Santai Seaplane, a subsidiary of Seaplane Asia Group and Indonesia’s new premier amphibious aviation provider, has inaugurated its operations base in Banyuwangi. The milestone event marks a transformative moment for regional tourism and connectivity, establishing Banyuwangi not only as the ‘Sunrise of Java’, but as a vital hub for premium eco-tourism and seamless inter-island travel.

The inauguration ceremony, held on 10 June at the new operations base, showcased Santai Seaplane’s commitment to elevating the Indonesian travel experience. The facility will serve as the central node for a robust network of awe-inspiring scenic flights, essential island connections and bespoke charter services.

“Banyuwangi is the perfect launchpad for our expanding operations. Its strategic location, breathtaking natural landscapes and forward-thinking leadership make it an ideal hub. We are not just launching our operations base today; we are unlocking new ways for the world to experience the unparalleled beauty of the Indonesian archipelago,” explains Wirmandi Sugriat, CEO, Santai Seaplane.

The establishment of this base is a collaborative triumph, strategically supported by local and central authorities, airport operator InJourney and airport management.

“We are thrilled to welcome Santai Seaplane to Banyuwangi International airport. This operation introduces a unique aviation product that perfectly complements our existing infrastructure. It reinforces our airport’s status as a sustainable, dynamic and growing gateway to East Java,” adds Mohamad Holik Muardi, general manager, Banyuwangi International.

Santai Seaplane will offer an array of meticulously curated routes originating from the Banyuwangi operations base: signature scenic flights – unforgettable aerial tours over the stunning turquoise crater lake of Mount Ijen and the dramatic, otherworldly landscapes of Mount Bromo; Bali connectivity – rapid, picturesque connections to Bali, featuring routes to Lt. Col. Wisnu Airfield and Menjangan in North-West Bali and direct flights to Ngurah Rai International airport, as well as nearby water landing and take off sites; the ‘Beyond’ network – seamless tropical island-hopping to the Gili Islands, Lombok, West Sumbawa and beyond; and bespoke charters – private, point-to-point charter opportunities to major East Java urban centres including Malang and Surabaya, designed for both luxury leisure and efficient corporate travel.

“The arrival of Santai Seaplane elevates our beloved ‘Sunrise of Java’ to entirely new heights. This premium service opens up our magnificent region to higher-yield tourism and showcases Banyuwangi’s readiness to compete on the global stage," states Hj. Ipuk Fiestiandani, Regent of Banyuwangi.

Looking beyond the inauguration, the Banyuwangi base represents the first foundational step in Santai Seaplane’s ambitious 10-year masterplan to redefine remote travel across all of Indonesia. Working in close, ongoing alignment with the government and commercial partners, Santai Seaplane aims to pioneer a sustainable, low-impact aviation network. This long-term strategy focuses on deploying next-generation, eco-efficient amphibious aircraft to establish water-aerodromes across the country, effectively unlocking pristine, hard-to-reach destinations without the heavy environmental or financial cost of traditional runway infrastructure. The Ministry of Tourism has lauded the initiative as a key driver for the ‘Wonderful Indonesia’ campaign, drawing high-value international and domestic tourists to emerging hubs.

“Innovative and sustainable tourism products like those offered by Santai Seaplane align perfectly with our strategic vision. Enhancing inter-island connectivity through amphibious aviation creates the unforgettable experiences that define Wonderful Indonesia,” says Ni Made Ayu Marthini, Deputy Minister for Marketing, Ministry of Tourism, Republic of Indonesia.

Crucial to this long-term growth is a deeply integrated ecosystem of partnerships with Indonesia’s leading luxury hospitality brands. Santai Seaplane is collaborating with premium and luxury resorts, private island reserves and premium eco-lodges to co-create exclusive, ‘lounge-to-lagoon’ guest itineraries. By bypassing traditional airport transit bottlenecks, these partnerships will soon allow affluent travellers to transfer seamlessly from major international hubs directly to the private docks of the archipelago’s most exclusive destinations.

Together with the Ministry and its hospitality partners, Santai Seaplane is not merely shortening travel times, it is reshaping Indonesia’s global standing as a world-class, sustainable luxury travel destination.

While elevating premium travel remains a core pillar, Santai Seaplane’s capability looks beyond leisure to serve as a critical infrastructure asset for the nation. The unique, versatile nature of amphibious aircraft allows Santai Seaplane to pivot seamlessly into essential utility and humanitarian sectors, ensuring these aircraft double as a lifeline for isolated communities.