Garuda strengthens transformation through high-speed inflight connectivity
National flag carrier Garuda Indonesia is strengthening its service transformation through a pilot project for high-speed inflight connectivity on flight GA-XX, providing internet access including video calls at altitudes above 30,000 feet.
Garuda Indonesia President Director Glenny Kairupan said the development of high-speed inflight connectivity is part of the company’s transformation to enhance service value while responding to public demand for digital connectivity.
“Garuda Indonesia’s transformation does not only focus on strengthening business and operational fundamentals, but also on how that transformation can be felt directly through a travel experience that is increasingly relevant for service users. High-speed inflight connectivity is one of the innovations we have prepared to deliver that added value,” Glenny explained in a statement quoted in Jakarta on Wednesday.
He said the high-speed inflight connectivity pilot project was carried out to coincide with the 81st anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia and was packaged through the ‘Sinyal Merdeka’ campaign.
As part of the ‘Sinyal Merdeka’ activation, the reading of the Proclamation of Independence of the Republic of Indonesia was broadcast live via internet connectivity on the aircraft and played through the public address system.
In this pilot project, 81 passengers received special access to try the high-speed inflight connectivity service. The number represents 81 years of Indonesian independence and is part of testing the next-generation connectivity experience being developed by Garuda Indonesia.
He said the campaign is also a new way for the state-owned airline to commemorate Indonesia’s Independence Day through the use of technology.
Furthermore, through the trial, the company will evaluate technological readiness as well as user experience in utilising high-speed connectivity during flights.
The pilot project will subsequently form part of Garuda Indonesia’s evaluation of a number of aspects, ranging from connectivity performance, user experience, operational readiness and safety aspects to compliance with aviation regulations.
He said the development of the service will be carried out in stages, taking into account fleet readiness and supporting technology, with a projected phased implementation starting in 2027.
“At this Independence moment, Sinyal Merdeka is a symbol of our spirit to take Garuda Indonesia flying higher through relevant innovation, while bringing Indonesia further forward in the development of the global aviation industry,” he continued.
Previously, PT Garuda Indonesia (Persero) Tbk together with PT Aviasi Pariwisata Indonesia (Persero) or InJourney sought to attract foreign tourists to explore more tourist destinations in Indonesia.
Garuda Indonesia Group Head of Marketing Prina Eka Putri said the Free Domestic Flight programme, which offers free domestic flight services for foreign tourists, is intended to encourage foreign tourists to visit more regions, not just stopping in Bali and Jakarta.
“The aim is so that they do not only stop at one point in Indonesia, but also explore other domestic destinations in Indonesia,” she said at a press conference in Jakarta on Tuesday (11/8).
Under the Free Domestic Flight programme, Garuda Indonesia is providing 170,845 domestic flight seats for foreign tourists holding Garuda Indonesia international round-trip tickets. The number of tickets was adjusted to match the date of Indonesia’s Independence Day.