akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2337 posts, RR: 53 Posted (11 months 1 week 3 days 20 hours ago) and read 11519 times:
Introduction
Teman-temanku,
Do you know the sense of pride that your home country carrier has successfully reinvented itself and found its way up again in the business?
Do you know the sense of pride that more airlines than ever fly to your hometown airport whose exotic aircrafts may please your plane spotting friends?
Teman-teman, can you imagine my feeling when my partner Herman and I boarded Garuda Indonesia at Ahmad Yani International Airport of Semarang for our onward journey to The Land Down Under?
In honor of GA’s slogan, I felt like flying ever higher.
Travel arrangement
In 2008, we found no other way to conclude a direct transaction with GA than through its call center in Jakarta. We did get our booking reference, but still we had to visit airport sales counter to have our E-tickets issued on presentation of payment confirmation number.
So, can you imagine the revelation that the E-ticket issuance for our latest trip happened on our fingertips at home?
This online booking enhancement including…
Ticket retrieval
While compared to four years ago when the interface was limited to…
Booking status
Made me proud of GA.
City check in
What would you feel when you were just a couple of meters away from…
GA sales office
A friendly security guard immediately opened the door and invited you to take a seat on any comfortable chair inside?
Would you appreciate an offer of pre-packed mineral water while Customer Service Agent Faesal issued your boarding pass?
My boarding passes for Jakarta and Denpasar
Teman-teman, will you join me and Herman further on our journey?
akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2337 posts, RR: 53 Reply 1, posted (11 months 1 week 3 days 20 hours ago) and read 11593 times:
Ahmad Yani International Airport
All roads lead to Rome, but we were bound for DPS via CGK.
Airline sales counters. Note the batik motif on the frames
Indeed, Sriwijaya Air could have been our flying partner after PlaneHunter’s example or we could have trusted Batavia Air to fly like two years ago.
But this time, modest GA was our way to fly.
Airport check in
Check in area overview. Note five GA counters at the back on the left
Apart from Customer Service Agent Dian who was in charge of Executive Class check-in counter, there was no GA agents around.
GA banner. Be ready at boarding gate thirty minutes (prior)
The embarkation of earlier GA flight must have been time consuming for Dian’s colleagues. Yet Dian was more than happy to assist us, even though we were not flying Executive Class.
Counter sign
“Good afternoon, Sir,” Dian clasped her hands together, “Are you flying with Garuda?”
“Yes, we are going to Denpasar. Oh, and we are already checked in,”
“Very good. Do you have any luggage with you?”
“Just this one,”
The weighing scale indicated 23,48 kilograms, but sweet Dian did not bother it despite 20 kilogram allowance for Economy Class.
“Your luggage has been checked through to Denpasar. Please be ready at boarding gate on indicated time. Passenger service charge will be collected just before you enter the holding room,”
Dian then clasped her hand again, “Thank you for flying Garuda,”
I got the feeling that ‘Wai’ has become more common in Indonesian airline industry since Indonesia AirAsia managed to impress me with the greeting on board.
By the way, can you guess the latest customer of SRG?
QZ counters alongside 7P and SJ ones
Two officers were in charge of PSC collection.
PSC counter. Note the higher tariffs than Bandung
Instead of plain white barcode sticker, a nicely designed coupon was presented. Not bad for IDR 30,0000 (EUR 2.50), do you not think?
My boarding pass to CGK supplied with PSC coupon
Teman-teman, what would you do with an abundant hour to go before boarding?
Holding room sign. Note signage on the bottom right
The keluar sign conveniently lead you outside through domestic arrival.
Anjungan Wisata
Past cargo terminal, you would come across the entrance of Anjungan Wisata (Picnic Pavilion).
Ticket counter
At admission fee of IDR 1,000 (EUR 0.09), the pavilion would be at your disposal from 06.00 until 18.00.
Overview
The opening hours seemed widely appreciated. Not only by us, plane spotters, but also...
Day-trippers
You never got that close to 31 threshold before the construction of the pavilion. Furthermore, with favorable wind direction…
PK-GEF in old livery backtracking
You would get to see U-turn just in front of you, followed by thrilling moment of…
SJ PK-CJH take off roll
Holding room
How about another thrill some thirty minutes later…
Our carry-on
Our precious mineral water bottles remained, even after the third security check.
Furthermore, security check point has been relocated since our last visit to SRG. At that time, the holding area was not larger than….
Window section area
Middle section used to be semi public.
