PT Angkasa Pura is the state-owned enterprise that is responsible for the management of airports across the nation.
"Basically, the Sam Ratulangi Airport is ready to serve international flights," Halendra said.
He added that Sam Ratulangi is one of the international airports in the nation, which is ready to accommodate any type of planes.
During this time, the international flights will be available by chartered planes. Therefore, regular flights are expected to be served by the airport.
"We are waiting for any flight carriers to open their international service via the Sam Ratulangi Airport," Halendra noted.
Meanwhile, the Commercial Director of Citilink Indonesia, Hans Nugroho, said the carrier is planning to start a regular flight from Manado to China by the end of 2016.
"We hope the flight route will be opened this year," he said, adding that the route has actually been available using chartered planes.
The District Manager of Sriwijaya Air for Manado, Achmad Trenggono, said the flight carrier is also expected to serve a two-way direct flight from Manado to China by the end of this year.
"The flights will have regular schedules," he added.
According to him, the plan to start a direct flight from Manado to China is possible, considering that the number of Chinese visiting Manado has been growing recently.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2016
