Garuda Indonesia, the national airline of Indonesia, has unveiled a stunning new Boeing 737-800NG aircraft with a special IndonesiaGP Mandalika livery, showcasing its commitment to promoting the country’s booming sports tourism scene. The unveiling ceremony took place on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, in Tangerang, Banten, and the aircraft is now a flying billboard, bringing attention to the Mandalika circuit, a rapidly growing global motorsport destination.
The vibrantly designed aircraft features a colorful and dynamic livery that reflects the energy and excitement of motorsport events. It’s a testament to the collaboration between Garuda Indonesia and the Indonesian Grand Prix, highlighting the importance of aviation in driving tourism and connecting Indonesia’s diverse regions to the world.
The aircraft’s livery celebrates the Indonesia Grand Prix (GP), a significant event attracting local and international visitors alike. The Mandalika circuit, located in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, has quickly gained recognition as a prime location for international racing events. Garuda Indonesia’s decision to feature the IndonesiaGP Mandalika branding on its aircraft further amplifies the circuit’s visibility, connecting it to aviation and solidifying its position as a major player in the global motorsport arena.
The partnership between Garuda Indonesia and the Mandalika circuit is a strategic move to attract global tourists and enhance Indonesia’s profile as a top-tier motorsport venue. The airline plans to use the specially designed aircraft for select routes including Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bali, making it a prominent feature in its network. It will also play a key role in transporting MotoGP personnel, ensuring smooth travel for crew, officials, and racers during the Grand Prix.
To further support the event, Garuda Indonesia will offer dedicated flights to Lombok and Mandalika, providing around eight thousand passenger seats during the Indonesian Grand Prix scheduled for September 27-29. This initiative underscores the airline’s commitment to facilitating travel for attendees and maximizing the potential of the event to drive tourism and economic growth.
Ari Respati, President Director of PT Pengembangan Pariwisata Indonesia (ITDC), expressed optimism that the new aircraft design would significantly boost tourism during the MotoGP event. He highlighted the crucial role of Garuda Indonesia’s services in accommodating and supporting the needs of MotoGP participants, enhancing the overall experience at the Mandalika Circuit.
This collaborative effort between Garuda Indonesia and the national sporting bodies showcases Indonesia’s dedication to using its natural beauty and state-of-the-art sports infrastructure to appeal to a global audience. The airline’s commitment to promoting Indonesia’s tourism through strategic collaborations like this reaffirms its position as a key player in both the aviation and tourism sectors, showcasing the best of Indonesia to the world.
The IndonesiaGP livery on the Boeing 737-800NG is a continuation of Garuda Indonesia’s efforts to highlight key destinations and national events, putting the spotlight on the country’s diverse offerings. In the coming years, Garuda Indonesia plans to expand its involvement in promoting national events and destinations through similar initiatives. This partnership with the Mandalika circuit is just the beginning of more exciting collaborations aimed at strengthening Indonesia’s global presence.
