TransNusa Vice Chairman Leo Budiman on a C909 at Singapore Airshow.
SINGAPORE—Indonesian carrier TransNusa says it is satisfied with the performance of its fleet of five Comac C909 regional jets, highlighting strong support from the Chinese manufacturer in training, operations and spare parts flexibility.
Leo Budiman, the airline’s vice chairperson, says in an interview that TransNusa has spent the past two years learning and validating the aircraft’s performance across demanding operating environments. The first year focused on mountainous operations in Sumatra, followed by deployment in eastern Indonesia, where the aircraft was exposed to harsher tropical conditions.
The airline is now looking to maximize profitability from the C909 by deploying it on niche routes, including services to mining-focused islands in eastern Indonesia, while also expanding its international network.
Budiman notes that TransNusa operates the aircraft at higher utilization rates and on longer sectors than typical domestic operations in China, adding that Comac has been highly supportive in pilot training and operational readiness. He highlights in particular the flexibility for TransNusa to source spare parts directly from original equipment manufacturers, which provides advantages in both pricing and lead times.
In addition, the aircraft’s GE Aerospace CF34 engine software has recently been upgraded to better suit operating conditions in Southeast Asia.
TransNusa’s C909s are leased from China Aircraft Leasing Group, with lease payments denominated in Chinese renminbi. Budiman says the currency was preferred due to its relative stability compared with the U.S. dollar.
Looking ahead, TransNusa expects to take delivery of two additional C909s in 2026. Budiman also hints at a potential order of “more than a dozen” C919 narrowbodies, pending certification of the type by Indonesia’s aviation regulator.
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