Transform Bali's Aviation Hub

January 1, 2026

Santai Seaplane and Bali Kerthi Byomantara Partner to Transform Letcol Wisnu Airport into North Bali’s Premier Aviation Hub

December 2025: Coordination Meeting on Preparations for the Reactivation of Lt. Col. Wisnu Airport. Implementation of the economic transformation of Bali's Kerthi through the development of an aerospace ecosystem in North Bali.

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BULELENG, BALI – 1 January 2026 – Santai Seaplane (PT Santai Seaplane Aviation), an affiliate of the international Seaplane Asia Group, has formally announced its commitment to launch commercial amphibious operations at Letcol Wisnu Airport in Northern Bali from 2026.

This strategic move, detailed in a recent Letter of Intent and further underpinned by recent inspections and joint meetings, aligns with the broader initiative to reactivate the airport as a central pillar of the North Bali aviation ecosystem, including flight services, MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) facilities, training as well as tourism and logistics.

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Elevating Regional Connectivity

Projected to commence in 2026, Santai Seaplane’s operations will utilize the Cessna Caravan 208B EX Grand Caravan Amphibian, a versatile aircraft capable of landing on both conventional runways and open water. The proposed flight network aims to bridge the gap between Northern Bali and key regional hubs, including:

1. Strategic Links: Connecting Letcol Wisnu to Banyuwangi and Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar.
2. Last-Mile Access: Integrating the airport with a future network of water landing sites in Benoa, Sanur, and Menjangan.
3. Tourism & Scenic Flights: Offering exclusive aerial tours to showcase Northern Bali’s natural beauty.

*Menjangan in Northern Bali enjoys beautiful sceneries*

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Strategic Reactivation of Letcol Wisnu Airport

The collaboration comes at a pivotal time as the Bali Provincial Government and PT Bali Kerthi Byomantara (BKB) accelerate the airport’s reactivation. The master plan for Letcol Wisnu includes significant infrastructure upgrades such as:

Facility Improvements: Assessments are underway to evaluate the existing 900m runway, taxiways, and apron for potential reconstruction or overlay.

Specialised Infrastructure: The airport will feature a designated water landing zone on its north side, benefiting from stable water currents.

Industrial Hub: Development of hangars for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) and the establishment of an Approved Maintenance Training Organisation (AMTO).

*The runway of Letcol Wisnu today, which will be upgraded for full commercial services*

"The Cessna Caravan 208B EX is the backbone of our vision for Indonesia. Its ability to transition seamlessly between the runway at Letcol Wisnu and the pristine waters of Menjangan or southern Bali allows us to offer unprecedented efficiency," said Capt. Joshua Mast, Operations Manager and Chief Pilot of Santai Seaplane. "Our focus is on maintaining the highest international safety standards while providing scenic, direct routes that bypass traditional transit hurdles. We are thrilled to make Wisnu a core operational hub."

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A Vision for 2045

The reactivation of Letcol Wisnu Airport is a key component of the National Aerospace Master Plan 2023-2045, aimed at building a resilient and globally competitive aerospace ecosystem. The airport is also slated to host operations for the Indonesian-made N219 aircraft by March 2026, serving as a feeder for cargo and passengers across East Java and NTT.

"We view Santai Seaplane’s intent to operate here as a monumental synergy for Northern Bali," noted I Wayan Susena, President Director of Bali Kerthi Byomantara. "By integrating unique amphibious services with our planned MRO and training facilities, we are not just reopening an airport; we are creating an economic engine. This partnership will provide the vital 'last-mile' connectivity required to elevate our regional tourism and logistics to a world-class level."

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Next Steps and Infrastructure Support

Santai Seaplane has expressed interest in securing dedicated hangarage and parking spaces at the airport to ensure the long-term maintenance of its fleet. Moving forward, both parties will continue coordination with all other relevant authorities and stakeholders and are working towards commercial operation of Letcol Wisnu airport in early 2026.

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