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)