Forward middle section. Note the pillars
Glasses in between the pillars were removed to create more space for waiting passengers.
Backward middle section. Note the check point on the right to the painting
Can you imagine my sense of pride that SRG would be evolving from…
Current map
To…
Master plan
I just hope that after new terminal construction on the northern side of the runway, my hometown airport would still breathe similar viewing excitement.
Wings crew members walking to the their next assignment
Our PK-GEG inbound from CGK
7P PK-YVH on takeoff roll, bound for Singapore
IW PK-WFR after pushback, bound for Surabaya
What do you think of …
Trigana Air PK-YSD taxiing, bound for Pangkalanbun
Can you imagine any damage on PK-YSD after veering off runway on heavy weather landing last April 13, 2005 in Makassar? Look how well this former Air Canada C-GCPV recovered ever since!
Speaking of damage, it was already past 12.50 and technicians were still busy with trouble shootings as Customer Service Agent Kiki told me.
Gate 1. Note Kiki keeping an eye on the tarmac
Boarding
“May I have your attention, please?” Kiki’s call livened up people around us. “Families with children are requested to board first,”
Boarding scene. Spot families with children
Green light flashed. We were admitted to the tarmac.
Entrance direction
What a delight as the twenty minute boarding delay saw for my first encounter with…
Lion Air PK-LJL
Can you imagine my excitement of the sight of this two week old 737-900ER alongside…
PK-GEG
As twenty years ago, there was nothing else to see than boring British Aerospace ATP’s.
Under the wing. Dedicated to Markus (FLIEGER67)
However, my photo-taking frenzy made me lag behind Herman. I had to surrender my sequence to a couple in front of me or did I?
“Are you traveling together?” The man of the couple surprisingly spoke to me.
“Err, yes actually,”
“Please come forward. Join him,” The man waved me on.
“Thank you. What a novelty,”
The gesture of my co-passenger just warmed my heart as I looked up to...
akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2337 posts, RR: 53 Reply 2, posted (11 months 1 week 3 days 20 hours ago) and read 11579 times:
On board
Flights Status
Route: SRG – CGK
Date: 10 March 2012
ETD/ATD: 13.10 / 13.25
ETA/ATA: 14.10 / 14.30
Flight number: GA 239
Plane: Boeing 737-83N
Registration: PK-GEG
Delivered: 11 June 2002 to American Trans Air
Flight deck: Captain Suryo Gagat
“Welcome on board,” Cabin attendant Sri Mulyani in her turquoise kebaya clasped her hands.
An array of newspapers was nicely arranged in front of her.
Indonesian and English newspapers
The newspaper offer less bothered me than the girl who pretended not to see us while occupying… my seat!
“Excuse me, madam! That is my seat,” I tapped her on the shoulder.
“But, I got assigned twenty nine C,” She protested.
“That is why you have to move!”
Miss 29C reluctantly gave in once she learned the division of row 29…
A window, B middle, C aisle
However, thanks to Miss 29C, I became more appreciative of my 29A...
Decent legroom
And truly enjoyed boiled candy offered by cabin attendant Retno Juli.
Boiled candy
Following the introduction of Cabin Service Manager Dinny was manual safety demonstration by Retno Juli and her colleagues Arie and Regina.
Safety card was surely available for further reference…
Instruction for takeoff and landing, how to use oxygen mask and more
Emergency landing procedure
Additional safety information
But, would you see how Retno Juli, Arie and Regina clasped their hands after they finished the demonstration on it?
Taxi and take off
Time to say goodbye was near.
An U-turn on 31 threshold
While waiting for…
KalStar Aviation PK-KSN, formerly Norwegian LN-KKP, vacating the runway
I could not help having mixed feelings with the sight of…
My former playground
Just too fast how PK-GEG rolled past the place where I developed my passion for aviation.
Lift off at 13.35. Note red roofed Graha Padma residential area on the background
Climbing along the suburb…
Mangkang industrial area on the background
A river separating Turunrejo on the left and Banyutowo on the right
As the greenish soil faded away underneath cloud layer.
In flight
“Sir?” Sweet Arie brought me down to earth with something in her hand…
Snack box
Containing…
Clockwise from right: a slice of chocolate cake, deep fried filled tofu and pre-packed guava tea
Diving into silky tofu filling through crispy surface with tingly bite of spicy green bird eye’s chili, I recalled my past memories in Semarang. So sweet as creamy filling of the chocolate cake. So refreshing as the guava tea.
“Would you like anything else to drink?” Sri Mulyani surprised me a bit.
