Indonesian flag carrier Garuda announces Mumbai entry

MUMBAI: Indonesian national carrier Garuda Indonesia today announced its entry into the world's fastest growing aviation market with a tri-weekly flight to the Mumbai from its headquarters Jakarta via Bangkok.

Mumbai will serve as the airline's first gateway to the region and the tri-weekly service to Mumbai, Garuda Indonesia will be providing the first direct link between Indonesia and India," the airline said here today.

The airline will operate flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

The entry to Mumbai is part of the airline's international network development programme, as well as manifests its commitment to continuously support Indonesia's programme to double the number of international tourists visiting the country by 2019.

Garuda Indonesia president and chief executive M. Arif Wibowo said this new service will further boost the economic and cultural ties between the two nations.

Indonesia is currently one of the largest markets to India with 3,50,000 people travelling to the region on both business and leisure.

Garuda will deploy a Boeing 738 aircraft with a two-class cabin configuration and will have 156 seats 144 in the economy class and 12 in the business class.

Mumbai will be Garuda Indonesia's 78th global destination. The airline has a fleet strength of 197 aircraft.