Banyuwangi Set to Become Exclusive Charter Hub for Santai Seaplane
Santai Seaplane, an amphibious aircraft carrier under Seaplane Asia, has chosen Banyuwangi as the hub for its exclusive charter flight services. The selection of Banyuwangi is deemed strategic for the development of sustainable tourism. The operating fleet will offer aerial tourism experiences showcasing the natural panoramas of Banyuwangi and other national tourism centres.
Seaplane Asia CEO Dennis Keller explained that Banyuwangi was designated as the company’s first base in Indonesia to operate Santai Seaplane with a premium tourism concept due to the region’s strategic position for growing the tourism business. ‘Banyuwangi serves as the gateway connecting Java and Bali, so the opportunity to open up tourism connectivity is huge,’ Dennis said in a written statement on Thursday (11/6/2026). He added that Banyuwangi is also considered to possess a complete tourism ecosystem with world-class natural destinations, cultural attractions, and rich amenities. This is seen as facilitating the expansion of tourist flight routes from Banyuwangi to western and eastern Indonesia.
The premium experience offered by Santai Seaplane translates into flights that feel engaging and special. ‘Our Seaplane concept is not merely a mode of transport, but rather the experience during the flight itself becomes something interesting and special. We want to bring more high-quality tourism with premium experiences to Banyuwangi,’ he said. He added that Santai Seaplane will serve premium tourism needs as well as medical evacuation and cargo missions. ‘This aircraft is very easy to configure, safer, more comfortable, faster, and more environmentally friendly,’ he added.
Santai Seaplane CEO Wirmandi Sugriat explained that Santai Seaplane will commence operations in Banyuwangi next July. With its home base at Banyuwangi Airport, the company is targeting three aircraft to be operational this year. The aircraft to be used is the Cessna Caravan 208 EX Amphibian, renowned for its toughness, safety, and high comfort. Wirmandi stressed that Banyuwangi Airport, as the first operational base, allows Santai Seaplane to present a different flight experience. ‘Making Banyuwangi Airport our first operational base enables us to surpass conventional flight models and create a gateway to various prime Indonesian destinations that are both remote and possess high ecological value,’ he clarified.
Their goal, he continued, is to build high connectivity that supports sustainable tourism through cooperation with various parties. For prospective customers, the available flight system is divided by destination route. Some routes will be offered on a per-seat booking system (By the Seat), while other routes will be on a charter basis.
The opening of Santai Seaplane’s operations in Banyuwangi has been well received by Banyuwangi Regent Ipuk Fiestiandani. She assessed that the presence of this premium air tourism service could elevate Banyuwangi’s tourism to a higher level. ‘We hope the presence of this premium air tourism service will further expand Banyuwangi’s tourism reach and demonstrate Banyuwangi’s readiness as a global tourism destination,’ said Ipuk.