“Oh, orange juice, please,”
“Sure,”
Unlike Gabriel (gabrielchew)’s GA 142, additional drink service was available.
Retno Juli and Sri Mulyani on duty
After such abundant drink offer, a lavatory visit was just necessary…
Lavatory pan
Getting freshened up with either…
Eau de toilette, hand lotion or hand soap
Before returning to my seat since fasten seat belts were illuminated.
Forward cabin view. Note some empty seats
PK-GEG made landfall…
Tanjung Pakis beach
While gradually leaving the cruising altitude.
Landing
“Cabin crew, take your seat,”
Muara Kamal
After flying time of 54 minutes…
Touchdown
PK-GEG safely made it on 07L – 25R runway and proceeded to domestic terminal 2F with a nice greet from…
Mihin Lanka 4R-MRC
QZ PK-AWX, Tiger Mandala PK-RMN and QZ PK-AXR
Retro sister ship PK-GFN
And coming to a stop next to…
Sister PK-GFS
Disembarking
As we fetched our carry-on and faced up to…
Waiting to disembark
It was 14.35 already. Ten minutes past advised boarding time of our connecting flight!
“Good afternoon” Cabin Attendant Linda clasped her hands at 2L door just before…
Second Executive Class cabin
Down to forward Economy Class cabin where Cabin Attendant Nadya clasped her hands to everyone walking on her side.
Nadya on our side. Note her colleagues Fitri in turquoise and Nufusy in orange kebaya on the other side
And further to the calm aft cabin where we belonged.
Overview
Cabin Attendant Vivi in her orange kebaya graciously made her appearance from the aft galley.
“Good afternoon,” Vivi clasped her hands. “Can I help you with your seat?”
“Thank you. I think we have found our seats,”
“Do you need any help with your luggage?”
“We will manage. Thank you,”
Such genuine hospitality from Vivi along with a personal message…
Welcome
As I made myself comfortable on…
My seat with personal television
Followed by an offer of…
Boiled candy
Made me feel like being a guest of Javanese royal palace, where not only your comfort was a top priority, but also your safety.
Quick reference
How to evacuate a wide body in case of emergency
Thank you for your attention
At 15.05, pushback commenced.
Taxi and take off
“Due to congestion, we have to wait five or ten minutes for our turn to take off. We have sequence number four,”
Somehow I did not mind Captain Yudadhibrata’s announcement as among the ones responsible for our wait, were…
Merpati PK-MDF, formerly QZ PK-AWS, moments before touchdown
Cathay Pacific B-HOW
And the one preceding us…
QZ PK-AXJ
An old friend as if she wanted to show us the way while her Malaysian sister ship following in our wake…
AirAsia 9M-AHO
Got ready to see us off…
Accelerating
Reaching 2,000 m spot…
Rotate
And flying ever higher above…
Kronjo wetlands
In flight
I was in cloud nine, both literally and figuratively.
On board of rejuvenated PK-GPF in exceptional ambience…
Nearly private aft cabin
While maintaining…
34 inch legroom
Upgraded in-flight entertainment system has been put at our disposal…
Touch screen
Including…
Contemporary control unit design
Even more special when Vivi appeared on our side without any meal trolley as opposed to Nadya and her other colleague Fira who were in charge of the busier front cabin.
“What would you like to have? We have fish with rice or chicken with noodle,”
“Fish with rice, please,”
“Sure. And how about you?”
“I will have the chicken, please,”
“Sure,”
As Vivi fetched our meal, we got ourselves prepared.
Distinguish designed tray table
Our meal trays were brought individually to us.
Unwrapped meal tray set
“Would you like anything to drink?” Vivi asked after serving my tray.
“Do you have Ginger Ale?”
“Let me just check it for you,”
Vivi disappeared to the galley, but not before saying, “Enjoy your meal,”
Chicken noodle set for Herman. Note pre-packed chili sauce
My fish with turmeric rice
Turmeric rice, preparation for special occasion in Javanese culture, made a playful combination with surprisingly modest red pepper flakes on velvety fish filet podium. All rounded off by...
A medley of red grape, papaya and pineapple slices
As for indulging in performance of royal dancers.
Somehow, Cabin Attendant Respati became the bad news messenger.
“I am so sorry. We do not have Ginger Ale on board. Can I offer you anything else? Sprite or coke, perhaps?”
“Can I have orange juice instead?”
“Certainly,”
Guess who then brought my drink order?
