Indonesia's TransNusa Airlines launched a regular direct flight between Shanghai and Manado on May 7, the only direct connection between the two cities.

The Shanghai-Manado flight is scheduled to operate every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

The new route marks a milestone for China's regional aircraft C909, which will operate the over-3,300-kilometer route with a 30-minute technical stop at Clark International Airport in the Philippines for refueling.

The flight departed Sam Ratulangi International Airport in Manado on Wednesday afternoon and arrived at Shanghai Pudong International Airport later that day, returning to Manado the following day (local time).

The launch of the new flight is expected to further demonstrate the C909's cost efficiency, adaptability, and reliability in international operations, according to Shanghai-based newspaper Jiefang Daily, citing unnamed TransNusa sources.