First Fly to Europe

Garuda eventually flew to Europe on the 1st of June 2010. The flight was the first flight after the ban was lifted last year. Only two airlines from Indonesia are allowed to fly in the European sky and one of them is Garuda (the national carrier). Garuda flew to Amsterdam and I guess this is not with any reasons. After almost 350 years colonizing Indonesia, the Netherlands is the only country in Europe that has closest historical ties with Indonesia. I guess it is easier for Indonesia to fly to the Netherlands rather than to other European countries.

The first flight was carrying approximately 220 passengers including the Ambassador of the European Union, the Ambassador of the Netherlands, Minister for State Enterprises, and also the CEO of Garuda. The aircraft landed safely in Schiphol airport and welcomed by many both from the Dutch authorities and also representatives of Indonesian government. 

The ban has actually given a good lesson to the airline industry in Indonesia. Government becomes stricter to airlines that do not meet safety standards are closed and the license is withdrawn (e.g. Adam Air). Garuda becomes more efficient and profitable. The airline industry becomes more and more attractive to many new comers and Indonesian air is safer (despite some accidents, minor accidents).

Anyway, welcome back to Europe. Hopefully someday I will fly Garuda to Europe (as long as the price is good). Maybe I would like to withdraw my comments on the earlier edition of this blog.