Garuda Indonesia B777-300ER business class London-Jakarta

BACKGROUND Indonesia’s national airline started flying nonstop from Heathrow to Jakarta in March last year (the Skyteam member previously flew London-Jakarta via Amsterdam). The service started with five weekly flights but was reduced to three in winter 2016; there are plans to return to five in winter 2017. Return flights to London stop off at Singapore.

CHECK-IN I arrived at Heathrow Terminal 3 at 1800 for my departure at 2015. Online check-in is possible 24 hours beforehand but boarding passes were not available when I logged on so I had to collect mine at the airport (Zone F). At the business desk I was given a separate print-out of my luggage receipt and a fasttrack arrivals voucher. Fast-track security was swift.

THE LOUNGE Garuda’s business class passengers get free access to the paid-for No 1 Traveller lounge, which otherwise costs £26 online. I was impressed by the private library-style living rooms, although these must be booked in advance. It had a spa with paid-for treatments, showers, a cinema room, lots of comfy seating, a long counter by the window to work at, sleep pods (£20) and a dining zone serving à la carte meals – some complimentary (mac and cheese), others paid-for (Cajun chicken Jambalaya and cornbread, £10). There was also a free self-service buffet with various salads (potato, pasta, greens, tomato and quinoa) as well as brownies, muffins and cakes. Most drinks are free; champagne costs £8 per glass.

BOARDING Gate 18, eight minutes’ walk away, opened at 1915. There was a priority channel and a separate seating area for first and business class flyers. Premium travellers were given priority. Once seated, hot towels, BillecartSalmon Brut Rose champagne and newspapers were offered.

THE SEAT Business class is split across two cabins (rows 6-8 and 9-16) configured 1-2-1 (A, E-F, K/C, D-G, H). I was in 8A – it had a larger side table, which was a bonus. The colour scheme was a bit drab but the design and ergonomics were excellent. Measuring 21.2 inches (53.8cm) wide, it reclined into a 73-inch (185cm) fully-flat bed. I was impressed

both by the level of privacy and the amount of surface and storage space. There was a big fold-out table, a cubbyhole for shoes under the ottoman and a handy shelf and storage compartment for personal belongings such as phones. The seat also had a large entertainment screen, universal plug sockets and USB ports. Headphones and L’Occitane amenity kits were provided.

WHICH SEAT TO CHOOSE? I liked the more exclusive feel of the smaller business class cabin – if you want guaranteed peace, go for window seats in rows 6 and 7, as 8 is nearest the galley. Avoid row 9 as this is closest to the washrooms. Window seats A and K are better than C and H as they are protected from the aisle by tables. Middle seats E-F are best suited to couples as D-G are separated by tables.

THE FLIGHT Drinks were served 20 minutes after take-off at 2105, followed by an egg canapé and nuts. Dinner was presented beautifully with tables set with cloths, little china dishes of salt and fresh black pepper, and bread and butter. There were four starters, including Indonesian coconut marinated vegetable salad (a taste sensation), cured salmon, and oxtail soup. The four mains were grilled marinated chicken, braised beef ribs, pan-fried plaice, and spinach and ricotta cannelloni. I chose the pasta, which was presented on an attractive black plate and was something I would have been pleased to eat in a restaurant. There were two desserts: spiced chocolate cake with raspberry coulis, and warm date and toffee pudding with vanilla bean ice cream. I opted for the cheese plate.

The wine menu featured three French whites, three reds (New Zealand, Australia, Italy), and one dessert wine. I sampled the 2014 Staete Landt “State of Grace” pinot noir from Marlborough, which was very enjoyable. There was also a modest selection of beers, plus spirits such as Chivas Regal 12-yearold Scotch. Proper Sumatran coffee can be made to order, and there were some interesting teas such as Oxidised Purple Oolong from Java. The crew member who served me was very efficient, and there were several offers of drinks refills.

A good selection of movies was on offer, although English-language ones had Indonesian subtitles. Wifi was available in different bundles – from US$5 for texts to US$21.95 for full web use. I tried it on the return service and it worked well, although it was a bit fiddly to set up.

I settled down to sleep at 2330 – it was easy to recline the seat fully flat. The bed was very comfortable but there was no undersheet, which was a shame. There were no overhead vents either, so it got pretty stuffy. An illuminated “starry sky” effect was displayed on the roof of the cabin.

I got up eight hours later and had a cup of tea and some breakfast. The menu listed fresh cut fruit, yoghurt and cereal, followed by rice porridge with poached chicken, French toast brioche or eggs cooked any way you like (I went for fried but they were a bit rubbery). There were sides of beans, seared cherry tomatoes, asparagus, bubble and squeak, and chicken sausage. Customs forms were handed out at 0940.

ARRIVAL We made our long, smooth descent to Jakarta airport just after 1700 local time. Priority disembarkation was given to first and then business class passengers via an airbridge to the terminal. Once through immigration, I found the Garuda Indonesia welcome lounge, where a member of staff took my baggage receipt and went to wait for my suitcase in reclaim (it took about 15 minutes). Top marks for this service. Jenny Southan

VERDICT This was the first time I had flown with Garuda and, having done so, would recommend its business class product to anyone. It ticks the boxes for fully-flat beds and direct aisle access, attentive crew, wifi, fresh and varied food, quality champagne and modern in-flight entertainment. Plus, it’s the only airline that flies nonstop to Jakarta from London.

DEPARTURE TIME

2015

FLIGHT TIME

13hrs 45mins

AIRCRAFT TYPE

B777-300ER

CONFIGURATION

1-2-1

SEAT WIDTH

21.2in/53.8cm

SEAT RECLINE

180 degrees

SEAT PITCH

43in/109.2cm

BED LENGTH

73in/185cm

PRICE

Internet rates for a return business class flight from London to Jakarta in May ranged between £2,515 and £2,973 depending on flexibility.

CONTACT

garuda-indonesia.com