Photos: Garuda

By David Flynn, July 2 2013

Garuda Indonesia is set to re-enter the first class market with a new Boeing 777-300ER, and it’s got new uniforms to match.

We snapped these first photos of the new kit on mannequins at Garuda’s headquarters in Jakarta.

Most eye-catching are the classy threads for the concierge staff at Garuda’s new first class lounge at Jakarta’s Soekarno–Hatta International Airport (the lounge is set to open in September).

Worn by staff which Garuda describes as First Class Assistants and First Class Butlers, the uniform is inspired by traditional Javanese dress with it high-cut collars for men. The colours are a classic black dressed with a subtle gold trim.

Jackets based on this colour scheme will be worn by the Drop-Off Officer, who will act as a concierge to greet first class passengers and assist with their baggage and check-in at Jakarta Airport; and in the air, by the First Class Manager.

The female team – designated as the Maitre d'Cabin – wears the same combination of kebaya and batik dress as their business class and economy counterparts but in a unique ‘royal purple’ colour.

Garuda’s return to the first class market – which it abandoned in the mid-1990s during the Asian financial crisis – will be limited to its new Boeing 777-300ER fleet, the first of which will begin flying between Jakarta and the Saudi Arabian hub of Jeddah on July 9 at the start of the Muslim observance of Ramadan, one of Garuda's peak travel seasons.

The 777s feature an all-new First Class cabin plus fully lie-flat Executive business class beds.

Photo Gallery: Garuda's new Boeing 777 first class suites, business class seats

A second Boeing 777-300ER is due on July 22, with two more to come by the end of the year to service Sydney and London from October 27 and November 2, respectively.

David Flynn is attending the launch of Garuda’s new Boeing 777-30ER in Jakarta as a guest of Garuda Indonesia.

Follow Australian Business Traveller on twitter: we're @AusBT