My orange juice by Vivi. Cheers, Gavin!
This experience felt so unreal. I just had to freshen up my senses.
Napkins and refreshing items
As I met Vivi again in her resemblance to Javanese royal family member, I could not deny anymore that I was there for real.
Just this consciousness made me so disappointed when I asked Vivi for a photo, she just whispered, “Please no, I am too shy,”
I was about to slink off empty-handed when Vivi suggested, “But, I will take a picture of you with my colleagues,”
Hoping for the best, I returned to my seat and tried to entertain myself with…
Garuda magazine
Though short lived as it somehow disappeared into our carry-on.
How about…
Garuda shop
Just as I decided on something, Vivi invited me to the aft galley where Fitri, Fira and Nadya already gathered.
Respati who just stayed aloof at the beginning, offered to take a picture of all of us. To my pleasant surprise, Vivi decided to join us.
Meeting angels Vivi, Fitri, Fira and Nadya in their kebaya and parang gondosuli batik. Courtesy of Respati
I was grateful already that Vivi was true to her words, but this photo session just went beyond my expectation! Shame, Nufusy could not take part in it as she had to arrange my purchase.
GA branded cap
As Nadya and Fira excused themselves to do second drink run, I figured that it was about time for me to retreat.
Truly angels as Vivi and her colleagues were, each of them would smile at me every time we made an eye contact.
“Do you want anything else to drink?” Sweet Nadya stopped by with the drink trolley.
“No, thank you. I am fine,”
How I wished the time to stop as soon as I found out…
Flight map
Our flight would come to an end.
Landing
As if it was filled with tears, our view became blurrier the further PK-GPF glided towards the horizon level.
Break-water before 09 threshold
After one hour and thirty one minute…
Touchdown at 17.50
The farewell was imminent.
Vacating 09 – 27
Remaining rays of heavenly light were shining through as Captain Yudadhibrata set PK-GPF at rest.
Disembarking
No mad rush, but peaceful affair as the aft cabin gradually emptied...
Waiting to disembark
Giving everyone of us an opportunity to say goodbye properly to Vivi and Respati outside the aft galley, Nadya halfway the cabin and Linda at 2L, by clasping hands after their example.
akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2337 posts, RR: 53 Reply 4, posted (11 months 1 week 3 days 20 hours ago) and read 11517 times:
Conclusion
Teman-teman, I was truly blessed with Garuda Indonesia Experience.
My greatest gratitude goes to Vivi, Nadya, Fitri, Fira and Respati for being my angels on board and making me proud of being born Indonesian;
Also to Herman, my partner who I gladly shared this exceptional experience with;
Last but not least, I wish to thank all of you, teman-temanku, for joining me all the way from Semarang to Denpasar. I sincerely hope that you enjoy this fourth part of my journey to The Land Down Under.
Furthermore, to say after stipica, if you ever go to my home country, do visit my hometown airport like PlaneHunter.
Please feel free to leave comments, suggestions or questions because without you, I would have never been able to improve my writings.
Widebodyroga From United States of America, joined Sep 2008, 496 posts, RR: 4 Reply 5, posted (11 months 1 week 3 days 19 hours ago) and read 11347 times:
Great report Suryo,
I like the inclusion of detailed dialogues in your reports. It somehow makes the whole experience more realistic for us readers.
I'm also glad (just like you are) to see Garuda changing slowly but surely their profile. It must be very satisfactory for all Indonesians.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): “Are you traveling together?” The man of the couple surprisingly spoke to me.
“Err, yes actually,”
“Please come forward. Join him,” The man waved me on.
“Thank you. What a novelty,”
How nice of him. You would definitely not see that ever happen where I come from
I love retro liveries and I have to confess that I had no idea that Garuda's former colors were red and orange. It looks pretty good
Thanks for sharing this with us Suryo. I hope all subsequent experiences with Garuda to be as exceptional as this one. And as it is often the case, it is the crew that makes the difference!
WideBodyroga
Visit my aviation page: http://widebodyroga.weebly.com/
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6219 posts, RR: 79 Reply 6, posted (11 months 1 week 3 days 19 hours ago) and read 11323 times:
Hi Suryo,
excellent report about your Garuda experience! I'm glad that the domestic product doesn't look much less impressive than the international product. Just too bad you didn't get one of the factory fresh 738s with PTVs. However - it's great to see that the old A333s' interiors have been refurbished.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Indeed, Sriwijaya Air could have been our flying partner after PlaneHunter’s example or we could have trusted Batavia Air to fly like two years ago.
