MANADO, Indonesia, Sept 4 (Bernama-ANTARA) -- North Sulawesi Governor Olly Dondokambey expressed optimism about the prospects of AirAsia opening a flight route from Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia to Manado, according to a report by ANTARA news agency.
“There are many opportunities for collaboration, and this will certainly be a source of pride for the people of North Sulawesi,” Governor Olly said while hosting the Consul General of Kota Kinabalu, tourism operators, and investors in Manado on Tuesday.
When the Manado-Kota Kinabalu flight route was opened, approximately 70 per cent of the passengers were Manado residents.
“So, AirAsia shouldn’t worry about launching this route because it will be well-received,” he added.
The Governor also noted that the opening of this route will have a positive impact, as from Kota Kinabalu, AirAsia can continue flights to countries in East Asia.
“Many Manado residents live in Japan, Taiwan, and even Korea, either working or travelling,” he said.
In Japan, there are about 300,000 Manado residents living in various regions, with 200,000 of them being workers.
“Hopefully, this initiative will continue and what we have planned will proceed smoothly. Thank you to Consul General Rafail Walangitan, who has been very enthusiastic in promoting North Sulawesi in Kinabalu,” he said.
Governor Olly mentioned that the cooperation with AirAsia to open flights to North Sulawesi through Sam Ratulangi Airport in Manado was only realised after five years of lobbying efforts.
--BERNAMA-ANTARA
