Garuda Indonesia has confirmed it’s leaving Gatwick to launch a direct service to Jakarta from Heathrow.
From March 31, the airline will use its fleet of B777-300ERs to operate a five-times weekly service to the Indonesian capital, an increase from the three-times weekly service it operates from Gatwick.
Flights to Jakarta will also no-longer stop at Amsterdam, creating the UK’s first non-stop flight to Indonesia.
Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye said the deal shows how important Heathrow is to British business.
“As the UK's only hub, Heathrow is able to support regular direct flights to 75 long haul destinations not served by any other UK airport,” said Holland-Kaye.
“With expansion, we can bring the world to Britain's doorstep by adding up to 40 more long haul routes to high growth markets and more than doubling the number of UK cities served.”
Jubi Prasetyo, general manager UK & Ireland said: “Making the move to Heathrow Airport has been an ambition of ours since joining Sky Team in March 2014.
“Heathrow’s pivotal role in servicing the alliance’s 1,052 destinations makes it an ideal departure airport for our passengers. Flying non-stop direct to Jakarta means we will truly be the most efficient way to reach Indonesia from the UK.”
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