Yesterday, photos emerged on Twitter showing Garuda Indonesia's beautiful new Airbus A330neo. The photos came courtesy of Twitter user and Toulouse Airport "Flying Dispatcher" Clément Alloing. The full-service airline has 14 A330-900 aircraft on order.Garuda A330neo

The first A330neo for Garuda

According to various twitter posts, this aircraft currently has the registration "F-WWKV" while with Airbus. However, it will eventually take registration PK-GHE when officially delivered to Garuda.

According to Airfleets, the aircraft took a one hour and 50-minute flight around southwestern France on November 7th. The aircraft departed from and returned to Toulouse Blagnac Airport.

The flightpath of Garuda's A330neo over the south of France. The flight took place on November 7th. Photo: FlightRadar24

In 2016, Garuda confirmed an order with Airbus for the purchase of 14 A330-900neos. In the official press release from Airbus, the CEO of Garuda said the following:

“We are pleased to announce that we continue our long-standing relationship with Airbus. Both Garuda Indonesia and Airbus fully understand the aim of the deal as a long-term strategy to win the global challenge. The A330neo represents a more-efficient future for Garuda Indonesia.  -Arif Wibowo, CEO, Garuda Indonesia.

Headed to Bali

According to previous reporting, the carrier has announced that an Airbus A330neo will replace the Airbus A330-200 currently operating the route between London and Denpasar (Bali). This route includes a stop in Kualanamu International Airport.

Flights will depart Denpasar and London on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. A single aircraft rotation from Denpasar to London and back again will take just under 39 hours. Only one aircraft is needed to maintain the schedule.

Garuda A330 with RR engines
The A330neo is the new re-engined version of the Airbus A330. Photo: shimin via Wikimedia Commons

More A330neos on the way

According to the website MBA, Garuda Indonesia’s financial report in the second quarter showed that a Letter of Intent for four Airbus A330-800 aircraft was signed. In fact, the airline intends to take delivery of these widebody jets between two and three years from now.

These aircraft are scheduled to be split evenly across the two years. The first deliveries would be in Q3 and Q4 2021. The remaining orders would be delivered in Q1 and Q2 2022.

Garuda states that the prospective orders would utilize two Rolls-Royce Trent 7000-72 engines with a nominal thrust of 72,850 lbf.

Conclusion

This order restructuring is believed to support our continued commitment to deliver the most modern, comfortable and excellent air travel service to all customers as well as to strengthen the sustained positive growth and business expansion of the company. -Arif Wibowo, CEO, Garuda Indonesia.

With better fuel efficiency, lower maintenance costs and extended range capability these new jets should allow Garuda to become more profitable and competitive in the crowded southeast Asian market. Having Airbus’ all-new Airspace cabin should provide a better experience for passengers as well.

Have you flown on an A330neo yet? Let us know what the experience was like by leaving a comment!