DistantNews
Support us
🇮🇩 Indonesia /Economy & Trade

Seaplane Flights Launch in Banyuwangi, Boosting Tourism and Connectivity

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Banyuwangi, Indonesia, becomes the first operational base for Santai Seaplane, a premium seaplane service.
  • The new base aims to expand tourism and inter-island connectivity across East Java, Bali, and Nusa Tenggara.
  • Seaplane services will include scenic flights, charter flights, and routes to destinations like Mount Ijen, Mount Bromo, and the Gili Islands.

Banyuwangi, Indonesia, has officially become the first operational hub for Santai Seaplane, a premium seaplane provider launching its services across the archipelago. The company's new base, inaugurated on June 10, 2026, is set to enhance tourism and improve connectivity to various islands.

The strategic location of Banyuwangi, described as a gateway to East Java and Bali, was key to Santai Seaplane's decision. CEO Wirmandi Sugriat highlighted Banyuwangi's stunning natural scenery and visionary local leadership as ideal factors for an operational hub. "Banyuwangi is the perfect starting point for our operational expansion. Its strategic location, stunning natural panorama, and visionary regional leadership make it an ideal hub," Sugriat stated.

Banyuwangi is the perfect starting point for our operational expansion. Its strategic location, stunning natural panorama, and visionary regional leadership make it an ideal hub. Today, we are not only inaugurating an operational base but also opening a new way for the world to enjoy the unparalleled beauty of Nusantara.

— Wirmandi SugriatCEO of Santai Seaplane, explaining the choice of Banyuwangi as the company's first operational base.

Santai Seaplane plans to offer scenic flights over attractions such as Mount Ijen and Mount Bromo. Additionally, the company will provide connectivity to popular destinations including Bali, the Gili Islands, Lombok, and West Sumbawa. Beyond tourism, the seaplane service will also cater to business and private travel needs, connecting to cities like Malang and Surabaya.

We are very enthusiastic to welcome the presence of Santai Seaplane at Banyuwangi International Airport. This operation presents a unique aviation product that complements the existing infrastructure, while also reinforcing our airport's status as a sustainable, dynamic, and continuously growing gateway in East Java.

— Mohamad Holik MuardiGeneral Manager of Banyuwangi International Airport, commenting on the new seaplane service.

Local officials anticipate a boost to high-value tourism. Banyuwangi Regent Ipuk Fiestiandani believes the diverse transport options will open up new opportunities for tourists to visit less-connected areas. "This premium service opens up the potential for our region for high-quality tourism while demonstrating Banyuwangi's readiness to compete globally," Fiestiandani said.

The company is also exploring logistics and humanitarian support services for the island regions, indicating a broader vision beyond tourism and charter flights.

The presence of Santai Seaplane brings our beloved 'Sunrise of Java' to a higher level. This premium service opens up the potential for our region for high-quality tourism while demonstrating Banyuwangi's readiness to compete globally.

— Ipuk FiestiandaniBanyuwangi Regent, highlighting the potential impact of the seaplane service on local tourism.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog