Indonesia’s Santai Seaplane Selects Banyuwangi as Main Hub
Indonesia-based start-up Santai Seaplane has selected Banyuwangi as its future primary operational hub, positioning the eastern Java gateway as a focal point for planned seaplane services across the Indonesian archipelago. The decision forms part of the carrier’s strategy to tap into growing demand for premium regional connectivity and tourism-focused air travel.
Under the plan, Santai Seaplane will develop a dedicated operations and sales centre in Banyuwangi through a Build–Operate–Transfer (BOT) framework. The project is being supported by InJourney Airports and Akademi Penerbang Indonesia Banyuwangi, highlighting a collaborative approach between aviation, infrastructure, and training stakeholders. Commercial flight operations are currently targeted to begin in early 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.
Banyuwangi’s selection reflects its strategic location at the eastern tip of Java, close to major tourism destinations and less than an hour’s flight from parts of Bali. In recent years, the region has been promoted as an alternative gateway to Bali, offering access to national parks, coastal resorts, and island destinations that are otherwise time-consuming to reach by road or ferry.
Initial Santai Seaplane services will be operated using the Cessna Grand Caravan EX, a single-engine turboprop well suited to short-haul, island-hopping missions. The aircraft type is widely used for seaplane and utility operations due to its reliability, flexible configuration, and ability to operate from water and short runways.
From Banyuwangi, Santai Seaplane plans to connect East Java with North Bali, Lombok, and Moyo Island, targeting both leisure travelers and high-end resort traffic. These destinations are popular with international and domestic tourists but often require lengthy transfers via multiple transport modes. Seaplane services aim to significantly reduce travel times while offering a premium travel experience.
In addition to scheduled routes, the Banyuwangi hub will also support charter operations to other regional centres, including Surabaya, Indonesia’s second-largest metropolitan area. Charter flights are expected to cater to corporate travelers, government missions, and bespoke tourism itineraries.
The hub development is also intended to play a broader role in aviation capacity building. With support from Akademi Penerbang Indonesia Banyuwangi, the base could serve as a platform for pilot familiarisation, operational training, and the development of seaplane expertise in Indonesia, a country with more than 17,000 islands and significant untapped potential for amphibious aviation.
By anchoring its operations in Banyuwangi, Santai Seaplane is positioning itself at the intersection of tourism growth and regional connectivity. If successful, the model could support Indonesia’s wider ambition to diversify tourism flows beyond Bali while demonstrating how seaplane services can complement conventional airline networks in archipelagic markets.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com