Santai Seaplane (PT Santai Seaplane Aviation), a subsidiary of Seaplane Asia Group in Hong Kong, has unveiled Banyuwangi airport as a key operational hub for its imminent amphibious aircraft operations in and around Bali, Indonesia. Supported by airport operator InJourney Airports and Akademi Penerbang Indonesia Banyuwangi, this milestone marks an important step in expanding premium, sustainable air connectivity across East Java and the Lesser Sunda Islands.

Santai has also signed a landmark MOU with Akademi Penerbang Indonesia (API) Banyuwangi. This strategic alliance unites the commercial agility of Santai Seaplane with the regulatory and technical expertise of the Ministry of Transportation's premier pilot academy, setting the stage for amphibious flights from early 2026.

The MOU was signed at Banyuwangi International Airport (BWX) by Daniel Dewantoro Rumani, director of API Banyuwangi, and the leadership team of Santai Seaplane.

This partnership anchors Santai Seaplane's operational hub at Banyuwangi, building on a recently announced collaboration with airport operator InJourney Airports. By integrating API Banyuwangi's assets, including the only single engine sea class rating curriculum in Southeast Asia and its Cessna 172S amphibious aircraft, Santai Seaplane secures a robust pipeline for pilot training, aircraft maintenance and regulatory navigation.

“This is more than a document; it is the blueprint for scaling premium seaplane services across the archipelago responsibly,” says Wirmandi Sugriat, CEO of Santai Seaplane. “By partnering with API, we are not just flying planes; we are building an ecosystem and enabling a nation of islands to come together. API's expertise in water aerodrome infrastructure will allow us to unlock new destinations, such as Lake Toba, Kangean, Lombok or Raja Ampat, with the highest standards of safety and sustainability.”

The five-year agreement focuses on human capital, infrastructure, asset optimisation and research.

Daniel Dewantoro Rumani, director of API Banyuwangi, comments: “We are proud to partner with Santai Seaplane to push the boundaries of Indonesian aviation. As the only institution in the region capable of amphibious flight training and with a proven history of establishing water aerodromes, we are uniquely positioned to support this commercial expansion. This collaboration fulfils our commitment to the Tri Dharma of Higher Education by translating our research and training capabilities into real-world connectivity that boosts national tourism.”

Leveraging this partnership, Santai Seaplane aims to expedite route activation using Cessna Grand Caravan EX amphibious aircraft. Commercial services connecting Banyuwangi to Bali, Lombok and Sumbawa are targeted for launch in early 2026.

“Banyuwangi offers the rare combination of forward-thinking airport infrastructure, environmental leadership and an ideal geographic position,” continues Sugriat. “Establishing Banyuwangi airport as a first base 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. Our 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.”