Fly 47,915 Prospective Hajj Pilgrims, Garuda Uses Seven Wide-Body Fleet

Garuda Indonesia aircraft. (Photo: Doc. Soekarno Hatta Airport)

JAKARTA - The national airline Garuda Indonesia is strengthening various steps to optimize flight operational readiness to support the 1443/2022 Hajj season. This year, Garuda won the trust to fly 47,915 prospective Hajj pilgrims to the Holy Land.

The main director of Garuda Indonesia, Irfan Setiaputra, said that the readiness was optimized in various operational aspects, especially the readiness of the fleet. Garuda Indonesia will continue to ensure that all wide-body aircraft will be used to serve prospective pilgrims.

"A total of 47,915 pilgrims this year will be divided into 128 flying groups (kloters), and will depart from nine embarkations, namely Banda Aceh, Medan, Padang, Jakarta, Solo, Banjarmasin, Balikpapan, Makassar and Lombok," he said in a statement. written, Tuesday, May 31.

In this Hajj season, said Irfan, Garuda Indonesia will operate seven wide body fleets, consisting of four B777-300ER aircraft, one A330-300 aircraft, and two A330-900neo aircraft.

"Flights will be carried out from June 4 to August 13, 2022," he explained.

Irfan said, as a national flag carrier, Garuda Indonesia continues to optimize its commitment to carry out the important task of serving Indonesian Hajj pilgrims to the Holy Land by providing safe and comfortable flights. Garuda has indeed been trusted to serve Hajj flights for more than 60 years.

"We understand that the Hajj season 1443/2022 has important meaning for people who have been waiting for this trip for two years. Therefore, we will ensure that all pilgrims get the best service, starting from before the flight until arriving back in the country," he said. .

Irfan continued, in an effort to provide a seamless experience for pilgrims, Garuda Indonesia will also maximize the number of personnel who will serve at each service touch point. This is to ensure that the needs of the congregation in this new normal era can be optimally met.

Furthermore, as an effort to provide value-added services for the congregation, Garuda Indonesia will present various choices of Islamic In-flight Entertainment during flights. Not only that, the congregation will also get in-flight catering according to the typical menu of the embarkation area.

"In line with Garuda Indonesia's commitment to support the Proud Made Indonesia national movement, Garuda Indonesia on this year's hajj flight is also collaborating with various national retail and fashion product manufacturers, one of which is to provide accessories in the form of headscarves that will complement the special uniforms for Garuda Indonesia cabin crew. " he said.

In an effort to realize a comfortable and healthy Hajj flight in this new normal era, said Irfan, Garuda Indonesia urges all pilgrims to always ensure their respective health protocols, and comply with various applicable regulations related to the implementation of the Hajj journey that has been set by the relevant authorities.

"We will continue to monitor the operational readiness of this Hajj flight through intensive coordination with various stakeholders, to ensure this year's Hajj flight can run smoothly, on time, and of course be able to provide comfort to all pilgrims," he said.