Photo: Santai Seaplane
Santai Seaplane has confirmed Banyuwangi Airport in Indonesia will play an integral role in catering for its imminent amphibious aircraft operations in and around Bali.
Supported by airport operator InJourney Airports and Akademi Penerbang Indonesia Banyuwangi, the partnership marks an important milestone in expanding sustainable, premium regional connectivity across East Java and the Lesser Sunda Islands. Commercial services are expected to launch in early 2026, with additional seaplane demonstration flights and technical feasibility studies for new locations also expected to be complete in the coming months.
“Banyuwangi offers the rare combination of forward-thinking airport infrastructure, environmental leadership and an ideal geographic position,” said Wirmandi Sugriat, CEO of Santai Seaplane. The seaplane operator is a subsidiary of Seaplane Asia Group, which is working with amphibious aircraft developer Jekta to develop its upcoming electric/hydrogen Jekta PHA-ZE 100 for island hopping, tourism and cargo.
Sugriat added that establishing Banyuwangi as the seaplane operator’s first base for its amphibious aircraft operations “allows us to move beyond conventional aviation models and create a gateway to several of Indonesia’s most popular but also remote and ecologically significant destinations.”
He also noted that the goal is to “build high-value connectivity that supports sustainable tourism while working closely with the government and the relevant authorities, local communities and leading hospitality partners.”
The airport’s strategic proximity to premier tourism destinations its role as an aviation bridge between Java and Bali were instrumental in it being selected as a base. Initial operations will make use of approved permits for seaplane water landings and take-offs at the Banyuwangi aerodrome, Mengangan in North Bali and other water landing sites in southern Bali.
Santai Seaplane is developing a comprehensive network featuring links to Wisnu Airport, Denpasar, Lombok and Moyo Island. The fleet will offer curated aerial sightseeing experiences as well as scenic tours of the Bali Coastline and iconic volcanic landscapes. In addition, the base will serve as a hub for bespoke charter services to major commercial hubs.
“From a commercial and operational standpoint, Banyuwangi provides the scale, access to high-volume tourism hubs and institutional support required to grow amphibious aviation in Indonesia,” said Michael Aumock Chief Commercial Office of Seaplane Asia. “Banyuwangi Airport enables us to align aircraft operations, training and destination development in one location, while accelerating water aerodrome assessments and route activation in a structured and compliant manner.”
He was joined by Rahmat Adil Indrawan, Regional Commercial Deputy of Banyuwangi, Denpasar, Lombok and Kupang Airports, who said: “The partnership with Santai Seaplane is a testament to our forward-looking vision for Banyuwangi Airp9ort and beyond, in pioneering multimodal aviation, while further strengthening the regional economy and providing unique travel alternatives for our passengers.”
Green airport design
A beacon for sustainable airport design, Banyuwangi Airport’s award-winning terminal, features natural ventilation and a 1,800 sqm grass-covered roof to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact. The airport’s philosophy for sustainable operations aligns with Santai Seaplane’s commitment to low-impact aviation and responsible access to Indonesia’s coastal and marine environments.
“As the first ‘Green Airport’ in Indoneisa, we are proud to host an operator that shares our commitment to environmental sustainability and innovation,” said Mohamad Holik Muardi, General Manager of Banyuwangi Airport. “The presence of Santai Seaplane adds a sophisticated dimension to our terminal’s operations and perfectly utilises our strategic location to connect East Java with the wider region.”
