TransNusa Aviation Mandiri has launched its maiden commercial flight between Manado and Shenzhen, marking its second new China route in less than a month.
The inaugural service took place on Oct. 2, following the carrier’s launch of a Manado–Shanghai route on Sept. 8. The airline said the expansion is part of its strategy to strengthen network connectivity between Indonesia and China’s secondary tourism-based markets.
TransNusa will operate the Manado–Shenzhen flights three times weekly using its C909 jet airliner. The services depart Sam Ratulangi International Airport in Manado on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday evenings, arriving in Shenzhen early the following morning. Return flights from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport are scheduled on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Ticket prices start from IDR3,499,000, CNY1,525 or USD226, and are available via the airline’s website and global online travel agents.
Focus on Indonesia–China Connectivity
TransNusa Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Bernard Francis said the airline’s goal is to broaden its international network while offering more choice to travelers. “Our main priority and focus is to offer additional options for passengers while providing seamless, secure and fast travels,” said Datuk Bernard Francis, CEO. He added that passengers flying through Manado would also have onward access to destinations such as Bali.
The carrier is positioning Manado, a city in North Sulawesi, as a hub for new routes linking Indonesia and China. By focusing on secondary markets, TransNusa aims to attract tourists and expand connectivity beyond major metropolitan gateways. The Manado–Shenzhen route adds to the airline’s growing international footprint and underlines its ambition to compete in the China market.
Plans for Additional Routes
TransNusa has announced plans to introduce at least one more international route before the end of 2025. “We hope to launch an additional new scheduled international route and increase, at least, one more international scheduled route frequency before the end of 2025,” said Datuk Bernard Francis. The airline continues to expand despite only resuming operations in late 2022 following a restructuring and new ownership.
Founded as a domestic carrier, TransNusa was forced to suspend operations during the Covid-19 pandemic. Under new management and shareholders, it reopened in October 2022. By April 2023, it had launched its first international route from Jakarta to Kuala Lumpur. Since then, the airline has rapidly added new destinations including Malaysia, Singapore, China and Australia.
In 2023, TransNusa also became the first Indonesian carrier to develop a direct domestic route between Bali and Manado, a diving destination in North Sulawesi. It is also one of only two Indonesian airlines to secure approval to operate flights to China, adding competitive pricing and more options for travelers on this busy corridor.
The company’s expansion strategy combines international growth with domestic connectivity. Industry observers note that the airline has positioned itself as one of the fastest-growing carriers in Southeast Asia, with a focus on regional markets and leisure-driven demand. With the Manado–Shenzhen service now operational, TransNusa is further consolidating its role as a bridge between Indonesia’s tourist hubs and China’s key cities.
