Garuda Indonesia becomes Indonesia's only 5-star airline marking another milestone in the ongoing transformation programme

Garuda Indonesia, Indonesia's national carrier, has been named the newest member of the exclusive group of 5-Star Airlines by Skytrax, the world's leading airline and airport review specialists (www.airlinequality.com). The select, top-tier 5-star rating is only awarded to airlines achieving the highest quality performance, focussing on the airline's ability to deliver this on a consistent basis. Garuda Indonesia today becomes the seventh airline to earn the prestigious award, joining Asiana Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Hainan Airlines, All Nippon Airways, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines.

President and CEO of Garuda Indonesia Emirsyah Satar commented: “It is certainly an honour for all of us at Garuda Indonesia, and the achievement becomes even more meaningful as we are now reaching towards the completion of our 'Quantum Leap' journey. Over the past years, we have been striving persistently to provide a world-class travelling experience for our passengers and I believe that this accomplishment will serve as further inspiration for us to remain committed and improve even better. Furthermore, we take great pride in establishing our home country more firmly on the international stage by receiving this prestigious recognition.”

Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax said: "This is recognition of the major turnaround in quality standards at Garuda Indonesia, reflecting the hard work by the airline in recent years, and we delighted to confirm that they are now meeting the 5-Star Airline rating. This rating is based on an all-round assessment of the product and service, onboard and at the airport. We place a lot of importance on the fact that the majority of customers travel in Economy and it is the quality and consistency of those standards that contribute greatly to Garuda securing 5-Stars. Consistency of an airline's product and service is a major part of the 5-Star rating, with Garuda's long haul fleet now offering Business Class flat-bed seating and 32-34 inch seat pitch in Economy Class. Customers can also experience the new First and Business Class 5-Star service concept rolled out across the Boeing 777-300ER fleet." 



A 5-star airline rating represents 'ultimate' quality recognition and approval, which is only awarded to airlines that achieve an exceptional front-line quality performance. The 5-star airline rating recognises airlines at the forefront of product innovation that set quality benchmarks and trends that are often followed by other carriers. The airline rating systems assess the standard of an airline's product and service delivery quality, using more than 800 assessment categories, applied across both the onboard and airport environments.

On the ground, airline website/online operations, ticketing, check-in, security, lounges, boarding, departures, transfer, arrivals, and branding are all assessed, with prime importance given to all 'touch points' involved in final service delivery to the customer. Onboard assessment includes a detailed assessment across all areas of onboard product, staff service techniques and efficiency, along with associated aspects of staff service.

This 5-Star Airline rating also takes account of planned airport and service changes in 2015, when Garuda will transfer to the new Terminal 3 at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, its home base hub. This will provide a new home for Garuda Indonesia and SkyTeam member airlines, improving the travel experience through enhanced transfers and airport service, together with improved and expanded premium passenger facilities.

As Garuda Indonesia strives to continue its transformation program, the airline's performance is increasingly being recognized at international level. Garuda Indonesia proceeded to receive a new coveted accolade as the airline with 'The World's Best Cabin Crew 2014' from Skytrax at the Farnborough International Airshow 2014.

Previously, Garuda Indonesia was also awarded 'The World's Best Economy Class' in 2013, 'The World's Best Regional Airline' in 2012, and 'The World's Most Improved Airline' in 2010, also by Skytrax. Moreover, during the 'Passenger Choice Award 2013' held in September 2013 in Anaheim, California, USA, and organized by 'Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX)', Garuda Indonesia was chosen as the 'Best in Region: Asia and Australasia'.

For further information on Garuda Indonesia and to book flights visit www.garuda-indonesia.com.

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About Garuda Indonesia
Garuda Indonesia is the national airline of Indonesia and provides passengers with an authentic Indonesian experience from the moment they book their trip; to the moment they collect their bags.

The Garuda Indonesia experience is based on the five senses – sight, sound, scent, taste and touch. Through the traditional Indonesian food served on board the aircraft to the smell of aromatic flowers, passengers will be immersed in all that the country has to offer.

The airline won the accolade for The World's Best Cabin Staff at the 2014 Skytrax World Airline Awards held at the Farnborough International Airshow, adding to awards in 2013 for The World's Best Economy Class and The World's Best Economy Class Seats.

In March 2014, Garuda Indonesia joined SkyTeam, the global airline alliance with 20 members, providing access to an extensive global network with over 15,700 daily flights to 1,064 destinations in 178 countries.

Keep up-to-date with the latest news from Garuda Indonesia by visiting www.garuda-indonesia.com. Alternatively become a Garuda Indonesia Fan on Facebook by 'Liking' Facebook.com/GarudaIndonesiaUK or follow Garuda Indonesia on Twitter @Garuda_UK.