February 21, 2025 | 09:29 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The China-based low-cost carrier Lucky Air officially launched the international route of Kunming-Manado, with the first inaugural flight on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. The Lucky Air aircraft landed at Sam Ratulangi International Airport in Manado at 9:30 p.m. local time and took off back to Kunming at 10:45 p.m. local time.
Director of Air Transportation at the Ministry of Transportation, Agustinus Budi, said the flight bound for Manado carried 152 passengers, while three people boarded the flight to Kunming.
"Lucky Air has obtained permission to operate the Kunming-Manado route three times a week, on Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday," said Agustinus in an official statement quoted on Friday, February 21. The airline is using an Airbus A320neo (A32N) aircraft for this route.
The new air route is expected to boost connectivity between Indonesia and China, especially to support the tourism and economy sectors in North Sulawesi. Manado is known as one of the leading tourist destinations for Chinese travelers.
"We hope this route can increase foreign arrivals, especially those from China, to Manado and its surroundings," he said. This international flight is also in line with the government's efforts to improve air accessibility and support the growth of the aviation industry post-pandemic.
Lucky Air has been operating since February 26, 2006, with its main bases in Kunming and Chengdu. Carrying a unique tourism route network, the airline focuses on the southwestern region of China, with Tibet routes as its main competitive advantage.
In 2016, Lucky Air announced a strategic transformation to become a low-cost carrier in order to offer a more diverse range of services to passengers. As of the end of November 2023, the airline has registered 50 aircraft, operated 156 domestic and international routes, and served 72 destination cities.
Editor’s Choice: AirAsia Announces 15 Million Free Seats for International Travel
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Hong Kong's Last Major Pro-Democracy Party Moves to Disband
1 jam lalu
Under Hong Kong's so-called One-Country, Two Systems arrangement, the city is promised a high degree of autonomy and freedoms under Chinese rule.
Hong Kong's Population up Slightly in 2024, Rise in Newborns
1 hari lalu
Hong Kong's population inched up 0.1% in 2024 to more than 7.53 million, its third consecutive year of expansion.
Myanmar Detains 270 Foreigners from Scam Compounds on Thai Border
2 hari lalu
Myanmar authorities detained 273 foreigners from scam compounds along the border with Thailand on Monday.
Chinese Govt Says Working with Myanmar, Thailand to Tackle Online Gambling, Fraud
2 hari lalu
High-ranking officials from Myanmar, China, and Thailand have arrived in the city of Myawaddy to discuss efforts to eradicate online gambling, fraud.
Why DeepSeek's AI Leap Only Puts China in Front for Now
3 hari lalu
The DeepSeek model was unveiled at the end of January, offering an AI chatbot competitive with the US's OpenAI's leading model, o1.
US to Sell Fighter Jets to India, China's Foreign Ministry: 'Asia-Pacific Not a Geopolitical Playground'
4 hari lalu
China's Foreign Ministry responded to the US's deal to sell F-35 fighter jets to India.
China Will 'Play Along to the End' with U.S., Its Top Diplomat Says
5 hari lalu
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Friday that China will "play along to the end" with the United States.
Trump Says TikTok Deadline Could Be Extended
6 hari lalu
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that his 75-day delay in enforcing a ban on the popular short-video app TikTok could be extended.
Apple Teams Up with Alibaba to Bring AI Features for iPhones in China, The Information Reports
8 hari lalu
Apple is partnering with Alibaba to roll out artificial intelligence features for iPhone users in China.
When Are Flights Cheapest to Book? Secret Travel Hacks
9 hari lalu
When are flights the cheapest to book? This article will guide you through the best times to book flights and help you find the cheapest airfare.
