As a travel writer, I don’t know much about aircraft but I think I know a little bit about people. For aircraft type and fleet displacements, I’m lost. For engaging with people, observing customer service, and perhaps testing it, that’s where you’ll find me.
At Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport I meet with Ayu who works for TransNusa Airlines and she is also the friendliest airline representative in the world. She gave me that wonderful moment when you meet someone and you instantly feel happy. She has the enthusiasm, beaming smile and the pride in working for a new airline which is doing everything right in a short time.
While welcoming me, Ayu is also managing a change of gate for our flight and making sure that passengers who aren’t as attentive of the flight boards as they should be are moving to the correct gate. Perhaps the expression ‘herding cats’ should be ‘herding passengers’?
The airport is getting busier by the day and finding somewhere to park aircraft can feel like you’re driving around your favourite shopping complex looking for that elusive car bay.
While I wait for a chat with Ayu I watch from the window and look out past the airport to the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue that dominates the skyline past Jimbaran Bay to the south. Just as the statue catches your eye, TransNusa is catching the attention of new and regular travellers to Bali.
TransNusa is the only premium service airline for the Asia Pacific and has been drawn to the leisure market for Australians travelling to Bali, and choosing Perth for its first route.
With a flight time of just over three and half hours from Perth to Bali, it’s often a more appealing option than the other great Western Australian island destination of Rottnest. And there are no rolling swells on the ferry to contend with.
The colours of TransNusa will appeal to West Coast Eagles fans but not to me. It’s bright, which I love, but blue and gold livery along the aircraft on the outside and blue and gold seats make me feel I’m sitting in the Eagles members only section at Optus Stadium. If only the colours were a purple haze!
The seat configuration for the TransNusa A320 allows for just over 76cm of legroom which is more than enough for a fair sized Aussie bloke to enjoy one of the great western or Asian food menu options and then rest with the assistance of the best airline pillow I’ve ever had. In fact, I can’t remember the last time I flew to an Asian destination and was provided with a pillow.
My flight has a few of the usual Bali travellers, like families taking small international footsteps with kids returning home with braided hair, and maybe less than some of the usual Bali travellers, like those returning home with a hangover and still to be noticed new tattoo.
There is without doubt a happy buzz on this flight that’s returning to Perth. It’s normally only with the excitement of the flight heading towards the holiday island that has this feeling of contentment. That must have something to do with the aircraft comfort and friendliness of the flight crew.
It’s lovely to watch the attention the flight crew give to the children who are experiencing international air travel. Hands are held as children are walked up and down the aisle to get some exercise and a minute of respite for the parents. When my children were young, the choice of airline we flew with was often determined by how much the kids enjoyed attention from the flight crew.
I hear conversations the length of the plane from travellers who are amazed at the comfort of the seats and quality of the food. I see at least two couples taste test each other’s garlic honey fish and creamy dill fish.
Interestingly, the airline has chosen not to serve alcohol on flights. This may explain the family vibe and buzz throughout the aeroplane. For those who need a drink on a flight this may be enough of a reason to find another airline. For those that don’t need a drink this may be reason enough to fly TransNusa.
The frequency of TransNusa flights is going to steadily increase and so are the options for passengers to pay for those little things that can mean a lot, like priority boarding.
In the skies above Bali to Australia, affordability and amenities are key. With increased options for boarding and seating, vibrant and tasty meals and staff that are attentive and supportive, this is an airline I’d support for all ages travelling to the best island in the world.
Being a small airline with a track record for safety and customer service rated highly across Indonesia, I will refer to a line from a better writer than I will ever be, “Though she be but little she is fierce”. This is a little airline that deserves to be respected.
Fact Box
TransNusa is an Indonesian airline, first launched in 2005 and relaunched in 2022 as a premium service airline.
Services from Perth to Bali commenced in 2025.
Standard fares include carry-on luggage of 7kg.
For the latest in Bali entry requirements and travel advice always check Smart Traveller at www.smartraveller.com.au