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 25129 posts, RR: 60 Reply 7, posted (11 months 1 week 3 days 18 hours ago) and read 11266 times:
Hey Suryo ,
Boring Saturday here in Ireland and you brought a smile to my face as I read your report as always. Lovely photos and experience. I love the new interiors and the meals. Never been to Indonesia but kind of want to after your reports You are a great ambassador of your country and thats good.
Love the baseball cap too very nicely designed.
Looking forward to more exotic adventures from you .
Regards
Philip
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
aflyingkiwi From New Zealand, joined Nov 2010, 490 posts, RR: 3 Reply 9, posted (11 months 1 week 3 days 6 hours ago) and read 10530 times:
Hi Suryo,
Great to see the next installment of your series.
It sounds like you had 2 fantastic flights with Garuda. Also nice to see that you were able to get a widebody on the relatively short leg to DPS. I do hope that one day GA will return to AKL, I would really like to try their revitalized product.
sultanils From Belgium, joined Mar 2010, 1215 posts, RR: 29 Reply 12, posted (11 months 1 week 2 days 16 hours ago) and read 9926 times:
Hello Suryo,
Thank you very much for another nice Indonesian tale. This time featuring nothing less than your land of birth's home carrier. I bet these were certainly flights you were looking forward to? And they looked like excellent flights: nice cabins, outstanding service by the nice crews. As an Indonesian, this for sure must make you proud
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Do you know the sense of pride that your home country carrier has successfully reinvented itself and found its way up again in the business?
I can understand it makes you proud. As a Belgian it's too bad I can't be that proud on SN, the latest reports here only show quite some mediocrity unfortunately...
A real good way of showing pax the right direction and to ensure a quick and painless boarding procedure. Did your fellow travelers follow the recommendations of this sign?
Knightsofmalta From Malta, joined Nov 2005, 1429 posts, RR: 17 Reply 13, posted (11 months 1 week 2 days 13 hours ago) and read 9763 times:
Hey Suryo
Thanks for posting the next installment of your Indonesian journey. It just keeps getting more and more interesting with every further flight you take!
And blimey, what a transformation Garuda has undergone. I remember when they still used to fly to Zurich with the MD-11 and the B747-400. Their reputation was not the best back in those days. But look at them now!
The cabin looks very modern and well maintained and the crews looks as though they're actually enjoying themselves! As for the food, especially on the last leg, it looks rather appetizing.
Thanks for posting. Looking forward to the next installment.
FlyingFinn76 From Finland, joined Jun 2009, 1705 posts, RR: 41 Reply 15, posted (11 months 1 week 1 day 18 hours ago) and read 9429 times:
Hi Suryo,
Good to see your annual Indonesian homecoming progressing a bit further. Nice for you to pay a visit to your hometown again. The "new" Garuda looks very nice, those seats are extremely stylish.
You know the airport code SRG always gives me shivers, as a colleague years ago, the "Mad Russian Coder Sergey" used this expression in comments to mark his (dubious, very dubious) pieces of code. It is almost enough to put me off flying to SRG, but just almost if I get a chance to log a 732...
Ahh, the one thing I remember from my Malaysian AIrlines flight back in 2006 is the purser's announcements which always seemed to start with Teman-this and Teman-that. Apparently this is something like "dear" or "good" in Bahasa?
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Do you know the sense of pride that your home country carrier has successfully reinvented itself and found its way up again in the business?
No. Because my home country carrier is in deep shite, headed by clueless management and ruined by even more clueless unions. Unfortunately. Maybe things will change for the better at some point and then I will perhaps know this same feeling...
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Past cargo terminal, you would come across the entrance of Anjungan Wisata (Picnic Pavilion).
Hey, a very nice idea! And very good that it's priced so affordably that everyone can visit it!
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Diving into silky tofu filling through crispy surface with tingly bite of spicy green bird eye’s chili, I recalled my past memories in Semarang. So sweet as creamy filling of the chocolate cake. So refreshing as the guava tea.
You know Suryo, sometimes you are a bit too poetic for your own good.
Joking aside that dish sounds quite nice, could even persuade a die hard carnivore like me to try the "faux meat" option!
CaptainRed From Germany, joined Oct 2010, 588 posts, RR: 19 Reply 17, posted (11 months 1 week 1 day 12 hours ago) and read 9249 times:
Hi Suryo,
thanks again for taking us with you on this epic journey. Again a lovely and enjoyable report. Very nice to read how you get closer and closer to Down-Under.
