Indonesia’s TransNusa Airlines is stepping up its game in North Sulawesi, turning two charter routes into scheduled services to China. The move, set for September and October 2025, will connect Manado directly with Shenzhen and link it to Shanghai via a quick stop in the Philippines.
The airline says the changes are part of a plan to grow organically while giving travelers more options in one of Asia’s busiest air corridors. With fares starting at the equivalent of $226 to Shenzhen and $257 to Shanghai, TransNusa is betting competitive pricing and premium comfort will draw more passengers to its flights.
Two Cities, Two Timelines
The Shenzhen service launches October 2 with three flights a week, departing Manado’s Sam Ratulangi International Airport on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Returns from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport will run Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
The Shanghai service starts earlier, on September 8, operating Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Passengers will have a brief 30–35 minute stop at Clark International Airport before continuing to Shanghai Pudong International Airport.
Quick Look at the Schedule
| Route | Flight | Departure | Arrival | Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manado → Shenzhen | 8B 175 | 21:10 | 01:00 | Tue, Thu, Sat |
| Shenzhen → Manado | 8B 176 | 02:00 | 05:50 | Wed, Fri, Sun |
| Manado → Clark → Shanghai | 8B 101 | 14:00 | 20:55 | Mon, Wed, Fri |
| Shanghai → Clark → Manado | 8B 102 | 23:05 | 05:30 | Tue, Thu, Sat |
Premium Comfort in the Skies
Both new routes will be flown using TransNusa’s C909 jet airliners, which carry just 95 passengers. The airline rebranded in 2024 from a budget operator to a Premium Service Carrier, and CEO Datuk Bernard Francis says the focus now is on making travel seamless — whether through direct flights or fast transit stops.
The Manado-Clark-Shanghai route, he adds, has been especially popular with tourists. The Shenzhen launch is expected to draw similar interest, with easy onward connections to other parts of China.
Boost for Tourism
Beyond the China routes, the airline is selling the new services as a gateway to Indonesia’s own attractions. Travelers from Shenzhen and Shanghai will be able to connect from Manado to Bali, one of the world’s top island destinations.
Manado itself is no small draw. Known for its coral reefs, diving spots and unique cuisine, the city has been carving out a niche as a regional hub for both leisure and business travel.
Fastest-Growing in Southeast Asia
Since emerging from a pandemic shutdown in late 2022 with new management, TransNusa has added international routes at a pace that has made it one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing airlines. It was the first to launch a domestic route between Bali and Manado and is one of only two Indonesian carriers approved to fly to China.
Tickets for the new Manado–Shenzhen and Manado–Shanghai flights went on sale July 29. They’re available through the airline’s website, global online travel agents and authorized sales partners in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.
With the latest expansion, TransNusa is signaling that it wants to be more than just a regional carrier. It’s building a network aimed at connecting emerging tourism hubs — and giving passengers a more comfortable ride along the way.
