Indonesia Airlines, the newest airline in Indonesia, is set to make waves in the aviation industry with its exclusive concept. Founded by Iskandar, an entrepreneur from Aceh, the airline offers a luxurious private jet-like experience while maintaining commercial airline standards of comfort.
Based at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Indonesia Airlines will focus exclusively on international routes.
Although based in Indonesia, the airline will operate under Calypte Holding Pte. Ltd, Iskandar's Singapore-based company, which also has interests in renewable energy and agriculture.
According to its feasibility study and business plan, Indonesia Airlines will start operations with a fleet of 20 aircraft, including 10 narrow-body aircraft such as the Airbus A321neo and A321LR, and 10 wide-body aircraft such as the Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 787-9.
With its unique approach, Indonesia Airlines aims to set a new standard for premium air travel.
Indonesia Airlines Targets Global Market
Indonesia Airlines has decided not to operate domestic routes based on business considerations and market strategy. In an official statement, Iskandar emphasized that the airline aims to fill a gap in the premium international travel segment, which remains largely untapped by national carriers.
With its end-to-end service concept, Indonesia Airlines will be the first Indonesian airline fully dedicated to international flights. In its first five years, the airline is targeting 48 cities in 30 countries, although the full list is yet to be announced.
In addition to global market opportunities, the decision was also influenced by intense competition on domestic routes, the dominance of large players such as Garuda Indonesia and Lion Air Group, and high operating costs. By focusing on the global premium market, Indonesia Airlines aims to offer an exclusive travel experience without getting caught up in the fierce domestic competition.
Figure Behind Indonesia Airlines
Indonesia Airlines was founded by Iskandar, an entrepreneur from Bireuen, Aceh, born on April 7, 1983. His career began at the Aceh-Nias Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Agency (BRR) after the tsunami, followed by a stint at PLN (2006-2009), before moving into the banking and insurance sectors. His interactions with experts in the electrical industry sparked his interest in the energy business.
In 2015, Iskandar left the financial sector to develop power projects in Indonesia, partnering with investors from various countries. Two years later, he founded an energy company with his personal capital. However, the Covid-19 pandemic posed significant challenges, which led him to collaborate with business partners in Singapore. This resulted in the formation of Calypte Holding Pte. Ltd, a company that now oversees ventures in energy, agriculture and aviation.
To position Indonesia Airlines as a strong competitor in the global aviation industry, Iskandar has assembled a top-notch team from leading airlines. The Chief Operating Officer comes from Singapore Airlines with over 40 years of experience and was one of the first pilots to fly the Airbus A380.
The Chief Commercial Officer has more than 21 years of experience with major airlines such as Emirates and Asiana Airlines. Meanwhile, the Chief of Product and Services is a seasoned professional from Royal Brunei and Emirates with 25 years in the industry.
Cabin Service is a key priority and is led by a former British Airways Cabin Crew Manager, who is also a member of the European Cabin Crew Corporate Committee (EBAA), and a Deputy Cabin Crew Manager who previously worked for Emirates.
With a combination of global expertise and innovative vision, Indonesia Airlines aims to become one of the world's leading international carriers.
Ministry: No Application from Indonesia Airlines
Unfortunately, despite widespread media coverage, Indonesia Airlines has not yet submitted its application for an operating permit to the Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub). This was confirmed by Mokhammad Khusnu, Acting Head of International Cooperation, Public Relations and General Affairs at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, in a press release on March 10.
Khusnu stated that the ministry has not received any applications for permission to establish or operate the airline. According to the Ministry of Transportation Regulation No. PM 35 of 2021, any airline wishing to operate in Indonesia must obtain a Scheduled Commercial Air Transport Standard Certificate and an Air Operator Certificate (AOC), which will only be issued after meeting administrative, technical and operational requirements.
The Ministry of Transportation has reaffirmed its commitment to ensure that all airlines operating in Indonesia comply with regulations to maintain aviation safety, security and passenger comfort.