Really impressed by Garuda here, excellent service it seems, food looks very yummy as well. I certainly agree with you that you can be proud of your local carrier. The only thing I disagree with are the colors of their seats.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Meeting angels Vivi, Fitri, Fira and Nadya in their kebaya and parang gondosuli batik. Courtesy of Respati
Lovely picture ...
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): At admission fee of IDR 1,000 (EUR 0.09), the pavilion would be at your disposal from 06.00 until 18.00.
Now that's a cool thing to have. And it seems it is also quite popular by the local aviation enthusiasts. Cool to get so close to departing aircrafts, and even to some exotic carriers.
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 13 Reply 18, posted (11 months 6 days 20 hours ago) and read 8985 times:
Nice report Suryo - looks like you had some more nice flights with GA!
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): “Excuse me, madam! That is my seat,” I tapped her on the shoulder.
“But, I got assigned twenty nine C,” She protested.
“That is why you have to move!”
NZ107 From New Zealand, joined Jul 2005, 5704 posts, RR: 39 Reply 19, posted (11 months 6 days 20 hours ago) and read 8984 times:
Hi Suryo,
Another great TR of yours from Indonesia. It's good to see how far GA has come over this decade.
It's a very interesting route you took to get to DPS.. Are there few direct flights between Semarang and Denpasar? But nonetheless, it's good to get a widebody on a short route!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 1): At admission fee of IDR 1,000 (EUR 0.09), the pavilion would be at your disposal from 06.00 until 18.00.
So cheap for a paying viewing area! It also has a great view.
The meals looked excellent, especially for the distance!
infodesk From Switzerland, joined May 2006, 1256 posts, RR: 33 Reply 20, posted (11 months 6 days 16 hours ago) and read 8865 times:
Hi Suryo,
Great to read your latest Indonesian installment.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): A friendly security guard immediately opened the door and invited you to take a seat on any comfortable chair inside?
Would you appreciate an offer of pre-packed mineral water while Customer Service Agent Faesal issued your boarding pass?
Now that sounds like the sort of service that takes you a long time to find.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Wings crew members walking to the their next assignment
What snazzy uniforms those FAs have!
I really love Garuda's colour scheme on the outside, but I personally don't like the brown seats, they look dated to me.
Lucky you getting a widebody on the 90 minute hop to Denpasar, especially when the cabin is half empty. That must have been such a great experience. Attentive service from the crew, a nice souvenir hat to purchase and a picture of you and the female FAs, what more could you possibly want from a flight?!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 4): My greatest gratitude goes to Vivi, Nadya, Fitri, Fira and Respati for being my angels on board and making me proud of being born Indonesian;
What a moving sentence Suryo
Happy flying
Infodesk
"Do nothing in haste, look well to each step and from the beginning think what may be the end" - Edward Whymper
Quoting Widebodyroga (Reply 5): I'm also glad (just like you are) to see Garuda changing slowly but surely their profile.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 6): However - it's great to see that the old A333s' interiors have been refurbished.
Quoting OA260 (Reply 7): I love the new interiors and the meals.
Quoting burj (Reply 8): I am so glad to see Garuda improving their product
Quoting Knightsofmalta (Reply 13): And blimey, what a transformation Garuda has undergone. I remember when they still used to fly to Zurich with the MD-11 and the B747-400. Their reputation was not the best back in those days. But look at them now!
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 19): It's good to see how far GA has come over this decade.
Quoting infodesk (Reply 20): I really love Garuda's colour scheme on the outside,
Quoting Luxair747SP (Reply 21): they seem to offer a good hard as well as soft product.
I am very happy to see the rebirth of my home country carrier. Its five-year expansion plan (The Quantum Leap) definitely bears fruit after the implementation in 2009.
Quoting roberts87 (Reply 11): Thanks for sharing and taking the time to write it!
Quoting sultanils (Reply 12): Thank you very much for another nice Indonesian tale. This time featuring nothing less than your land of birth's home carrier.
Quoting Knightsofmalta (Reply 13): Thanks for posting the next installment of your Indonesian journey.
It has been a great pleasure of mine, teman-teman.
WideBodyroga, William, Robert:
Quoting Widebodyroga (Reply 5): And as it is often the case, it is the crew that makes the difference!
Quoting Knightsofmalta (Reply 13): the crews looks as though they're actually enjoying themselves!
Quoting Parton87 (Reply 14): Great photo. They look like lovely ladies!
