API Banyuwangi Partnership

Santai Seaplane and API Banyuwangi Forge Strategic Partnership for Amphibious Aviation Collaboration

Collaboration with Indonesia’s premier pilot academy secures training pipeline, maintenance, and water aerodrome access for East Java expansion.

‍

BANYUWANGI, INDONESIA — 28 December 2025 — Santai Seaplane (PT Santai Seaplane Aviation), a subsidiary of Seaplane Asia Group, has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Akademi Penerbang Indonesia (API) Banyuwangi. This strategic alliance unites the commercial agility of Santai Seaplane with the regulatory and technical expertise of the Ministry of Transportation’s premier pilot academy, setting the stage for amphibious flights from early 2026.

The MOU was signed at Banyuwangi International Airport (BWX) by Dr. Capt. Daniel Dewantoro Rumani, Director of API Banyuwangi, and the leadership team of Santai Seaplane.

‍

A New Ecosystem for Water Aviation

This partnership anchors Santai Seaplane’s operational hub at Banyuwangi, building on a recently announced collaboration with InJourney Airports. By integrating API Banyuwangi’s assets, including the only "Single Engine Sea Class Rating" curriculum in Southeast Asia and their Cessna 172S amphibious aircraft, Santai Seaplane secures a robust pipeline for pilot training, aircraft maintenance, and regulatory navigation.

“This is more than a document; it is the blueprint for scaling premium seaplane services across the archipelago responsibly,” said Mr. Wirmandi Sugriat, CEO of Santai Seaplane. “By partnering with API, we are not just flying planes; we are building an ecosystem and enabling a nation of islands to come together. API’s expertise in water aerodrome infrastructure will allow us to unlock new destinations, such as Lake Toba, Kangean, Lombok or Raja Ampat, with the highest standards of safety and sustainability.”

‍

Strategic Pillars of Cooperation

The five-year agreement focuses on:

1. Human Capital: Specialized seaplane rating training for pilots and technical workforce development.
2. Infrastructure: Joint development and licensing of water aerodromes (water landing sites).
3. Asset Optimization: Leasing and shared utilization of training aircraft and hangar facilities.
4. Research: Joint initiatives to support the "Green Airport" mandate and sustainable aviation research.

Dr. Capt. Daniel Dewantoro Rumani, Director of API Banyuwangi, commented: “We are proud to partner with Santai Seaplane to push the boundaries of Indonesian aviation. As the only institution in the region capable of amphibious flight training, and with a proven history of establishing water aerodromes, we are uniquely positioned to support this commercial expansion. This collaboration fulfills our commitment to the Tri Dharma of Higher Education by translating our research and training capabilities into real-world connectivity that boosts national tourism.”

‍

Commercial Outlook

Leveraging this partnership, Santai Seaplane aims to expedite route activation using Cessna Grand Caravan EX amphibious aircraft. Commercial services connecting Banyuwangi to Bali, Lombok, and Sumbawa are targeted for launch in early 2026.

‍

About Seaplane Asia Group‍

Seaplane Asia delivers premier seaplane, aviation, and luxury lifestyle services across Thailand, Indonesia and other key markets in Asia, adhering to the highest standards of safety, operational excellence, commercial scalability, and sustainability. We extend our vision through strategic partnerships, creating exceptional travel experiences both regionally and beyond. At the core — premium, safe, and end-to-end transportation and scenic flight services on amphibious aircraft. ‍

About Santai Seaplane‍

Santai Seaplane (PT Santai Seaplane Aviation) is the Indonesian operating arm of Seaplane Asia Group. We are unlocking the archipelago through premium amphibious services, offering faster access and scenic journeys to Indonesia’s most exquisite remote destinations.

About Akademi Penerbang Indonesia (API) Banyuwangi

API Banyuwangi is a state-owned vocational pilot academy under the Ministry of Transportation’s Human Resource Development Agency. It is Indonesia’s center of excellence for amphibious training and aviation professionals. Website: https://icpa-banyuwangi.ac.id

‍

More information: www.santaiseaplane.com‍

Social Media: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn‍

Media Kit & Photos: Link 

‍

Media Contact:‍

Ms. Widiastri Astri, +62 (0)8 999 000 933
marketing-id@santaiseaplane.com 
press@santaiseaplane.com