Santai Seaplane opens Banyuwangi base for premium island flights

Santai Seaplane inaugurated its Banyuwangi Operations Base in East Java on June 10, setting up a hub for scenic flights, inter-island connections and charter services across Indonesia. The company says the base is the first step in a 10-year plan to build a low-impact amphibious aviation network that supports tourism, logistics and emergency missions.

Why it matters: - Santai Seaplane’s Banyuwangi base is designed to expand premium air access across Indonesia’s island chain. - The operation could improve tourism links, private charter options and remote-area connectivity from East Java. - The company also positions amphibious aviation as a lower-infrastructure way to reach destinations that are difficult to serve with conventional airports.

What happened: - Santai Seaplane inaugurated its new Operations Base in Banyuwangi, East Java, on June 10. - The launch establishes Banyuwangi as a hub for scenic flights, island connections and bespoke charter services. - The company presented the base as a milestone for regional tourism and connectivity. - The inauguration was supported by local and central authorities, InJourney and airport management.

The details: - Santai Seaplane plans signature scenic flights over Mount Ijen and Mount Bromo. - The company will offer Bali connectivity with routes to Lt. Col. Wisnu Airfield, Menjangan in North-West Bali and Ngurah Rai International Airport. - The network also includes island-hopping routes to the Gili Islands, Lombok and West Sumbawa. - Bespoke charters are planned for East Java destinations including Malang and Surabaya. - Wirmandi Sugriat, CEO of Santai Seaplane, said Banyuwangi is a strategic launchpad because of its location, landscapes and local leadership. - Mohamad Holik Muardi, General Manager of Banyuwangi International Airport, said the new service complements existing infrastructure and strengthens the airport’s role as a gateway to East Java. - Hj. Ipuk Fiestiandani, Regent of Banyuwangi, said the premium service can help attract higher-yield tourism and raise Banyuwangi’s global profile. - Ni Made Ayu Marthini, Deputy Minister for Marketing at Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism, said amphibious aviation aligns with the “Wonderful Indonesia” campaign.

Between the lines: - Santai Seaplane is using Banyuwangi as the first step in a 10-year master plan for remote travel across Indonesia. - The company wants to deploy eco-efficient amphibious aircraft and build water-aerodromes in multiple locations. - That approach could reduce dependence on traditional runway infrastructure in hard-to-reach areas. - The company is also tying the aviation plan to luxury hospitality partnerships, including resorts, private island reserves and eco-lodges. - Those partnerships are meant to create direct “lounge-to-lagoon” itineraries for affluent travelers. - Beyond tourism, Santai Seaplane says the aircraft will support medevac missions, cargo delivery and environmental or maritime monitoring.

What’s next: - Santai Seaplane says it will continue working with government and commercial partners to expand the network. - The company is developing frameworks for emergency medical evacuations, cargo transport and monitoring missions. - Future growth depends on additional water-aerodrome sites and new route development across the archipelago. - The company’s broader goal is to make amphibious aviation a lasting part of Indonesia’s tourism and coastal logistics systems.

The bottom line: - Banyuwangi is now Santai Seaplane’s launch point for a wider push to pair premium travel with practical island connectivity in Indonesia.