Vivi, Fitri, Fira, Nadya and Respati have been angels of mine.
WideBodyroga, Robert:
Quoting Widebodyroga (Reply 5): I love retro liveries and I have to confess that I had no idea that Garuda's former colors were red and orange. It looks pretty good
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 19): Looking forward to reading the next parts!
I am doing my best.
Aflyingkiwi, Matthew, Nils, CaptainRed, Gabriel:
Quoting aflyingkiwi (Reply 9): It sounds like you had 2 fantastic flights with Garuda.
Quoting 767747 (Reply 10): It looks like you had a good flight with Garuda.
Quoting sultanils (Reply 12): And they looked like excellent flights: nice cabins, outstanding service by the nice crews. As an Indonesian, this for sure must make you proud
Quoting CaptainRed (Reply 17): Really impressed by Garuda here, excellent service it seems, food looks very yummy as well. I certainly agree with you that you can be proud of your local carrier.
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 18): looks like you had some more nice flights with GA!
These flights have indeed made me proud of Garuda Indonesia.
Quoting sultanils (Reply 12): I can understand it makes you proud. As a Belgian it's too bad I can't be that proud on SN, the latest reports here only show quite some mediocrity unfortunately...
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 15): No. Because my home country carrier is in deep shite, headed by clueless management and ruined by even more clueless unions. Unfortunately.
Shame.
William, P., Mark, Gabriel, Nicholas:
Quoting Knightsofmalta (Reply 13): As for the food, especially on the last leg, it looks rather appetizing.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 15): Joking aside that dish sounds quite nice, could even persuade a die hard carnivore like me to try the "faux meat" option!
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 16): Food looks good on these short hops, pretty impressive.
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 18): Ooh, both main courses look good - GA seems to be onto a winner with their catering
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 19): The meals looked excellent, especially for the distance!
I am proud of GA’s food and beverage improvement. Our meal were just delicious!
Robert, P., Mark, CaptainRed:
Quoting Parton87 (Reply 14): Great photo. They look like lovely ladies!
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 15): Hey, a very nice idea! And very good that it's priced so affordably that everyone can visit it!
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 16): - Now that should be mandatory around the globe!
Quoting CaptainRed (Reply 17): Now that's a cool thing to have. And it seems it is also quite popular by the local aviation enthusiasts. Cool to get so close to departing aircrafts, and even to some exotic carriers.
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 19): So cheap for a paying viewing area! It also has a great view.
Quoting CaptainRed (Reply 17): The only thing I disagree with are the colors of their seats.
Quoting infodesk (Reply 20): but I personally don't like the brown seats, they look dated to me.
We all have different taste which is fine. I personally like the seats.
WideBodyroga:
Quoting Widebodyroga (Reply 5): I like the inclusion of detailed dialogues in your reports. It somehow makes the whole experience more realistic for us readers.
I am very happy to hear that.
Quoting Widebodyroga (Reply 5): It must be very satisfactory for all Indonesians.
No doubt about it. Even though I am no longer Indonesian citizen, I am very proud of Garuda’s achievement.
Quoting Widebodyroga (Reply 5): How nice of him. You would definitely not see that ever happen where I come from
You will never know. There are still many nice people around.
Quoting Widebodyroga (Reply 5): I hope all subsequent experiences with Garuda to be as exceptional as this one.
I have confidence in The Garuda Indonesia Experience.
Hi PH:
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 6): I'm glad that the domestic product doesn't look much less impressive than the international product.
I am with you here. Judging on your experience, Garuda maintains consistently good service both domestic and international.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 6): Just too bad you didn't get one of the factory fresh 738s with PTVs.
That would have been great. But you know, flying any 738 out of SRG was just enough for me.
Maybe I would have more luck on international flights.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 6): I can only recommend anyone to do so...by using SJ 732, of course!
Thank you for your recommendation.
Hey Philip:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 7): Boring Saturday here in Ireland and you brought a smile to my face as I read your report as always. Lovely photos and experience.
Philip, I feel the same with your reply. So heartwarming.
Quoting OA260 (Reply 7): Never been to Indonesia but kind of want to after your reports You are a great ambassador of your country and thats good.
Thank you for the honor, Philip.
Quoting OA260 (Reply 7): Love the baseball cap too very nicely designed.
Burj:
Quoting burj (Reply 8): As always an awesome trip report that makes the reader feel like we are there with you and Herman!
How sweet of you. Do you know how happy I am with your reply?
