More flights to Manado

More flights to Manado

JAKARTA (JP): Airlines from Taiwan and South Korea plan to open direct flights from their countries to Manado, North Sulawesi, making the city a gateway to the eastern part of Indonesia.

North Sulawesi Governor E.E. Mangindaan was quoted by Antara as saying yesterday that airlines from the two countries had conducted surveys in the town.

Their plans to open flights to Manado will help liven up the city in the future as Indonesia's flag carrier, Garuda Indonesia, plans to fly the Manado-Nagoya (Japan) route in April.

In addition, Mangindaan said, Silk Airlines, which has been serving the Manado-Singapore route, plans to increase the frequency of its flights.

To facilitate the traffic increase, the government has earmarked some US$80 million to upgrade Manado's Sam Ratulangi airport.

Mangindaan said more air-links between Manado and foreign countries will give additional advantages to the province, especially in its efforts to develop its tourism sector. (rid)