Whitesky pushes for eVTOL heliport infrastructure development in Indonesia

National private company PT Whitesky Aviation Group is pushing for the development of heliport infrastructure to support the sustainability of Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) mobility in Indonesia. “If we talk about eVTOL, we are not just talking about the aircraft. We are talking about an ecosystem that must be prepared from the outset, from infrastructure, regulation, operators, safety, to connectivity with other modes of transport,” said Whitesky Group CEO Denon Prawiraatmadja during the ‘Welcoming the Future of Air Mobility’ event with SkyDrive Inc in Tangerang on Tuesday. According to Denon, the future of air mobility cannot be viewed solely through the lens of aircraft technology, but must encompass a broader ecosystem, including heliport and vertiport infrastructure, operator readiness, safety standards, airspace management, regulation, and integration with ground transportation. “Whitesky wants to be part of that process by providing relevant infrastructure and collaboration for Indonesia,” he said. He stated that strengthening heliport infrastructure is a crucial step because technologies like eVTOL require departure and arrival points that are safe, integrated, and compliant with aviation operational standards. “Through Cengkareng Heliport and plans to develop a heliport network in various strategic regions, Whitesky Group is positioning itself as one of the private sector players driving future air mobility infrastructure readiness in Indonesia,” he explained. He noted that the company currently operates Cengkareng Heliport and is developing heliport infrastructure in Balikpapan. This plan aligns with the need for short-distance air connectivity, particularly for airport areas, business centres, industrial zones, tourism destinations, and national strategic areas. “Additionally, Whitesky has a vision to develop a network of around 20 to 30 heliports across various strategic regions in Indonesia,” he said. In the context of eVTOL development, he said, heliports and vertiports will be essential elements in determining operational readiness. Future air mobility technology requires locations that can serve not only as take-off and landing points, but also offer accessibility, safety systems, operational support, and connections to ground transport. “Cengkareng Heliport serves as an example of how existing infrastructure can become an initial space to introduce eVTOL technology to the government, industry, investors, academics, and the public,” he elaborated. As an archipelagic nation with extensive connectivity needs, Indonesia has significant opportunities to develop short-distance air mobility. However, these opportunities can only be realised if supported by a network of infrastructure that is safe, measurable, and suited to local needs. Furthermore, the development of heliports and vertiports also opens new opportunities for investors. Air mobility infrastructure can become part of a new value chain encompassing airport-to-city connectivity, premium transport services, industrial area mobility, tourism, medical evacuation, and other operational support services. “In the long term, infrastructure readiness will determine how far eVTOL can be developed sustainably in Indonesia,” he stated. He added that by introducing SkyDrive and developing a heliport network, Whitesky is striving to open an initial pathway for Indonesia to enter the global conversation on eVTOL and Urban Air Mobility. Through this introduction, it is hoped to be a first step in understanding how air mobility can evolve in the coming years. “For the government, this initiative can become a collaborative space to examine regulatory and safety needs from a practical industry perspective. For investors, the development of heliport and vertiport infrastructure demonstrates that the future of eVTOL has a business dimension far broader than just aircraft technology,” he said.