SkyTeam has welcomed Garuda Indonesia as its 20th member and second airline from Southeast Asia.

Garuda’s membership adds Jakarta as an alternative gateway to and from south-east Asia, as well as 40 new destinations to SkyTeam’s global network served uniquely by the alliance.

“Garuda’s entry into the alliance will give its customers access to SkyTeam’s 1,064 destinations, covering over 90 per cent of the most relevant traffic flows in the world,” said Michael Wisbrun, SkyTeam managing director.

“Garuda strengthens our presence throughout the Asia Pacific region for our 588 Million global passengers.”

“SkyTeam aims to boost its members’ competitiveness by strengthening network and hubs, enhancing its global footprint, improving customer experience and introducing innovative initiatives that enhance customer benefits,” Wisbrun added.

Garuda flies to 64 destinations in 12 countries, including 40 domestic destinations. SkyTeam customers from every continent will benefit from easier access to Indonesia’s key business and tourism destinations, facilitated by Garuda’s partnerships with alliance members.

“Garuda Indonesia is now able to offer customers global reach with a seamless and even more convenient travel experience, while at the same time establishing Indonesia firmly on the map of world-wide air travel.

“Moreover, becoming a member of SkyTeam will further strengthen Garuda Indonesia’s reputation as a ‘World-Class Airline’, and puts it on par with other leading global airlines.

“Garuda Indonesia is proud to connect SkyTeam’s global extensive network to one of the largest economies in south-east Asia via its hubs in Jakarta, Denpasar, Makassar, Medan, Surabaya, and Balikpapan,” said Satar.

The airline boosts SkyTeam’s presence in Australia with service to Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney; and in Tokyo with flights to both Narita and Haneda airports. Garuda will increase its service to Europe in May this year with a new route between Jakarta and London’s Gatwick airport.