "New Service Concept" program which launches our new "First Class" service and promotes much improved "Executive Class" and "Economy Class" service," he said.
While Garuda Indonesia"s First Class passengers enjoy WiFi access as a complimentary service, passengers in Executive Class and Economy Class can enjoy internet service during the flight after first completing payment by credit card or purchasing a voucher in the amount of US$ 11.95 for 1 hour unlimited internet browing package or US$ 21.95 for an unlimited 24-hours.
The "Inflight Connectivity" service is currently only available to B777-300 ER passengers. However, Garuda Indonesia will gradually introduce the same service on board the A330-200 and A330-300 fleets that operate on both its domestic and international routes.
The "Inflight Connectivity" service is a joint cooperation between Garuda Indonesia and PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom). In the provision of the service, Telkom acts as the internet service provider on board Garuda Indonesia's aircraft in accordance with the license issued by the Ministry of Communication and Information of Republic of Indonesia.
Telkom's Director of Enterprise Business, Muhammad Awaluddin stated, "We believe that this cooperation will enhance the synergy between Garuda Indonesia and Telkom. We are proud to support Garuda Indonesia in becoming the first airline in Indonesia to provide "Inflight Connectivity" on board.
According to regulations, "Inflight Connectivity" service or WiFi connection can only be accessed for internet browsing internet, social network, e-mail dan instant messaging when the aircraft is cruising above 10.000 ft. Passengers may not access the connection while the aircraft is taxiing, take off, and landing.
Before its activation, the new service underwent a trial examination as part of the certification process by the Directorate of Standardization of the Ministry of Communication and Information. The test was conducted on the equipment, measurement of signal against access point, and the BTS picocell at GSM 1800.
All equipments tested were declared functional and meet all regulation standards in accordance with regulations Number 36 year 1999 on Telecommunication. During the trial, no interference were recorded, on the communication channels used in either the cockpit or in other channel frequency.
Live TV
In addition to accessing internet connection through "Inflight Connectivity", Garuda Indonesia passengers flying with the 777-300ER can also access other services: inflight entertainment, Live TV or live broadcast from six international TV stations, namely CNN International, BBC World, BBC Arabic, NHK World Premium, Euronews, and CNBC.
Thanks to this service, passengers in all classes, whether First Class, Executive Class, or Economy Class, will be able to access live television broadcasts, such as a soccer game in the sport channel, or other entertainment options, free of any additional charges.
Garuda Indonesia will receive four aircraft of the total of ten Boeing 777-300ER purchased this year. The firs B777-300ER fleet was received by Garuda Indonesia on June 24, 2013 and the second fleet at the end of July 2013. Meanwhile, the next two Boeing 777-300ERs will arrive towards the end of the year. Three more airplanes are scheduled to arrive in 2014 and a further three aircraft will arrive in 2015.
As Garuda Indonesia carries out its business transformation program and continuous service improvements, the airline's performance is increasingly being recognized at international level. During the Paris Air Show 2013, one of the world's biggest air shows, held in June 2013, Garuda Indonesia was named "The World's Best Economy Class" by SkyTrax, an independent airline ranking agency headquartered in London, and was included in the list of "The World's Top 10 Airlines".
During the "Passenger Choice Award 2013" held in September 2013 in Anaheim, California, USA, and organized by "Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX)", an international airline ranking association based in New York, Garuda Indonesia was chosen as the "Best in Region: Asia and Australasia".
About PT Garuda Indonesia (Persero) Tbk.
Garuda Indonesia is the flag carrier of Indonesia and serves as a full service airline. Garuda Indonesia currently operates 82 aircrafts and serves 33 domestic and 18 international destinations in Asia (Regional Southeast Asia, Middle East, China, Japan and South Korea), Australia, and Europe (The Netherlands). As a result of its concern to safety, Garuda Indonesia received IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) as proves that the airline has fulfilled global best practice in safety and security procedures.
Apart from the main business as full service airline, Garuda Indonesia Group also consists of Strategic Business Unit (SBU) and Subsidiaries. The SBUs are Garuda Cargo and Garuda Medical Center. The subsidiaries are PT Citilink Indonesia as Low Cost Carrier (LCC); PT Aerowisata (hotel, ground transportation, travel agent and catering); PT Abacus Distribution Systems Indonesia (global distribution system); PT Aero System Indonesia/Asyst (provider of IT services for the travel and transportation industry), and PT Garuda Maintenance Facility or known as GMF AeroAsia (aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul).
In February 2011, Garuda Indonesia has taken historic step to become a public company and listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange. For more information, please visit www.garuda-indonesia.com.
Contact:
Pujobroto
VP Corporate Communications
PT GARUDA INDONESIA (PERSERO) Tbk
pujobroto@garuda-indonesia.com
Editor: PR Wire
Copyright © ANTARA 2013
