Environmental Impact

Saving emissions, guaranteed zero contaminants, and no underwater disturbance? Find out about the low environmental impact of seaplanes, and what Santai Seaplane Sustainability does to ensure safe and green operations.

Airport Construction

Constructing new airports poses a significant environmental concern

It requires a permanent location and destruction of a natural habitat. Infrastructure support which leads to more construction, waste disposal, as well requires significant time and a large investment.

Seaplanes require only a body of water, suitable beach, or a floating dock 

Seaplanes provide fast, safe, and low-impact transportation to remote and sensitive areas. The only infrastructure required is water.

Optimized Routes

  • Travel smarter with our optimized routes
  • Get from point A to B in the least amount of time
  • Seaplanes are not restricted to airports and allow greater flexibility in route planning
  • Less time flown = less fuel consumption = less pollution
  • Saving time is not only beneficial for our guests, but for everyone in the supply chain
  • Read more about how we calculate emissions here.
Seaplane
Distance
Time
CO2 (Tons)
Car from Siem Reap to airport
9 km
15 min
0.002
Seaplane to Koh Rong
315 km
70 min
0.070
Totals
324 km
1.5 hours
0.072
Conventional
Car from Siem Reap to airport
9 km
15 min
0.002
Airplane to Sihanoukville
315 km
70 min
0.056
Car to Pier
24 km
35 min
0.007
Boat to Koh Rong
30 km
60 min
0.016
Totals
378 km
3 hours
0.081

1.5 hours saved (50% better)
11% reduction in Carbon emissions

Emissions

Conventional aviation fuel has both CO2 & lead emissions. The highly efficient Pratt & Whitney turbine engines utilize highly refined kerosene as fuel which is up to 90% more efficient than conventional piston engines. Turbine engines emit zero lead into the environment unlike conventional aircraft.

Zero Fuel & Oil Contamination

Unlike conventional aircraft, the Cessna Grand Caravan EX is designed to have all fuel and oil contained in canisters approved by the Environmental Protection Agency which allows us to guarantee zero contaminants making their way to the natural habitat.

No Underwater Disturbances

Seaplane propellers are not submerged —

  • Zero disturbance to underwater marine life and ecosystem
  • Minimal to zero risk of harming marine life

Minimal immersion of floats in water — 

  • Do not pose a risk for non-native species contamination
  • The aircraft floats are only 2 feet underwater and pose minimal to no risk of collision with coral or marine life

Did you know?

Indonesia is home to 31 species of whales and dolphins.

Whales and dolphins communicate and navigate with ‘echolocation’.

High frequency noise produced by propellers from ships and boats disturb echolocation and stress marine life.

Minimum Surface Noise Pollution

  • Our highly efficient turbine-powered aircraft produces 30% less noise than conventional large transport aircraft.
  • Noise-sensitive areas can be avoided as seaplanes can virtually land anywhere on water.
  • Seaplanes only require a short time for take-off and landing, limiting noise exposure to only 20 to 60 seconds, unlike large diesel powered boats and ships that take much longer to clear the area.
  • Our carefully selected landing sites dramatically reduce noise levels.
Decibels
Firearm
140
Jet takeoff
130
Thunder
120
Jet ski
110
Helicopter
100
Speedboat
90
Truck
80
Seaplane
75
Car
70
Conversation
60
We place utmost importance on sustainability and environmental impact, while ensuring a safe and comfortable service to our guests.