The Boeing 737 800 NG of the Indonesian airline arrived in Manado in the morning on Saturday, Business Development Senior Manager of Sriwijaya Air Ary Mercyanto said here later in the day.
Ary Mercyanto said the airline planned to open regular flight between the two cities.
"The flights would become regular later this year," he said.
He said the airline is considering opening direct flight between a number of other cities in China with Manado, adding demand for flights to Manado is high in demand in China.
Manager of International Department of Dongfang International Travel Service Guangzhou, Yu Wenhui, who is among the 189 tourists, became a honorary guest in Manado, he said.
Deputy Governor of North Sulawesi Steven Kandouw, head of the provincial tourist service and Siwijaya Air officials were at the airport to welcome the visitors.
Two other Indonesian airlines Lion Air and Citilink have also made their first direct flight carrying Chinese tourist to Manado.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2016