Quoting burj (Reply 8): I hope that I'll be able to use my Delta SkyPesos to fly with them once they join SkyTeam!
I would love to hear about your own ‘Garuda Indonesia Experience’.
Hi Aflyingkiwi:
Quoting aflyingkiwi (Reply 9): I do hope that one day GA will return to AKL, I would really like to try their revitalized product.
GA has expressed its intention to return to AKL. I hope I would hear about your ‘Garuda Indonesia Experience’ one day.
Colombo based low cost airline which operates four weekly direct flight to CGK.
Hi P.:
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 15): Good to see your annual Indonesian homecoming progressing a bit further.
Thank you for your patience.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 15): Nice for you to pay a visit to your hometown again.
The intense feeling of coming home has never faded, P.!
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 15): You know the airport code SRG always gives me shivers, as a colleague years ago, the "Mad Russian Coder Sergey" used this expression in comments to mark his (dubious, very dubious) pieces of code.
Oh yes, you have told me earlier about it.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 15): It is almost enough to put me off flying to SRG, but just almost if I get a chance to log a 732...
SRG is a 732 heaven. I would love to see you come over to SRG. (I say it twice, I know)
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 15): Ahh, the one thing I remember from my Malaysian AIrlines flight back in 2006 is the purser's announcements which always seemed to start with Teman-this and Teman-that. Apparently this is something like "dear" or "good" in Bahasa?
Teman means pal or friend or comrade.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 15): Maybe things will change for the better at some point and then I will perhaps know this same feeling...
Never say never.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 15): You know Suryo, sometimes you are a bit too poetic for your own good.
I cannot help it, P.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 15): What's that bag underneath it? A holding bag for it?
I can imagine it as MES-BTJ has similar distance to SRG-CGK.
Hi Nicholas:
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 19): Are there few direct flights between Semarang and Denpasar?
There is a daily nonstop early morning flight with Wings Air. Otherwise, you should transit either in Jakarta or Surabaya.
Hi Hannah:
Quoting infodesk (Reply 20): Now that sounds like the sort of service that takes you a long time to find.
Part of The Garuda Indonesia Experience.
Quoting infodesk (Reply 20): Lucky you getting a widebody on the 90 minute hop to Denpasar, especially when the cabin is half empty. That must have been such a great experience. Attentive service from the crew, a nice souvenir hat to purchase and a picture of you and the female FAs, what more could you possibly want from a flight?!
Hannah, you sum it up aptly. I have indeed had a perfect flight.
25 signol: Excellent Suryo, I always expect good things from your reports and you never disappoint! Very nice service, especially to offer checkin downtown! Not
26 LH4116: Hello Suryo, nice report! I can sure imagine that feeling. If only SAS would go back to what they were back in the olden days Btw, has the renewal of
27 dkdaviator: Hello Suryo, What a nice report there on your journey on Garuda to Denpasar (and Jakarta, along the way). Nice improvement there. How considerate of h
28 ronerone: Salam Suryo, Hei taman! Great mini-TR on Garuda! it is always a wonderful experience flying with you in your TRs, and of course Garuda Indonesia makes
29 The777Man: Hi Suryo! Thanks for another fantastic installment in this series! Wonderful pictures and great writing as always ! Interesting to see the plans for a
30 dc9northwest: Hi there, dear Suryo, Good to see the continuation of your journey posted Sorry for the long time it took to reply, but I was on a trip of my own, and
31 deltamartin: Great report, just as usual, Suryo! I sure enjoyed reading it. Garuda Indonesia looks nice, I especially like their A330, the brown-blue cabin is grea
32 FLIEGER67: Hoi, Suryo, what a superb affair to follow you´re latest part around the great Australia travels. Now that make me more curious to try out GA myself
33 MSS658: Hello Suryo Great report you have got there. Thanks for sharing. GA looks to be nice as usual. I'm surprised that there was no AVOD on the flight to C
34 RvXKaz: Dear Suryo, this is an exceptional TR dedicated to Garuda Indonesia! I am certain Garuda has no bigger fan than yourself! Thanks so much for showing u
35 flightsimboy: Hello Suryo, Again you take two simple flights and turn them into something magical! Nicely done. Congrats to Garuda, and Garuda has become even more
37 eastafspot: Suryo, A really great entertaining TR from your home town. GA seems good, especially if you get nice boiled candies prior the flight and a generous sn
38 akhmad: Temanku Léonard, Terima kasih banyak. Thank you so much for taking your time to read and reply. You are a gentleman! I am really proud of GA, my home
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