TBM Staff - Mumbai
TransNusa Airline, a subsidiary of Linkasia Airlines Group and PT Panca Global International Indonesia, has undergone a transformation, rebranding itself as a Premium Service Carrier on a global scale.
Established in 2005, TransNusa ceased operations in 2020 due to the pandemic. Following a change in shareholders and management in 2022, the airline has been revitalised with new ownership, including PT Panca Global International Indonesia (51%) and Singapore-based Linkasia Airlines Group Ltd (49%).
The new management team, led by Datuk Bernard Francis, an aviation industry expert specializing in airline turnaround and revenue management, developed a business model that propelled TransNusa to become the fastest-growing airline in Southeast Asia post-Covid-19.
Datuk Bernard emphasised that the airline’s success stemmed from an in-depth market research that identified changing traveler behavior patterns, leading to the implementation of a tailored business model. This model was launched on April 14th, 2022, with the inauguration of the airline’s first international flight.
Since then, TransNusa has flown over 1 million passengers from October 2022 to December 2023.
To cater to the evolving needs of passengers, TransNusa has rebranded itself as a Premium Service Carrier, offering greater comfort and flexibility. The airline has expanded its international routes, becoming the second Indonesian airline to fly into China and increasing flight frequencies to destinations like Singapore, Guangzhou, Kuala Lumpur, Yogyakarta, and Bali.
TransNusa has also introduced new product bundles, SEAT, SEAT-PLUS, and FLEXI-PRO, which provide passengers with check-in baggage allowances ranging from 15kgs to 30kgs, free seat selection, food, and drinks, priority check-in and boarding, and flexible flight schedule changes. The airline has also configured its A320s with 168-174 seats, offering 30-31 inches of legroom, comparable to full-service airlines.
Datuk Bernard expressed confidence in TransNusa’s future growth, with plans to expand international routes and establish another domestic hub in the first two quarters of 2024. The airline aims to differentiate itself from low-cost carriers by providing premium services at competitive prices.
TransNusa’s commitment to safety, security, maintenance, and aircraft performance measures is reflected in its ability to obtain necessary approvals from world-class airports like Changi and becoming the first airline outside of China to commission and utilise the Comac ARJ21-700.
The airline’s flights will depart and arrive at major international airports, ensuring passengers can enjoy world-class services at international terminals. TransNusa’s rebranding as a Premium Service Carrier aims to provide passengers with a great experience both on and off their flights.
