Indonesia is the largest economy in Southeast Asia and a fast growing emerging market. SkyTeam is actively working to grow its presence in the region and Garuda Indonesia is a welcome addition to the alliance. The airline has a broad Indonesian and regional network and is able to offer additional coverage and improved connections to the Asia Pacific. Some of the 30 new destinations in the SkyTeam network are Surabaya in East Java, Medan in North Sumatra and Perth in Australia. 

Emirsyah Satar, President and CEO, Garuda Indonesia said, “Joining SkyTeam is a long-term development strategy for Garuda Indonesia, and for years we have been upgrading our service and actively forging cooperation with SkyTeam member airlines with this objective in mind.  As the first Indonesian airline to join this world-class alliance, our strategic target is to continuously strengthen profitability and boost international market competitiveness.” 

Leo van Wijk, Chairman, SkyTeam said, “The most fitting word to characterise 2010 for SkyTeam is growth. Welcoming a member that covers a considerable part of Southeast Asia definitely illustrates our expansion. The airline’s financial and operational restructuring has proven successful and I am convinced that this will help position the airline as a major player in the region. Garuda Indonesia was named the ‘World’s Most Improved Airline’ at the Skytrax 2010 World Airline Awards.”  

Marie-Joseph Malé, Managing Director, SkyTeam said, “Jakarta will serve as an alternate gateway to and from Asia. The airline’s consideration to expand its intercontinental network to Frankfurt, Paris, London and Rome will make the airline an increasingly attractive option for business and leisure travellers.” Garuda Indonesia already cooperates extensively with Korean Air, Vietnam Airlines, China Southern and China Airlines and will establish additional codeshare agreements with other SkyTeam partners. The joining process leading to full entry into SkyTeam is expected to be completed by 2012.