Indonesian flag carrier Garuda Indonesia plans to re-operate its flight service to the United States via Japan from next year, giving business travellers in the south more options when flying to America.

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. With the upgraded rating from FAA which recognizes the Indonesia aviation safety and security standard, we are trying to make plan realization even sooner,” says Benny S. Butarbutar, vice president of Corporate Communications Garuda Indonesia.

The airline’s potential market to the US is quite remarkable, reaching up to 400,000 passengers every year. Capturing the potential, Garuda Indonesia is targeting its US flight to Los Angeles or New York, the two cities with highest potential market.

“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,” adds Benny S. Butarbutar. www.garuda-indonesia.com

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