Runway issues delay Garuda London link

The November launch of Garuda Indonesia's London service has been postponed until May due to issues with the "ageing" runway at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta Airport.

The 28-year old runway is certified to bear just 120 tonnes, significantly lower than the 132 tonnes required by the B777-300ER if operating at full capacity. The airlne would therefore have to operate the service with 39 less passengers and cargo restrictions.

"In this competitive market, not being able to operate with a full payload would severely disadvantage Garuda Indonesia at this time," a statement from the airline said.

However, vice president Australia and south west Pacific Bagus Y Siregar confirmed the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft will be deployed on its Sydney to Jakarta service from November as planned, although only for a limited time.

"The 777 is planned to come to Sydney and will service our Sydney to Jakarta route five times a week from November 8 until December 18 2013," he said.

"The aircraft will then be deployed to another region until our Jakarta to London service begins in 2014 when the aircraft will fly from Sydney to Jakarta and onto London direct."