January 23, 2017
Garuda Indonesia 410 Jakarta (CGK) - Bali (DPS) Departure: 1718 Arrival: 1952 Duration: 1:34 Aircraft: Airbus A330-343
Registration: PK-GHD Seat: 10K (Business Class)
It was one long day as my flight to Bali got delayed twice. When I first bought the ticket, it was schedule to depart at 14:15 but at the time I was airport(Usually 3 hours before departure), I was notified by the check-in agent that the flight has been delayed due to schedule change of the inbound flight from Beijing. I should've check to status before leaving but anyway, I got a chance to explore Terminal 3U, the newest terminal in Soekarno-Hatta Airport(CGK).
Around 15:45, the gate agent made an announcement that the boarding time shifted once more to 16:15 but this too, was still unconfirmed. After some confusion at the waiting area and terminal changes to T2, I was able to board the plane.
My Delayed Garuda Flight to Bali.
My Delayed Garuda Flight to Bali. It was schedule to depart from T3 but we actually
departed from T2, which is not used for domestic departures for Garuda.
The Cabin:
Garuda Indonesia frequently flies its wide-body fleets to Bali from Jakarta since Bali serves many long-haul destinations and hence bigger aircrafts are needed. I was lucky to get this Airbus A330-300 which is equipped with B/E Aerospace's Super Diamond business class seats. Based on Garuda Indonesia's website, there are 2 different versions of A330-300s: one with 1-2-1 direct-aisle and the other with 2-2-2 configuration. I found out that seat mapping sites online showed slightly different numbers of seats and layouts.
This aircraft, PK-GHD, was delivered less than a year ago with an upgraded cabin. Both business and economy class cabins have brand new seats looking and spick and span. There are clearly differences between Garuda Indonesia's Boeing B77Ws and A330s business cabin design and features but in terms of seating and on board amenities such as self-service mini bar, the A330-300 business class wins.
Garuda Indonesia A333 Business Class Cabin.
Garuda Indonesia A333 Business Class Cabin.
Garuda Indonesia A333 Business Class Cabin.
Garuda Indonesia A333 Business Class Cabin.
Garuda Indonesia A333 Business Class Bar.
The Seat:
Similar 1-2-1 configured 'flat bed' business class seats on Garuda Indonesia's A330-300 can be found in Saudia's B787-9 and China Airline's A350 fleets.
There are 24 business class seat and 260 standard economy class. All seats in each cabin have same width and pitch compared to the other version: 60.8" and 20.8" in business and 33"-34" and 17" in economy class. Having much more less seat compared to the older type and increased privacy, makes the flight comfortable. Seats are equipped with a touch-screen seat controller which can be easily controlled.
Personal storage compartment are located by the window, under the footrest and inside the armrest that is adjustable.
I don't think there is a crew bunk in this aircraft so two seats in the last row of the business class - Seat 10K and 11K, is usually reserved and blocked as a crew rest. Though on my short hop to Bali, I was able to get a 10K, "crew rest" seat. I have posted some pictures below, how crew rest looks with a privacy curtain drawn.
Garuda Indonesia A333 Business Class Seat 10K.
Garuda Indonesia A333 Business Class Seat 10K.
Garuda Indonesia A333 Business Class Seat 10K.
Garuda Indonesia A333 Business Class Seat 10K.
Garuda Indonesia A333 Business Class Seat Controller.
Garuda Indonesia A333 Business Class Seat 10K.
Garuda Indonesia A333 Business Class Seat 10K.
Garuda Indonesia A333 Business Class Seat 10K.
Garuda Indonesia A333 Business Class Seat 10K.
Garuda Indonesia A333 Business Class Seat 10K.
Garuda Indonesia A333 Business Class Seat 10K.
Garuda Indonesia A333 Business Class Reading Light.
Garuda Indonesia A333 Business Class Seat 10K.
Garuda Indonesia A333 Business Class Seat 10K.
Garuda Indonesia A333 Business Class Seat 10K.
Garuda Indonesia A333 Business Class Seat 10K.
Garuda Indonesia A333 Business Class Seat 10K.
Garuda Indonesia A333 Business Class Seat 10K.
Garuda Indonesia A333 Business Class Seat 10K.
Garuda Indonesia A333 Business Class Seat 10K.
Garuda Indonesia A333 Business Class Seats.
Garuda Indonesia A333 Business Class Seat 10K Crew Rest Curtain.
Garuda Indonesia A333 Business Class Seat 11K (Crew Rest).
Garuda Indonesia A333 Business Class Seat 11K (Crew Rest).
Garuda Indonesia A333 Business Class Seat 11K (Crew Rest).
Garuda Indonesia A333 Business Class Seat 11K (Crew Rest).
In-Flight Meals:
Prior to departure, non-alcoholic welcome drinks and a wet towel were served. Since the flight to Bali is domestic route, alcoholic welcome drinks were not available. Cabin crews will note down the menu before departure and since it was only an 1.5 hours flight, right after take-off, meals were served. A delicious Indonesian cuisine - From breads, fried glass noodles to desserts, it was a five star cuisine.
Garuda Indonesia A333 Business Class Welcome Drink.
Garuda Indonesia A333 Business Class Tray Table.
Garuda Indonesia A333 Business Class Tray Table.
Garuda Indonesia A333 Business Class Dining.
Garuda Indonesia A333 Business Class Dining.
In-Flight Entertainment:
Garuda Indonesia's A330-300s use my favorite Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment system. Remote controller and the 16 inch monitor both features touch screen and ensured smooth IFE experience. There are numerous contents including recently released movies, TV shows and musics. Also, you can even enjoy your own media by connecting your USB/thumb drive. It is a short flight but having access to full IFE contents and a noise cancelling headphones distributed to business class passengers were absolutely satisfying.
Garuda Indonesia A333 Business Class IFE Touch Screen Remote Controller.
Garuda Indonesia A333 Business Class IFE Monitor.
Garuda Indonesia A333 Business Class IFE Monitor.
Garuda Indonesia A333 Business Class IFE Monitor.
Garuda Indonesia A333 Business Class Noise Cancelling Headset.
Garuda Indonesia A333 Business Class Noise Cancelling Headset.
Lavatory:
Lavatories for business class passengers are located one in the front and two at the back. It has a standard press to flow type tap and only two selections: Hot and cold(You cannot manually control the temperature). Basic amenities such as hand lotion, refreshing towels and eau de toilette are prepared.
Garuda Indonesia A333 Business Class Lavatory.
Garuda Indonesia A333 Business Class Lavatory.
Garuda Indonesia A333 Business Class Lavatory.
Summary:
Garuda Indonesia has been awarded Skytrax five-star airline and if you ever flew with them, you can see this award attached on the bulkhead area. The five-star experience was confirmed when I flew first class from London two weeks ago. I have always wanted to try out business class on Garuda Indonesia as I hear from many others that top notch services were also provided in both business and economy class.
Installing fully lie-flat reverse herringbone seats was a perfect idea since more privacy is added compared to the existing 6 abreast angled-lie flat seats. Cabin crews were extremely helpful and kind throughout the flight and also appetizing in flight meals. With numerous contents on IFE to enjoy and a noise cancelling headsets even on a short flight was truly awesome.
I have a return flight to London from Jakarta next week and I will try to visit the business class section and post a sneak peak review of the cabin!