Indonesia welcomes a new commercial airline, PT Indonesia Airlines Group (INA). Following a comprehensive feasibility study conducted with aviation consultants from Singapore and the U.S., as well as thorough preparations, Calypte Holding Pte. Ltd officially registered its new subsidiary on March 7, 2025, through a notary for the establishment of PT Indonesia Airlines Group.
INA is founded by Calypte Holding Pte. Ltd, a Singapore-based company specializing in renewable energy, aviation, and agriculture. The company is owned by an Indonesian entrepreneur who operates his business from Singapore.
A New International Airline Based in Indonesia
According to Iskandar, Chief Executive Officer of Indonesia Airlines Group and Executive Chairman of Calypte Holding Pte. Ltd, INA will be based at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten, and will exclusively focus on international flight routes.
“Based on our business plan and feasibility study, Indonesia Airlines will solely operate international flights. In the initial phase, we plan to deploy 20 aircraft, which will be introduced gradually,” Iskandar stated in an official release on Sunday, March 9, as reported by kumparan.com.
The fleet will consist of 10 narrow-body aircraft (Airbus A321neo or A321LR) and 10 wide-body aircraft (Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 787-9). Over the first five years, INA aims to serve 40 international destinations across 30 countries. However, specific details on the airline’s operational launch, destination list, and ticket pricing are yet to be disclosed.
Hiring Top Aviation Professionals
To achieve its goal of becoming a leading international airline, INA has assembled an experienced team of aviation professionals from major global airlines:
- The Chief Operating Officer, recruited from Singapore Airlines, has over 40 years of experience and was among the world’s first pilots to operate the Airbus A380.
- The Chief Commercial Officer has worked for more than 21 years at renowned airlines such as Emirates and Asiana Airlines.
- The Flight Operations Department will be led by one of Indonesia’s top pilots currently working for a foreign airline.
- The Director of Product and Services is an aviation expert from Brunei Darussalam, with 25 years of experience at Royal Brunei and Emirates.
- The airline’s cabin service is a priority, with a Cabin Crew Manager from British Airways, who is also a part of the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA), and a Deputy Cabin Crew Manager from Emirates.
Luxury Air Travel with Commercial Airline Comfort
INA aims to blend the luxury of private jet travel with the convenience of commercial airlines. The airline promises premium comfort, personalized service, and world-class amenities typically reserved for private jet charters.
“Our vision is to be a global symbol of Indonesia’s prosperity, celebrating the nation’s culture and hospitality. Our mission is to redefine air travel with premium service, prioritizing safety while showcasing Indonesia’s warm hospitality to the world,” Iskandar explained.
He also highlighted the high passenger mobility in the Asia-Pacific region as a strong business opportunity for INA. With an expert team of aviation professionals and crew members, INA is confident in entering the premium air travel market.
Mixed Reactions from the Public
The announcement of Indonesia Airlines has sparked varied reactions from Indonesian netizens. Many are questioning the airline’s ownership, while others remain skeptical about its viability, given the high cost of air travel.
“I’m a bit skeptical… considering how many airlines are already struggling financially and service-wise,” one netizen commented.
The skepticism is partly fueled by the recent shutdown of Blue Bird Nordic (BBN) Airlines Indonesia. A year ago, BBN Airlines received an additional Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from Indonesia’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation, allowing it to operate commercial passenger flights. However, as of March 2025, BBN Airlines ceased operations in Indonesia after just six months in service, starting in September 2024.
Unlike a bankruptcy, BBN Airlines’ closure was part of a strategic shift towards aircraft leasing. The airline has since partnered with Sriwijaya Air as its first leasing client.
According to Indonesia’s Minister of Transportation, Dudy Purwagandhi, BBN Airlines might not have been fully prepared to operate as a commercial airline in Indonesia.
“Operational readiness is key to surviving in the highly competitive aviation industry,” he stated, as reported by merdeka.com.
With INA’s launch, the aviation industry in Indonesia is set to see further developments. Whether INA can thrive in the competitive international market remains to be seen.
Source: kumparan.com, liputan6.com, merdeka.com.
Special Photo Credit: Good News From Indonesia
