TransNusa revamps as Premium Carrier surges in Southeast Asia

Monday, February 19, 2024

, TransNusa Airline, under the umbrella of Linkasia Airlines Group and PT Panca Global International Indonesia, has undergone a transformation to position itself as a Premium Service Carrier on a global scale. Originally launched in 2005, TransNusa ceased its operations in 2020 as a consequence of the global pandemic. The airline underwent a change in ownership and welcomed a fresh team of shareholders and management in 2022. This revitalized structure now includes major stakeholders such as PT Panca Global International Indonesia, holding a 51% share, and the Singapore-based Linkasia Airlines Group Ltd, owning 49%.

Under the guidance of the new management, TransNusa has carved out a distinctive business strategy, enabling its repositioning as a Premium Service Carrier. Datuk Bernard Francis, the Group Chief Executive Officer of TransNusa, played a pivotal role in devising and executing a tailored business plan that has propelled the airline to rapid growth in South East Asia. This success is attributed to the strategic plan put into action shortly after the pandemic, marking TransNusa’s swift and successful recovery.

“Post Covid-19, we initiated an intensive market research. Based on the data obtained, we knew that traveller’s behavioural pattern had changed, specifically due to the pandemic.  Our next step was to develop a customised business model for the targeted passengers. We implemented the business model on April 14th, with the launch of our first maiden international flight,” said Datuk Bernard, adding that the airline has flown over 1 million passengers from October 2022 to December 2023

“We want to offer our domestic and international passengers’ greater comfort and flexibility, hence the decision to rebrand ourselves globally,” Datuk Bernard said, adding that TransNusa is also the fastest growing airline to expand operation to include international routes.”

Last April, as part of its strategy to expand into new markets, TransNusa broadened its services from local to international flights, starting with the Jakarta – Kuala Lumpur route. Within just eight months, the company further introduced three additional routes: Jakarta-Singapore, Jakarta-Guangzhou, and Jakarta-Johor.

Positioning itself as a game-changer, the company recently unveiled its new identity as a Premium Service Carrier, targeting both domestic and international sectors.

An expert in airline turnaround and revenue optimization, Datuk Bernard, noted that TransNusa has upped its service frequency to seven flights per week to destinations such as Singapore, Guangzhou (Guangdong, China), and Johor Baru (Malaysia).

Moreover, TransNusa has increased its flights to Kuala Lumpur to 21 times a week, to Yogyakarta 14 times a week, and to Bali 35 times a week.

“Last year, we expanded our operations to include international routes and even became the second Indonesian airline to fly into China. We also managed to obtain all necessary approvals in a short timeframe from world-class Changi airport, reflecting the strong commitment we have towards safety, security, maintenance and aircraft performance measures,” Datuk Bernard said, adding that TransNusa also became the first airline outside of China to commission and utilise the Comac ARJ21-700.

On the airline’s future expansion, Datuk Bernard said “We have plans to further expand our international routes and we want to assist more passengers travel with ease to their destinations,” adding that he expects TransNusa to experience a significant growth in 2024.

On the domestic front, Datuk Bernard explained that as part of its domestic growth plans, TransNusa intends to establish another domestic hub.

“For the first two quarters, we hope to expand our domestic routes as well as establish another domestic hub,” Datuk Bernard added, explaining that TransNusa will be providing its domestic market with premium services that will set it apart from Low-Cost Carriers.

“Since the take-over, TransNusa has been aggressively implementing plans that sets the airline apart from other Low-Cost Carriers through the comfort and flexibility offered as a Premium Service Carrier,” Datuk Bernard said, stressing that TransNusa’s current services exceeded that of a low-cost airline.

“For our domestic and international flights, we not only provide premium services with competitive ticket prices in comparison to other low-cost airlines, but we have attractive new product bundles called SEAT, SEAT-PLUS and FLEXI-PRO.

“Our passengers will enjoy check-in baggage of between 15kgs to 30 kgs, depending on the product purchased,” Datuk Bernard said, explaining that the baggage offering was over and above the 7kgs limit offered as a passenger’s hand carry.

“For the highest package, FLEXI-PRO, we provide more complete services such as free baggage 30kgs, free to choose seats, free food, and drinks, priority at check-in and boarding, no less interesting is passengers’ ability to be able to change the flight schedule without restrictions and obtain refund when needed.”

TransNusa, dedicated to providing its passengers a seamless and comfortable journey, has outfitted their A320 aircraft with a seating arrangement of 168-174 seats. This design offers 30-31 inches of leg space, mirroring the comfort level typically found in a full-service carrier.

“We are committed to providing affordable and competitive ticket prices, while still providing premium services to our customers.” concluded Datuk Bernard.

“We have also ensured that all our flights will be departing and arriving at only major international airports. This allows our passengers to enjoy the world-class services offered at the international terminals,” said Datuk Bernard, elaborating that TransNusa aims to offer their passengers a great experience on and off their flights.

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