The new flights coincide with a contract for charter flights between Darwin and Kupang for oil and gas workers.
The new service is subject to approval from the Australian Government.
Merpati Nusantara previously operated Darwin - Kupang flights up to 2001, with an onward connection to Bali.
While not yet announced, TransNusa can be expected to operate their ATR 2-600 turboprop aircraft on the new route.
The new flights will also provide competition to AirNorth's Darwin-Dili service
Direct link to Kupang
NT News | 5 December 2019 | Gary Shipway
INDONESIAN airline Trans-Nusa Aviation will start flying from Kupang, on the island of Timor, to Darwin in February next year if federal approvals are granted.
TransNusa Aviation Mandiri vice chairman Leo Budiman told the NT News once Civil Aviation Safety Authority approval was granted, the airline would look at three passenger services a week linking
Kupang, Dili and Darwin.
Mr Budiman flew into Darwin yesterday to ferry home a 23-strong East Nusa Tenggara delegation. He said it was his first visit and the flight was also a fact-finding mission about the new route.
Mr Budiman said his airline had already secured a charter permit to fly oil and gas workers to Kupang, and would also begin operating flights out of Darwin in February.
He said the passenger rates of the TransNusa Kupang-Dili and Dili-Kupang flights were close to 100 per cent.
“So the loads on this sector are there and we believe they will be on the Darwin sector as well,” he said yesterday.
“We need to open the triangle … the Darwin, Dili sector as well. Lots of people in Timor have family in Darwin, so this will be welcomed.
“Our charter permit is for eight times a month for 12 months for the mining industry workers that mostly fly through Bali to get to Timor.
“Now they will be able to fly direct from Darwin, which is much quicker and cheaper at 80 minutes.
“Ultimately, we want daily passenger services to Kupang, but we will start with three flights a week at first. We are very excited about starting the new services.”
Consul of the Republic of Indonesia to the Northern Territory Dicky D. Soerjanatamihardja was just as excited, saying the TransNusa air service would open new links for business and tourism.
“Air connectivity with the region has been a priority for me since arriving in Darwin, so this new service is particularly important to me,” Consul Soerjanatamihardja said.
“Now more Australians will be able to enjoy eastern Indonesia with the new air service. It will be good for Darwin.”