Garuda Indonesia has been in the process of revamping its premium cabins and upper level offerings across its entire fleet. The Indonesian flag carrier is now down to eight First Class seats across all of its aircraft. All of them can be found exclusively on the airline's Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

Garuda Indonesia down to eight First Class seats

One Mile at a Time reports that of the carrier's 10 Boeing 777-300ERs, only two of them feature First Class. Over the years, Garuda has cut down the number of First Class seats on its aircraft preferring instead to increase capacity in business and economy.

Garuda 777-300ER
Garuda have made seven previous changes to the London service, this year alone! Photo: Boeing

However, it now appears that one of those Boeing 777s is off to fly for the President of Indonesia. This leaves just one Boeing 777 in Garuda's active fleet with eight First Class seats. It appears that this aircraft is most often found flying between Bali and Tokyo.

Garuda First Class 777
Garuda only has one active 777-300ER in its passenger fleet. Photo: Getty Images

First Class on Garuda Indonesia

Garuda Indonesia is widely regarded as one of the best First Class products out there. Below is a promotional video from the carrier highlighting the product:

Airlines are doing away with First Class

More and more airlines are cutting international First Class products. American carrier United is focusing on its new Polaris product over its previous First Class. In the Middle East, Qatar Airways is focusing on its Qsuite product over international First Class product found on its Airbus A380s. These are just a handful of examples among many other airlines doing away with First Class.

On the other hand, some airlines are still all-in on First Class. Emirates has recently upgraded its First Class product. Meanwhile, on some widebodies like the A380 and 747-8s, Lufthansa also offers an incredibly stunning First Class product.

Lufthansa First
Lufthansa First was an excellent way to make a long-haul journey. Photo: Jay Singh/Simple Flying

First Class vs Business Class

International business class is starting to take a bigger role in premium travel. Airlines from Delta to British Airways to ANA have launched new products in this cabin class that offer doors for privacy and, in some cases, offer a superior hard product to First Class.

British Airways, Refurbished Boeing 777, Club Suite, New York
The suite has been specially designed to help aid undisrupted sleep. Photo: Tom Boon - Simple Flying

Also, First Class products generally come with a better ground experience and more exclusive lounges. This includes vehicle gate-to-gate or lounge-to-gate transportation.

Lufthansa Ground Porsche
The Porsche Cayenne transfer was a real treat. Photo: Jay Singh/Simple Flying

Overall

It is unclear exactly what the future of First Class is for Garuda Indonesia. With the expected economic hit from coronavirus, Garuda Indonesia could cut the product entirely if it remains unprofitable. As of now, Garuda's long-haul schedule is quite light– especially to key destinations in Europe using its Boeing 777s. This does limit the scope of its First Class product.

Have you flown Garuda Indonesia's First Class? What do you make of Garuda Indonesia? Let us know in the comments!